songerein | [Closed] Christmas Fight and Other Stories.

[Diluc isn't terribly fond of the world's holiday makeover. The cold and the snow are fine--he can handle those. But the rest of it seems tailored specifically to annoy him. He's dressed in a stupid sweater that he cannot remove (not for lack of trying). A snowman assaulted him with snowballs for being "a grinchy party-pooper" the other day. And currently there's a flying red slug-fairy that will not leave him alone no matter how many times he swats it away.

So of course, while in this dourest of moods, he happens upon the Fatui Harbinger that also lives in this dream world. Maybe if he ducks down a side street quickly enough he'll manage to avoid being noticed.

Although given his luck lately, he doubts it.]

[ Nope!!! Sorry, no such luck, Diluc.

Childe, for his part, has embraced the holiday spirit; it's kept things lively and interesting, even if all the peace-on-earth-and-good-will-towards-men shtick isn't really his thing. Still, he's embraced his own attire, and even wears a red Santa hat to match, though he still wears his distinctive Harbinger mask atop his head as well. It's getting pretty crowded up there.

Diluc happening upon him only serves to brighten his day, which will no doubt lend itself to restoring Christmas cheer, right? Sure. Childe has been eager for a rematch ever since that day in the toybox dreamscape, even if they were fighting alongside one another there. How he has waited for a moment to catch Diluc alone, though...they do have some peculiar company. One of the Fae, he guesses.

Regardless, Childe wears an aggravatingly relaxed grin as he approaches Diluc, who is no doubt trying to escape his notice, though it is too late for that. ]

Aww, come on, now! Won't you at least stop to say hello to a friend? I'm surprised by you.

[ They are definitely not friends, and he knows it, but he knows it will get under the other man's skin. ]

[Damn it.

Diluc turns back and does his best to address Childe as flatly as possible, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of ruffling his feathers. Especially since it's a feat easily accomplished--his mere presence is enough to do the job, and the frustrating casualness only incenses him further. Acting as if he's not a menace and a danger to everyone he meets.

Even the strongest self-control doesn't prevent the narrowing of his eyes.]

Not sure why you're so surprised, since you're no friend of mine.

[The gumdrop fae bobbles a bit in the air next to him, looking at each of them in turn. After a few moments, it flies into the side of Diluc's head with a cry of Get him!.

In response, Diluc turns and punches it. He's had quite enough of this thing.]

I will cut you down where you fly!

[So much for composure.]

[ Well, that started out about the reaction that he expected, but then the faerie intervenes and sends Diluc in another direction entirely. If Childe can't so much as get a rise out of him, what the hell did the faerie do to get that kind of reaction?

...Though he concedes, the creature does have a point! It'd be great if Diluc did come at him, and at last gave him the battle he's been aching for. Perhaps he can take advantage of this. Childe didn't come looking for a fight today, but he is nothing if not an opportunist.

He takes a step closer to Diluc, hands up with his palms facing out. ]

Easy there, Red! We wouldn't want you getting carried away and starting a fight you can't win just because a little faerie told you to do it, would we?

[ Childe would want it, actually. ]

[The fae seems to be with Childe on this matter, snickering as it flies a bit higher to get out of range for a second strike. Diluc glares up at it before folding his arms and turning his attention toward the other man in the side street.]

Diluc.

[The correction is probably pointless, as Childe is generally inclined to do as he pleases even within his own organization. But he can't let it go unaddressed, either. Nor is able to ignore the dig at his fighting capability even though he knows he should. It's the reaction that he wants, for starters, and he promised Thoma not to get into it besides.

And yet he visibly bristles all the same.]

Don't pretend you aren't looking for a fight, Tartaglia.

[He knows that's your favorite thing in the whole wide world, sir.]

[ That earns a boisterous chuckle out of Childe, and even some applause. Guilty as charged! But he doesn't seem too upset to have been caught in his attempt to rile the other man up. ]

Nothing gets past you, does it? You really are as sharp as they say! Given your reputation with the Fatui, I can't say it wouldn't be an honor and a pleasure to cross blades with you, and I'll bet you've thought once or twice about testing your mettle against the Harbingers. May as well start with the most recent inductee, wouldn't you say?

[ He motions to himself and bows, still wearing that infuriating grin, but there's a spark of tension at the corner of his eyes now, itching to provoke Diluc further. It's been awhile since he's had a really satisfying battle. Not since that day in the dollhouse, if he's honest.

Seeing its opportunity, the Fae zips over to Childe now, egging him on as it flies around his head. Come on, just go for it! You can take him out! ]

Don't patronize me.

