Ardent Flames
A Kleefluff fanfiction
Chapter:2 Dandelion under Moonlight
Knights of Favonius HQ- Night (contd.)
"Oh, it's you Master Diluc…and Captain Eula…My apologies…I just heard some ruckus and—"
"Yes, we heard it too." Diluc interjected Porthos. "I was in the vicinity when I heard it and came to check immediately. That's when I found Miss Eula here examining the scene. Isn't that right Captain?" Diluc looked at Eula convincingly.
Eula agreed "Yes. Exactly as Master Diluc described."
"I see." A hinky Porthos replied.
There was a brief moment of uncomfortable silence among the trio.
"A cat" Eula broke the ice "Must have been a cat".
"A cat. Quite the possibility isn't it... Ummm Athos I presume?" Diluc looked him dead in the eye.
"No, I am—I mean yes absolutely... Anything is possible for the cats" Porthos replied with a tensed chuckle.
"Now off to your post Soldier" Eula commanded.
Porthos offered his salute and left in a haste without making eye contact.
Finally, Diluc and Eula took a breath of fresh air in the open.
"Quite the day huh?" Eula asked.
"You have no clue" Diluc sighed.
"Look lively, it's not over yet" Eula teased with a smile pointing towards Klee's bag.
"Ah, right" Diluc sighed harder.
"Well at the very least I can accompany you" Eula suggested.
"You don't have to" Diluc refuted.
"Not a big deal. My house is on the way anyway."
They both headed for the Church of Favonius.
"So how did you end up running errands for Klee again? Eula curiously asked.
"Apparently, she has plans for fishing and adventuring tomorrow with her friends near Wolvendom lake, she got late collecting supplies and lost her way home. Fortunately, she made it to the manor and here we are." Diluc explained.
"Well that certainly brings back some good old memories" Eula cracked up.
"It sure does" Diluc smiled.
"So, he does smile" Eula taunted facing Diluc.
"Let me be" Diluc grunted pacing forward.
"The world does seem different now, doesn't it?" Eula asked from behind looking up at the Monument of The Anemo Archon.
Diluc stopped abruptly "The world is same Eula, it's just there's less in it and more troubles than necessary." Diluc replied looking down.
Eula glanced at the sad dull red eyes of his and didn't pry further. They both continued their way towards the church in silence.
Church of Favonius-Night
The duo finally arrived at the church, just as they were about to enter, they caught a glimpse of The Deaconess, near the arch, humming tunes and taking notes.
"That sounds absolutely beautiful" Eula approached.
"Archons! Oh, it's you Miss Eula and Master Diluc, what brings you here?" Barbara replied composing herself.
"Apologies for startling you, Barbara, but I must say that melody was something. "Eula complimented.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it. So how can I help you guys?" Barbara asked.
"Klee asked me to drop you this" Diluc handed the bag to Barbara cutting the small talks.
"Right… I'll be back in a moment" Barbara replied. "You guys can wait inside if you'd like? "Barbara invited before heading in.
"We're fine" Eula replied seemingly displeased with his actions.
"Eula?" Diluc asked.
"What's the matter with—" Eula was taken aback when she noticed Diluc plucking flowers from a nearby shrub.
"Please, excuse me for a moment" Diluc replied and started heading towards the left end of the cathedral.
That's when his words dawned upon Eula, it's just there's less in it, as she noticed Diluc disappear on his way to the church cemetery.
"I thought I heard someone familiar" Eula snapped from her thoughts.
"Ah it's you Cardinal" Eula continued "May the wind guide you Cardinal Pegg".
"May the wind guide you too, my child" Seamus Pegg bestowed her and asked "Why does woe surround your face?"
"Ah it's nothing" Eula said facing back towards the cemetery "Just awaiting on Master Diluc's return".
"I see. People need time to heal, some more than others depending on the pain." Seamus Pegg replied sympathizing with Eula.
Church Cemetery-Night
Diluc walked into the cemetery, with nothing but the moonlight guiding and darkness slowly surrounding him which he found oddly comforting. He noticed a silhouette of a middle-aged man reciting what one could only surmise as nursery rhymes. He slowly marched to his destination, each step getting heavier with the next, clenching the flowers in his fists, he turned and finally stood still before two gravestones.
"Father…Mother, I'm here" Diluc feebled.
He was barely able to read their names with his vision getting blurry.
"I apologize for rarely visiting…." Diluc said placing the flowers as he broke down.
He wailed but couldn't muster his voice, he continued lamenting in silence.
After a while he composed himself, stood up and dusted his knees.
Diluc then put on a mask, one of the many, he had learnt over the years.
He took a deep breath and whispered "I should get going…Goodnight".
There weren't nearly enough butterflies or the flowers, that grew around their graves for the unsaid emotions he held closely to his chest. As a boy and now as a young man.
