i put childe back on my team after that last chapter bc i felt bad šŸ’€ he does good dmg

I hurried out of the treatment room, careful not to look back at Childe no matter what pleading expression he wore. If being so power-hungry was the most important thing in the world to him, so be it. I tried to avoid thinking about how this rift might affect our time in Physical Combatā€”he was my partner, after all.

No, he was a close friend. As questionable he was sometimes, I enjoyed the moments we had. I enjoyed the banter, the challenges, constantly pushing each other to be better. I was aware that it's possible for people to change, but I wasn't sure Childe wanted to. What reason would he have? Did he value the time we spent together the same as I did? There was a chance, but I didn't want to put too much hope into it. I didn't want to be disappointed. Just maybeā€¦I pushed the thought away for another time.

Right now, I was to meet Thoma out by the reception office. I made it to the desk where Qiqi was quickly scribbling notes down into her notebook, but my step faltered when I found that Thoma was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the waiting area was occupied by someone that I hadn't expected to see, Diluc.

He was leaned over, elbows on his knees and chin rested on his gloved fists. He hadn't noticed me enter, for his eyes were intently focused on the wall ahead of him. What was he thinking about?

"Diluc?"

He jolted from his thoughts and immediately stood. "Lumine, Iā€¦good. You're here."

"What happened to Thoma?" I scanned the area in hopes of finding something that signaled he'd be making a return, but it was just Diluc and me. And Qiqi. "He said he'd wait for me here."

"Ah, right, he was here when I first arrived. While waiting for you, a group responsible for restoration came by to drop off a few injured. They expressed that a great deal of additional assistance was needed, and Thoma didn't hesitate to offer his hand."

I smiled. "That sounds like him. So, what brings you here?"

"I came here to see you," he said. "You're done with treatment already? I trust that the injury wasn't too serious. There should be nothing to worry about, then."

"Barbara was exceptional as always. You just wanted to check in to see how I was doing? I never doubted that the infirmary would take care of me well. You could have gone with Thoma to help out."

"They'll be fine." He cleared his throat. "I know that it'sā€¦irrational for me to be so uneasy. The monsters were all taken care of, and recovery is going according to procedure. Everything is in order, but I couldn't rest easy. After spending so long in our search, after our brief encounter in the auditorium, I hadn't properly gotten the chance to confirm for myself if you were alright. Even standing in front of me, I can see that you are well. And yetā€¦"

"What is it?"

He let out a heavy sigh. "Forgive me if I am being too overbearing, but I would like to keep you within my sights. For just a moment, perhaps I could walk you to your next destination."

Did my well-being really weigh so heavily on his mind? After hearing his outburst upon first entering the auditorium, it was obvious to anyone listening that finding me was important. Though, I would have expected him to express the same amount of concern for any student. For him to still be worried even after the factā€¦he was more shaken than I thought.

"I don't mind." I shook my head. "Barbara took away the physical injury, but my body is still exhausted from all the running, fighting, and defending. I was thinking of going back to my room and sleeping it off."

"That sounds like a good idea." He nodded and held out his arm. It was positioned towards me. Did he want me to take it? The confusion on my face must have shown, and he quickly dropped the arm. "Sorry, I suppose a habit is developing. I'm sure you can walk well on your own. We should get going."

I couldn't help but smile at the gesture. "I don't knowā€¦I do feel awfully tired. Just standing on two feet is an enormous effort."

"I cannot tell if you're being serious with me, Lumine." He looked at me with a hint of doubt. "Do you need my support?"

I tucked my hand in his elbow. "C'mon, let's get going already."

"Sign out, please," Qiqi piped in.

Diluc had said that a restoration group was in the process of attending to the destruction, and I was surprised to see just how much clean-up had been done already. The clumps of dirt and clusters of rocks that had scattered the lawn were no more. The grass itself had been repairedā€”there wasn't a bald patch of dirt to be foundā€”and I assumed someone with a Dendro Vision was to thank for that.

As Diluc and I made our way to the student dorms, I watched as campus staff went about clearing rubble and repairing walls. Piles of monster loot were steadily being collected, and I thought of what use the Academy might have for them. More hilichurl dummies?

"I must say," Diluc spoke for the first time since we'd left the infirmary wing. "Based on what those underclassmen said about you rescuing them, you were quite reckless."

I nearly tripped. "What do you mean? Was I supposed to not help my classmates in need?"

"I'm sure a more qualified person would have made an appearance."

"Butā€”"

"Though, I cannot say for certain they would have made it in time," he finished. "You were reckless, yes, but you were also very brave. Jumping straight into a situation without knowing the full details, putting your life on the line with no certainty of success, what a naĆÆve strategy to have."

"It turned out well enough," I mumbled.

"This time. Hopefully, there won't be a next time. However, in the future, I ask that you know your limits. As an underclassman, there is still much that you have to learn. It is important for you to remember how your power compares to othersā€”whether they be your classmates or your enemies."

Xiao had said something similar about knowing my limits, something about it leading to self-destruction. It also wasn't the first time I was being told to think about the length of my power, or rather, how it falls short. Did Diluc also believe I couldn't hold my own because I didn't have a Vision? Was he escorting me now because he didn't trust me to handle a simple walk on my own? I dropped his arm.

"I'm doing fine as I am." I stopped walking and looked at him. "I don't need to be babysat. I don't need to be coddled. I performed just as well as I could during the raid, as well as some of those on the front lines, even. Celestia Academy accepted me because they saw my strength, and I continue to grow. Why can't you see that? Me not having a Vision doesn't devalue who I am."

