Destined

Pleasant Surprise

        ❉ ╤╤╤╤ ✿ ╤╤╤╤ ❉

The situation you were in could be perceived as a little... embarrassing. You had never needed to be medically examined before, so the experience was a tad unusual.

"How is the pain here?" Placing pressure upon the side of your abdomen, Albedo documented the response of discomfort that you gave.

At first, the alchemist didn't know much on how to go about an apothecary's duties, yet when he heard that a certain (Y/N) had a wound of unknown origin, he took the case with an iron grasp. Although once observing what was carved onto your stomach, Albedo didn't know what he was getting himself into.

"I don't have a diagnosis as of yet, but I do believe this is not normal."

"Oh, you don't say." You chuckled, watching Albedo's cheeks colour into a faint blush.

The alchemist's visit wasn't long as he began to pack up the equipment he had brought in a brown leather satchel, waiting for the lord of the mansion to arrive. And soon, he did. Diluc wandered into the guest bedroom of his mansion, his eyes searching around the room to eventually land on your bedridden form.

Even though inflicted with a wound that appeared to be fatal, your aura still remained tranquil. Diluc felt the tempestuous storm within him begin to quell once he met your mellow eyes and soft expression.

"So, what exactly is the problem?" Diluc asked Albedo, his voice coming out more aggressive than passive.

"This time I..." Albedo halted, turning his head and sending a glum expression your way. "I don't have an explanation."

You and Diluc both coincidentally shared a tired sigh realising that Monstadt's, No, Teyvat's greatest alchemist could not explain this odd occurrence.

"Albeit," The alchemist spoke through the silence. "(Y/N) can perform daily duties so I believe this is nothing to be too concerned about." Albedo said, a small smile on his face.

The words sent a flurry of relief throughout your body, and so the same for Master Diluc. It was true, the wound wasn't much of a hindrance as it was originally thought to be. You on the other hand were grateful that you could return to a normal schedule, or well, a semi-normal schedule.

Thanking Albedo for his time, you and Diluc bid farewell to the alchemist. Now left to change back into your normal attire, you gathered your belongings and met Diluc by the main entrance of the mansion. Facing Diluc, you gazed into his eyes fondly hoping to express more than just gratitude.

"Thank you Master Diluc," You bowed. "I owe you a huge favour next time, don't I?"

Diluc chuckled in response, his husky tone sending chills down your spine, in a good way. "I suppose you do. Goodbye, (Y/N)."

"Farewell, for now, Diluc."

As you turned around and took the first few steps away from the mansion, you suddenly halted due to a hand clasping onto your wrist. It was Diluc. You looked at the man adorned in red and black quizzically as he seemed to be quite conflicted for some reason.

"I—" Diluc began, yet cut himself off. "Make sure you don't do that again because I won't be as gracious next time." He said, straitening his composure and clearing his throat.

You knew that deep down Diluc only wanted to be comforted and held, so you didn't find what he said to be offensive, instead, you took it as a warning to be careful in disguise. "Mhm, I'll make sure not to give myself an alien wound!" You laughed, waving and walking away from the stubborn vintner.

The journey from Dawn Winery was rough, and you least expected it. The only joy that it had offered was the short meeting with the wolf boy, Razor which was cut short due to his hunt for meat and the sunset descending below the landforms. As of now, you were in desperate need of cuddles and a shoulder massage.

Finally battling the last few hills and the trail through Springvale that led to your cottage, you had made it, and boy you were happy to see a warn-down cottage. Making your way to the front porch, you excitedly slid off the sandals that embraced your feet and opened the door, hoping to see either Venti or Aether pottering around. Maybe not.

Ransacked. That was the first thought bubble that burst within your mind. Or, that's what it seemed to appear like. Trinkets and furniture alike were scattered across the floor, draws emptied and floors dirtied. You wanted to go outside, bury yourself in a hole, and wait till the mess magically cleaned itself up. Walking into the room whilst inspecting the damage, you mentally groaned as your sanity was slowly slipping. And eventually, your toe collided with a very hard object.

"Mother of mochi! What is that!?" You cried out, holding onto your poor toe to try and assuage the pain.

Even though the room was dimly lit due to only a few candles in the main room, you could still see what you had rammed into; it was a wooden table. A glint of light reflected from, what you could comprehend, was a strand of hair. Not your hair, but a strand of hair that was coloured a particular shade of blue.

Yes, this chapter is way shorter than the others and I apologise. I wanted to move onto a second scene yet I thought it would be more appropriate in a new chapter, which will come out very soon!

Also, Christmas as well as many other religious holidays within December are approaching and I thought it would be a cool (haha) idea to make a December chapter! What do you think?