[His efforts to irritate are certainly working. And despite his mixed track record of encountering Fatui Harbingers--his first encounter nearly killed him and his second was with Dottore of all people--he's increasingly tempted to take him up on the offer.

Especially since he knows how this is going to end despite his own preferences. He keeps a close watch on the fae as it changes targets, moving to encourage Childe instead of irritating him.]

Since I'm sure you won't accept "no" as an answer...

[He brings his claymore to form and swings it languidly in an arc around him.]

Let's get this over with.

[ Now, that's more like it. A sharp grin cuts his expression. ]

I thought you'd never ask.

[ With their intentions clear, there's no need to hesitate, and the anticipation has already been building in Childe's blood for weeks. With no further preamble, his bow forms in his waiting hand - a sensible place to start, as always. Diluc will be a formidable opponent, but as with the Traveler, there's no need to bring out all the stops unless it becomes necessary. He is not overconfident, he simply wishes to see how the battle progresses, on just how far his opponent will push him.

A heartbeat away from death, with any luck.

Keeping his distance, Childe moves deftly to the left, nocking an arrow and firing it off, and then two more in quick succession afterwards. How light on your feet are you, Diluc? ]

You know, I've been hoping for an opportunity to measure my strength against your own!

[As tempting as "a heartbeat from death" may be (if inflicted on Childe--he has no desire to push himself that far) Diluc's aim in this is to incapacitate first and foremost. Whether or not that ends up remaining true could go either way given his opponent's well-known bloodlust and his own temperment.

Of course, it's not like Childe gives him much opportunity to ponder just how far he's willing to go. Diluc deflects the first arrow with his claymore and dashes to the side to dodge the next two. He's quick enough, but only barely--the last arrow catches the sleeve of his coat and tears a clean line into it. He grunts softly to himself in frustration at the hit.

At a distance like this, Childe has the advantage with his bow. He'll have to press in if he wants to even the odds. So that's exactly what he does, shifting to his own left before charging in with a wide swing of his claymore.

He doesn't dignify the continued chatter with a response. There are more important things for him to focus on.]

[ Ah, not the type for battle banter, is he? A shame. ~~Childe can never shut up while he fights.~~ Still, Diluc isn't holding back, if his quick advance is anything to go off of, and that's exactly what Childe loves to see. It wouldn't do if Diluc was pulling his punches, not one bit.

As the other man dashes forward, Childe leaps agilely to the right, firing off another round of arrows at his opponent. The close range works in Diluc's favor, and none of them land, but Childe is more hoping that the scattering projectiles might shake his focus. ]

What? At a loss for words? I'm sure you have something to say to a Fatui! Don't you dare disappoint me, Darknight Hero!

[ He goads, turning sharply on his heel as Diluc's swing arcs towards him, transforming his weapon into a pair of water daggers. Fine, if it's to be a close combat fight, then he can work with that. Prefers it, really, especially since the size of Diluc's weapon puts him at something of a disadvantage. His daggers are much smaller, but he can move quicker. ]

[Dodging the close-range fire requires Diluc to fall back just enough that he's not able to follow up with a more devastating blow after Childe avoids the first. His focus on his target remains, however, and he's prepared to adjust and re-press the attack before he has the opportunity to nock another arrow.

At least, until Childe opens his mouth and causes his blood to run cold.]

What did you call me?!

[How does he know? Is the Fatui dossier on him really so detailed, even now when he's back in Mondstadt and no longer openly opposing him? That's dangerous, if true--for him and especially for his beloved home city.

Damn it all.

In his moment of distraction, Childe has managed to seamlessly switch between fighting styles and weapons. He certainly lives up to his reputation in that regard. Diluc responds with another swing, hoping to get a blow in before Childe can close what little distance remains between the two of them.]

[ It may not be particularly wide-spread information among the Fatui, but they keep a close eye on their enemies, and Childe has the privilege of knowing a lot about those enemies. Perhaps for his own personal reasons, having a list of each and every individual he will need to defeat in his desire for conquest, but it no doubt serves the Tsaritsa as well.

No, the Fatui may not have its eyes on Mondstadt now that its archon no longer has his gnosis, but at the end of the day, he really only cares about who he can fight.

Diluc's reaction is just what he wants, and he can't help a harsh laugh - but his amusement means he isn't quite prepared to meet Diluc's swing when he advances, forcing Childe to jump back. He may be quicker, but even one hit from that greatsword would be a doozy. He has to be careful about how he handles this, if he wants to come out on top. ]

Oh, just a little nickname I've heard you called before! Are you surprised? You're an old friend of the Fatui, after all!

[ Better he goad Diluc into being reckless, and then attempt to take advantage if he gets sloppy. ]

[Diluc would like to believe that he's impervious to being goaded. But that, like many things he tells himself, is a lie. Childe's flippant response nestles itself right under his skin, and he practically growls.]

