• third person •
It had not even been an hour since they finally went to sleep.
Yet, for some reason, Aila had sat up, suddenly wide awake.
Diluc shuffled with a groan. He had been clutching onto her until she moved.
"Aila..?" he murmured tiredly. "What's wrong..?"
"Jam," she whispered.
Diluc cocked a brow. "What?"
Rubbing his eyes with a sigh, he grabbed her hand, attempting to tug her back into bed. She shook her head, shrugging him off.
"I need jam," she said quietly.
"There should be some grape jam downst—"
"Sunsettia jam. I need sunsettia jam," Aila interrupted.
Diluc heaved a sigh as he sat up, glancing at the large moon through the window. "Where am I supposed to get sunsettia jam for you at this time? You're going to have to wait until morning, Aila. Come on, let's go back to sl..."
His eye twitched when Aila suddenly broke out into a sob.
"I need it now!" she cried, tears dribbling down her cheeks. "I can't sleep... without this jam... Waaahhh..!"
"Ugh... Aila." Sighing, Diluc cupped her cheek, attempting to wipe her running tears away. "Don't be silly. I'll get you some first thing, okay? You can either have some sunsettia juice or grape jam in the meantime, is that alright?"
"No," Aila shook her head rapidly. "No no no."
Diluc couldn't believe that this was the same woman he had just fucked senseless approximately two hours ago.
"What do you want me to do then? Almost no shops are open at this time."
Hopelessly, Aila continued to cry. Diluc heaved a sigh. He shuffled off the bed.
She watched in her blurred vision as he slipped on some clothes, walking over to the door.
"Sit nicely. I'll see what there is."
Aila blinked. Diluc had left the room.
It was a long journey to Mondstadt from the winery. The things he would do for that woman...
When he finally arrived at the glorious time of almost half four in the morning, as expected, the streets were basically empty. The bright moonlight was scattered along the pavement, a gentle reflection of the gas lamps across the street illuminating the path before him.
Diluc yawned, making his way to the square. It seemed, in fact, that two stores did seem to be open at this time.
He approached the grocery store, rubbing his eyes.
"Do you have sunsettia jam?" he asked groggily.
"Master Diluc?" The shop owner seemed to be in shock. "Uh- Yes, we do."
"I'll take twenty jars," he sighed casually, pulling out his mora. "Is that enough?"
"Oh- That's more than enough–"
"Good. Keep the change. I'll wait over there."
The lady didn't even get to reply before Diluc had walked away. Bewildered, she began to prepare his order.
Diluc was about to walk over to Good Hunter, to sit at one of the tables, expecting them to be empty.
To his surprise however, there was a lone figure sitting silently upon one of them, eating a small dish beneath the dim moonlight.
Diluc's eyebrows raised. Her blonde hair glistened in the nearby fire of the stove.
"Jean?" he questioned, approaching the table.
The Acting Grandmaster raised her head, blinking. Her perplexed gaze followed him as he sat before her, tilting his head.
"What are you doing eating here so late? It's almost five o' clock..."
Jean's pupils fell, her face reddening slightly in embarrassment.
"I was working. I didn't realise the time until... my stomach made a sound. I didn't want to bother anyone who would probably be asleep, so..."
A soft sigh left Diluc's lips. "You shouldn't make this a habit. It's bad for you."
Jean let out a small laugh. "You can talk, Master Diluc. But I'll try to manage my time better now."
Diluc's gaze softened, her eyes fixed upon her quietly.
"What about you? That's an odd amount of jams to be ordering at this time."
Unexpectedly, Diluc's stature faltered. He cleared his throat. "Uh- I thought- I thought it was be a good idea to- to um... to get business running in the jam industry. It's good to know about your competitors."
"Really." Jean giggled.
"Yep. Yeah."
"I see. Well, thank you for taking care of Klee today. I mean, yesterday. She told me she had lots of fun celebrating with you and the rest of the winery."
"Did she... say anything else..?"
Jean tapped her chin. "She said the cake the maids had made for you was very yummy. And that the maids played lots with her. She'll probably want to visit again sometime soon... Let me know if she makes a mess of your grape vines... again."
Leaning into his hand, Diluc shook his head, smiling uncontrollably. "Klee is welcome anytime. Don't worry about such things."
Jean couldn't help but return the smile. She took another bite of the pizza slice she was eating, unconsciously examining her senior as he sat quite comfortably before her, unlike usually.
