And thus we reached the climax of this short story people! I will try to put it my best effort, as it is the core scene that motivated me to do this in the first place. I'll have to be descriptive but I hope I throw in more dialog at least.

DISCLAIMER: This chapter will fully get into the sex and BDSM topics, along with implied slavery and auctioning. If the reader feels uncomfortable about it, feel free to step away from it.

Hope you like this last installment! Let's dive in!


Final Part

Dark. It was the first thing Jean noticed when she began to regain her consciousness. She felt her heavy eyelids beginning to open, and a mild pain at the back of her neck. What has just happened…?

She tried to move but felt that her arms were not responding. She then tried to move her legs and found they were not answering either. Was her body still trying to regain her strength? The woman felt it was unlikely, as she was sure she could at least feel them… She slowly began to realize there was something rough and tight around her arms and legs, a rope she guessed. Her arms were crossed behind her back, both of her wrists touching, and her legs were pinned together by the thick length of ropes. In the midst of her sleepiness, she tried to squirm to test how resistant the ropes were against any struggle, but hated to find the restrains were masterfully made and would not give her any budge or movement.

As her body slowly regained more consciousness, she found that the intricacies of the restrains were greater than she expected. There were ropes wrapping her torso, right above and below her chest, which she felt was puffing out slightly due to the ropes' pressure. Behind her, the ropes pinned her arms and wrists to her back, while the wrists were tied together as well. On her legs, she could feel that numerous rows of ropes were tying them together right above and below her knees as well as on her ankles. Whoever tied her up made extra sure she could not squirm too much, a fact she began to dread.

Jean took a deep breath and tried to assess her surroundings, regardless of how dark the room was. However, as soon as she tried to move her neck, she felt a tight knot of a cloth right behind her head. She realized then that the room was not dark, but that she was wearing a blindfold. The situation was more serious than Jean had predicted initially…

"Hmgh!" Jean tried to speak up to attract the attention of her abductor or abductors, but soon found there was a thick cloth stuffed into her mouth. There was also a cloth gently but firmly tied over her lips and cheeks, surely to prevent her from spitting the cloth out and scream.

Okay… These abductors have made their homework… Jean frustratingly admitted, she had been bested on her worse times and now she has been made a captive to whoever tried to take her. But as the Acting Grand Master of the Knight of Favonius, she needed to remain calm and assess her options. She knew she could not make use of her sword while restrained, assuming her abductors did not take it away. Speaking of which, she tried to call forth the power of the winds through her fingers, but nothing seemed to happen… They took my Vision too… Of course…

Jean groaned in annoyance, her options were rather limited without her weapon and vision, but she was not a woman that faltered on adversity. Being unable to move, see or speak, she tried to make use of her other senses to find any clue that could help her, like touch or hearing.

Okay, let's see… The place is awfully quiet, too quiet even. That would mean I am not outside, but rather somewhere inside a place… And I can relatively say I am currently alone, no one has come to talk to me nor noticed I am already awake, unless they are currently watching me from somewhere… Those cowards…

As from touch, she could feel that she was currently lying down on a soft place, like a bed or a mattress. At least her abductors were kind enough to not leave her on the cold floor… But why was she tied to a bed? Where was she? If only she could take away her blindfold and see.

However, she noticed something else that made her skin go stiff through panic and worry. Somehow, her abductors managed to undress her to her underwear, as she could only feel the soft touch of her bra and panties alongside the rough tightness of the ropes. Otherwise, the rest of her skin was plain in the open for the chilled atmosphere of the room. And to top it all off, she was now noticing an extra rope tied right across her lower lips, teasing it over her panties, making every struggle an annoying distraction.

"Mhmm! Hmmg!" Jean began to squirm more frantically. She was currently half naked, lying down on a bed and completely tied up in an inappropriate manner? This was not a simple abduction, she was afraid…

She cursed her mind and the rope between her legs for suddenly bringing up that damned book Lisa lent her a week ago. There was a scene that was exactly like this, and it was one of her favorites to rub even more salt to the wound. Jean tried to keep her sudden arousal in check, as this situation was far graver than that of the book. She feared that they might have kidnapped her in order to auction her or to abuse her, and she was not having any of those. Not tonight, not ever.

Jean resumed her frantic struggles and groans, trying her best to ease up the ropes as much as she could, while also trying to resist the constant teasing of the rope rubbing over her panties the more she struggled. She cursed again as she found that, no matter how much she struggled, her muscles were not moving an inch from her restrains, which in turn, were not easing up in the slightest. Jean began to panic, as there didn't seem to be a quick way out of this, but her resolve did not falter. She could not end like this! She was a Gunnhildr! She had a duty to uphold for all the people in Mondstadt that believes and counts on her!

As she tried to keep herself motivated, she heard the sound of a door opening gently in the room. The abductors were here! As such, she stopped and began to growl angrily at the possible newcomer or newcomers. She would usually demand answers about who they were or what did they want with her, but the gag inside her mouth told her it would be useless to try and speak.