I'm sure it's never troubled you to learn why.

[To them, his father is one of many victims. Diluc's years in pursuit have taught him, among other things, that the worst day of his own life was merely a day in the operations of the Fatui. Snezhnaya hardly cares for its own people. It goes to follow that people from other lands are lesser still, merely prey in one form or another.

Knowing it and accepting it, however, are two very different things. Diluc's soul still screams for revenge for that day, even if he's learned to reign the impulse in.

The reigns have snapped.

Diluc swings again, much more wildly than before.]

[It has been a busy month for Diluc, albeit busy by his own design, and as much as he doesn't want to admit it by the end he's feeling the effects. Between frequent dreamotion training--which is mentally and sometimes emotionally draining as well as physically so--and a fae-and-Fatui instigated fight, the days leading up to the holiday find him dragging. Even for someone as accustomed to burning the candle at both ends like he is, he's spread himself a bit thin.

He isn't the only one who's noticed, which is how this impromptu 'take it easy and drink some tea' afternoon came to be. A certain Mondstadter-turned-Inazuman had insisted on it. Not that Diluc has anything to complain about, necessarily--despite his better judgement, he's grown fond of having Thoma's company (and Ori's, although she's currently not present) in a way that differs from the relationships he's formed with other people in this place.

It's a selfish desire, he knows, to indulge in the sort of warm friendships that he's long abandoned back home. But he allows himself to do so all the same. So long as he remembers to lean away from the more emotional aspects of it, it's probably fine.

Or so he tells himself as he sips his tea.]

Edited 2021-12-22 23:03 (UTC)

[ For his own part... Thoma hasn't been at the top of his game lately. Even to the casual observer, it's clear he has something on his mind, and the usual sunshine glow that accompanies his stronger emotions has been strangely dim.

A distraction seemed in order, and thankfully, he and Diluc have no shortage of things to talk about - from the gossip coming out of Mondstadt to the state of affairs in Inazuma. It feels a bit like work and that's honestly what Thoma needs.

Of course, the company doesn't hurt, either. Thoma likes being around Diluc, even with as prickly as he can be. A friendly face is... well, frankly quite nice.

Rather than deal with more troublesome fae magic, they're taking tea at Thoma's place, the Inazuman-style tea set he'd managed to scrounge up in town spread out on the table. The plants are conspicuously absent from the kitchen windowsill - they withered and died some days ago - but otherwise Thoma's little house is how it usually is. ]

Let me know if you like it.

It's nice, thank you. Perfect for such a frigid day.

[There's a bit of snow falling in a light flurry as they sit and sip their tea. Diluc notices that the usual plants are missing from the windowsill--brought further inside to protect them from the frost, he figures.

As Diluc makes something of a habit of evaluating people, even those he likes and cares about, the difference in Thoma's demeanor is obvious to him from the moment they first met on the street. It's probably helpful to have something else to focus on, and Diluc is happy to spend time with him as much as Thoma wants or needs.

But he's a bit worried, too.]

You seem distracted.

[i.e., "Are you okay?"]

[ Snow is not something they get a lot of in Inazuma, if any, and it’s been years since Thoma has seen a proper snowfall. It’s strangely nostalgic, and an old, familiar pang of homesickness rises up in his chest to mingle with newer heartache. It drives him to distraction even further, and he nearly doesn’t register that he’s been addressed.

He blinks a couple of times, turning a sheepish gaze at Diluc. ]

Do I? Sorry, I guess I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.

Is it anything I can assist with?

[It's so unlike Thoma to be so beside himself, and Diluc finds himself eager to do what he can to help. Thoma's gone above and beyond to help him in the few months they've been in this city--returning that kindness is the least he can do. And there's that whole 'they are friends despite his own best efforts' aspect of it all.

If it's a problem that can be solved, Diluc can come up with the resources to solve it. If it's something more emotional, then... well, he'll do his best.]

Oh, I’d hate to bother you with my problems.

[ He tries to keep a cheerful demeanor as he says it, but it doesn’t quite come through. As if his new penchant for sapping the life out of nearby plants didn’t make it painfully obvious enough, he’s still torn up about the whole mess with Ori way more than he’d care to admit.

So, despite his protest just a moment earlier, he continues. ]

Mm. You know those weird little fae spirits that are popping up and causing trouble for people all over the city? I kind of got into a mess with one.

I see.

[Judging from the look of recognition that washes over Diluc's face, he knows those weird little fae spirits quite well. He had to deal with two different ones--with very different motives--in the span of a few hours the other day. And he's still sorting through his own feelings about both interactions. The major difference is that he's quite experienced in suppressing and pushing past it, so it's not written all over his person like it is with Thoma.

