Some characters may be OOC. Kaeya and Diluc never grew apart and what happened between them hasn't happened... Maybe it will, maybe it won't. Ehe~ Anyways, this is going to have quite a bit of angst and a lot of issues. In this chapter there is a trigger warning for the following: Self-Harm, Attempted Suicide, and signs of Anorexia and Bulimia.
For context: Ajax/ Childe has DID.
A young boy with soft caramel skin and long blue hair with a white streak in it slumped into the passengers side of his brother's Tesla that was already started despite his crimson-haired fair-skinned brother not in the car yet. He sighed looking out the window and putting his legs up on the dash while he waited. He just wanted the day to be over already. He didn't want to have to deal with any of the Lawrence's in his class today, except Eula. She was the only cool one. He plugged his headphones into his phone and pulled the hood of his worn bluish-grey sweatshirt. He felt his brother pushing his legs off of the dash as he got into the car. Kaeya then crossed his arms and fully diverted his attention to outside the window. He watched as the sky became dreary and started to rain. His brother tapped his shoulder trying to catch his attention. Kaeya took one of his earbuds out and paused his music. "What is it, my dear brother, Diluc?". Diluc spared his little brother a glance as he said "I was asking if you are planning to stay after school?" Kaeya looked up to Diluc and shook his head "No, I'm not really interested in going to drama". Kaeya was tempted to add anymore to the sentence but that would only make Diluc grill into him for answers. They pulled up to their school Teyvat Academy. "After school, I am assisting Jean with her duties. Please let me know if you end up with a ride home, or if you will still need one. If you need one, go to the library and wait for me there, or maybe go see the drama department." Diluc said before splitting away from Kaeya and heading towards his homeroom. "Oh, and no that does not mean to walk home if it's still raining." The redhead called out to the blue-haired boy. Kaeya began to walk towards his homeroom as well and sat in his assigned seat turning his music's volume all the way up until it blasted out the sounds of his own mind.
"Lumine! You need to have breakfast!" A blonde man who looked like he was in his late 20's called after the short haired twin running out of their house. "Sorry Dain, I have to get to school early today. I have a granola bar, I'll eat that on the way!" She called before she closed the front door and ran to her school. Dain sighed as the long haired older twin came out of his room rubbing his eye and yawning. "Good morning, Aether!" Dain said with a smile. "I unfortunately have a business trip I will need to head out for today. It's a bit far away and I'll be gone longer than normal. Think you'll be able to take care of your sister?" At this Aether only nodded. He was used to this but e's been worried about Lumine recently. She's been skipping breakfast to head to school early. He wondered if his sister had a love interest for a split second then shook his head. "Xiao will be meeting her at the school, I texted him to let him know she headed there early again. Thanks Aether, please let me know if anything happens." With that the elder man left. Aether sighed and quickly downed a bowl of cereal. He got changed into his school uniform and started to walk to school. He checked on Lumine when he got there and made sure that she was having no issues. He smiled upon seeing her talk to Amber, or rather listen to her and nod her head at the brunette that reminded him of a fiery bunny. Catching Amber's eye he waved at her and Lumine turned to see him and smiled at him with a small wave. He smiled and headed towards his homeroom to catch up with his friends before school started.
"Master Ajax! School is starting soon! You must get up." A maid came in to wake him up. She drew the curtains in his room to allow the natural light in. She got a mumbled reply of "It's Childe, not Ajax" in a very whiny voice. The maid sighed seeing that her young master was truly a young master today. She hoped his destructive temperament would not cause any issues for the day. She knew how quickly his alters cold switch. She hoped that he would have a good day regardless. As she was leaving, she noticed Childe getting up and heading towards his bathroom. She knew that he could get to school without a hitch and left him at that. When he exited his room he made his way to the exit of the townhouse and started to walk towards the school despite the car in the front waiting to drive him to the school. The driver shook his head already used to Childe doing this. He smiled and parked the car, going back to his other duties.
After a short walk, Childe arrived at the school. He saw Lumine and smiled waving at her while she just smiled back at him. He headed up to his homeroom and saw Kaeya already there. He tapped on the blue-haired boys desk and smiled a sad, almost understanding smile to Kaeya. Kaeya returned the smile, after all they had their secret. What they used when things got too much. After a moment Childe went to his assigned seat as the rest of the students in homeroom flooded into the classroom, including Lumine and Amber.