He definitely looked like he had been awoken from his sleep to come all the way to the city. His hair was out, frizzy and slightly tangled, as if he had slept with wet hair, and the clothes he wore were quite loose, his dark button shirt having a few buttons undone. The gentle moonlight draped softly upon his figure, his collarbones fully in her view, as well as... Oh...
"Are you... seeing someone, Master Diluc?"
Diluc choked on nothing, abruptly springing up into his seat. "W-what?!"
Jean averted her gaze. "S...sorry. It was an abrupt question. It's just... your..." red tinged at her cheeks, suddenly unable to meet his eyes, "your neck..."
Diluc looked down at himself. His face turned red. He grabbed his collar buttons, instantly buttoning them up. "N-No, I-! I got wacked by a- a hilichurl!"
"On your neck?"
"Yes-" Diluc fumbled with the buttons, "yes. Their axes are quite dull."
Jean's pupils softened in endearment. "Is that so... Well, I'm glad... you're beginning to find peace."
Blinking, Diluc froze for a moment, staring at her blankly. Without another word, Jean stood.
"Your jams are ready, Master Diluc!" called the woman at the grocery store.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. He watched with wide eyes as she spoke to Sara about her finished meal, before, finally she turned back to him again. Diluc stood also.
"What about you?" he asked quietly.
Jean's head tilted. "What about me?"
"Have you..." Diluc's gaze fell, "'found peace'?"
With a soft sigh, Jean shook her head with a smile. "My 'peace' lies with something else now."
"I am the Acting Grandmaster. Peace is what I must ensure throughout the city, day in day out, no matter what. I am no longer the stubborn little knight I used to be to you."
"I would like to say I have... 'found peace'. But if I were to answer with my entire heart..." Jean turned away, her eyes rising towards the bright moon above, "This 'peace'... has been lost to time. It's only so long that one can ignore the responsibility of upholding the peace until everything begins to crumble apart."
"Therefore, now, I must focus on the city, and only the city," Jean answered firmly.
Diluc's pupils shook. Jean began to walk away.
"Goodnight, Master Diluc. Thank you for accompanying me."
He sat there, watching in silence, his lips only managing to tremble, not able to reply with a single word.
And then, the moment she had disappeared from his view, Diluc's heart sank to the ground.
•
The bedroom door gradually creaked open. Diluc stepped in.
He sighed.
Aila was still sitting up on the bed despite how long he had been gone, waiting patiently for her jam. Her eyes lit up when he had finally come back.
"Diluc!" she exclaimed. She clapped, about to push herself off the bed.
"Ah! Stay there." Aila pouted. "How do you want the jam? On bread? Toast?"
Rapidly, Aila shook her head, her blue strands following.
"Just jam," she replied.
Diluc's eyes narrowed. "What?"
He blinked when Aila got up, taking the jam jar from his hands, before walking off, out of the room. She returned soon after, a small spoon in her hand. Diluc remained at the door when she got right back onto the bed, opening the jam jar with ease.
He watched, almost horrified, as she simply took a spoonful of the jam, and then, stuffed it into her mouth.
"Mmmmm!!!" She squirmed, her face sparkling with satisfaction. Diluc didn't even know how to react.
Sighing, he shut the door. Diluc approached the bed, sitting on the edge, rubbing his forehead quietly.
Aila glanced at him curiously. "Um, thank you Diluc. You... didn't have to do this for me. You should sleep now. Love you."
Diluc stared at the floor, unresponsive.
Aila crawled towards him, tilting her head. She couldn't see his face. "Are you angry? I'm- I'm sorry. It was selfish of me to—"
Unexpectedly, Diluc shushed her.
He pushed the jam jar in her hands down, and then, pressed his lips against hers.
The back of Aila's head hit the headboard as he pushed her back, suddenly ravaging for her lips, as if he were starving, his hands travelling everywhere and anywhere, sucking and biting her bottom lip, his tongue intertwining with hers.
Aila's eyebrows furrowed, unable to keep up, trying to push him away but he was too out of it to realise.
She grabbed his trailing hands.
Saliva trickled down their chins. Diluc pulled away for a moment to catch his breath.
"W-wait," Aila whispered.
Diluc stared at her with narrow eyes. "Hm..?" His gaze fell to her swelling lips.