The little bird of fire that's come to be the signaler of his emotional state has been much crankier as of late, however. But so far it hasn't made an appearance during their tea time.]

What sort of mess?

[ The look of recognition that flits across Diluc’s face is something of a comfort – it means that at least Thoma isn’t alone in his experiences with the gumdrops, for better or worse. ]

I uh…

[ Still, how does he explain this? His eyes turn down to his cup, as if he might find an answer swimming around in his afternoon tea. ]

Ori and I. Kissed. I’m afraid I panicked and just ran off; I haven’t spoken to her since. I can’t help but feel I did some real damage to our friendship.

[ He misses her. That, plus the weight of all the things he so desperately wants but knows he cannot afford to allow himself, sits heavily on his shoulders. Over the last few days, it feels like he’s being slowly crushed to death. It’s taken the light right out of him. ]

[Oh.

Yes, that does explain some things. Diluc remains quiet for a few moments before responding, glancing down briefly into his cup of tea. When he does speak, he starts with a soft clearing of his throat and isn't quite able to look Thoma in the eye.]

She and I did, too. It seems that the gumdrop fae have decided to make something of a target of her.

[Poor Ori. And poor Thoma, from how this is clearly eating him up.

(Of course, this fae isn't content with each of them kissing Ori in isolation. It's currently outside the window, listening and waiting for its opportunity.)]

Has she tried reaching out to you at all since then? Or has the avoidance gone both ways?

[He is not at all equipped to deal with relationship stuff, but he's doing his best.]

Oh… I see.

[ He’s not sure if that little confession makes him feel better or worse. Surely, Ori deserves to be happy - she’s one of the most deserving people in the world, as for as Thoma’s concerned - and maybe someone like Diluc would be better for her.

Still, it makes something twist in his chest, something he can’t put a name to.

No one is at fault here, though. They’re all victims of the fae’s magic, and it seems Ori most of all. Now he feels extra crummy for avoiding her for so long. ]

She, uh. Left me a gift, but I haven’t seen her in person since then.

(( after this thread ))

[There is a part of Diluc that's worried that he's taking advantage of Ori's healing abilities and kind nature. This is the second time in as many months that he's needed to request her help like this in his small tree-cottage. It looks much the same as it did the night she and Thoma took over and made it a point to nurse him well beyond just simple healing.

Thoma is absent this time, and it's entirely by design. Diluc's injuries are the result of his fighting with the one person Thoma had asked him to avoid. Although, in his own defense, the fight was largely instigated by fae interference and Childe himself. Regardless, he's not up for any version of that inevitable conversation, so it's just Ori today.

Which suits him fine. He genuinely enjoys being in Ori's company, warm and welcoming as she's always been. There a number of reasons why he's so drawn to that about her, but they're best left unexamined.

As she finishes, Diluc takes the time to stretch tired limbs out a little. Like last time, he feels greatly improved but not completely recovered. That will take time.]

One of these days, we'll have to find an occasion for me to come assist you with something.

Edited 2022-01-02 04:02 (UTC)

[ If Diluc were to ever voice his concerns about taking advantage of Ori's healing abilities, she would simply point out that asking for her assistance twice over the course of two months pales very much in comparison to the adventuring life from which she was pulled - where keeping her companions alive and furthering their quest would more often than not use up the better part of her abilities and energy each day. Not that she would ever say that her friends were taking advantage of her— but what Diluc asks of her is something that she can very easily provide and she is, in fact, more than happy to do so.

While it concerns her a bit to see that he seems to be sustaining injuries that require her kind of medical attention more often than the average dreamwalker, his given explanation of fae interference provides a very miniscule measure of comfort. She's relieved that the injuries aren't so grave, but she wishes that he'd get into less fights, regardless of how it's instigated. Not at all because she doesn't like to heal him, but because she doesn't like seeing him hurt, much in the same way that she doesn't like seeing her friends hurt.

This concern shows on her face, softened only by the small smile that his remark pulls. She pulls away as he stretches, moving along the edge of his bed where they've been sitting while she was healing him. ]

Well... I've been helping the townsfolk make presents and decorations, as part of their upcoming winter festivities. Maybe I'll have to rope you into making a few things.

["Friend" is not an inappropriate word for their relationship, but it's still strange to think about. Diluc has gone above and beyond to distance himself from such relationships on principle--he's dedicated his life to his mission, and that means that the things he fights to preserve are not things he's able to have. But since his arrival here, he's allowed himself to slip when it comes to a few people already, Ori included.