Church of Favonius-Night
Diluc left the cemetery and walked back towards the cathedral, quickly studying his Intel Note and folding it in, in his handkerchief.
He noticed The Seneschal and Eula conversing. He headed towards them.
"You seem in high spirits, Cardinal" Diluc joined them.
"Ah son, we were just waiting for you" Seamus Pegg smiled at him.
"My sincere apologies…It took longer than expected" Diluc replied with still few tears lingering.
"It's never long enough Diluc" Seamus Pegg replied patting his chest.
"You alright?" concerned Eula asked Diluc.
"I am now" Diluc continued "Sorry for keeping you waiting".
"Oh! Mark my words, you will be." Eula smiled at him.
"Well in that case I look forward to it" Diluc replied calmly.
"Cardinal I'm indebted to you for looking after them, in my absence." Diluc said gratefully.
"Please son, we miss them just as much you do, entire Mondstadt does." The Seneschal assured him.
"I remember Master Crepus always making me feel warm and welcome, as his own, whenever I visited you as a kid. Even my parents regarded your family in high respect, such a shame my family got caught up in our clan politics. I hope I don't too so that I can keep honoring their legacy." Eula replied with determination.
Barbara walked in and stood beside her father quietly sensing the depth of the conversation.
"Eula my child, children should inherit nothing but love from their parents, everything else is irrelevant in this long journey of life" Seamus Pegg replied caressing Barbara's head.
Diluc and Eula both acknowledged his message
"Still Cardinal, I thank you personally, the flowers did help me process my grief, guess I needed that" Diluc replied.
"Well let me impart you with the words your father once told me. He said Grief is nothing—"
"Nothing but unexpressed love." Diluc interjected with his heart reflecting through his eyes.
"Mother taught him that, it was her family motto or something, I cannot recall his exact words." Diluc continued.
"Right! To be fair I always was skeptical, such wisdom was beyond that old fool". Seamus jested and they all chuckled in unison.
"Nonetheless it's true." Pegg continued "He didn't have his way through words but he shined through his actions. His actions had enough love for your mother, even after her parting. He showered you with his love as well as on behalf of your mother. He had so much that he even shared it with Kaeya and he still does as he lives on in our memories."
Barbara noticed that her father had finished as he became moist eyed and intervened before the ambience became gloom again.
"Here you go Master Diluc". Barbara offered Klee's bag. "You can return it to Klee".
"I think she's asleep by now" Diluc tried to protest.
"Well then you can hand it to my sis—Master Jean" Barbara teased and chuckled.
Eula chuckled too.
cough*cough* Seamus Pegg cleared his throat "I'm sure Master Diluc is busy, he can drop it tonight or tomorrow at his convenience. So where are you off to next?"
"Well after I walk Miss Eula home I'll be heading to Angel's Share, relieve Charles from his shift and close it for the night. If time permits, I'll drop her bag and call it a day." Diluc replied.
"I can go by myself" Eula protested. "Please, I insist" Diluc replied.
"Well better on your way then and please do drop by from time to time. Bring Jean along too. She's always cooped up in her office."
Just like her mother
Seamus thought to himself.
"You children are a welcoming sight, unlike some." He spoke as he scoffed at the fatui couple passing by.
Diluc and Eula bid farewell to the father and daughter and went on their way.
Archon Statue Plaza-Stairways-Night
As they both were walking towards the stairs. Few moments later Eula noticed Diluc taking frequent peeks at her.
"Just spell it out already" Eula retorted.
"Recently, have you noticed anything unusual during your monitoring ventures?" Diluc inquired.
Eula grinned and asked "Depends, who's asking?"
Diluc felt exposed and asked "How long have you known?"
"Jean had asked me to keep an eye out for a mysterious black hooded individual near my scouting spots. She specifically mentioned not to intervene." Eula continued. "Not to mention her worried look whenever reports regarding the Black Vigilante dropped by the main office. It didn't take me long to put two and two together."
Diluc sighed. How many times have I told her not to worry?
"So, I'll ask again. Who wants to know is it Diluc Ragnvindr or the infamous Dark Knight Hero himself?" Eula ragged him.
"Who else knows about this?" Diluc delved further.
"If I had to guess, just the usuals in our close-knit circle. To be honest I'm actually impressed you kept it hidden all these years. But don't worry your secret is safe." Eula assured.
"Hmmph" Diluc groaned.
"To answer your question, yes, Hillichurl activities have been bustling as of late. Especially near the abyss portals." Eula informed him.
"I see" Diluc replied consolidating his prior intel note.
"I can provide you with Leyline Sprout Composites, Sucrose prepared it for me, it helps blend in and sneak through the abyssal lines. Maybe it can come handy in your next venture" Eula suggested.