"A-are you okay..? Did something happen?"
Diluc looked away.
"Just because we live together now doesn't mean our rules don't still apply," he murmured.
Don't ask. Just say yes or no.
Aila frowned. Diluc leaned forward again. She pressed her hand upon his chest, pushing him back.
"I want... I want to eat my jam," she spoke quietly. "Sorry."
Diluc's gaze fell. Defeated, he nodded, sliding into the duvet. "Alright."
"Goodnight, Diluc..."
"Goodnight, Aila."
Aila took another spoonful of jam, watching as he stared at the nightstand next to him, facing away from her. Hesitantly, she grabbed one of the plushies on her side of the bed.
Diluc blinked when she placed it into his arms.
A soft smile rose upon his lips. His stiff body immediately loosened, before he pulled her in, placing a delicate kiss upon her forehead. Aila blushed in surprise.
"Thank you," he whispered, facing her. "I didn't mean to startle you, Aila. I love you too."
He chuckled, wiping away a little jam at the corner of her lips, licking it off his thumb.
"It's okay..." Aila beamed. "We're best friends. I'm just worried about you, that's all."
"You shouldn't worry about me." Diluc sighed quietly, shuffling closer to her. Aila cautiously lifted his head, placing it into her lap. He snuggled into her, his eyes fluttering shut. "Sleep soon, okay..?"
Aila brushed her fingers through his hair. "I will. Sweet dreams, Diluc."
At the comfort of her touch, Diluc had already fallen right back into a slumber again.
• • •
The sun shone brightly over the spring skies of Mondstadt.
The halls of the Knights' Headquarters were unusually quiet, the echo of familiar heels clacking against the tiled floor as they led upstairs.
How strange...
She missed our morning patrol... Don't tell me she'll miss afternoon tea too.
Lisa knocked upon the door of one of the Knights' dorm rooms.
It was only when Jean was utterly exhausted that she would stay at the headquarters.
Sighing at the lack of response once again, Lisa slipped her spare key into the door, twisting it with a click. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her, her emerald eyes narrowing.
The young Grandmaster was still fast asleep, her face stuffed into the pillow beneath her, her eyebrows furrowed and her body tense, just like the three other times Lisa had already entered the room that morning.
She had already checked what work she was doing last night. It was nothing that seemed to take too much a toll, in fact it was just average paperwork at best. So why was she... suddenly knocked out like this?
The people would get worried if the Acting Grandmaster remained like this. Lisa couldn't leave her like this any longer.
She sat down beside the bed, ruffling her slender hand through her tousled blonde hair.
"Wakey wakey. You have to get up now, sweetie."
Jean attempted to push Lisa's hand off in her sleep.
"Jean~" Lisa sang, shaking her gently. "Come on. You're going to be so angry at yourself for sleeping this long. And then you'll complain that no one woke you up!" Lisa heaved a sigh.
Though, her hand abruptly paused for a moment upon taking a closer look.
Jean's pale skin was stained red, almost crust-like streaks formed at the sides of her face.
"Jean," Lisa called a little more firmly. "Wake up."
Jean whined when she continued to be shook. Her blue eyes cracked open for a moment, instantly closing again at the blinding light through the window.
"Good morning, Jean..."
"G... ...ning... Lisa..." Jean murmured. Her eyes were still closed.
"Time to get up, sleepy head. Come on. I'm not used to it being this way around!"
Jean pulled the duvet over her head, groaning tiredly, "What is it..."
"It's almost two PM."
An amused smile rose upon Lisa's lips when Jean suddenly shot up.
"What?!" she exclaimed. Jean leapt out of the bed. "Barbatos, how did I-?!"
"Finally awake, are we?" Lisa's head tilted.
"Lisa!" Jean held her head. "Why was I-?!"
"I tried to wake you so many times... Don't worry, I went on patrol myself. You really ought to stop sleeping so late."
It was as if something had dawned upon the Acting Grandmaster right at that moment.
"Sorry Lisa."
Jean hurried to the mirror, fixing her appearance.
Lisa had never seen someone go in and out of a bathroom so fast.
She frowned when Jean sped over to the door, as if she were instantly getting to work. She was definitely going to miss afternoon tea today too.
"I have to speak to Klee. We can talk later, okay?"
Lisa averted her gaze. "Alright..."
• • •
Back at the winery, Aila was sulking.