It's something he's frustrated about and grateful for in equal measure. Despite his misgivings and the feeling that he should know better, he can't help but smile slightly at her.]

It's been awhile since I've crafted things like that, but I think I could manage.

[A bit of movement catches his eye, and Diluc notices a gumdrop fae bobbling around the window. Very suddenly, his expression darkens.]

No.

[He gets up and summons his sword to his hand, lingering pain from his newly-healed injuries forgotten in his anger that is very obviously directed at the tiny slug-like creature that he approaches now that he's on his feet.]

I will not draw steel against her.

["No fight!!!" it squeaks in response, which only gets Diluc to relax his stance a little. He doesn't quite trust it.]

[ The moment comes and goes in one breath - and Ori finds herself going from picturing Diluc fussing with various arts and crafts to her own quiet amusement and endearment to suddenly seeing a claymore materializing in his hand as he stands. She's startled to say the least, and instinctually stands to his side more out of concern for his newly-healed injuries than anything else. ]

Diluc?! What's wrong—

[ At first, she thinks that perhaps something has come to attack when she turns in the direction in which he's declaring his (thankfully) refusal to choose violence and finds a rather familiar-looking gumdrop. ]

Oh no.

[ This gumdrop looks so familiar, in fact, that despite everything Ori would swear this looks like the very same one that forced Thoma to kiss her. (Which is the best explanation she's come up with: that he was utterly forced against his will and hated the experience of it.) But it being here now can only mean one thing, and Ori can't help but groan, almost whine at the further realization of what she thinks is about to happen. Slowly, she reaches out and rests a hand on Diluc's shoulder. ]

It doesn't want a fight, Diluc. It wants—

[ Kiss, kiss! it chants, right on cue. ]

[What is it that Ori's experienced with these creatures that she's reacting this way? The dread that's evident in her demeanor is just as much as he feels, even as she assures him that it's not looking for a fight.

It becomes immediately clear why once it makes its desires known. "Kiss, kiss!" Much like the one earlier demanded a fight between him and the Fatui at all costs. Which means...

Diluc stands there dumbfounded, staring with widened eyes at the gumdrop fairy for a but before slowly turning to look at Ori. Right now, for once, he's not able to process any thoughts.]

[ Ori can feel her cheeks getting warmer and redder as Diluc slowly meets her gaze as he turns towards her, and not for the first time she can't help but feel guilty that someone has gotten unlucky enough to have to kiss her. This is Diluc and someone as... noble both in status and character as he is deserves someone of equal measure, she thinks, and she earnestly believes that she is lacking in both.

She can hear the gumdrop repeat its chanting as she first tries to step away, in the unlikely chance that they haven't yet been locked in by its magic. With no such luck, she bites down on her lip as she gives him a sincerely apologetic look and does the only thing she can do - close the gap between them. ]

I-I'm so sorry, Diluc.

[ Maybe if she makes this quick, he'll find it in his heart to forgive her. And to that end, she takes a deep breath as she closes her eyes and leans in, standing on the tips of her toes to be press her lips against his in a kiss so light and brief that it feels like it barely happened—

—an assessment which the gumdrop seems to agree with, as it boos at them and angrily bobs about, this time saying, "More kiss! More spice!" ]

[Diluc watches Ori carefully as she works through all of it. She’s blushing and obviously distressed, first trying to move away from and then apologizing to him when that proves impossible. As of this was her fault somehow, or as if having to kiss her is some great hardship. Neither is true.

Her attempt to simply get it over with on a technicality is worth a try, but it fails to satisfy the gumdrop’s desires. Based on how she’s reacted up to know, that outcome is likely to bother her further. As such, Diluc has three very important tasks to fulfill in these next few moments:

1- Soothe Ori’s frayed nerves
2- Kiss her, and mean it
3- Make sure there are no lingering expectations after the kiss

All tasks are equally vital. He doesn’t want the poor woman to work herself up more than she already has, especially since this creature seems to be willing to except no less than earnest affection. On the flip side, however, he needs her to understand that he is not at all equipped for more than this. He’s damaged and hardened by the events of the past, and therefore unable give her the sort of warmth and care that she deserves. She needs someone like Thoma, not him.

Quite frankly, he’s allowed himself to get too close to her already—he’d sworn to have given all of this up in the name of fighting the darkness that plagues the world, hadn’t he? So that others could live and laugh and love freely without having to go through what he’s had to. This friendship he’s built with her and Thoma both has been i’ll-advised from the start, and he can’t help but wonder if this awkward situation is a direct consequence of his carelessness in that regard.

But for now, he has no choice but to indulge himself for just a little longer. He can only hope she’ll understand.]

I feel like I’m the one who should apologize to you.