Jean felt a single person coming her way over to the bed, shortly before a pair of gentle hands reached over behind her head and began to undo the knot on her blindfold. Jean did not move much, as she was actually looking forward to be out of the blindfold so she could get a good look at her captor. The moment the blindfold was off, she had to blink a few times to adjust her vision to the gentle light in the room.

She finally saw that she was inside a rather fancy room, a room she could bet she had seen before a few times… A quick glance to her left told her it was already dark outside, it could not have been much time since she was knocked out and until she woke up. But what shocked her the most was the sight of her… 'captor'?

It was a single person, and although he was currently not wearing his black coat and gloves, she could recognize that long red ponytail like a fire anywhere…

"Dghmf!" Jean exclaimed in surprise. Her eyes were suddenly gleaming with hope after seeing her former mentor before her, and she could bet her cheeks were blushing slightly under the cloth gag. He'd surely caught up with what was happening, followed her abductors to wherever they took her and dispatched them before coming to her rescue…! The thought alone was so romantic and dreamy that she could not help to wriggle her shoulders excitedly. To think that one of the popular tropes in romance was happing to her right now and with her long-time crush, she began to doubt if this was nothing but a feverish dream…

But then she noticed something odd. The look Diluc was giving her was rather… neutral, as if he was not particularly relieved or worried to find her like this. Moreover, it finally clicked in her mind that the place they were in actuality… was Diluc's private quarters at his private vineyard, at the outskirts of the city…! But if this was the case… does all of this mean that Diluc was actually the one who abducted her in the first place?

As the idea crossed Jean's mind, her hopeful look turned into one of complete confusion and meekness. Why in the world would Diluc snatch her away and undress her like this…? She could not stop her mind from running all kind of explanations, each one somehow related to the story in 'Slime's Embrace'. In a way, she felt like Johanna under the clutch of her young Master Dillan, and the sudden realization excited her and terrified her at the same time… Was Diluc actually… trying to have his way with her like this…? Jean's wriggles began to feel rather uncomfortable, as her eyes looked up to the red haired man with worry and anxiousness.

"I had hoped you'd be out of those by now". The unamused voice of Diluc snapped her out of her train of thoughts, and it was now Jean's turn to mumble in confusion. "You are the current Acting Grand Master, Jean. You should be ready at all times when a dire situation like this happens, so let this be a lesson to you".

Jean was a little uncomfortable by his tone. It didn't sound too malicious or too gentle, she could not get a good read on what was the man thinking. But judging from his words, this seemed to be a test?

"Now, resume your efforts. If you are not free by dawn I will release you". Diluc followed as he took a sit on a stool right beside the bed, which made Jean wriggle uncomfortable having him so close when she was so vulnerable and exposed.

Nevertheless, her knightly mind clicked as Diluc spoke up directly and commandingly, returning to her own diligent self. Thus, she tried to clear her mind from her current situation and focused now on her restrains, assessing their tightness more carefully. After some tugs, she confirmed that these restrains were made by someone pretty experienced at this, no loose end to be found. However, Jean was not discouraged by this, no matter how tight and unyielding these ropes are, she is determined to find a weak poi-!

Jean's train of thoughts was cut short as she felt a gentle touch over one of her breasts, which made her lose all of her focus. She quickly shifted her bewildered eyes to Diluc, wriggling her shoulders and mumbling in embarrassment and protest.

"You must be ready for these kind of distractions, foul people out there will exploit every weak point they can find to keep their captives in check". Diluc stated nonchalantly, as if the fact that he was groping Jean's breast was nothing important. "Remember your training, Jean. Focus. Concentrate on your task alone".

Jean blinked a few times at Diluc, unable to decide if she was feeling irritated, embarrassed or compliant. But the look in his eyes stayed neutral and purposeful, it was hard to imagine there was a hidden meaning behind his actions. As such, Jean nodded just as determined and closed her eyes to focus on her mission, trying her best to ignore the teasing on her chest.

This went on for several minutes, Jean kept giving sharp jerks to her arms and legs and groaning in frustration, trying to make the ropes budge. Meanwhile, Diluc kept fondling her former subordinate's breasts gently, squeezing every now and then to test her resolve. Although distracting, Jean felt she could manage the assault and focus on her task.

Or that would have been the case, until she felt Diluc's other hand tentatively reaching over her thighs and panties, massaging the sides of the rope between her legs, carefully close to her private place. The sudden touch made Jean jerk her back upwards and let out a surprised yelp.

"Focus Jean". Diluc's words resonated into her ears again. They were words of encouragement, she knew that, but the low and mellow tone he used this time only made it worse. She then let out a moan unconsciously, her knight mind already too overshadowed by her sudden burst of arousal.

"Mhm~! Mhm~!" Diluc kept teasing over her panties, believing that the jerks coming from Jean were escape attempts, failing to notice that the woman was actually reacting sensually to his touches. Few seconds shortly, she felt both of his hands retreating from her body, and she dared to open her eyes and look at him. She found he was looking at one of his fingers, frowning and confused.

