Bed and Silken Chains | Hiatus

Neun

Diluc grabs a smaller piece of paper and write down a single message on it. He picks up the largest bundle of grapes he can find in his vineyard, checking to see if they are ripe, healthy, and as large as they can get. After an entire day of searching, he finds the perfect bunch. He sets them down, the note underneath the large bundle.

He sits in the tree, waiting for the silvery moon to rise into the sky. His eyes scan and watch the table like a hawk waiting for its prey. Gradually, the sound of footsteps draws his attention. He sits, and listens, enjoying the sound of her step pattern against the rocky soil.

He notice the girl's hesitation. She just stands at the table, her back towards the tree. She picks up the little note, cocking her head at the few words.

Eat me!

:)

She shakes her head and begins to back away. Diluc silently hops down from the tree and steps behind her.

"You read the note. Eat them."

The girl freezes and spins around, only a few inches away from Diluc's broad chest. A fluster envelopes her entire body and she begins to shake uncontrolably.

"A-A-Ah- Ah-"

"Please, don't be afraid. Go ahead and eat them."

Her body continues to shake as she back herself towards the table. Diluc sits down, gesturing for her to sit down next to him. She silently follows his suggestion and sits down, scooting over a bit so she's not so close.

"Go on."

The girl turns towards the branch of grapes and reaches a shaky hand towards them. She carefully plucks a single grape of its stem and turns to Diluc. Diluc only smiles and nods his head. She shakily brings the grape to her lips and eats half of it. A sudden feeling of refresh enters her system. She always liked grapes because of their taste and on how much water it gives her. She turns back to Diluc who only smiles, his head resting on his hand.

"Do you like them? I found the best ones I could."

She turn away and nods her head. She pops the rest of the grape into her mouth before reaching for another one. She glances at Diluc who just stares at her. She plucks another grape and eats it, gradually feeling more comfortable eat them next to Diluc.

Diluc notice that her shaking is now different, not as rigid. Suddenly, a icy wind blows into his face, causing the thoughts to click together.

"Are you cold? I could bring you inside if you wish."

The girl turns her head and hesitantly nods.

"I would like that. Thank you."

That was the first time he's heard her actually speak. Her voice was like heaven to her ears. No, it might not be the prettiest to anyone else, but to him it was the most beautiful sound in the whole world.

"Come."

Diluc holds out his hand, wanting to lead the young girl inside.

She looks away, grabbing the grapes before trying to stand up. She grunts in pain, nearly toppling over. Diluc's natural reaction catchers her before she falls.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"My feet... have glass in them."

Diluc's eyes widen and his body goes rigid. Quickly, Diluc picks up the girl in a bridal carry and starts heading towards his home.

"W-What are you doing?!" she says in a panic.

"I don't want you to walk with glass in your feet. I'll help take care of it."

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"Thank you."