[He reaches over and gently brushes some hair out of her face. The gumdrop shouts something to the effect of get on with it!, but Diluc ignores it entirely and keeps his focus on her.]

Before we do this, I need to be honest with you. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’m not… [He hesitates a moment, eyes glancing sideways as he searches for the word.] emotionally well. And, wonderful as you are, that’s not a burden you deserve. I can’t give you more than this one kiss.

But know that I give it gladly.

[And with that, he cups her cheek and dips his head down to press his lips to hers. His kiss is soft and gentle, a stark contrast to his usual sharp edges. And it is deeply earnest, something the gumdrop picks up on immediately judging from the happy manner in which it bounces.]

[ On Ori's end, she hadn't even considered that Diluc could consider this, consider her as anything but a helpful friend. She's so accustomed to repelling the thought that anyone could see her as anything but that. And so his words catch her entirely blindsided; she could have never hoped for anything, not even a kiss, and especially not from Diluc, and now he's closing off the possibility for more when she could never deign to even think of more.

Wonderful, he calls her, but all she can think is you're mistaken.

Still, much like the first time this gumdrop had targeted her, Ori can't help but lose all coherent thought the instant that he catches her lips in something far more tender and meaningful than what she had given him. He feels warm and soft against her in a way that she doesn't expect, but ultimately isn't all too surprised by. All of the time they've spent together - especially that first time she healed him - have shown her that there's a gentleness about Diluc that's hidden past the wall of severity he's put up, no doubt over a long time.

She isn't thinking when her hand goes up and clasps his hand that's on her cheek, finding herself kissing back with the same earnest manner that she can feel from him, and it shows. As is the way that her dreamotion tends to manifest, flowers bloom, dotting her dark hair like a starry sky. It's that which ultimately fulfills the gumdrop's wish, and it squeals in glee despite the bittersweet emotions running through the pair.

Before long, the guilt racks her heart much in the same way it had when she kissed Thoma. How could she do this again? Escape into this fallacy of feeling cared for when she knows very well that she doesn't deserve such from either of the men she's been entangled in this fae trickery with? She pulls his hand away from her cheek as she breaks the kiss, and her other hand comes up, holding his hand with both of hers pressed to her forehead. She hasn't opened her eyes to look at him all the while. She's too ashamed to do so. But she takes another deep breath and responds to his words in kind, ]

... I know. I appreciate your clarity, but I really can't... hope for more. So it's okay.

[ There's a very palpable pain in her eyes when she finally opens them again, lowering their hands as she looks up at him even as she tries for a small smile. ]

I'm not as wonderful as you say I am.

[ She just wishes she could have said the same to Thoma. ]

[Diluc watches her carefully as she works through all of the emotions she's clearly having about this kiss they've just shared. And he hates it.

This is cruel. He doesn't know the hows or whys of her pain, but he doesn't have in order to be angry on her behalf. His own discomfort and complicated feelings are one thing, especially given how accustomed he's become to compartmentalizing his feelings in order to push forward with any given task. Ori's suffering is quite another, and he can't and won't forgive this fairy for it.

When he speaks, his voice is resigned and a touch sad.]

Nor am I.

[He's not interested in picking at either of their old wounds so he leaves his statement there for now. After a few more moments of silence, he gives her hands a gentle squeeze before letting them go.]

I'll make us some tea. But first, there's something I need to take care of.

[His gaze shifts from her to the giggling gumdrop that's still bouncing in the air, and his expression darkens significantly. He grabs it by the scruff and goes to the open window with it. When he speaks, his voice is little more than a furious growl.]

Get. Out.

[With that, he flings the thing out into the snow and slams the shutters closed behind it. And then he starts the process of making their tea as if he hadn't just violently removed the creature from their presence.]

[ The sound of his voice leaves a heavy mark on her heart, and she has to wonder what things would be like if neither of them were weighed so heavily by the things that make the idea of more so impossible for them. She's always had the impression that Diluc has put walls up around his heart; but just when she feels like she might be able to come inside, she remembers that she shouldn't be anywhere near that wall.

Not when she's trapped within walls of her own.

But she's gotten by all of these years knowing that she can't afford to have more - and so it's of some comfort, however bittersweet it is in this moment, that they've just made this much clear to one another so that neither of them can have room for doubt and what-ifs moving forward.

As he pulls away and turns around, she takes a deep breath in, and exhales shakily. Yes, this is how it has to be - this is how it's always been. And then he's hurling the gumdrop out the window and it lands against something with a toy-like squeak and promptly making sure it can't terrorize them any longer as Ori watches, in bemusement, as he then starts to brew tea nonchalantly.

