Chapter Twenty-Eight: Epilogue
Kaeya slipped inside Angel's Share, doing his best to avoid attracting attention. He wasn't there for gossip this evening, but the mild chaos of chatter, laughter, and banter of the tavern washed over him comfortingly. Venti's cheerful chirps of song could barely be heard above the usual amiable noise, and Kaeya spotted Sister Rosaria's dark veil at a table next to Eula Lawrence's fair blue hair. But he wasn't here for any of them, either.
His eye darted to the familiar high crimson ponytail of the man behind the bar, and something inside him relaxed. My intel must've been wrong. He's only just recovered. Of course he wasn't…
Diluc's gaze flicked up to him, and his usual stern expression eased slightly. He nodded to Kaeya without pausing his work. "One Dandelion Wine, coming right up," he said to the customer in front of him. He turned away to select a glass.
The Cavalry Captain sauntered to the bar and slid onto one of the high stools. "Bartender, a Sparkling Cider, if you please." He spun a Mora coin along the counter.
Expertly Diluc's gloved hand landed on the coin without looking. "I'll be with you in a moment." He finished serving the Adventurer in front of him and waited for the man to leave, then turned to Kaeya with his brow raised. "I presume you brought your own glass?" He flicked the Mora back at Kaeya. "And I believe this one is on the house."
Silently the knight flipped the coin into his pocket and passed over his antique Sumeran goblet, his lips curving up for an instant at the sight of his brother's gift. As Diluc accepted the cup and turned to fill it, the redhead asked over his shoulder, "Not up for your usual Death After Noon tonight?"
"Not when my intel suggests you're about to go out on a Fatui hunting spree again, no." Kaeya tapped his fingers against the counter, smirking.
Diluc responded with a quiet, "Hmph."
"What's this? Not denying it?" Kaeya gasped in exaggerated shock.
Setting the goblet on the counter and sliding it to his brother, Diluc gave him a flat look. "I take you with me most of the time. Denying it would be a waste of both our time." Diluc waited until Kaeya raised his cup to his lips before continuing blandly, "Besides, your intel is faulty this time."
Kaeya blinked at the unexpected sparkle of mischief in Diluc's crimson eyes. Carefully he set his cup down without taking a sip. "Diluc," he said pleasantly, "You didn't go out and tackle a Fatui camp on your own, while still recovering from injuries… did you?"
His brother smirked, giving away his answer despite not saying a word. Kaeya groaned and rubbed his forehead. "You did. Diluc, I thought we'd discussed this. You can't just—"
Diluc interrupted him. "Not here." He lifted his chin pointedly towards the stairs in the corner of the tavern. "My shift ends in a few minutes. I'll meet you up there." He turned away, using the edge of his spotless white apron to scrub at a sticky spot on the counter.
Huffing, Kaeya stood, taking his cup with him. He sipped at his sweet beverage, letting his gaze drift across the busy tavern. "All right, I can see your point." Then he halted, his eye narrowing.
At a table next to the stairs sat a man and a woman. They were unremarkable aside from the woman's vivid green hair, caught up in a pretty ponytail. Both of them had mugs of tea in front of them, but while the steam had long since dissipated, Kaeya could still glimpse the beverage nearly filling the cups. The pair was discreet, but never once did they let anything distract them from keeping an eye on a certain flame-haired individual. Kaeya's grip tightened on the stem of his goblet. "Diluc," he said in his same easygoing tone. He must not have quite curbed the edge of danger in his voice, however, as Diluc looked up and eyed him sharply. "Did you know you have a pair of stalkers?"
To his surprise, Diluc relaxed with a tiny snort. "Oh, I know. I'll explain in a few minutes. Go on. Upstairs."
Reluctant to leave his brother under such close scrutiny, Kaeya didn't move until Diluc finally lost his patience and snapped a rolled-up towel at him. The tall Cryo user wrinkled his nose indignantly, but consented to obey.
He sauntered towards the stairs, slowing as he neared the suspicious pair. The stranger lifted golden-brown eyes to his and smiled. Silently he gripped the brim of his hat with two fingers, offering a silent salute.
Baffled, Kaeya managed to give a nod in return before ascending the stairs to the tavern's second floor. Who are they? He acted like he knew me, but he isn't even remotely familiar. He reached the top of the stairs. Glancing over the seating options in the nearly-deserted loft, he spotted a familiar figure at a table in the farthest corner. His eyebrows shot up, a pleased smile creeping across his face.