Jean gasped internally, she had surely just wetted her panties by the arousal and Diluc noticed! This is a disaster! She grew wet right in front of the man she loves and in such a pathetic state! She has never felt her pride being hurt like this, and it was the biggest embarrassment she has ever felt. Diluc directed his gaze at her, but she was surprised to find a certain spark in his eyes. Although frowning and confused, he was now no longer looking distant or neutral… Jean wasn't able to determine what his eyes were telling her, but she could briefly notice some curiosity and realization…

In turn, when Diluc looked at Jean, he found that the woman was a blushing mess, and her eyes were brimming with embarrassment. But he could also notice her heavy breathing, a small trace of excitement in her eyes, and his unmissable wet finger. Although he felt it was inappropriate, he could not avoid the thought that Jean was looking very dangerously cute like this.

The next thing Jean knew was that the man had just lowered himself to her neck, and began to kiss it very slowly and gently. At the same time, his finger was still tracing the outline of Jean's vagina through her panties, this time with a certain delicacy and dexterity. At that point, Jean could hold herself no longer, she let out an involuntary moan as her mind went into frenzy. Diluc, the man she has been adoring and loving in secret for a few years but was unable to ever get this close to him, was sexually assaulting her. And despite the utter shame she was feeling right now, the sharp shivers running through her body told her she was loving the attention.

His hands, although big and rough, were exploring her body with incredible fineness. His right hand was currently teasing Jean's clitoris, his left was groping and squeezing her breasts gently, and his mouth was kissing her cheeks, neck and collar bone gently and deeply. All the while, Jean could not do much but squirm and moan uncontrollably.

This went on for several minutes, until the man finally decided to stop momentarily and look down to the eye to the woman. Jean was breathing heavily, her eyes fluttering with excitement as she looked up at him, the sight of his wide shoulders and deep gaze making her squirm submissively. Diluc blinked a few times, seemingly trying to say something, but instead brought his hands to the back of Jean's neck. She could feel the knot of the cloth gag getting loose and soon after, the man had ungagged her, putting both cloths aside.

"I-I… I'm really sorry Jean. I don't know what came over me". He tried to sound composed and collected, despite his small stuttering, which Jean found really cute.

"N-No… I-It's alright…" Jean responded softly, making some slight movements with her jaw to loosen up her cheek and mouth muscles.

"I-It's just that… You looked really cute and I could not resist…" Diluc stated almost as if guilty of his actions. However, Jean could not feel more elated on the inside. She embarrassingly looked away to the dark night through the window, trying to calm down her heavy breathing, her red cheeks and the throbbing heat around her pelvis. She has been having some wild dreams this last week about scenarios like this, but never would have she imagined it would ever come to be.

Her body language must have discouraged the man greatly, as she could hear him voicing up a very weak and saddened "I'm sorry…" In fact, Jean was delighted, this was just such a different and exciting experience from what she ever had or imagined to have and she loved it. It was even the perfect opportunity for her to confess her feelings! Perhaps this was the moment she has been waiting for her romantic dreams to come true!

However, the whirlwind of emotions was too great for the unexperienced Jean to handle, her embarrassment and anxiousness made her unable to find any suitable words when she opened her lips. She felt pretty bad because, to Diluc, this may seem as if she was deeply upset by the development, which was not the case at all.

Thus, she decided to quickly look back at him, still shy but more relaxed now, and to strike another topic of conversation. "S-So… W-What were we doing here…?"

"Excuse me?"

"I-I mean… Y-You said this was intended to be a lesson…" Jean took a quick gulp, trying to compose herself so she was not stumbling through her words. "I-I remember that we did this kind of training once, just so I could escape any criminal that resorted to taking hostages, right?"

"Indeed, it was a part of the training program". Diluc stated as he looked away, deep in thought.

"But right now it feels more… severe and i-improper… I-Is there any reason for it…?" Jean could feel the man's gaze getting grimmer and distant, which made her stop in her tracks and look at him in worry.

"I guess… it is due to fear". He answered sincerely as he returned her gaze. They were now looking at each other intently for several seconds, he to gather his thoughts and she to give him all the attention.

"During my time outside of Mondstadt, I was chasing after those wicked bastards who took away my father's life. All the clues pointed to the Fatui, and so I began a journey to find answers and revenge…" Diluc's gaze then shifted to the small flame in the single candle that lightened up the room, which was sitting over the nightstand beside the bed.