Once everyone's first part of classes came to an end, they had a scheduled break for lunches. Childe, Lumine, and Kaeya all trailed in together and claimed a lunch table in the cafeteria. After a few moments of students pouring in Diluc, Jean, Aether and Lisa joined their table. Childe and Aether went to get their lunches first, as they were heathens when it came to food. Once they came back with their trays Diluc, Jean, and Lisa grabbed their lunches and returned to their table. Kaeya and Lumine both laid their heads on the table. "You're not eating?" both Diluc and Aether asked their respective sibling in unison. Kaeya looked up and shook his head. "I have a headache" was slurred out of the blue-haired boy's mouth as he attempted to take a nap. Diluc sighed and turned his attention to the older twin. "Lumine, are you okay?" She just nodded and took a quick glance up. "T-too loud to actually eat. My stomach is hurting slightly too. I'll eat at home when I feel better." At this Aether looked her over and sighed. "Okay. If you start to feel worse, let me know and head to the nurse, okay?" At this Diluc added "Same goes for you Kaeya." After this, everyone went back to their conversations they were having beforehand. After their lunch hour was up, they all went back to their classes.
After arriving and finding that it was a study period, Kaeya pulled out his phone and texted the ginger that happened to have the same class.
Kaeya: Hey, Diluc said he was going to be staying after school with Jean for a bit. Wanna do our usual? I can tell him I am studying over at your place?
Childe: I would love to, but after you said you have a headache, I think he's going to end up making you wait for him. If you let him know, and he still approves, nothing would make me happier.
After the short conversation with Childe, Kaeya quickly opened up his conversation with Diluc.
Kaeya: Hey, I wanted to let you know that Childe said I could come over and study with him since you'll be busy working with Jean on her tasks. He said I had to make sure you were okay with me going over though.
After a few moments of waiting for his brother to reply, Childe made it over to Kaeya's desk and they worked on their math homework until the blue-haired boy's phone went off. Kaeya picked up his phone hoping Diluc would say yes.
Diluc: I don't think that's the best idea with your headache. Besides, if you truly want to study with Childe, you can always study together in the library. Besides, I need to chat with you about a few things later, especially involving Childe.
Kaeya: But I feel better already, besides what could you have to discuss with me? It's just studying!
Diluc: If it's truly just studying, then you can just study in the library with him. My answer is no for going home with Childe.
Kaeya pouted at the messages between him and his brother. Childe just laughed laughing at the redheads replies to his blue-haired friend. "I figured as much. You know how he is. I'll be down to wait in the library for him though and we can study or mess around." Childe smiled after he patted Kaeya's head making him pout further. "I'll meet you in the Library after school" Childe told Kaeya as the bell for the next class rang.
Classes ended and Kaeya made is way towards the library where he grabbed a secluded table in the back and texted Childe to let him know where he was. He took out his math textbook and continued to do his homework as assigned. Childe made his way towards Kaeya easily finding him. He pulled out the math textbook and started working on his as well, each other helping the other as they worked. They needed to put on a show to show Diluc when they said study, they were serious. The two failed to notice that Kaeya's phone was going off, almost nonstop. After a few moments they were startled out of their studying and working on homework by Diluc tapping the table in an attempt to not startle the younger boys as he got their attention. Kaeya looked up to his brother in surprise and let an "Are you already done?" fall off of his lips. Diluc nodded. "Jean and I were able to finish the work that required my assistance and then some. I was trying to get your attention by texting you but it looks like you guys were immersed in your homework. Childe, do you need a ride home?" Diluc offered politely while assisting Kaeya in getting his homework put together neatly. Childe blinked before smirking "That would be awesome! Thank you!" The three of them climbed into Diluc's car and rode in silence towards Childe's house. After making sure that Childe got into his house safely, Diluc began the drive towards his and Kaeya's house.
"What did you want to talk about concerning Childe?" Kaeya asked as he curled up in the passenger seat. Diluc, spared him a glance making sure Kaeya had his attention on him. "I need the full and absolute truth Kaeya. Have you and Childe been drinking when you're together?" Kaeya slightly flinched and knew that Diluc already knew the answer. He didn't want to answer his brother, he didn't want to lie to his brother either. So Kaeya opted for looking out of his window. When they arrived at their home, Diluc looked at Kaeya and said "You know I already know. The fact you didn't respond was an answer enough. We will have to talk about this." At that Kaeya snatched his bag and slammed his car door shut, along with all the doors he happened to pass through and locked his door once he arrived at his room. Kaeya didn't know why he reacted like that, especially towards Diluc. Diluc always tried to be understanding and wanted to help him. Kaeya knew it and began to sob. He continued until he cried himself to sleep.