"That'll surely help out a lot" Diluc appreciated the offer.
The duo arrived at The Lawrence Family Estate.
"Maybe I'll give it to you next time you drop Klee off at the secret passage." Eula chuckled.
"I certainly hope it doesn't come to that". Diluc replied with a smile.
"Well then Goodnight Diluc. Thanks for walking me home." Eula greeted as she headed in.
"Goodnight, Eula. It was an immense pleasure to have your company tonight." Diluc wished her and he left on his way.
Angel's Share-Late Night
Diluc finally arrived at his tavern. It was fairly quiet, not surprising given the time. He smiled when he heard his brother's and a certain Bard's drunk laughter as he approached the door.
"Why can I hear your drunk laugh all the way to the market, Sir Kaeya?" Diluc asked immediately after storming in.
"Well brother dear, that just means you have pretty good ears" Kaeya grinned.
"Yet another one of the many unique talents of our esteemed Master Diluc, let's drink to that shall we Sir Kaeya?" Venti proposed.
"Hear, Hear!" Kaeya accepted as they clinked their mugs.
"And you Venti" Diluc said firmly "As I recall you still have payments pending from yesterday as well as the day before."
"Here's the funny thing Master Diluc, I collected quite the mora from today's performance, all humbly intended towards paying my debts of course. But I had to spend it all on the drinks, you see, while waiting for you~ehe". Venti explained.
"Of course!" Diluc sighed.
Diluc was just too tired as well as hungry to reason with the blockheads. He went in looking for Charles.
Knights of Favonius HQ- Night (earlier)
Jean paced back and forth in front of her desk.
Where is she?
Jean wondered unable to focus on her work.
It's quite late, even for her. Did she even eat anything? Where did she go anyway?
Jean worried about Klee.
Did she hurt someone? Did she hurt herself? Why does no one know her whereabouts yet? Should I send Amber?
Jean dreaded with every ticking of the clock.
She looked out the window at the pitch-black night, moon enshrouded by the clouds and mist settling in the distance. She noticed a finch returning to her nestlings on a nearby tree.
I'll just go look for her myself.
She made her mind and headed towards the door.
As she was about to open the door, the knob turned.
"Master Jean?" Klee peeked in.
"Oh, there you are, I brought this for you" Klee entered as she picked up the fruit basket and shutting the door behind.
Jean simply put it aside and hugged her tightly.
Oh! Thank the Archons!
She prayed.
Jean felt so many questions running through her head at once but all she asked "Are you alright?"
"Klee is good" Klee nodded cheerfully.
That was all it took for Jean to put her mind at ease.
She checked Klee and sighed in relief as she stood up.
"Now then" Jean placed her hands on her waist "Where were you Klee?" Jean asked firmly.
Klee had grown wary of that pose; she knew if she messed up now all of tomorrow's plan will be doomed.
Klee recalled Diluc's advise and mustered her courage.
"Master Jean, Klee is sincerely very sorry for being so late and making you worry. I know I am at fault but it wasn't my intention." Said Klee with her head bowed down.
"I will explain everything to you truthfully and accept my punishments but can you please promise not to ground Klee tomorrow?" Klee looked up to Jean and continued "Klee has a big day planned with her friends tomorrow and doesn't want to miss it at all. Klee is ok with being grounded the day after instead. Please Master Jean?" Klee pleaded.
Jean was surprised with what she just heard especially with the newfound determination in the bright red eyes of hers.
She felt Klee's genuine regret as well urgency of the matter. Now she was even more curious regarding what had developed during the little knight's adventure today.
"Fine. I promise but only if you swear to tell the truth and not repeat your mistake" Jean gave her word.
Klee agreed and narrated her day.
Oh, Thank you Adelinde and Master Diluc.
She thought to herself as she kept listening.
"…Master Diluc dropped me off and Klee's finally here" Klee finished.
Diluc was here? Why didn't he visit me? Perhaps he was busy. He could have at least…
Jean wondered before getting interrupted.
"Master Jean? You don't like it?" Klee asked offering the fruit basket on the table.
"No Klee it's very lovely and thoughtful, thank you!" Jean realized she had zoned off.
"We'll have it together tomorrow, ok?" Jean continued "Meanwhile Klee you should go to bed, it's already pretty late, you need a good rest for tomorrow."
"Right" Klee hoped out of her chair "Good night, Master Jean, Oh I also need to prepare Jumpty Dumpties for Master Diluc" Klee muttered while closing the door.
"Good night, Klee, wait what?" Jean wasn't sure if she heard that right.
I'll just deal with it tomorrow
Jean sighed as she leaned on the table.
I should go and get some dinner before it's too late.
She thought to herself as she plucked a grape and took a nibble.
I wonder if he's at the tavern.