And she laughs. It feels like she can let go of all the emotions that have been pulled unwittingly to the surface - all the self-loathing and worry. (At least for now.)]

Tea sounds great, by the way. Oh! And that reminds me— I brought food since I thought you might be hungry after getting healed.

[ With a newfound determination that everything will be fine, she makes her way to her satchel at his door and rummages through it for what looks like a small cloth-wrapped parcel. She sets it atop the table and begins to open the packaging up to reveal a number of small sandwiches - both of the sweet and savory varieties - within. ]

[Her laughter takes Diluc by surprise--he doesn't find the humor in the situation, personally--but he's grateful for it. The noise carries through the small space and breaks through the tension, and he finds himself able to breathe a bit more easily. He's even able to give her a small smile when she breaks out the sandwiches.]

I should have expected as much. Since I know you'll dismiss anything to the effect of 'you didn't have to,' I'll simply say thank you.

[Progress?

He has a seat at the table while waiting for the water to finish heating, and gestures for her to do the same.]

We've both earned a bit of respite after all of that.

[ Laughing has always been a way for her to diffuse her worries. Part of her feels that she has to laugh a lot of things off or else she might cry, and how childish would that be?

All that, and the sound the gumdrop made was pretty funny. ]

I agree, wholeheartedly. This is kind of like when we first met, though, isn't it?

[ At least she settles into her seat easily, feeling her heart winding down from the high of emotions of the last few moments, and she's thankful for it and for Diluc's handling of the situation. As much as it hurts to have to acknowledge, time and time again, that there are somethings that she just cannot allow herself to have, she's happy to be able to get on, for now.

And in that same vein... though she looks thoughtful and as though she wants to say something for a brief moment, she ultimately shakes her heat at herself - resisting the urge to ask him if he's seen Thoma as of late. ]

[What is this 'diffuse one's worries' thing? Diluc's the sort who generally just stews in them until he can either solve the issue or suppress it. Also, he's still too angry with the gumdrop to find the squeaking noise anything other than irritating.

But as Ori is relaxing, he's fine with following her lead. Especially since they both seem content to continue as if the kiss--and the sad remarks that followed it--never happened.

Well, perhaps not content. Resigned to it is a better way of putting it. But to him, it's all the same.]

It is. We've come a long way in the months since we met in the café, haven't we?

[ Definitely never happened, except for when she'll inevitably mull over it all once she's left later on, wondering if there was anything she could have done to avoid the situation entirely—

—for now, though, she's content (in the same manner that he is, which is to say, resigned) to enjoy this time with him as though nothing happened. She plucks a sandwich out from the assembly on the table in front of them and holds one out to him in a totally platonic gesture. ]

We have! Do you remember that I told you that I'm sort of an adventurer, back home?

[ There's a beat which she follows with, ]

I suppose it would be more accurate to say that I am one. Not just sort of. I travel with a group, on something like a quest, I guess? Anyway, as you might imagine, I'm responsible for making sure that everyone stays healthy.

[Diluc accepts the sandwich with a very platonic nod of thanks.

Adventurers where she's from seem to be less formally organized than the guild he knows from Teyvat, but overall the description matches.]

My opinion is biased, given the care I've received from you on multiple occasions now, but it's a responsibility that suits you.

[The kettle whistles, and Diluc rises to attend to it and finish their tea.]

What sort of a quest are you and your companions on, if it's not too personal to ask?

[ She... can't help but feel flattered at what he's said, though she tries not to let it show. Helping other with her magic is something that Ori has always wanted to do, and to hear that he thinks such a thing suits her feels wonderfully validating. The way in which the flowers in her hair perk up just a little betray any attempt to stay cool, but thankfully he's getting up to tend to the tea preparation just as it happens.

She hums thoughtfully as she ponders how to go about explaining their quest, her hands idly finding the ends of her hair and fussing with them as she thinks. At length, she responds, ]

I was helping a friend of mine find leads on a princess who had gone missing. But in the process, we discovered the existence of magical gemstones that possess remnants of the power of an ancient, tyrant of a wizard from hundreds of hears ago. Supposedly these gemstones were supposed to be hidden away, but it seems that the wizard has found a way to communicate with the living and swaying them to do their bidding. Gathering the stones is the only way they might be able to be destroyed, but in the wrong hands, they could bring him back from beyond instead. So...

[ She sighs. ]

I was worried that somebody I know might be... involved in all of it, so I went along with my friend, and the others who were looking for the princess.

[Diluc's gaze flits up to the brightened flowers in her hair, but he does her the courtesy of not calling attention to them. Instead, he pours their tea and returns to the table with their cups as she speaks.]

Quite the exciting life you've stumbled into. [He sets her cup down in front of her, then sits with his own.] Do you miss it, or do you find being in a place like this more preferable?

