'Why did you act like that?'
Those six words were constantly being repeated in Diluc's mind.
He gulped down some grape juice in an attempt to calm down his thoughts. He had considered getting something alcoholic instead, but he couldn't stand the taste. Plus, he didn't want to find out how a drunken him acted.
Why did he act like that?
Was is it because something suggestive happened between two males? Surely not, he was used to that type of stuff. Although he personally hasn't tried it before.
Was is it because Zhongli didn't tell him of this Childe? This seemed like the most likely possibility, but he didn't know why he was disturbed by it. He had just met Zhongli some days ago, he didn't expect for the man to tell him everything about his past or current life.
So, why did he act like that?
"Is something on your mind?" A feminine voice spoke beside him.
"Donna." He acknowledged her presence. Even he had to admit that Donna was attractive in a way. But even if that was the case, he didn't see much past her looks. After all, the two barely had any interaction.
"Diluc. You're looking as lovely as ever." She had a wine glass, gently twirling the liquid inside. She gave him a smile.
"I can say the same for you." He nodded, taking a sip from his own beverage
Donna's face immediately turned a bright red. She nearly choked on her drink, causing her to cough for a bit. Diluc stared at her, a look of concern on his face.
"Re-Really? Thank you." Donna decided to pretend as if nothing happened.
"Well, Donna. While it was.. amusing to speak with you, I'm afraid that I'll have to get going now." He stood up, not bothering to pay since he practically owned the place. He'd put in some extra hours to make it up. "Have a good night."
"M-Maybe we could hang later?" Donna called out to him, but if he did hear it, he ignored it. Or he just didn't hear it because he was already out the door.
He couldn't possibly go back to Zhongli's house right now, so he had decided to stay at a hotel. But before he could go any further, a hand stopped him.
His body immediately tensed, getting ready for a fight. However, this quickly died down once he realized who the hand belonged to.
"Venti."
"Master Diluc."
"And Kaeya."
Diluc let out a sigh as he turned to the two, his usual frown on his face.
"What are you doing here?"
"We could ask the same thing." A smile crept onto Venti's voice as he spoke.
"I was uhm. Drinking, right yes. Drinking." Diluc spoke confidently, although the words he choose to spoke didn't seem convincing.
"Don't make me laugh. I know you." Kaeya frowned, looking directly at Diluc. "You despise alchohol."
Venti nodded alongside him, shooting Diluc an accusing face.
"So what if I lied? What's it to you?"
"Diluc, if you don't tell me what's up right now, I'll call Jean." Even if his words sounded innocent, Kaeya spoke threats.
"You.. you wouldn't dare!" Diluc was put on edge
Venti took out his phone and got ready to dial Jean. "How much do you want to bet?"
"Fine, fine. You got me. Just.. put that phone away. I don't want to deal with Jean right now." Diluc put his hands up. He relaxed once he saw Venti put the phone away.
"Good. Now, speak." Kaeya wasted no time getting to the point.
"So, I may or may not have had a sudden outburst with a certain someone. And I may or may not have come here in an attempt to drink away these feelings. With grape juice of course." He added.
"I still don't understand how you can like such a disgusting beverage." Kaeya scrunched his nose. "Whatever. Why didn't you tell us?."
"I didn't tell you because.." Diluc looked away, not wanting to reveal more than he already had.
"Look. Even if you don't consider me as such, I am still your brother. You can talk to me whenever you want." His expression softened. "Oh, and I forgive you for what you said yesterday."
"Even if it was really uncalled for."
"Shut it hippie."
Diluc looked at Kaeya, the expression of suprise seemingly frozen on his face. A little after, the expression turned into one of gratitude, a smile forming. "Thank you. Really."
"Great! Now, let's go talk to your bo- I mean, Zhongli." Kaeya quickly corrected himself.
"How did you know this was about him?" Diluc's expression quickly turned back into his usual frowny one.
"Please. It's obvious!" Venti flicked his wrist, rolling his eyes. "Let's go now before it turns way too dark. Lead the way Diluc!"
"Do I have a say in this?"
"Nope!" Kaeya and Venti spoke at the same time, a smile on their faces.
Even if he would never ever admit it out loud, Diluc was having fun.
-----------------------
"Should I leave?"
"No, no Childe, stay." Zhongli shook his head. He had already put Xiao to sleep, the two men sitting down in the living room.
"Yeah but he doesn't seem to like me very much." Childe responded, scooting somewhat closer to Zhongli
"He doesn't seem to like either of us apparantly. And here I thought we were going somewhere.." he muttered. "In any case, I need you here as.. support?"
"I understand. But what makes you think that he'll even come back?"
"I'm not sure Childe. I'm just hoping that he will." Zhongli sighed
"When was it that you met this 'Diluc' again? Two days ago?" Childe frowned. "You only met him recently, yet you've already grown so attached?"
"It's just... there's something about him. I feel as if I keep him around.. things will be revealed. You know?"
"I do not know actually. All I do know is that you're caring too much for someone who's basically a stranger."
"Did I ever thank you for the cake?" Zhongli said, indicating that their previous conversation was over
As Childe opened his mouth to respond, the front door slammed open. He looked at Zhongli, suprise on his face. A smile soon appeared as he realized who it was.
"We're here now! Where is Zhongli at?"
"Shut it Kaeya, Xiao is probably asleep!"
"You've probably already woke him up."
Childe stood up and looked down at Zhongli, a smirk on his face.
"Do you hear that? He's here! Or, judging by the multiple voices, they're here. Come on, let's go pay your guest a visit, hmm?"