Jean left her office and found Lisa leaning off the main door.
"I see the trouble maker's finally off to bed. When did she arrive?" Lisa asked.
"Yes, a few moments ago. Apparently Master Diluc dropped her off. I ought to thank him, I hope she didn't cause him too much trouble." Jean sighed.
"Well, our Master Diluc is surprisingly quite friendly today" Lisa teased Jean with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Jean asked with a light blush on her face.
"Look for yourself" Lisa gestured outside with her head.
Is he still here?
Jean thought to herself raising her hopes.
Jean eagerly peeked through the slight opening of the door. Instead, she noticed a couple of Knights engaged in a heated gossip.
"You mean Master Diluc and Captain Eula together? Like close to each other?" Belinda exclaimed.
So, he was…with Eula
Jean's heart sank in at the mere mention of the two names together.
"Yes, I went to inspect a sudden commotion behind the HQ and bummed into them." Porthos continued "Master Diluc appeared agitated, while Captain Eula seemed a bit shy, as if they were caught red handed stealing something."
"Oooh, a lover's quarrel perhaps?" Belinda gasped.
A pained expression rose on Jean's face, but she silently kept listening.
"I did spot them leaving together after Porthos arrived" Athos added.
"Now that you mention it, on my way here, I did see them walking by the church" Hertha chimed in "They did appear to be enjoying each other's company"
Her home…He walked her home.
"And they made up too?" Belinda hollered unable to contain her excitement.
"I never would have guessed Captain Eula, out of all the people, to be so romantically inclined" Wood chipped in.
"And Master Diluc…who always kept to himself…Ah! It shatters my heart thinking about this" Belinda sighed.
Jean clenched her fists.
"Well in that sense, they kind of complement each other, if you think about it" Hertha teased Belinda.
She couldn't bear it anymore.
"No, it doesn't, absolutely not" Belinda rebuked immediately.
Jean slammed the door open.
"If you people have so much free time to waste, instead of idling around perhaps you can help me fill up the logistics documents" Jean glared at them.
"Oh my!" Lisa gasped at Jean's reaction.
"Well while you're at it, you may even help me dust some bookshelves" Lisa added giving a witch's smile.
"In case you have no intentions of helping, you may leave the premises and return to your homes" Jean commanded sternly.
"We're very sorry Grandmaster Jean!" they all apologized in unison and left.
"What's with her anyway?" Athos asked once they were within a safe distance.
"Just a workaholic tantrum from the looks of it." Porthos replied.
"I think it's regarding something more interesting" Hertha giggled.
"What do you mean?" Wood asked with a confused look.
"Exactly, I think so too" Belinda added.
"And how can you tell?" Wood asked turning to Belinda.
"Just a woman's intuition" she replied giggling.
Jean turned to Lisa after regaining her composure.
"I'm going for a walk. I'll resume things tomorrow." Jean spoke without making eye contact.
"It's just presumed rumors Jean" Lisa assured her.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Goodnight, Lisa" Jean headed out.
Was it too much for her?
Lisa wondered as she went inside the library.
Ah young love.
She thought to herself as she noticed Fischl asleep with her novels.
Lisa covered her with a blanket, picked up one of the novels and smiled as she thought
Don't worry Jean, your prince is incomplete without you.
Mondstadt Market District-Late Night
Jean walked down the stairs slowly as the event kept unfolding repeatedly in her mind.
Jean felt bitter as she imagined Eula living the things, she cherished from her romance novels, with the very man she loved.
Jean couldn't bring herself to hate her, Eula was her close childhood friend after all. But she just couldn't be happy for her especially imagining Diluc by her side.
Jean knew this day could eventually come. She just didn't want to accept or rather face it.
Diluc was one of the most sought-after man, after all. During their knighthood days all her peers and subordinates chased after him, trying to get his attention which left even Kaeya scratching his head.
When Diluc eventually returned to Mondstadt; Gentry fathers and noble daughters from nearby towns and even other nations, came seeking advice to Jean on how to approach the soft-spoken man with their prospects.
It was quite the spectacle seeing Master Diluc acting aloof and austerely declining all those prospects.
Maybe all those rejections shook Jean's courage to confess her own feelings or perhaps she feared losing her already distant love.
I wish we could go back to the good old days
Jean thought as she recalled playing house with Diluc as children. Though they just pretended but deep down in her heart, she believed it.
A part of her was relieved that no one was nearby at this hour. Jean wanted to be alone for now, as she wasn't being herself or rather it was the moonlight revealing her tears which reflected her buried feelings and true self.
Traversing down the memory lane Jean finally arrived at the market district.
She noticed Sara shutting down Good Hunter, she looked further and just as she expected Cat Tail's had already cleaned up their tables and chairs.