[It may sound like a loaded question, but there really is no correct answer. It's something he's been asking himself since his arrival, and he's still not sure what his own answer is. He feels a bit adrift without Mondstadt and his own mission to anchor him, but he also has the comfort(?) of knowing that there's a waking version of him that's still able to dedicate himself to the cause.

There's no shortage of work to be done here, but the pace here is slower. Calmer. He's not sure if it suits him. And he's curious to know Ori's thoughts, if she feels the same way or if he's the odd one out here.]

[ Her gaze is fixed on the steam rising from the hot tea before her as she ponders her answer to Diluc's question. It is a question that she's asked herself time and time again, more and more the longer she's spent here in Reverein. She still hasn't quite wrapped her head around the explanation that her actual self is proceeding with life while this piece of her now lives an entirely different life in an entirely different realm— and a large part of her worries about how her friends are doing "without" her, so to speak. ]

That's...

[ It certainly feels like a loaded question. ]

I'm not sure, if I'm being honest. It definitely is an exciting life, but it's quite... stressful. And I think I do like being in a place like this, but it feels odd to be here knowing that time is moving forward without me. I can't help but wonder and worry about how things are going.

[ She looks up at him, then, her eyes searching for answers in his as she returns the question. ]

What about you?

[Ori takes her time working through her thoughts, and Diluc sits patiently and listens as she does so. The uncertainty of her response is strangely heartening, making him feel better about his own conflicting emotions about the whole thing.

She looks to him for answers, and all he can offer her is a slight shrug.]

I feel much the same.

[She'll have to settle for the knowledge that she isn't alone in her feelings on the matter.]

My life isn't nearly as interesting - [A lie.] - but I find myself wondering about what's happening in Mondstadt. It's difficult to let the places we care about go.

[ From the very first time she had a chance to speak with him, Ori has always thought of Diluc as someone who cares very much for his home. It had been apparent in the way he spoke of his homeland and of his vineyards alike - and she has always admired that about him, and she remembers feeling a even a small bit of envy in that moment. She's never cared so much about any place, nor really had anywhere could claim as her home. She supposes the woods are the closest she'll get to such a notion - this place where she honed her powers and discovered all that nature has to offer - but would it even be right for her to call such a wondrous place her own?

And so Diluc's last comment leaves her wondering, humming thoughtfully as she looks down at her hands. Surely, she's having difficulty letting go of her old life, but thinking on it more... ]

I suppose that for me, it's less about the places and more about... the people that I care about. I just want them to be okay.

[ And she hopes the her that continues on without the subconscious piece of herself that now resides in Reverein is taking care of everyone.

In any case, she doesn't want to start to feel too nostalgic about things again, so she glances back at Diluc in time. ]

I don't believe for one moment that you don't live an interesting life, though. You get yourself in far too many fights for that.

[ —signed, his on-call healer. ]

[Based on what Diluc knows of Ori, that sentiment is to be expected. She's travelled more than she's remained at any once place, therefore lacking the sort of attachments he feels to his homeland (for better and for worse).]

Either way, I imagine the feeling is simiilar. We have things that we care about beyond the confines of this dream world.

[Another thing that Diluc has gleaned from Ori is that she would much rather talk about other people than herself. Which is why it isn't that much of a surprise when she turns the conversation back on him.

The surprise is how she does so by calling him out.]

Believe what you will, then.

[He says it mildly, but it's still indication enough that he doesn't want to discuss the subject of his life story at length.]

I'll remind you that this most recent dust-up wasn't my fault.

[ Call it a consequence of curiosity - and Ori has always rather enjoyed hearing people talk about themselves. Much more than she would by talking about herself, surely. But it's that very nature of hers that had bid her to ask Diluc about his homeland the very first time they met and sat together, and the same holds true at this moment as she points out his tendency to get into scuffles - even if her method comes off as spunkier than usual.

She just gives him a sympathetic smile at his response, humming knowingly. There's the slightest edge of teasing in her expression for the briefest of moments, but at length... having just spoken about how much he cares for his homeland of Mondstadt, and finding herself wanting to learn more about that and about him, she'll ask him more about what it's like. She'll be more than happy to hear about whatever he chooses to share with her, and to ask him about his favorite places, what the flora and fauna are like.

It's a welcome distraction from all the complicated feelings that remain lingering in her mind after having just kissed him... and the fact that she still hasn't seen or heard from Thoma after they had done the same. But those are all thoughts to ponder later, when she eventually departs from Diluc's home and finds her way back to her own. ]

[Closed] Christmas Fight and Other Stories.

Childe

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Thoma

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Oriphi

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