Mondstadt's Windblume Festival was a time of love. The love that old romances and ballads were built on. The kind that left women weeping in joy and men with resoluteness in them as a wave of joyous confessions swept through the city. Almost everyone found it to be a time of celebration. All except a certain red haired barkeep as he fought to ignore a certain tug in his chest as he wiped down the countertop.
"It would be unprofessional," thought Diluc Ragnvindr, his thoughts drifting to a certain blonde knight. "And these feelings are totally unprofessional."
The feelings he referred to pertained to a certain warmth in his chest whenever the woman in question appeared.
Every smile she gave, even when not directed at him, left him with a pep in his step.
Every sway of her hips, all thanks to the decidedly tight leggings she wore, had left him with a certain warmth that had definitely not come courtesy of his Pyro vision.
Every moment she appeared exhausted, tired from her work, made him rethink his choice to leave the Order for but a moment if only to help ease her burden.
Every time she addressed him by anything but his given name, it only reminded him of the burdens he had left her with during his journey across the world in search of his father's killers.
"Unprofessional and indecent," muttered Diluc, chiding himself for how he had allowed his heart to become stirred by Jean Gunnhildr since his return. "I simply missed her."
"Missed who?"
Immediately, he froze, turning slowly to face Jean, now sitting at the bar top with a confused expression on her face. "Are you all right, sir?"
"I told you to stop calling me that, Acting Grand Master. Now what would you like?" asked Diluc, mustering the calm and collected air he usually carried when around her.
Only for it to falter when the blonde shot him a half-smile as she made her request. "And I told you to stop calling me that, Master Diluc. By the way, just some wine, thank you."
And so he poured Jean a cup of her drink of choice, setting it down before her. "On break, Jean?"
"I am," confirmed Jean, sipping on her wine. "Patrols aren't easy. Especially since Lisa's decided to deal with rabble rousers by electrocuting them."
Diluc just clicked his tongue. "I see. You do your best," he complimented.
"I thought you didn't think much of the Knights." Jean's eyes had widened slightly, surprised by his apparent assessment of her Order.
"I don't. But I," paused the darkly dressed man, hesitant to finish his sentence. The forces within him were at war with one another. The logical part of him, the one governed by pragmatism and determination thanks to years of survival on the battlefield, told him to stop. Doing so would ensure safety for them both. The other, the one that only she could wake, told him to forge ahead. After all, Jean's work was thankless yet she deserved all the praise in the world.
And upon seeing the sparkle of her blue eyes as she awaited his words, Diluc knew which one had won.
"I think the world of you, Jean," finished the most eligible bachelor in Mondstadt with a half-smile.
For a second, Jean looked uncertain of how to reply. Quickly rising from her stool, she left her Mora on the counter as payment before making her way to the door of Angel's Share. There, the knight paused in the doorway before turning to face her old commander.
"I think the world of you as well, Diluc." And with a smile on her face, Jean left him once more. Scarlet eyes followed her retreating form, his body unmoving until the sound of hollers and music roused him. Turning to the source of the noise, he found Venti and the Traveler leading the celebration. Undoubtedly, the bard had once again lured Aether and Paimon into one of his schemes. This time, however, it was something that Dluc found use for. Making eye contact with youth and his floating companion, he motioned them over to the bar.
Seconds later, the boy with a braid in his hair and his tiny friend had arrived. "Are we being too noisy, Master Diluc? We're real sorry," apologized Paimon.
"No, no, this is expected," soothed the red haired barkeep. "I actually have a favor to ask of you two."
Aether cocked his head to the side, obviously intrigued. "Really? Well, what is it?"
"I'd like to ask you two to have that bard friend of yours to stay after closing time. A personal friend of mine has heard of him offering lessons on poetry for anyone seeking to confess to their beloved," lied Diluc. "This friend would also like to pay him for a personal lesson."
Diluc then pulled a large sac of Mora out from under his counter, a reserve he kept on hand only for important things. And to him, Jean was more than important. Coupled with a large bottle of wine, he sent the Traveler and Paimon to the song master. Seconds later, Venti shot him a wink from across the floor, signifying that deity in disguise had accepted Diluc's offering.