Jean kept walking forward, she felt a sudden chill making her cross her arms and rub herself; maybe it was the season or maybe it was the anticipation of facing someone.
Jean collected herself and marched towards Angel's Share.
Angel's Share-Late Night (contd.)
Diluc found Charles in the staff kitchen, almost done with his cooking.
"You busy Charles?" Diluc asked coming in.
"Ah! Master Diluc, just a moment" Charles replied.
He served the meal on a platter and started packing it into two batches.
"Did you need something?" Charles asked with his back facing to Diluc.
"Yeah, kicking those two out would be a good start" Diluc groaned as they both heard Venti and Kaeya laughing out their wits.
"Hahaha, they will be on their way right away Sir" Charles laughed "Anything besides that?"
"Would you kindly set up the grill in the balcony for me, along with some boil potatoes and dry aged steaks?" Diluc asked.
"Very well, but Master I can prepare the meal for you." Charles replied politely.
"You've already done enough for today, Charles. Go home take rest." Diluc refused humbly.
"I'll prepare it right away Sir; would you mind giving this to your brother?" Charles handed the packed meal to Diluc and went up.
Diluc came out and handed the two parcels to Kaeya.
"Here you go, now you can leave, you both can" Diluc groaned.
"Ah, thank you Diluc, have you eaten though?" Kaeya asked.
"I'll do shortly" Diluc replied.
"The grill is ready for you; do you require anything else Master Diluc?" Charles joined them.
"Wait, are you cooking dear brother?" Kaeya poked at Diluc "Oh I'd love to try something different for a change, tired of eating Charles' food; no offense of course" Kaeya said turning to Charles.
"None taken" Charles replied with his eyebrows raised.
"That'd be all, thanks Charles" Diluc replied.
"Hahaha Charles is the best at what he does, besides I think Master Diluc will be too occupied to fulfill your request Kaeya" Venti jested as he bent over to pull out a new bottle over the counter.
Diluc was about to thrash the drunken bard but he heard the door knob turn and Jean came in.
There he was, the man she had been ruminating about all night long, leaning against the counter languorous in his long dark coat. Flaming red hair tied back and searing red eyes fixated on her, which heated Jean right away.
Realizing they had been staring at each other for a quite long period of time, Diluc clears his throat.
"Welcome, Jean" Diluc breathed out.
The lilt with which he regarded her name every time, made Jean skip a heartbeat or two.
"Master Diluc, it's… good to see you" Jean flinched trying to hold herself together.
"Ah Grandmaster Jean, what a pleasant surprise, come join us" Venti greeted.
Jean made her way and sat beside Venti trying to distant herself from Diluc.
"You look a bit weary Grandmaster, are you alright?" Charles asked with concern.
"She overworks herself as usual, even this late, no wonder she's exhausted" Kaeya taunted.
"She has to exhaust herself, because Knights like you are busy drinking here instead of helping her." Diluc thrashed Kaeya taking his bottle away.
"Now-now no need for playing the blame game, why don't you attend her instead and let me be" Kaeya retorted attempting to take his bottle back.
The interaction between the brothers made Jean ease up a little.
"I'm fine, I had plans to go and have dinner with Klee but she arrived late; which reminds me, thank you Master Diluc for bringing her back safely" Jean replied with a soft and genuine smile that held a sudden grip on his heart.
"I'm happy she's alright, that's all" Diluc replied rolling his eyes with a smatter of red flushing on his cheeks.
Catching Diluc with his guard down Kaeya seized the moment and snatched his bottle back.
"Diluc with Klee? Now that's a story I'd love to hear" Kaeya teased Diluc as he emptied his bottle with a victory heave.
"You can go ask her yourself, now leave." Diluc retorted.
"Well, I should get going, gentlemen, Grandmaster Jean" Venti bowed down with his hat "Have a wonderful night!" and left in a haste.
"He snuck a bottle, didn't he?" Charles asked.
"Yes, he did" Diluc sighed.
"So Master Jean, I presume you haven't eaten anything yet; Charles would you kindly escort her upstairs and prepare the table?" Diluc asked firmly.
"Absolutely sir" Charles obliged.
"Please Master Diluc, I don't want to impose" Jean tried to refute.
"Please Jean, I'd love your company for dinner" Diluc insisted "If you'll indulge me of course?"
The thoughtful expression on his face and the warmth coming from his bright red eyes left Jean speechless.
She just approved with a light blush and stood up.
"This way Grandmaster" Charles led her the way.
"I suppose I can't get my hands on another Death by Afternoon" Kaeya stood up with his parcels. "Just to wash down the meal?"
Diluc simply glared at him.
"Yeah, I thought so. Well, I should get going too" Kaeya sighed as he left the tavern.
Angel's Share-Outside-Late Night
"Oi" Kaeya heard a voice behind him.