"I did many things I am not proud of to get to them, Jean… I interrogated, blackmailed, tortured and killed so many sympathizers and agents of that organization. I even had to face against a small brigade of the Abyss Order that they were cooperating with…" Jean suppressed a small gasp after hearing him. She knew the job as a Knight of Favonius sometimes entailed casualties when criminals were particularly relentless or dangerous, but it was always done as a last resort and done with no ceremony at all. To even think that the man she idolized and believed to be the finest example of chivalry and honor, could fall so low… However, Jean was not feeling disappointed in him, he pitied him. The loss of his father and the 'betrayal' of the Knights of Favonius had to have devastated him to no end for him to end up like this…

"At first… I grew cold to it. I learnt to close my heart and fight forward, because no one else would be willing to seek justice". Diluc's eyes took on a more sinister and evil look, still gazing at the flame. "But after witnessing what those loathsome people were capable of… I began to relish on their suffering".

Jean grew stiff at his words, it felt too out of place to see Diluc so sadistic and malicious… His gaze seemed to soften as he resumed his story. "I have seen both factions doing very terrible things. The Fatui have been conducting all sorts of experiments on poor lost souls, and the Abyss agents seem to be experts at making some important people disappear into their clutches, as its own name ironically implies…"

Jean lowered her gaze to find that Diluc was now clutching his fists very tightly. "You would never guess what atrocities they made had made to those poor people… Body modifications, will suppression, extreme labor… It made me sick…"

Diluc took a deep breath, Jean could feel that it was hard for him to remember all these episodes, and she could not blame him… It all sounded too terrible. "But as it usually happens, their women captives always got the short end of the stick… When they were not used for experimentation or labor, they were just used and discarded like toys, or sold off to who-knows-where, or locked up away for some twisted bastard's enjoyment…" Diluc spoke as if the words themselves were venom.

Jean let out a tiny gasp, looking at him with shock and terror. To think that those organizations were so rotten… She had no idea, and once she began to imagine it, her body went cold. How many people have met a dire end because of their fault…?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed now that Diluc had shifted his gaze to her, his eyes now showing the slightest tint of worry and fear. "So you can imagine how scared I was when I found you like this…"

"Huh…? W-Wait, what…?"

"You were already once ambushed by an Abyss mage some time ago, and I must thank the Traveler and Paimon for being there with you around then. But this time you were caught alone, and when I found you almost naked and tied up… D-Do you have any idea how terrified I was…?" Jean felt so terrible after hearing his voice breaking a little. "I could not stop myself from imagining you, under their clutches… Away from everyone and suffering a life of misery… I could not stand it".

Jean now noticed how fast her heart was beating, she was feeling nervous. This is the first time she has seen him so vulnerable, and when speaking with and about her no less. She could not help to imagine… if perhaps this meant something special?

"But luckily, I managed to rescue you from their hands, although I lost track of your attacker before I could finish him off… And that is why I decided to put you to the test, to help you learn escape and resist". Diluc took a few seconds, then spared a quick glance at the restrained woman before looking down a little guilty. "I'm deeply sorry, if I upset you with any of this".

Jean had to let out a shy and adorable giggle to liven up the sudden sullen mood. "I-It's fine, I know you did this with good intentions, and I always appreciate that Diluc". She tried to give him a reassuring smile, to show him that she was fine. "But really, there is no need to worry about me, I have the whole team backing me up should I need it. I know you do not trust the competence of the Knights of Favonius, and I understand it, but at least you can trust in me, in my own competence, in my own capabilities to make use of all of the things my master taught me". She remarked melancholically, but her smile never left her lips, she was going to make Diluc relax one way or another.

"I know, it's not… It's not that I do not trust you, Jean. No matter what I think of the Knights as an organization, I believe you are an amazing knight and leader. Ever since I returned and I came to know that you were guiding the knights for the time being, I realized the good you were doing". Jean was now blushing from the compliments. She already knew Diluc thought very highly of her, but to hear it firsthand was a delight for her. "It makes me proud, as your former mentor but…"

He grew silent after that, and Jean looked at him with expectancy. She wanted him to continue, to hold nothing back. Now that they had this moment, she wanted him to trust on her again, to give him an ear she could always talk with. She wanted to have what they once had…

Diluc noticed the blonde's eagerness, and so he let out a tired sigh before giving her the most devastated and worried looks she has ever seen on him. Diluc slowly reached his hand to her cheek, cupping it gently and looking at her in the eye. Jean gasped and returned a confused and hopeful gaze, but what he said next made her heart skip a beat in shock.

"I was afraid of losing you…" He answered directly, no doubt or hesitation. "When I found you tied up like this I-I… began to remember what happened four years ago. The day I lost my father, an important part of me died… but when the Knights of Favonius decided to conceal the incident as some kind of accident, it finished and buried it up. I knew the truth, my father used some kind of dark power, and its clues had led me to the Fatui".

Jean noticed his gaze was distant as he retold the tale. It was the first time she actually learnt the truth about what happened in that fateful night, but she also could see how painful it was for Diluc to speak about this. As such, she kept a polite silence as she listened intently, leaning slightly into his touch.

