Languish (Diluc x GN!Reader)

Flower Petals

It started as a simple cough; Diluc didn't think much of it. It was almost winter, after all. Winters in Mondstadt were exceptionally chilly compared to the other nations in Teyvat. It was common for Mondstations to get sick during the season.

It started as a tickle in his throat. It only came up a few times a day. It wasn't going to stop him from patrolling with you at night.

He walked up to you in his usual dark clothing. He wore black pants, shoes, and a black hood that hid his brightly colored hair.

"Good evening, Diluc." You greeted.

"Evening." He replied. He was always short with his words. He didn't speak much in general. He talked the most when he was around you, actually.

You smiled softly at him. "Are you ready to-"

Your words were cut off by him coughing. He covered his mouth with the back of his palm.

"Are you alright?" You asked. His gaze was fixed on the cement below him. He glanced up at you for a quick moment before regaining his composure.

"Perfectly." He dismissed.

"Are you sure?"

He sighed. "Yes, Y/N. I appreciate your concern, but nothing is wrong. I'm sure it's just a cold. It's not uncommon for people to become ill during this time of year." He sniffed as if to show emphasis.

You gave him a half-hearted laugh. "Whatever you say, Dee."

'Dee' was a nickname you'd given him forever ago. At first, he'd protested against the name but grew indifferent to it. It didn't bother him anymore.

In fact, he seemed to like it. Something about it was... intimate, in a way. For a moment, his breathing would delay, and he'd feel something he couldn't quite describe in his stomach.

Kaeya had given him plenty of nicknames as they grew up. Before his father passed, he had as well. He'd grown up around aliases that he never particularly liked.

However... 'Dee' struck a chord in his heart. Was it the name specifically? Or was it because you were the one who called him with it?

While that question did plague his mind, it mattered not to him, despite the fact he thought about it quite often.

"Whatever, let's just- let's patrol." He said.

You were aware of the effect the nickname had on him. Somewhat. You knew that he didn't mind it. However, you weren't aware of how he truly felt when you called him that. You thought it was funny when he dismissed you so quickly.

...

A week had gone by, and Diluc's coughing hadn't gone away. In fact, it had only gotten more frequent and harsher.

That still didn't stop him from patrolling with you. Nothing seemed to stop him.

"Dee! It's wonderful to see you after such a long day." You greeted him.

As always, he had his usual frown on as he approached you, but hearing his nickname made it fade for a split moment.

Then he coughed.

"Ugh, Diluc, you don't sound too good. Are you sure you're okay?"

It took him a moment to stop coughing. However, once he did, he went back to his usual, cold self. "I've told you before, Y/N. It's just a cold. Nothing to get worked up over-" His own words were cut off this time.

Once he'd composed himself again, he saw you standing with your arms crossed. You weren't taking any of the bullshit he was spewing.

"Let me see." You walked over to him and set the back of your hand on his forehead. You hummed, "Your forehead isn't hot... so you probably don't have a fever."