He saw Diluc approaching him with the bottle he asked for.
"My oh my, Maybe I should bring Jean along everyday" Kaeya teased Diluc.
"Pipe down your stupid mouth" Diluc retorted as he handed the bottle.
"Listen, Ummm…would you like to come home for dinner?" Diluc asked avoiding eye contact.
Kaeya looked at him for a moment to check if he's being serious.
"Look brother if this is about the food earlier—" Kaeya tried explaining.
"It's for your Birthday next week you fool" Diluc interrupted.
"Adelinde would love to have you over—we all would." Diluc explained calmly looking him in the eye.
The all wise and witty Kaeya was left dumbstruck by the words of his brother, so he just nodded.
"And tell her I have taken the night off." Diluc added as he gestured towards Rosaria standing in the distance.
"Now move along, her food is getting cold, besides you shouldn't keep the lady waiting" Diluc pushed Kaeya.
"You too" Kaeya smirked.
"Goodnight Diluc" Kaeya wished him, still overwhelmed as he left.
"Goodnight brother!" Diluc smiled as he plucked a lamp flower from his nearby pot and headed inside.
"What's with the tears?" Rosaria asked as she saw Kaeya approaching.
"Don't tell me you guys fought again" Rosaria asked with a slight concern.
"Oh, quite the contrary, my dear Ros" Kaeya let out a grin. "He finally asked me to come back home".
"For your birthday?" Rosaria asked with a surprised look, stepping down the stairs.
Kaeya nodded wiping his eyes.
"And here I thought we had our own special plans" Rosaria sighed.
"Oh, don't worry" Kaeya steps up and brings her close.
"He can wait" Kaeya whispers before giving her a deep kiss.
Angel's Share-Late Night
Diluc enters the tavern
"Everything is all set Master Diluc" Charles assured him.
"Ah, thank you Charles, I can't nearly thank you enough." Diluc appreciated.
"Happy to assist, I shall take my leave then. Have a pleasant night sir!" Charles greeted him before leaving.
"You too Charles" Diluc bid him farewell.
Diluc went inside the tavern storeroom and brought out some cheese and tiny tomatoes.
As he was about to head up, he caught a twinkle at the corner of his eye.
Diluc turned and noticed it came from the clover dangling from Klee's bag, placed aside the counter.
Maybe spending time with her did make the day better after all.
Diluc smiled and made his way to the balcony, to Jean.
Angel's Share-Balcony-Late Night
There she was, the very woman his mind has been dwelling on, all evening-all night.
Jean straightens herself on her seat, tucks her stray blonde hair behind her ears, regaining her usual composure.
She always looked beautiful especially when alone and carefree.
Her shoulders finally relaxed and free from the burdens of her duties or rather the expectations she mounted on herself every day.
Jean raises her eyebrows and blinks her wide blue eyes at Diluc as she teases a smile, catching him staring.
Diluc turns red, shifts on his feet and asks "Candle lights?"
"Yeah" Jean replied.
"Charles said it makes the ambience warm and cozy" Jean enacted with her fingers.
"Interesting" Diluc replied placing the items near the grill.
"He's not wrong though" Jean replied taking a sip of water.
"I do feel good here, here with you" Jean continued, swirling her finger around the glass rim.
Those words made Diluc face her again.
Diluc wondered whether the smear of red flushing on Jean's cheeks were indeed real or was it just the candle's lighting, toying with him.
Diluc turned around again, all hot and now even redder, if possible than before.
Diluc then took off his dark long coat, hung it beside the chair, loosened his apcot, unbuttoned his collar and finally folded his long sleeves.
Then proceeded to sear the dry aged steaks and chopped down the vegetables.
Watching all these wonders unfold before her made Jean gulp down her emotions, the thumping of her heartbeats rivalled the knife chopping on the board.
She took another sip of water to calm herself down.
Still her eyes wavered down the rigid and muscular arms of Diluc, unsurprising, considering how easily he maneuvers that hefty claymore of his.
A sudden winch of that very arm snapped Jean out of her merry thoughts.
She switched her shy peeks to a determined focus over that arm and finally was able to make out a tiny lesion.
Jean got up from her chair and stood beside Diluc.
She steadily extends Diluc arms, much to his surprise, and finds the presumed lesion was instead a large gash, recent from the looks of it too.
"How?" Jean asked fluttering her fingers anxiously over his arm.
"It's nothing, trust me" a rudded Diluc tried to downplay the situation taking his hand away.
"How do you expect me to trust you…when you're the only one making all the decisions?" Jean asked apprehensively.
"You can't…" Diluc replied giving her a cold shoulder.
Jean stood there still, behind his white-vested broad back, feeling overshadowed.
I wonder how many other lacerations are painted behind this white canvas.