"I swore myself I would rid this world of their corrupted and despicable presence, even if it took me years… or even my own life". Something about how he said this last part did not sit well with Jean, but she had little time to protest before Diluc began to speak again. "Then you were the one being abducted, and I was ready to turn over every single stone in Teyvat until I found you". His suddenly aggressive but determined tone made Jean flutter her eyes slightly. He was speaking so honestly and truthfully, it made her feel so warm, she could not believe he meant this much to her, even after the many years they have been away from each other.

"W-What I'm trying to mean is… I did not want to lose anyone dear to me again. I-I would have never forgiven myself if any harm came to you, Jean…" His voice began to falter, as he gently pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes closed and his lips quivering and tense. Jean could feel tiny tears running down her cheeks.

It was then, that the woman forgot about everything, about her status, her duties and her responsibilities. For once, she decided to be just Jean, a woman who was madly in love. Thus, she took a leap of faith.

The next thing Diluc knew was that Jean had pressed her lips furiously against his, eyes closed as tears ran down her face. The man was caught in surprise, as he failed to return the gesture in time but did not jerk back either. It lasted mere three seconds, because when Jean pulled away from the kiss and looked up at him, with her eyes wet and brimming with sadness, he knew it was her turn to speak now.

"D-Do you remember…?" Were the first broken words the blonde knight said. "D-Do you remember the fun we had together…?"

Diluc had to look away slightly, unable to return the gaze due to the guilt. "I do".

"Y-You were very friendly and caring, d-despite it not being the proper way to act with your subordinate. W-We went to the lake together sometimes, we sparred at Stormbearer Mountains until I-I could not lift my arm anymore, I-I made lunch for both of us so many times I-I lost count at one point…" Jean told him with a broken voice as she recollected the blissful moments of their friendship. However, Diluc found it hard to return her gaze still, looking down as he frowned.

"I-I still remember with happiness that night you took me to Windrise during the Windblume Festival… D-Do you remember that?" Jean let out a single giggle through her gentle sobbing, and she could swear she noticed the faintest of smiles creeping through the man's lips.

"Of course I do, that night there were a lot of fireflies and I wanted to show them to you on your favorite spot…"

"T-Then, do you remember what you promised to me that night…? W-When we were lying down under the tree, looking up at the dark sky lighted up by the fireflies…?"

It was then that Diluc finally decided to look up. He seemed hesitant and confused at first, but Jean was relieved to know he still remembered. "I-I… I promised you I would take you to the Lantern Rite in Liyue that same year." Jean followed with a gentle nod and a sweet smile.

"I-It always made me so happy, whenever we did things together. I-It felt special, intimate… Y-You don't realize how you made me feel back then Diluc". Diluc widened his eyes. It was obvious to Jean now that there was no turning back from this, so she decided to throw away any kind of shyness or reserve and push forward. "I-It is… r-rather unfortunate what happened months after that promise". Jean offered a weak and sad smile, as her tears became much heavier. Diluc looked down in acknowledgement, that promise was made shortly before Crepus's death.

"W-When I woke up that day, I went straight to the training grounds, j-just like you always told me to do… I-I waited and waited, but you never showed up. I-I asked around if anyone had seen you, but one some knights filled me in with the news… D-Do you have any idea how worried I was about you…?"

Diluc turned his neck, a pained expression in his face as he listened to the hurt and accusatory tone of the bound woman. "I-I spent weeks visiting your family vineyard, hoping that one day y-your staff could tell me you were back…" Jean took a second to sniff and collect her thoughts. "Y-You were important to me Diluc, I-I wanted to be there for you, to offer a s-shoulder to cry on, to make you understand I-I was your friend… B-But you left me alone, y-you didn't tell me a word about it! I-I felt… s-so frustrated and powerless. Y-You didn't let me be there when you needed it". Jean's body was trembling now, her sadness made her sniff and sob through her speech, and Diluc found it even harder to look at her.

Jean tried to rest her head on the pillow, taking deep breaths. "I-I missed you, you know…? Oh, so I missed you". Although she was not looking, Diluc was twiddling with his thumbs. "C-Can you imagine how I felt when you came back? I-It was… such a bittersweet day for me… I-I was happy that you were back again in Mondstadt but, a-after seeing how you had become after so many years of suffering… I-I was afraid too, a-afraid that I had lost you as well…"

Diluc suddenly looked up to finally return Jean's gaze, whose eyes were red and puffy from the sobbing. He looked as if he realized the turmoil he had put Jean and so many people that cared about him when he left off unannounced. "I-I know… w-we can no longer go back to what we once had. B-But I do want you to know, t-that I will not forgive you if you leave me behind again… I-I…" Jean brazed herself, she was ready to deliver the final punch but she needed a quick second to compose.

"I-I love you… S-So please, do not leave me again…" Jean confessed as her sobs became more elaborated. She even closed her eyes to let the tears flow out of her eyelids.

Then, she felt the man's hand gently reaching up to caress her cheek, his fingers rubbing her blonde hair lovingly. "I-I… I-I love you too Jean… I-I promise, I will never let you down ever again, you can have my word on that". Jean pressed her lips in happiness. Hearing Diluc saying that he shared the same feelings made her feel relieved. She could feel a tight pressure in her chest begin to loose and relax, a pressure she was not aware was there during the whole conversation.