At first, Diluc sat there shocked then after a few moments he could feel his anger bubbling inside of him. Diluc got out of his car and slowly went to check if there was any damage. He sighed relieved that there was none. He then followed the path that Kaeya took inside and landed right at his brother's door. He could hear Kaeya sobbing and knowing how the boy who he called his brother was, he chose to leave him for the time being. Kaeya didn't like to have others see him when he cried. Diluc sighed while going to his study. He had already finished any homework in class and started the work for his company that was left to him by his late father. After he finished his paperwork he went towards Kaeya's room. He knocked a few times but received no reply. He sighed and took out a key chain covered with several keys. He took out a key that would unlock Kaeya's door and opened it.
!Trigger warning: Self-Harm, Suicide attempt!
Kaeya had awoken briefly, the conversation and how he acted towards Diluc fresh in his head. He was mad at himself for reacting the way he did. He felt disgusted at himself. Diluc only wanted to make sure his brother was okay, and he acted like a spoiled brat. He was slightly crying again but he just couldn't contain his anger at himself. He opened up his drawer and pulled out a sharp blade. He pressed the silver into his skin and made line after line. At first, it only showed the paleness of his skin and then small red beads started to pop up before coming together and dripping from each of the cuts he made. To Kaeya, it only hurt for a moment before his mind went blank and the sting of the cuts were replaced by numbness. He continued to draw lines on his right arm then went on his left. He felt so liberated from his emotions, he felt at peace. After what seemed like a few moments, Kaeya felt the need to hide the blade, quickly dropping it back in the drawer. His vision started to get blurry as he started to fall asleep not registering the knock at his door.
Diluc opened the door to see Kaeya and blood. His mind went blank and his heart sank before he took a deep breath and recomposed himself. He quickly grabbed anything he could and pressed down on his Kaeya's arms to stop the bleeding. After a few moments of calling for a servant, which Elzer replied to. After seeing the state young Kaeya was in, he called for an ambulance. Once it arrived, Diluc went with them, Elzer following in Diluc's car. They brought Kaeya into the emergency room to see what needed to be done and asked Diluc to wait in the waiting room. Diluc reluctantly complied as he knew it would be what was best for Kaeya. When he went into the waiting area, he saw a familiar face. "Aether what are you doing here?" Aether looked up to Diluc with bloodshot, bloated red eyes. "Lumi... she took all her pills at once... she left notes for everyone. I don't know her condition. Xiao's on his way and I can't contact Dain until his plane lands." Aether choked out in a sob. "What about you, where's Kaeya?" Aether asks and so Diluc tells him. They both slump into chairs adjacent from the other.
After what feels like hours, Xiao arrives and sits with them and is filled in on what's going on. He sits quietly, his presence calming the teens. After what seems like days, the nurses call for "Kaeya Alberich- Ragvindr" and Diluc instantly snaps back to reality before hauling Aether into a hug. They both need it. After a few seconds, Diluc went back with the nurse and was brought to where Kaeya was. "He had to get stitches due to their deepness. I think we should keep him overnight along with giving him a psych evaluation. Diluc only nodded to everything the doctor said. "Once he's awake, he'll be brought to his room for while he's here. Are you doing okay?" The doctor asked him. He looked up "My only family just harmed himself and is in the hospital. So no, I am not doing alright." Diluc replied quickly and sat next to Kaeya's bed grabbing his hand. "Kaeya, baby brother... why would you do this to yourself." He felt hot tears roll off of his face and he noticed white lines that resembled scars of other cuts on his arms. After about a half hour he saw Aether and Xiao being led to what Diluc can only assume was Lumine's room. After Xiao made sure Lumine was stable, he went to Diluc to check on him and Kaeya. The nurse and doctors noticed that they all seemed quite familiar with another and decided to save two rooms that would be next to each other for the teens, hoping it could help them further.