Hours later, the Uncrowned King of Mondstadt found himself standing behind the counter with quill and parchment in hand. Across from him sat Venti, looking as smug as ever as he chugged on his wine and counted his gold. "Well, well, well, Master Diluc, I wonder if our Acting Grand Master knows you're taking the time out to write her a lovely sonnet. Or are you aiming for a couplet? A full ballad perhaps?"
"Let's just get on with it." Diluc rolled his eyes, deciding to stomach Venti's posturing for the evening. He also decided it would be best not to ask how the bard had come to such an accurate conclusion. And so began their lesson as the city's literal god instructed the tavern owner in the ways of pen and prose. One nearly dry ink well later and Diluc held up his creation, the victor among the many scraps of paper now littering the floor. Turning to thank Venti for his aid, he found the bard passed out on the floor, passed out drunk.
"Behold the God of Mondstadt," deadpanned the only sober inhabitant of Angel's Share as he swept up his attempts at poetry. He then decided to leave the green clad figure on the floor, hoping to teach him a lesson in moderation. Quietly and quickly, Diluc rolled the parchment in his hand and tucked it into his coat before making his way out the backdoor. He smiled to himself then, having completed the first step in his plan to show Jean exactly what he thought of her.
The next day, as petals littered the streets, Diluc spotted Albedo and Klee near the town square. The Chief Alchemist simply idled, his face soft as the Spark Knight scampered happily to and fro as she admired the floral arrangements lining the city streets.
"This takes care of one problem," mumbled Diluc as he approached them, catching their attention with a clearing of his throat.
"Master Diluc," greeted Albedo with a slight bow. "What can I do for you?"
Klee jogged up to them, her youthful face smiling bright. "Hello, Master Diluc! Can Klee and Albedo do anything for you?"
"As a matter of fact, you can since both of you know a thing or two about alchemy. I was wondering about a preserving agent. Something to ensure plants remained in optimum condition for extended storage."
With a hand on his chin, Albedo answered. "I may have something for that. But why do you ask? Has your Winery encountered trouble? Perhaps I can-"
"No," interrupted Diluc, deciding that revealing the truth behind his inquiry would be best. "I would like both of you to keep it a secret but I am preparing a gift of sorts for the Acting Grand Master. To thank for all the work she'll be getting done this Windblume."
"I see. A worthy endeavor. And a wise course of action. The Acting Grand Master would most likely refuse any gifts."
"Are we getting a gift for Jean?" asked Klee excitedly. "Please let me help! If I do, maybe she won't get mad at me next time. And Klee wants to make Jean smile."
"It seems the decision has already been made then. We'll set about gathering the ingredients today. Expect your request to be delivered to Angel's Share by tomorrow, Master Diluc."
"My thanks to you both." And then they went their separate ways. Diluc let a wave of satisfaction wash over him, another objective completed. Then he heard Klee and Albedo, their exchange leaving his normally stoic visage reddened like his hair.
"Master Diluc doesn't seem so grumpy today, Albedo. He even talked to us. Why is that?"
"The only logical conclusion is that he seems rather happy preparing his surprise for the Acting Grand Master. If you asked me why, I could only tell you that I can think of no way to prove or disprove love."
It was a notion that Diluc decided to store away for another time, focusing on the task at hand as he handed a letter to a nearby knight. Now came the part he had been dreading since the beginning of this little adventure of his. Returning to Angel's Share, the claymore wielder set himself to his job as a bartender, silently counting down the hours.
At sunset, the moment came as a certain eyepatch wearing Cavalry Captain entered his establishment. "My, oh, my, Diluc, what could possibly have compelled you to summon me? With a secret letter, no less," teased Kaeya.
"Sit down and listen."
"Oh, of course, of course. So what is it?" Kaeya seated himself before Diluc, quiet for but a few moments until a sly grin made its way onto his features. "Could it be? Has our lovely Acting Grand Master caught your eye this lovely Windblume? I can't think of anyone else."
The former Knight's eyes lit up with shock and anger. "Say it louder, why don't you? But no. Because I was merely planning on preparing a gift for her. Simple thanks for all the work she does this season."