All she needed to know now was that, for once in this week, everything seemed to fit into place perfectly. She was yet to consider how she would take her relationship with her former captain and how her colleagues would take the news, but tonight, that was a matter of no concern. "D-Do you mean it?"

For the very first time since he came back, Jean finally saw the man smile. It was a weak one, but to Jean, it was the most beautiful smile in the world "I mean it". And with that, Diluc finally reached forward to kiss the woman he loved intently. It was not an intense or aggressive kiss like before, it was deep and gentle, the kind of kiss that meant so many things at once.

It was not clear for any of them which were they referring to with her question and his answer. But it did not matter, because, somehow, they already knew their answers would be the same anyway.

Jean felt Diluc's fingers reaching behind her neck, pulling her closer into the kiss as they got more excited and lively. The man even climbed on the bed and straddled carefully against Jean's body, careful not to drop all his weigh on her. It was then that Jean felt how pinned her arms and legs were at the moment, as the ropes still clung to her body tightly. It frustrated her that she could not hug him and indulge herself. But at the same time, it excited her to know that she was completely helpless against anything the man wished to do to her.

After several minutes of passionate making out, Diluc pulled away to look down at Jean, who was blushing madly and panting hopelessly. He let out a gentle chuckled and rubbed her face with his thumb lovingly. Diluc also rested his forehead against hers, both closing their eyes as the shared this intimate moment in silence.

"I'm sorry…" Jean opened her eyes tentatively in confusion. "I should have known that my sudden departure was going to hurt you so greatly… I should have taken better care of you…" Diluc apologized from the bottom of his heart, still rubbing her face and with his eyes closed.

Jean smiled tenderly and pressed her lips against his forehead. "Don't beat yourself up, I understand how you were feeling back then…" Diluc opened his eyes as well, both lovers looking into each other's eyes as they kept their foreheads pressed together. "Besides, you have now plenty of time and opportunities to take care of me… R-Right…?" She decided to ask boldly, the implications of that question very clear to the red haired man before her.

As expected, Diluc let out an amused chuckle. Jean noticed there was a warm feeling reflecting into his fiery red eyes. "Of course I will". He answered with a soft and confident tone, and Jean knew he was honest. This was really happening, her romance fantasies have come into fruition and she finally had the courage to confess. She closed her eyes again, and they both fell silent again. But it was perfect for both of them.

Oh, how Jean wished this moment could last forever…

"Hey…" The woman decided to speak up after a few seconds. "You said that you found me tied up before. Does it mean… you were not the one who attacked me?"

"No, I found you behind some trees at Cape Oath. I also saw someone running away but they avoided me masterfully. I would have followed them but I was not going to leave you behind".

Jean remembered he said that, but that brought up so many questions. Who was her attacker? Why did they strip her? And what was Diluc going to discuss with her in the first place? She frowned and looked away deep in thought.

"But Jean, what in the world were you doing there all alone?"

Jean looked at him in shock, clear confusion in her eyes. "Y-You asked for me to join you there in a note, remember…?"

Diluc frowned just as confused, what in the world was going on here? "What? No, I came looking for you!" Jean blinked a few times, was the note a trap all along then? Diluc took a few seconds before elaborating. "Lisa came into the bar almost at night, when I was about to close. She looked very anxious and distressed, she told me you were in danger and that a pair of Abyss mages had ambushed and took you hostage to Cape Oath. That is why I came to the place as fast as I could!"

Jean seemed to stumble over her words, none of this made any sense. "B-But wait, you left me a note with your documents! Kaeya gave them to me an-". Jean stopped herself. Her mind had finally clicked at what had actually transpired. It made so much sense for them to plot something like this that she had to groan annoyed and jerk her head backwards.

Diluc looked at the woman in surprise. "W-What is it?"

"Kaeya and Lisa. Of course". Jean mumbled in annoyance before looking again at Diluc. "They set us up, it was all their doing… Kaeya lured me away and tied me up while Lisa guided you to me so you could find me like this…" Jean was cursing them both under her breath, they were going to face such a terrible punishment that it would make Klee's solitary confinement seem like a joke.

However, Jean had to admit that it worked out for the best, despite how embarrassing this all was to her.

Diluc clicked his tongue at the mention of their names, especially Kaeya's. "So reckless, they could have put you in danger because of this".

"N-No I don't think they'd let that happen. You said that there was someone else with me as I laid tied up and unconscious remember? That must have been Kaeya running away as his part of the plan was accomplished". Diluc simply hummed grumpily.

"But even so, why did they do it like this? Why stripping and tying you up if they wanted to set us up? I'd understand an alone appointment, a dinner, but why make this damsel in distress farce?"