Jean thought to herself as she took her seat.
One anxious thought after another lead Jean back to those painful rumors, leaving her despondent.
Diluc finished preparing his signature meal, he finally garnished it with lampgrass bits and served it in two portions.
Diluc offered Jean a plate and sat before her, with his own.
"Thank you, Diluc" Jean greeted with a forced smile.
"Hmmm" Diluc grunted noticing the change in ambience.
Is it not to her liking?
Diluc wondered unsure as she did have the appetite.
Was it regarding the wound?
Diluc instinctively covered his sleeves back.
"How's the food?" Diluc tried to converse.
"Oh, it's a relish" Jean replied still deep in her own thoughts.
"I see, thank you" Diluc answered back.
They continued having dinner in silence, with nothing but the candles flickering and the utensils scraping on their plates.
Still unsure of what had just transpired between them, Diluc stood up and cleared the empty plates.
"I trust you, Jean; I really do but there are certain things that I intentionally keep to myself because it's not simply worth your concern" Diluc asserted.
"Still if you insist on being this way, then I'd rather come clean but then again I'd expect the same from you. You cannot have it both ways." Diluc eyed Jean and left carrying the plates down.
Jean realized that she had been prying unfairly.
She stood up and leaned against the railings.
I want to tell you; I really do but how should I?
Jean wondered as she felt bad seeing Diluc this way.
Diluc left the dishes on the sink, wondering if he said too much.
Why does she make me feel so crazy?
Diluc felt guilty for leaving things as they were.
I need to make up to her
She was not only his guest tonight, but also the one whom he adored and cared for the most.
He carried two champagne glasses along his stirrer and mixer.
"Jean?" Diluc breathed in an endearing tone.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you earlier nor did I wish to rant off" Diluc expressed his regret.
"No Diluc, I should be the one apologizing, I'm the one who backed you to a corner" Jean apologized with a mulling embarrassment.
"In that case let me make you a peace offering" Diluc replied starting to prepare a drink.
"Peace offering?" Jean asked with an amused look.
"Yes... Take a sip of this." Diluc offered her a glass.
"It's an alcohol-free beverage based on a long-standing family recipe. But I put my own spin on it." Diluc added.
So crisp and refreshing! Even has a mellow aftertaste!
Jean thought to herself as she felt her tiredness dissipating.
"The look on your face suggests that was rather to your liking." Diluc assumed.
"It's absolutely appetizing" Jean replied with her genuine smile.
"Well, I'm glad. I tried to adjust the recipe to match your taste, and from the looks of it, I succeeded in doing just that." Diluc breathed in relief.
Jean felt guilty seeing how wonderfully Diluc had treated her tonight, yet she had that burning feeling at the back of her head. She considered coming clean like he suggested earlier.
"What's the matter?" Diluc noticed the gloomy look on her face.
Jean hesitated.
Diluc put his glass down.
"I'm not sure what troubles you, but if you ever need me, I'll be there by your side" Diluc assured her closing his gap.
Jean too set her glass down, took a deep breath and narrated her predicament surrounding him Eula.
Diluc heeded every word coming from Jean.
Once she was done, he pondered for a moment, let out a smile and much to Jean's surprise, suddenly burst into laughter.
How many years has it been since I last saw you like this?
Jean wondered, though embarrassed, cherishing the moment as he stood before her laughing carefree with the moonlight unearthing the dimples on his cheeks.
She finally nudged her and Diluc apologized stating his reasons as he shared his side of the story.
"Oh!" Jean replied with a long pause.
Underneath all those titles, all those achievements, deep down she's still that vulnerable young girl who once believed they can't hold hands before marriage.
Diluc reminisced a young Jean with whom he first fell in love with, as he gazed into her oceanic eyes.
Jean glances at him, and while she already has red stains smearing on her face from the shyness, she seems to blush even more, and this time Diluc is sure it's not the candle's lighting playing around.
Unable to resist any longer, he pulls her close, feeling Jean's bated breath. Diluc grabs her waist and hugs her tightly sending goosebumps through every inch of her skin. Jean flows her hand around his back and presses her face tightly on his broad chest. With his heartbeat pulsating through her ears, Jean embraces his warmth.
"Diluc" Jean mumbled "Can I join your expeditions, just once in a while…for old time's sake"
"Sure" Diluc agreed believing it'll make her fret less often.
"How does tomorrow sound?" Diluc added.
"I'd love that" Jean gleamed.
Diluc laid a warm press of lips on her temple. Jean felt all her weariness and worries melt away as she started re-energizing in his fire.
"What was that for?" Jean asked buried within.
"I guess it was long overdue" Diluc replied resting his head on hers.
They remained close for a while as Jean enclosed herself in his sensuous musky fragrance nuanced with the sweet aroma of grapes and berries.