Diluc frowned. "I never said that it did. Not once have I ever doubted you, Lumine. Just because you have my trust, that does not mean I will not worry. Even the strongest of fighters find themselves in an unlucky situation where they cannot winā€”Vision or no Vision. Truth be told, with the amount of ambition I've witnessed in our short time together, I'm surprised that you haven't been granted a Vision. Whatever the Higher Powers may be thinking, they've made a mistake by not recognizing you."

I hesitated. "Really?"

"Oftentimes, a Vision gives the mere illusion of power. I've seen Vision holders get carried away with the idea that because they were chosen, their existence matters more than that of a regular civilian. This is far from the truth. There is a responsibility that comes with power. With this gift, I must use it to fight for retribution. I know you would also do anything within your power to fight for what you believe is right."

"That's veryā€¦noble of you."

Diluc smiled ruefully. "Do not be fooled. I haven't always thought this way. Like you, I used to be rather reckless. Well, I suppose I still can be."

"Like when you were about to send that man to his grave," I recalled. "Back at the tavern."

"That can still be arranged." His eyes tightened. "If I ever catch sight of him again, I'llā€”"

"I get it." I laughed and resumed our walk. "I'm sorry for doubting you, Diluc."

"Nonsense," he walked by my side. "If you ever have any doubts, on any situation, you can always feel free to consult with me. I would be more than happy to easeā€”or validateā€”your concerns. Just say the word if you need anything."

Once more, Diluc held his arm out ever-so-slightly. I let him lead me the rest of the way.

We had reached the dorms sooner than I would have liked. Walking did wonders to take my mind off the conflict with Childe and lingering thoughts on the state of campus safety. As much as I believed I didn't need a protector of any kind, being with Diluc made me feel safer than I had all day. He insisted on walking me all the way to my room, and I would have suggested we walk for longer if I wasn't so tired.

"Before I leave," he cleared his throat as we stood outside my door. "I have to ask, did Barbara's healing help bring back the memory of the promise I made to you?"

"Ah," I racked my brain one last time. "No, sorry."

He shook his head and smiled softly. "I do not mind repeating it again. Perhaps this time, it will hold true. Lumine, I promise to be here for you. You have my word."

It was then, of course, my memory of that night resurfaced.

I wanted to die. The combination of the Pinkity Drinkity mixing with the effects of teleportation made me want to die ten times over. I stumbled down the teleport waypoint and nearly flopped into the fountain water. Diluc caught me by the waist with a grunt, and my head spun.

"It hurts," I complained.

"Where?"

I groaned in response. Talking was too hard.

The next thing I knew, I had made it to the bottom of the fountain. Solid ground was within reach, but it somehow floated before me. No, I was the one floating. No, Diluc was carrying me in his arms. He was steady. I was steady. At last.

"Where are we going?" I looked around once Diluc began to walk. My vision blurred, and my head started to throb. Seeing hurt too much. I decided to close my eyes and tuck my head closer to Diluc's chest. He was steady, but his heartbeat wasn't. Strange.

"I'm taking you back to your room." I felt the vibration of his voice rumble through his chest.

I opened my eyes to see that we were already in my room. Did I fall asleep in his arms? No, Diluc must be really fast. He set me down in my bed. The moonlight made him look so pretty.

"Pretty?" his lips parted in shock. "Well, that's a first."

I giggled. I yawned. "Goodnight, Diluc."

"Not yet. You need to remove your shoes."

I kicked at my feet in an attempt to pry the shoes off without using my hands. They didn't budge. How annoying.

He bent down and undid them himself. "Properly, now." Diluc was so gentle. He even set my shoes neatly together by the door. "Will you be alright by yourself?"

Will I be alright? Of course, I will. It's always been just me. Well, it used to be me and Aether. Aether said he would never leave. He said that we would stick together because we're family. Madame Ping was my family too, but both she and Aether weren't with me right now. Madame Ping won't be here for me forever. I knew that. I'll probably never see Aether again. Our worlds were separated the day he was taken from me. Will I be alright by myself?

"Hey," Diluc gently lifted my chin to see my face better. "Please, don't cry. Did I do something wrong?"

"You're going to leave me."

"For tonight. You need to sleep, Lumine."

"Please," I sniffled. "Stay with me." I couldn't really see Diluc anymore. He looked all wobbly and blurry in my eyes.

The shape of his body shifted forward before pausing. "I can't."

My spirit wilted, but I nodded in understanding. Diluc had his own life, of course. Surely, I could continue to figure things out on my own. Surely, I could find Aether one day. Surely, I couldā€¦I think I couldā€¦

Diluc took hold of my handā€”he had removed his gloves. I felt his skin. Rough and strong.

"It isā€¦probably not in my place to do so, but I promise to not leave your side. I do not mean this in the way you want at this moment. Trust that I will be here for you, Lumine. When you need me most. When I am able. I swear it."

Tender fingers wiped at my cheeks, and I could see clearly once more. Diluc was kneeling before me, scarlet eyes blazing like an inferno. His promise burned deep into my heart.

My eyes widened. "I remember."

"Do you?" Diluc took the same hand as he did that night. While he still wore his gloves, I felt the same connection as when our skin touched. "I am relieved. It is my hope that, from now on, you are able to remember all of the moments we share together."

"I will." I held his hand tighter. "Let that be my promise to you."

donna isn't the only one who can't stop thinking about diluc (ā„ ā„ā€¢ā„Ļ‰ā„ā€¢ā„ ā„)ā„