Jean looked away, already getting a pretty good idea as to why would they do it like this. "W-Well… I-I think that is my fault…"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"R-Remember what you asked me at the bar? A-About what book was I currently reading?"

Diluc nodded.

"W-Well… L-Let me fill you in…" Jean then told him the plot of the story, including the core elements of bondage and master-submissive relationship that motivated this development. Jean was squirming through her tale, feeling as if she was showing something very private. Diluc kept quiet and attentive throughout the story.

"So, you became a little obsessed with the book and your friends decided to force you to do something about it, correct?"

Jean nodded shyly.

"Was that the reason for your strange behavior earlier?"

"Y-Yes… I-I could not help to imagine us j-just like we are now". Jean blushed deeper, even if she was not completely naked, she felt as if it was the case. She felt Diluc fingers gently pulling up her chin to make her look at him. Jean stood still and tense, looking docile despite her eyes brimming with excitement.

"Do I have to understand that you are enjoying this?" Diluc asked tentatively. She could feel that he was excited as well, but he was also being cautious about it so she was not freaking out. Jean smiled timidly.

"I-I… I-I do. A-After being in charge of so many people, bearing so many r-responsibilities and taking care of s-so many things for these past years… T-To finally feel as if hold no power, that someone else has to take care of me. I-It feels reassuring, comforting and exciting… in some strange way~". Jean let her mind speak freely, finally understanding what her feelings were. After all, just for tonight, she wanted to indulge herself in being just a woman, might as well go all the way.

What she did not expect was for Diluc to let out such a charming and mischievous smile. "I see~".

Jean remembered at that moment the position they were in. He was on top of her, fully clothed and a hand holding her chin gently, while she was below, almost naked and tied up, with no means of escape. She felt the heat on her lower body rising again.

"Then, allow me to help you relieving yourself. I did promise you, is that correct?" Jean felt his finger rubbing her chin again. This time however, it was slightly different. His touch were not meant to show worry, but to tease and arouse her, as she felt her whole body shivering.

"Y-Yes… B-But D-Diluc, w-why a-are you acting like this n-".

"Shhh". Diluc had gently put a finger over Jean's lips. The woman looked at him wide eyed, the vibes he was giving off were so different to what he was usually like. His eyes seemed hungry and predatory, despite his face seeming calm and collected. His body looked bigger and more robust, and his arms seemed burlier and stronger. "For tonight, you are to refer me as 'Master', am I clear?" His voice was deep and commanding, and Jean felt her pussy clenching slightly.

She finally nodded submissively, feeling already too horny to reason or feel ashamed. "Y-Yes M-Master~". Diluc lowered himself to her face, and once again, they were passionately making out, this time with a certain hunger or longing for each other's love. At the same time, Jean felt how his hands were exploring her body as he kissed her, which made her let out small and cute moans. This seemed to excite the man, as he got more intense on his assault. It was not long until he began to trace down her neck with small kisses, slowly reaching down to her breasts. Jean had to bite her lip gently to keep herself in control.

He felt how he was pulling the cloth out of the way, revealing her perky nipples below the bra. Diluc wasted no second into licking them and sucking them gently. Jean's moans got a little louder. "A-Ah~! M-Master, please…! T-Those are sensitive-ah~!" The woman squirmed under his touch, although unable to move or push him away.

Diluc did not pay her any attention as he continued to smother her breasts, while his other hand teased her pussy delicately. He was enjoying her cute moans too much to stop.

This went on for several minutes until Diluc finally stood up from the bed, leaving a blushing and panting Jean looking at him in confusion and frustration, why did he had to stop when it was feeling so good…?

Soon she found that the man began to untie her legs. Although confused, she appreciated how her legs were not feeling too constricted anymore. But then she noticed he was pulling her panties down her legs. Jean bit her lips again as another excited moan escaped her throat. She knew what he was planning to do now, and she was ready to welcome him, so she did not wriggle too much as the man undressed her fully.

"Good girl". He spoke up again, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

As he finished undressing her, he then proceeded to tie her legs to each side of the bed, making Jean opening up her holy place right in front of him to her own embarrassment. "U-Um… I-I know it's too late to say this b-but… I-I'd like not to take too much time, I-I have a lot of paperwork tomorrow an-".

"Jean". His deep voice prompted her to stop and listen. She hated how she secretly loved how imposing he looked. "You talk too much". As he said that, she noticed he had picked up both cloths that were gagging her. She gulped, understanding what he wanted and opened up her lips.

"Good girl~". Diluc praised her again as he pressed the balled up cloth into her mouth and then tied up the other cloth around her cheeks. He then brushed her hair gently, looking into her eyes deeply. "You are not going anywhere tomorrow". He stated bluntly.

"Whgh…?" Jean looked at him in confusion, was he really going to keep her like this…? Jean was not sure, if the thought scared her or excited her even more.

"Your friends had made this for you without your consent. I know you said this was due to your little 'fantasy' recently, but I have a feeling that it also has to do with your overworking tendencies". He stated mischievously, almost as if he was scolding her. "Have you been working too much recently again Jean?"