"It's getting late, you should go home and get a proper sleep" Diluc mumbled unwillingly, watching her peaceful face.
"Few more minutes" Jean replied clinging tightly.
Angel's Share-Outside-Late Night
Jean waited out while Diluc fetched his overcoat and Klee's bag before closing his tavern.
Diluc noticed the damsel before her, standing crossed arms waiting for him in the icy night.
"You should start wearing something warmer" Diluc approached with his mellow voice.
Then he draped his coat around Jean's shoulders and held her hand.
As a kid he always marveled how easily her hands went cold, even in gloves.
Jean cozily nodded and snug around his arm.
The duo made up the stairs and headed towards Jean's home.
"I have a favor to ask of you, Jean" Diluc requested.
"Hmmm?" Jean looked up to him.
"The drink that we had; it hasn't been named yet." Diluc explained
"You want me to name it?" Jean asked delightedly.
"Well, it was made to suit your tastes. It's only fitting that you name it." Diluc clarified.
"Or perhaps... I should name it after you?" Diluc teased.
"Oh! Now that sounds tempting" Jean replied playfully.
Gunnhildr Family Home-Outside-Late Night
The couple finally arrived their destination.
"Well, this is me" Jean spoke softly.
"Yes" Diluc replied hesitantly.
Jean leans closer towards his face.
"I look forward to tomorrow" Jean grinned with her limpid blue eyes twinkling in the moonlight as the windmill blades turned.
"Dandelion under Moonlight" Diluc mumbled in his breath as he admired her.
"What?" Jean asked with an amused look.
"The name…name of the drink… Dandelion Moonlight…" Diluc fumbled realizing he said his thoughts out loud.
"That's very touching and… quite ethereal" Jean replied biting her lips.
And ethereal it was, as she stood in front of him, glowing under the moon taking his breath away; her pale gold hair transcending into a shade of silver luminescence, just like the onset of dawn on a field of dandelions as vast as the sea.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Jean interrupted his chain of thoughts.
Still mesmerized beyond his mind, Diluc pursed her calling, his eyes fixated on her soft wet lips. He instantly drags her body close to his, flushing her red head to toe.
Diluc caresses her chin and feels her rapid warm breaths on his face, melting his stern mien into something benign and reverent.
With a fluttering heart and heat building up inside her, Jean suddenly felt it all fade away when Diluc laid a chaste and gentle kiss against her lips.
Jean leaned up further on her heels entwining him with her arms, her fingers breezing through his hair, making him instinctively enclose her within his strong passionate arms as he deeply embraced her.
The two kindred souls continued their longing for each other as they delved further into their intimacy.
With her body kindled and mind going blank with every passing moment, Jean—subtly and fragile as spider-silk—felt herself losing into his wild untamed fire, she had to physically pull herself away from Diluc, unwillingly.
"The bag… I meant the bag" winded Jean breathed while resting her temple on his chest.
"Bag?" Diluc asked regaining his breath and senses.
Jean tapped on his shoulder gaining her composure as she watched Diluc lose his, when the wind of reality caught up to him.
"Right—here you go" a flustered Diluc handed Klee's bag to Jean.
"Goodnight Diluc and thank you for this memorable night" Jean replied as she took the bag and returned his coat back.
"Hmmm" Diluc responded.
She giggled on her way, as she took one last glance at the valberry-toned face behind her, before heading in.
Leaning on the closed door she smiled merrily as she thought to herself
Behind all those walls, his stoic demeanor, deep down he's still that vulnerable young boy who remained red for weeks when she first kissed him.
"So, someone finally decided to show up" a familiar voice snapped Jean out of her thoughts.
"Oh! Mother, yes, just had another busy day" Jean replied heading in.
"Well, you certainly seem cheerful than usual, did something good happen today?" Frederica asked intriguingly.
"Nothing, mother" Jean replied trying to look nonchalant.
"Oh! I see, so it has nothing to do with that young redhead, who just left with a radiant smile" Frederica joshed her.
"Mother!" Jean exclaimed with discomfit.
"Dear, all I'm saying is I'm happy for you besides it's blissful to know that he finally found a reason to smile again." Frederica assured her.
"I'm going to bed" Jean headed upstairs hiding her florid face.
"Have you eaten yet?" Frederica inquired.
"We had dinner, Goodnight mother !" Jean replied shutting her door.
Jean finally laid on her bed at peace, reliving her night as her eyes grew heavy.
She hugs Klee's bag as she falls asleep cherishing his sweet musk still lingering from it.
"Nothing" she says
Frederica thought to herself as she smiled.
She picked up her tea and wondered
Are you watching Celyna, Crepus? Your once young child has hence fledged into a magnificent young gentleman.
End of Chapter 2. Stay tuned for Chapter 3.