"Jean? Why, what brings you here tonight, hm? This isn't really your scene, you know." He dropped onto the bench across from her, startling his Acting Grand Master.
"Kaeya! It's good to see you again. Ever since you disappeared into your office last week with that backlog of paperwork, I feel like I haven't caught a glimpse of you." Jean smiled at him, her usual businesslike demeaner softened. A mug of hot coffee nestled between her fingers, steaming gently. "How is your arm doing?"
Kaeya flexed his arm dramatically. "As good as new, thanks to your sister! She does a marvelous patch-up job, I must admit."
"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried that you might've sustained some worse damage after fighting with a broken arm."
"Come now, you know me. Would I let a little thing like a broken arm slow me down?" Kaeya smirked at his superior officer and lifted his cup in a mocking salute.
Shaking her head with a tiny laugh, Jean admitted, "Certainly not the Kaeya I know."
Diluc joined the pair just then, setting his own glass on the table and pulling out a chair for himself. The knights fell silent, watching him expectantly. Kaeya leaned back and rested his arm along the top of the bench rest, raising a brow in silent query. Jean laced her fingers together in front of her on the table, waiting. Diluc took a sip at a maddeningly slow pace, his eyes meeting Kaeya's with mischief lurking in their depths.
Kaeya lost his patience. "All right, who are they? Come now, Diluc. You wouldn't leave us in such suspense, would you?"
"You mean the two stalkers downstairs? I saw them too, but Diluc wouldn't tell me who they are." Jean crossed her arms, frowning.
Diluc set his cup down, smirking. Finally he responded, only after he had thoroughly enjoyed their twin frowns of annoyance. "I'm actually glad you don't know. It means that it worked."
"What worked? Diluc, if you don't start explaining, I'll—"
"Report me to the knights?" Diluc finished, daring Jean with a raised brow. He chuckled slightly. "Calm down. That's Pieter and his sister downstairs."
Jean blinked, looking confused. But Kaeya's mouth fell open. For once, he was completely silenced. Diluc's smirk grew. "Hm, I don't think I've ever seen you so surprised. What an enjoyably novel experience."
"That's Pieter?!" Kaeya finally managed to ask. "But he's a Fatui Pyroslinger! His face was covered in bandages!"
Suddenly serious, Diluc leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "I know. I had to pull a few strings, but I was able to get some help from a friend of Lisa's. You know… the friend that helped with Collei."
Kaeya nodded slowly. "You got the General Mahamatra to assist a Fatui? Well, color me impressed, dear brother." He raised his cup with a hint of appreciation in his eye.
"It's quite possible I owe Pieter your life. I will do everything I can to repay that debt." Diluc shrugged matter-of-factly. "Asking Mahamatra Cyno to seal his… Fatui-induced state was the least I could do."
Jean interjected, "Pieter… that's the Fatui who helped you escape, right?" At Diluc's nod, she tilted her head pensively. "I would like to thank him for his part in your rescue, if possible." She glanced at the stairs, but didn't make a move to leave just yet.
Kaeya paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Wait… if Pieter's here… what happened to the rest of the team?"
The tall redhead became very absorbed in his sparkling grape juice. "It's… possible that… the entire team was completely and gruesomely decimated by the Phoenix rather recently."
Jean shot out of her chair. "I knew it! I knew it! You were out fighting Fatui while injured! Diluc! We talked about this!" She waved an accusing finger in Diluc's face, although the former knight was completely unfazed.
"I know," Kaeya joined in, eye twinkling. "He went joyriding without me! Argh, you cut me to the quick!" He crossed his arms, only half-teasing.
Diluc met his eye. "I owed Pieter his freedom, Sven a job, and Vlad some retribution." His jaw locked as his gaze landed on Kaeya's cheek, although the bruise had long since faded.
Kaeya chuckled. "Oh, Diluc. What am I going to do with you, hm?" He shook his head fondly.
Jean was still scowling. "This is no laughing matter! You could've been killed or seriously injured, again! We only just got you back!"
"I was fine. Barbara cleared me for normal activities well over two weeks ago."
"Yeah, normal activities for a winery owner! NOT a vigilante!" Jean sat down hard, crossing her arms without easing up on her glare.