The woman was now looking away in guilt. There was not much she could say to defend herself, and she was unable to speak at the moment anyway, so the situation was rather damning to her case. Her expression told Diluc the answer right away, which prompted him to chuckle and kiss her forehead tenderly. "I knew it. That is why I decided you are going to rest here for tomorrow or even the whole weekend. You can return to your duties after that, I promise. Besides, I did say I was going to take care of you, did I not?"

Jean had to nod resigned. It was not like she could do much to resist, and she knew he was right: She needed a rest immediately. After giving in some more thought, she realized that being smothered by her lover like this for a few days did not sound like a bad plan at all. And so, she nodded in agreement.

"Good girl~". He stated for the third time, giving her another kiss on the forehead. "Good girls deserve a reward~". She could hear him unclipping his plants, and soon, she stared with wide eyes at his penis. She felt him positioning himself between her legs, his member prodding and teasing her own.

Jean already found herself panting desperately. She wanted him, and she wanted him now. She has been holding back for many years, and now that she was here and now, she wanted to give in to her own desires. It was ironic, she said to herself, how when she was at her most physically restricted and trapped, she felt the most free she has ever been in her life.

It all came to a stop as she finally noticed that Diluc was looking down at her with a certain look of worry and hesitance. "Jean… Are you really sure you want this? That you want me?" Jean would have smiled tenderly if she was not gagged. He looked so sweet and meek as he asked, and she appreciated his concerns for her opinion. But there was no way in hell she was going to regret any of this. So she nodded, as a gentle giggle escaped her gagged lips.

This seemed to appease him, as his eyes relaxed and brought his attention to his own member. He began to insert it very slowly into Jean's pussy, who began to squirm and moan. Diluc noticed how tight she was, so he was careful at first in order to avoid hurting her.

After seeing that she had calmed down and steadied her breathing, he decided to push it a little bit further. "I will move now, okay Jean?" The woman answered with a weak nod.

Diluc then began to move his hips back and forth very gently, checking Jean's reaction at all times. Meanwhile, Jean was moaning and breathing deep, as the pain soon turned into small jolts of pleasure that made her legs and pelvis clench. Shortly after, Diluc picked up the pace as he felt her getting a little looser. "Oh Jean, how I've missed you". He said between small pants.

Jean moaned happily below him, feeling more comfortable and in bliss as he treated her carefully.

I've missed you too… Diluc~.


After several minutes of love making session, they were finally under the blankets, spent and exhausted but lovingly cuddling together. Jean was finally out of her ropes, enjoying some freedom and ease on her limbs. She noticed the marks the ropes made on her body and gave thanks that Diluc was going to keep her away from her post for a while, it will be embarrassing to explain those at the Knights of Favonius quarters. Her hair was down, as she had taken off her ribbon and put it away with the rest of her clothes. She was hugging against Diluc's body, her head resting over his arm as she traced his torso with a curious finger.

On his part, Diluc was also out of his clothes, looking up to the ceiling deep in thought as his arm cradled the woman close to him. Jean noticed his troubled expression. "Is everything okay?"

Diluc took a few seconds before responding. "Yes, it's alright. I was just wondering… where we were going from here".

Jean looked at him with fear. "D-Do you mean… y-you regret doing this…?"

Diluc quickly shifted his posture so he was embracing the woman completely. "No, of course not! I just mean that… Before I only had Mondstadt and my father's memory to keep me going. Now, I have something else that is worth to fight for". He said as he brushed her hair lovingly once again. "I was just worried about you, that's all".

Jean let out an amused giggle. "Don't forget silly, we are both fighters, and I learnt from the best~. Besides, you promised to take care of me, right? I know I can count on you to keep me safe. But at the same time, I also want you to trust me, and let me keep you safe as well, okay~?"

Diluc smiled dearly at her. "You've grown into such a fine woman, of course I know you are strong enough". He then used his other hand to grab Jean's intertwining their fingers together lovingly. "Okay, we will protect each other, from now on, and no matter what happens I will not leave you behind again, that's a promise".

Jean smiled at him, perhaps the most genuine and blissful smile she had during the entire night, or even the past few years. She gently leaned and pressed her head against his chest. "I love you, my Darknight Hero~".

Diluc let out a chuckle at his nickname, despite how he disliked it, and tenderly pressed his hand against her head. "And I love you too, my Dandelion Knight~".

FIN


And that's a wrap! Boy, what a trip!

Gotta say tho, I'm not sure if I am satisfied with the end result. I feel as if the characters were not fleshed out as I would have wanted to, and I think my approach as a semi-omniscient narrator is to blame. Well, notes taken for the next time, but feel free to give some criticism about it too!

In any case, I hope you enjoyed it! If you've reached this point, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope you a good read and a good day!

Feel free to leave a review if you liked it! I love seeing your opinions and thoughts on this matter!

See you all next story! ;)