Diluc had left the house not long ago. Because, of course, he was a busy man, tycoon of the wine industry, owner of Angel's Share and whatnot.
Yet, although this happened almost everyday, Aila...
Aila really, really, really missed him.
He'd been gone for what seemed like ten hours! But in reality it was only like two. Or three. Aila lost track.
He said he'd be back soon today. It seemed Aila and Diluc had very different interpretations of the word 'soon'.
"Oh, Aila!" A sudden call rang from the front door. "You have a visitor!"
Aila's eyes lit up. She sprang up from the chair she was previously a doom pile on, rushing to open the door before Adelinde could.
There were only three people in Teyvat who could be Aila's visitor. And this one, she knew exactly who it was.
Aila jumped up and down giddily, clapping her hands.
The man before her grinned. "Aila!" he exclaimed.
"Kaeya!!!!" Aila yelled, running into his arms.
Kaeya burst into chuckles, patting her back, allowing her to nuzzle into his fluffy shoulder thing.
Two months ago, Aila did not even bat an eye to the Cavalry Captain. They had not spoken once. Perhaps exchanged glances as children, but nothing more, and nothing less.
But when Aila found out that Diluc had told Albedo and his brother that he was their child's father, surprisingly Aila didn't seem to mind. And with the increasing work of her mentor and her sister, Kaeya was always the one who visited the most. Soon enough, they became the best of friends.
Aila quickly released him, rushing inside to get him to follow her. Kaeya smiled in endearment, closing the door behind them, following her to the sofas, watching her pat the seat next to her. Kaeya soon sat down beside her, a slightly stuffed bag in his hands.
"How have you been?" Kaeya asked with a grin.
"Good!" Aila replied, beaming. "But Adelinde told me off for eating too much jam earlier... She said it would ruin my teeth..."
"Jam?" Kaeya giggled. "Ah, yes, I bumped into Diluc earlier who had an entire bag full. So the jams were for you?"
Aila's eyes sparkled. "He bought more?!"
"Mhm! The Knights were giving him quite the looks."
Aila's face reddened, falling back onto the sofa with a dazed smile. She couldn't wait to see Diluc again, and now she couldn't wait to have more jam too!
"Well, anyway, I brought you some gifts!"
Instantly, Aila shot up again. "Really?! You didn't have to!"
"Haha, why wouldn't I? We're practically siblings."
Aila blushed, her eyes widening slightly.
It wasn't as if she was with Diluc or anything...
"You don't mind being my little sister-in-law, hm?"
Aila folded her arms. "You're barely older than me, Sir Kaeya."
"Oh!" Kaeya slapped his chest. "So cold!"
Bursting into giggles, Aila gently hit his shoulder, urging him to show her the gifts. Kaeya quickly pulled out the bag, handing it over to her.
"Baby clothes!!" she exclaimed aloud.
Kaeya grinned. "Yep!"
Aila pulled out a cute fluffy jacket, with the most adorable little ears on the hood. She squealed, before grabbing another piece of clothing, the smallest little dress she'd ever seen in her life.
There was so much more, but Aila was afraid she couldn't keep in her excitement when she leapt into Kaeya's embrace once again, thanking him again and again. He patted her on the back, shaking his head with a fond laughter.
And then, the front door opened once more.
Aila leapt up. There was only one person who would enter as they please at this time.
"Diluc!!!" she shouted, running over towards the door.
Diluc's eyes widened, stumbling back when Aila suddenly stuffed her face into his shoulder.
"Uh- Are you alr-?"
"Guess what?! Guess!"
Diluc tilted his head. "You missed me?" That was the usual thing he'd hear when he came back home.
"Well, I did, but it's not that! Look!"
Aila lifted the pretty little dress, a sparkling beam rising upon her lips. "Isn't it so cute!!!"
Diluc's eyebrows raised. He glanced over towards the corner, and, yep as he guessed... That guy.
"Aren't these a bit big? The baby isn't going to be born instantly six months old, you know." Diluc folded his arms. "We don't even know the baby's gender yet either."
"Anyway, Aila I need to–"
Diluc blinked.
Aila was sulking again.
Her head was down, her arms limp, a big frown on her lips.
"Careful," teased the head housemaid from across the room. "She's been sulking all day because she wanted a kiss on the forehead from you."
Aila's face lit up red. "A-Adelinde!!"