"Whatever you say. Of course, you'll be needing my help. To what? Distract her?"
Diluc nodded stiffly.
"And my payment?" Kaeya smirked, his chin resting on his palm while he drummed his fingers on the counter.
His estranged brother growled. "What do you want?"
"How's about all the Death After Noon's I can drink. Just for tonight!"
"Fine," gritted Diluc. "But if you don't make good on our deal…"
"Oh, come now. It's not everyday I see you attempt to romance a woman."
"So I assume you'll stir up a few distractions for her. The day after tomorrow."
The dark skinned man nodded his head. "After your other preparations? Sure. And about those drinks…"
Immediately, Diluc pulled up two Death After Noon's from beneath the counter. "I made these a minute before you came in. Now be silent and drink."
And so Kaeya did, downing one Death After Noon after the other until closing time. When he was finally alone, Diluc again exited his bar. Shutting the back door behind him, the red head was sure he was all by himself until a voice called out to him.
"Oh, Master Diluc," said Lisa, her voice a low drawl. "I think you're looking for this."
And then she tossed him a key. "What's this?" asked Diluc.
"The key to Jean's room in the dorms," chirped Amber as she rose from behind a nearby barrel.
"You were both waiting for me?"
The women nodded. "Of course," Lisa admitted. "Ever since Kaeya told us about your surprise for her."
"He told you?" The winery master's gaze narrowed dangerously, his fury directed at Kaeya. "When I find him, I'll-"
"Master Diluc, please," pleaded Amber, her voice slightly nervous. "He just wanted to help. And he knew you'd be looking for the key to Jean's room next. Y'know, to deliver all those flowers."
Diluc drew his lips into a thin line, his mind racing to figure out how they had deduced his plan. Lisa, sensing his tenseness, spoke up with a laugh. "We found out thanks to a few ladies gossiping around Flora's shop during Charles' visit this afternoon. Dawn Winery suddenly buying out Floral Whisper's whole supply of Cecilias, WIndwheel Asters and Dandelions. The poor Traveler had to find his own bouquet for Amber in the Whispering Woods."
"Miss Lisa!" yelped the Outrider, her face matching the red shade of her garb as she pulled at the older woman's arm.
"Oh, stop it, Amber. No use hiding it now. Isn't that right, Master Diluc?"
"Jean is…" trailed Diluc. "Important to me. She's a great friend. And I simply believe she would appreciate a gesture of thanks."
The purple clad mage rolled her eyes as she and Amber made to leave. "I swear, the both of you. Well, fine. Have it your way. We're simply here to expedite things. Amber and the Traveler will be sneaking those flowers of yours in when the time comes. Just have one of your men leave the cart by the Knights' quarters."
Amber, her cheeks once again colored, attempted to protest. Diluc decided to leave them be, hearing Lisa chide the young archer for her ungratefulness at having earned some more time alone with a certain golden eyed young man.
Two days later and the Windblume festival was at its height, compelling Jean and Lisa to extend their patrols for the day. "Should we add another round?" thought the blonde out loud.
Lisa scoffed. "Jean, please. Any more rounds and we'll have walked far enough to get to Liyue. And besides, I think you should end early today."
Jean's brows scrunched in confusion. "Why? This is when the work really begins to pile up during the Festival."
"Exactly," sing-songed Lisa. "Get some rest. Albedo and Klee have just finished a little experiment. They can take your patrols for the rest of the day. Even Amber's spending her time with our little cutie and Paimon."
"Lisa, I can't.," refused the knight of Mondstadt. "Especially not after those Dandelion seeds spilled. Kaeya would've been in serious trouble if we hadn't helped him clean it up."
Lisa, feeling a tad irritated by her friend's stubbornness, decided to take slightly more extreme measures. "Really now? Sure you're not just afraid of being all alone this lovely Windblume? Without a man?"
"I've told you before. Master Diluc and I have no…" Then Jean realized where she had gone wrong, whirling around to face the teasing witch. "No."