After another thirty minutes, Kaeya began to stir. The first thing that he saw when he opened his eyes was the fluorescent lighting that the hospital had. He quickly shut his eyes and opened them slowly, trying not to affect his pounding head further. He realized he wasn't in his room anymore and his arms felt like lead and stung. He looked to his right and saw Diluc sleeping while holding onto his hand, tightly but not painful. He knew Diluc knew about his self harm now. He couldn't lie about it or cover it up this time. He wanted to cry. He didn't want to cause Diluc more trouble than he already has, and here he was in the hospital. After a few moments of wallowing in his own self pity, Diluc began to stir. When he fully did red eyes met lilac-blue and lilac-blue eyes met red. After a few seconds Kaeya averted his vision only for Diluc to pull him into a quick embrace. "Why didn't you tell me. I would have gotten help." Diluc said as he started to pet Kaeya's hair like he would do to calm not just his younger brother but himself. Kaeya stayed silent and Diluc sighed. "They're keeping you overnight and you're getting a psych evaluation at some point. There is no arguing against this." He added the last part when Kaeya opened his mouth to try and refuse. Kaeya knew better than to try and argue after that addition. Once Diluc made a decision, he stuck by it. Kaeya noticed Aether walk by and Diluc replied "Lumine attempted to kill herself. Aether found her. Xiao is here as well." Kaeya nodded and just went quiet.
After realizing the blue-haired boy was awake, one of the nurses came over and repeated what Diluc had told Kaeya, only letting him know that they would be giving him a room. After a few moments. They began to transport Kaeya via bed despite his "I can walk" protests. Diluc was with them while they took Kaeya to his room in the hospital. It was small with just a bed for the patient, a pull-out couch, a chair, and a small sofa bed. Diluc took the chair next to Kaeya's bed. After transporting Kaeya, the blue-haired brother started to fall back asleep. After watching Kaeya fall asleep, Diluc fell asleep as well.
They both woke up in the morning meeting a psychiatrist there to evaluate Kaeya. "Hello! I am Dr. Baizhu. I am here to evaluate Kaeya. If you don't mind Mister Diluc, would you kindly wait outside? It may feel uncomfortable for our dear Kaeya here to answer truthfully. It's not just you, many feel this way about their family." At the request, Diluc went outside and closed the door sitting on a chair outside of the room. After about twenty minutes, the psychiatrist went to talk with Diluc in regards to Kaeya. They would be able to release the boy today but he had to be under watch at all times. Kaeya would need to see a therapist and go to group therapy. Diluc knew he would also need to search his brother's room for the object he used to hurt himself. Diluc decided that Kaeya and he would be sharing the same room once more. He thought it would be the better option. He let Elzer know who was instructing the maids to get everything done before the brothers came home.
Before they discharged Kaeya, he walked next door to visit Lumine and Aether. Lumine wasn't talking and wasn't eating anything. Aether was trying his best but he was a wreck and everyone knew it. Lumine wanted to leave. She would constantly attempt to rip out her IV and Xiao would be there to stop her. They had finally got in contact with Dain. He was getting back on the very next flight, which unfortunately wasn't for another two days as the location was quite remote. After sitting with Lumine for a while in a comfortable silence listening to music, Kaeya had to get up, get his prescription scrips and get discharged. Diluc mainly handled most of the paperwork then guided Kaeya out to his car. They stopped at Bubu Pharmacy to pick up Kaeya's medicine, then went home. "You're staying home tomorrow as well. I want you to rest. Also, your bed has been moved to my room. You're not to be alone at any point of time." Diluc said as he guided Kaeya to his new room. Kaeya sighed and laid down in his bed exhausted. Diluc covered him in his blankets and went through the paperwork that Elzer was unable to complete. Once he finished he called for one of the maids. "Please watch over my brother in my absence." Once the maid nodded and watched Kaeya, Diluc went into Kaeya's room and took any and all sharp objects and disposed of them. After a few moments his phone buzzed.
Jean: How's Kaeya? Any change with Lumine?
Diluc: Kaeya was just discharged and is resting at the moment. Unfortunately, when we left Lumine was still refusing to talk or eat. She only sat in silence with Kaeya listening to music.
Jean: Damn. I'm glad Kaeya's home. Poor Aether, I cannot imagine Barbara in either of your situations. How are you doing? Like actually?
Diluc: No, my baby brother was just released from the hospital because he hurt himself. It. won't. happen. Again.
Jean: That's alright. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Diluc: Thank you, Jean. I appreciate it.
Talking to Jean helped Diluc refocus and once he finished going through his brother's things and destroying any sharp objects, he went back to his room and dismissed the maid. After a few moments, he closed and locked the door so that Kaeya couldn't sneak out, and went to bed himself. When he woke up Kaeya was still asleep but starting to softly stir. In an hour, Diluc would have to wake Kaeya up in order to take him to his first group therapy.