Diluc's gaze warmed. A big bag clinked around in his hands as he leant down, taking her chin into his fingers. Aila's blush deepened when his soft lips met her forehead.
"Does that feel better?" he asked softly.
Aila stared up at him with big eyes, her mouth agape. Diluc kissed it shut, chuckling quietly.
"Okay." Kaeya barfed to himself in the corner. "I'll be taking my leave now! Enjoy the baby clothes!"
"O-oh- Bye Kaeya!"
Diluc looked away. Kaeya had left.
"I finished the jam," Aila mumbled.
"All twenty?" Diluc sighed, walking off. "I guessed. Those jars were quite small."
Aila followed after him as he handed the large bag to a maid. He then led her upstairs.
"You should sleep for a little. You seem a bit tired... Sorry," she whispered.
Diluc's lips curved. "Don't apologise. Come, I have something to talk to you about."
Aila blinked in curiosity, following him into their room. Diluc shut the door behind him.
"I spoke with Eula today," he began. Aila's eyebrows raised. "She had some updates on Daiyu."
Aila's gaze fell.
Her childlike demeanour instantly collapsed just at the mention of that name.
"Still not any good news..?" Aila whispered. She sat down on the bed, Diluc gradually approaching her.
Diluc sighed, sitting next to her. "She said Daiyu's mother had been captured by the Millelith. They questioned her, and she has been deemed innocent. She doesn't want to involve herself with her daughter or her crimes at all."
"Daiyu is still missing. Eula has asked all around Mondstadt, but has gained no leads. Your parents claim they don't know anything either, but archons know whether or not they're telling the truth. Eula can't do much against them without exposing the fact that you're still here."
Aila's chest tightened.
"It's pointless," she murmured. "Daiyu hid herself for ten whole years before. She'll likely be able to do it again."
"I wish Eula would just give it up..."
Diluc laid back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. "You know how she is with vengeance and all."
"That's just her joking though... But now she's serious... She can't keep wasting her time like this..."
A sick feeling arose in Aila's stomach.
All because of me...
"Don't blame yourself," Diluc said, shaking his head. "Daiyu is a disgusting criminal who deserves to be captured and dealt with by Eula. I'll keep helping her find any leads on her too. It's not your fault what happened, okay?"
Aila clutched the dress at her thighs. The scars from that day were still loud and clear.
"Aila?" Diluc sat up again.
Aila's shoulders tensed. She suddenly gasped for breath.
Diluc reached out. Aila smacked his hand away.
"Aila," he whispered. "It's okay... You're safe here, remember?"
Aila shook her head, distraught tears beginning to drip into her lap. She sobbed harshly, taking another gasp for air, her entire body unexpectedly trembling.
Diluc stood up, kneeling down in front of her. Aila only stared at her thighs.
Her thighs, with those horrid, horrid marks.
She had begun to think that they were a symbol of how strong she had been. How pathetic. How foolish.
They were just a reminder that her body was never hers. It was just a used object, a toy for everyone to play with.
Her chest heaved. Her eyes wide, her tears pouring.
"Aila," Diluc called softly. "Aila, can you look at me? It's just Diluc. It's only Diluc here. No one's here to hurt you."
Diluc carefully reached out his hands. Gradually, Aila took them, clutching them, her own shaking violently as she attempted to catch her breath.
Diluc stroked her palms, guiding her breathing, ever-so-patiently, his voice so warm, so tender, just like him, everything about him. He was so warm.
Aila slowly met his worried gaze. Even so, he smiled, so lovingly, so warm.
Her trembling hands gradually came to a stop. Her breathing finally began to calm.
"Your hands are very soft," Diluc complimented with the most delicate expression. "I should hold them more often."
Aila blushed, her pupils falling. Diluc chuckled, standing.
Aila watched in silence as he climbed onto the bed, gesturing for her to come over. She crawled over to him, blinking as he tugged her into his arms, holding her carefully.
"Rest with me," he whispered.
Aila didn't have to reply. She snuggled into Diluc's chest, her eyes fluttering shut, his fingers brushing through her pale hair, and that was all that was needed.
Diluc was Aila's biggest comfort.
She wished she could be his too.
• •
i honestly don't even know why this took me so long to update bc i had the entirety of the chapter written like two months ago except like 10 sentences i finished today😭😭😭😭 u might be able to guess what scene it was ❤️ sorry my poopies😞