Her brunette friend, however, was unperturbed. "I never said Master Diluc. But if you really don't want him and he's available," paused Lisa, a naughty glint in her eye. "Perhaps I can take him. I have to say, when I met him all alone behind Angel's Share last night, I've begun to see why so many of Mondstadt's ladies would jump at the chance to join the illustrious Ragnvindr family."
Out of the corner of her eye, Lisa knew her plan had worked, noticing Jean's face fall just a bit. "Behind the… Just the two of you?"
"Mhm," moaned Lisa, knowing full well the effect her voice had on others. "And I wouldn't mind doing so again. Pyro and Electro. I'd be sure to make him overload. And hard, mind you. A stud like that deserves only the best."
Jean then turned away from her, marching down the street in the direction of the Knight's dormitory. "I'll be taking my leave now."
Her partner nodded, a self-satisfied grin on her face. "Gotcha."
But the Acting Grand Master was too blinded by her own fury to notice. And upon spotting a very displeased Jean, the streets were swiftly cleared of any signs of life, ruffians and innocent citizens alike unwilling to stand her way.
By the time she'd entered the Knight's headquarters, all the swordswoman could focus on was the pang of something very unpleasant in her chest. Courtesy of the image of a specific red haired barkeep with Lisa.
"He's just a friend," mumbled Jean, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just a friend."
A friend that had left her with a hole somewhere in her heart since he had left on his sojourn around Teyvat.
A friend that had filled it bit by bit every moment they had spent together since his return, leaving it overflowing thanks to the words he had spoken to her two days ago.
"I think the world of you, Jean."
But apparently, there was someone who meant far more to him. And the thought ate at Jean, leaving her to drown in her anger until she bumped into someone.
"Oh, Jean!"
She whirled, finding her sister standing there. "Barbara, I'm sorry. What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you!" said the healer with a smile. "Someone left you a surprise in your room. I saw the Traveler and Amber bring them in so don't worry, it's safe!"
And as her sister led her by the forearm to her room, Jean couldn't find it within herself to care for any well wishes. Until the door to her private quarters was flung open, bathing her in the scent of countless flowers. The Cecilias smelled amazing, flanking her trunk of personal effects while the Windwheel Asters draped her bed in their wonderful aroma. However, it was her desk by the window that drew her eye. As the exquisite fragrance of Dandelions hung heavily in the air, Jean couldn't help but notice how her window was open, rolled parchment laying on it while an Umbertail Falcon flew off into the distance.
"They're beautiful," said Barbara, her gaze excitedly taking in the floral arrangements filling her older sibling's room.
Unrolling the paper, Jean couldn't help but allow herself to smile as she read the words scrawled on it.
"The bard helped me, subjecting me to a night of me deciphering his judgment based solely on his body language. In the end, he seemed happiest with a short note. And I must say, a few of your Knights are reliable. Only a few. Your librarian included, only because she helped me sneak all of this into your room. Regardless, you have my thanks, Jean. For all you've yet to do this Windblume."
"They are," whispered Jean, picking just one of the many Dandelions from the bouquets upon the table in front of her.
And that evening, the Dandelion Knight slept surrounded by the scent of the realm she had vowed to protect.
The next morning, Diluc found himself summoned by the Acting Grand Master. Fighting to keep his expression as stoic as usual, he worried that she had found his gesture inappropriate. Entering her office, he bowed, his red locks jostling as he did. "Good morning, Acting Grand Master."
Jean simply stared at him, seemingly unsure of her response. That is until she rose from her seat and walked up to him, her breath almost tickling his cheek. Then she took his hand in hers, her grip gentle as she softly pried his fingers apart.
Feeling something pressing into his palm. Diluc looked down to find a Dandelion in his grip.
"Thank you, Diluc," said Jean, the blue of her eyes a river that lit the fire in his gaze, telling him that he had done something right.
Then his old friend turned wordlessly, expecting no reply. But Diluc Ragnvindr was a man who prided himself on his ability to exceed expectations.
"You're welcome, Jean."
And so he surpassed Jean Gunnhildr's, a sincere half-smile on his face to match her own before he left the lovely Dandelion Knight to her duties once more.
Review. Like. Comment. Subscribe (I'm kidding). =)