— Characters & Pairing: Diluc x Reader, Adelinde
— Requested by: makkara (tumblr)
— Tags: soft, fluff, sweeter than the sweetest sunsettia
— Summary: You had not seen Diluc for months. When you traveled to Dawn Winery, he was already gone...
— Word count: 1014
— Ao3
A few months had passed since you last trailed the winds of Mondstadt. When you returned this time, like you had so many times before, you were greeted with laughter, loving hugs, and a slew of inquiries from friends and acquaintances.
It was just in time for the Weinlesefest in Mondstadt, which Dawn Winery was of course a part of. Even if he was not a big drinker, he would undoubtedly serve wine to the Anemo Archon. With that in mind, you set out for the winery, expecting to get a few other things done as well.
It was late afternoon when you noticed the vineyard on the horizon. You had been thinking about your last goodbye, and your upcoming reunion the entire time. You did not know what he would think; would it surprise him to see your return unexpectedly? You chose to stroll down the hill after a long delay.
Adelinde, the Head Housemaid, greeted you warmly. She was taken aback, but also enthusiastically friendly.
"Y/N, it's you! Since you didn't send a letter to tell us about your arrival ahead of time, I didn't have time to prepare anything... My apologies!"
"It's fine." You responded. "I just wanted to say hello to everyone..."
Adelinde flashed a smile, as if she knew "everyone" would include that one particular person. "If so, would you want to eat supper here?" she asked.
You were ready to say “no” when Adelinde interrupted, saying, "Master Diluc will be home late."
Upon hearing that, you become disheartened. You intended to pay him a visit, but you chose the wrong time when he was not at home.
"But if you stay for supper, maybe he'll be back in time." Adelinde suggested cheerfully.
"Then I'll have to bother you this time, Adelinde." You smiled, a little self-conscious because you were not used to being alone in Dawn Winery without Diluc.
Adelinde refused to let you help her make supper, claiming that you were exhausted after a long travel. Therefore, you strolled the grounds by yourself. The vineyard appeared to have been enlarged slightly, and there were now additional flowers planted in wine barrels in the backyard... You started wondering if Diluc had changed too after all these months.
You recalled saying farewell to him and departing for Sumeru. Even though you knew he would not stop you from going somewhere essential, you would never forget his saddened gaze every time you had to say goodbye. Letters were only fleeting. You missed Diluc every time the breeze carried the scent of flowers, every time the wine glasses were filled, every time you raised your head to gaze at the sky... You might occasionally see Diluc's face waiting for you to return. But as the day turned into months, your letters faded. Diluc would most likely be upset with you; he had every right to be, given that you were always the first one to leave.
Adelinde appeared in the hall, calling you for dinner. She said that Diluc was away often, since he was working on something unique for the Weinlesefest.
After finishing your dinner but Diluc had yet to return, you sat down on the sofa and began to wonder about the Weinlesefest and what he was up to. Adelinde revealed that this celebration was meant to commemorate wine and the labor of those who made wine as an offering to the Anemo Archon. Master Diluc disliked wine, so instead of producing wine and burying it in the ground until the next year like everyone else, he only searched for the sweetest g****s and fruits to make juice. He must have found another special ingredient to brew this time.
You nodded as you listened to Adelinde's comments. You fell asleep without realizing it since you were exhausted after a long travel and it was late at night. Adelinde did not want to wake you up, so she went inside to get a warm blanket. When she returned to the living area, she noticed Diluc had returned.
“Master–”
Diluc motioned to Adelinde to be quiet so as not to wake you, then took the warm blanket from the maid's grasp. Adelinde understood, she nodded and smiled as she turned on her heel to walk away.
Diluc moved gently over to the sofa where you were resting, one knee on the floor. He stayed there staring at you for a long time, his fingers softly caressing the hair that dropped down to your forehead. Then he covered you with the blanket. At that moment, you awoke dreamily.
“Di… Diluc?”
“I’m here.”
That deep voice remained. His hand came over your moving hand. All your problems vanished just by touching his hand.
You struggled to keep your eyes open, but your lashes continued to furrow. Diluc's other hand caressed your face tenderly.
"I’m sorry... Diluc..." You spoke in a hushed tone. "I've been gone for far too long... Sorry that I only returned just now..."
"It's fine."
Diluc shortly responded. You could feel his warmth radiating over your face.
"But... But Diluc must be mad at me... Right?"
There was no response. You opened your eyes. In the soft yellow light of the room, Diluc was still kneeling on one knee by the sofa. His eyes were the color of fire, as gentle as the fire in the stove. It also held the anguish and loneliness that you had left him for months.
You raised up. The blanket dropped to your side.
“I’m truly sorry–”
Before you could finish your sentence, Diluc raised up, pulling you into a tight hug. His hair smelled of g r a p e s, ripe fruit as well. It was sweet and intoxicating even when you had not taken any sip of wine.
“It’s good that you’re here now…”
Diluc whispered softly. Your ears were suddenly heated. He placed directly a kiss on it. Before you could respond, his lips slid down your cheekbones, then found their way to your slightly trembling lips.
"I missed you like I was going crazy. This time, I’m not letting you go again, ever…”
-The End-
