delusion • diluc

xx

• third person •

"Aj... Childe isn't here?"

Lumine shook her head. "Said he couldn't make it... And I don't want to ask Noelle again because I've heard she's still studying... Now we're one person down."

"Diluc's not here yet either..."

"Is he coming? You should know," she smirked, "right?"

Her eyebrows furrowing, (Y/N) looked away, her stature faltering. "W-what do you mean?"

Lumine folded her arms. Paimon popped out beside her.

"Were you really gonna tell everyone and leave us in the dark?" Paimon exclaimed. "This is really big!"

Only Childe and Kaeya know... Were we that obvious..?

"It is?"

"Yes! We've heard in the events at the winery every year, fathers bring their daughters to show off to the young, single Master Diluc... Now that's not the case, you're definitely gonna be his bride!"

(Y/N) blushed instantly. Her eyes narrowed, almost rendered speechless for a good few seconds.

"B-bride..? I'm not interested in marrying right now... I'm barely in my twenties."

For some reason, both Paimon and Lumine looked up. (Y/N) turned around, only to find that certain redhead directly behind her.

Her eyes widened. Dread filled her instantly.

Please don't tell me you heard that, please don't tell me you heard that...

"Good evening," Diluc greeted the group, his eyes searching around. "Is Childe not here?"

(Y/N) shook her head. Since when was he concerned about Childe?

"Oh." Diluc let out a soft sigh.

"Oh well," Lumine began, shaking her head, "three people will do. I can't be bothered to ask for someone else."

"Okay."

(Y/N) glanced at him. They met eyes.

She was excited to see him again after work, as she always is, but after seeing Kaeya in that state...

Now she was worried about both of them. And Ajax had disappeared too.

Diluc simply smiled at her. He wasn't as affectionate in public, but (Y/N) was fine with that.

Hesitantly, she smiled back, but with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Maybe I'll go looking for him after...

•

"All done! Thanks everyone. See you tomorrow."

"Good night. Get home safely."

Diluc waved as Lumine left with Paimon, the night sky looming upon them.

"Diluc..?"

He turned as Lumine disappeared into the horizon.

"Yes?" He ruffled (Y/N)'s hair, with a big beam.

(Y/N) didn't return it. His head tilted.

"I... have to do something. I'll be home soon. Go on without me."

Diluc reached out for her hand, his heart dropping slightly. "I can help..."