Shrugging, Diluc said flatly, "I've gone on missions in worse condition. Besides, I wasn't going to risk letting Vlad get the upper hand. I waited until I knew I was ready to take him on." A trace of fire flickered around his clenched fists for the barest instant. "He won't be bothering anyone again, least of all my brother." His dark tone promised that he spoke nothing less than the truth.
Kaeya deemed it wise to step in. "You said you got Sven a job?" He picked up his Sparkling Cider again and sipped it, humming in appreciation at the chilled beverage.
To his satisfaction, his comment broke Diluc from his dangerous anger. The lean redhead relaxed, losing his habitual glare as he responded. "I did. He's been hired at the Cat's Tail, on a probationary status. But I think Diona is rather pleased with him, since he seems completely apathetic towards alcohol and dotes on the cats with every fiber of his being." Diluc leaned back and crossed his own arms, looking quite pleased with himself.
Kaeya couldn't help but agree. "That's actually perfect. And the two downstairs?"
There was a pause. Kaeya's eye lit with interest. "Do I sense a disgruntled edge to your silence?"
Diluc snorted and looked away. "They've apparently assigned themselves as my personal bodyguards until I've fully healed from Stormterror's Lair. I can hardly walk down the street without tripping over either Pieter or his sister."
Kaeya's shout of laughter echoed across the weathered beams. "Hah! All right, I think you've been repaid for leaving me behind on your ridiculous escapade. However! Don't think you'll get away with it again." He waved a stern finger at his unrepentant brother. "I haven't quite forgiven you for that spot of recklessness." Jean nodded beside him, backing up his reprimand.
"Maybe this will help." Diluc reached into his coat and drew out a small piece of paper that he flicked at Kaeya. He handed another one to Jean, who inspected it closely.
The knight caught the paper and flipped it over, reading the small words etched across the creamy surface: Komaniya Express, One-Week Delivery Upgrade. You are now a Komaniya Primos Member! Thank you for choosing our company!
He looked up at Diluc. "You bought us Primos Memberships for Komaniya Express?"
Diluc nodded. "I thought it was the least we could in thanks for Miss Kirara's help. I've left her a five-star review, and I'm sure she would be deeply gratified if you would do the same."
Tucking the card away in his jacket, Kaeya smiled. "It would be my pleasure."
"Mine as well. I was very impressed with her when I met Miss Kirara while searching for you, and her help was invaluable." Jean was already reaching for a sheaf of paper to pen a review.
Diluc finished his sparkling grape juice, then rose to his feet. "I should head out. I'm planning on doing a sweep to along the edge of the Stormbearer Mountains this evening." He paused. Adjusting his gloves without looking at the knights, he idly added, "Would either of you perhaps be interested in accompanying me?"
Kaeya took a final sip of his own drink. "Of course, brother. I wouldn't have it any other away." He rose and strode by Diluc, nudging his shoulder. "But what about your bodyguards?"
A smile cracked Diluc's solemn expression. "There happens to be a door to the upper porch over there. It's remarkably easy to drop down into the alley from there."
As Kaeya broke out laughing, Jean bit her lip dubiously, tapping her fingers on the already-completed review. "This doesn't feel very…"
"Knightly?" Diluc finished her sentence dryly. "It's not. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your brief descent into unknightly activities. Besides, it's for the protection of Mondstadt. I can't imagine you turning that down."
"Come on, Jean! I didn't know you were such a… slacker." Kaeya's star-blessed eye lit with laughter at her.
Convinced at last, Jean pushed her bench back and joined them with a sigh. Diluc reached down and lifted the knight's pen and paper, scribbling a rough note before dropping it onto the table. "I'll leave this for them. That way they know you two are with me and won't raise a ridiculous ruckus about my absence. Come on."
Smirking, Kaeya followed him with Jean at his side. "What's the hurry?"
Diluc tossed his retort over his shoulder, "The hurry is that I'd like to spend an evening with my brother and my best friend, without my well-meaning but stifling stalkers. Is that acceptable?"
"Oh, exceedingly. Lead on, Catluc!"
Diluc's sputters of shock and annoyance mingled with Jean and Kaeya's laughter as the three friends departed into the night.
Author's note: Well, this was certainly a fun story to write! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. As always, reviews encourage authors greatly, and I'm no exception. Thanks for reading, and God bless!
~NightFuriesForever