What Kept me Awake

A New Start

I stretched my arms and let out a big yawn shortly before I let my body drop on my bed. Diluc and I had spent the rest of the evening eating snacks and drinking tea, while talking for way too long. It just felt too nice to catch up on all the years that have passed without the other - but I still haven't fully realized that he's really here.

I pulled the blanket over my body and stared at the ceiling, my arms crossed behind my head. Even though I felt tired, my heart was still beating too fast from all the adrenaline to let me sleep. I turned around and looked through the slight gap by my door. Did he have everything he needed? Would the blanket I gave him be warm enough? Was I... maybe just looking for an excuse to go over to his room?

No matter how much I tried to assure myself that everything's fine, the nervous feeling refused to escape my stomach. At this point it wasn't even about the circling thoughts in my head anymore - I just wanted him close. I pulled my blanket aside while rolling over to the edge of my bed and got up. With silent steps, I sneaked my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water before heading over to Diluc's room. I peeked my head inside and saw him lying motionlessly on his bed, his eyes closed. He seemed to be asleep, which made it easier for me to enter the room without being caught. I silently put the glass on his nightstand and took the opportunity to get a glimpse of his sleeping face. His untied, curly hair was loosely falling on his face, but still left enough free space for me to look at it. Beautiful...

I couldn't resist caressing one of the hairstrings behind his ear, while gently touching his cheek with my thumb. The view caused my lips to form a wide smile until I decided to go back to my own room. I turned around when I suddenly felt my shirt being pulled back, making my body slightly jump.

"Can't sleep either?"

Diluc looked up to me with sleepy eyes, his hand gently gripping the fabric of my shirt.

"Oh... uhm-", I turned around and nervously scratched the back of my head. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."

"No worries, I wasn't really asleep yet.", he mumbled.

"You do look tired though... what's keeping you awake?"

"I could ask you the same, I guess.", he replied after a short break, when he sat up and leaned his back against the wall. "Thanks for the water", he added with a slight grin, implying that he realized I was using it as an excuse.

"No worries", I chuckled and sat down next to him. We remained quiet for a while, none of us knowing what to say. I stared down at my lap while tapping my fingers on my knee during the awkward moment of silence. Maybe... I should just let my heart do the talking.

"Diluc?"

I took a deep breath and turned my face towards him.

"Is it weird to ask if I can stay here tonight?"

Diluc stared back at me with his unreadable facial expression. He was obviously thinking about my words, but there wasn't a single visible reaction.

"Feel free to decline, it's just- I don't know how to say..."

"It's alright. Stay here.", he answered with a slight nod. "It might actually be what kept me awake."

"Huh? What... exactly do you mean?"

"Your absence.", he replied, turning his head to the side. "You've been absent for long enough.", he added in a whisper with a slightly offended tone in his voice.

"I'm sorry.", I whispered back while moving closer to him, my body bending over his while resting my arm on the bed next to him. "I missed you, too.", I added and gave him another smile. He looked back at me from the corners of his eyes before placing his hand on my neck to pull me into a kiss, followed by his other hand caressing my cheek. I returned it instantly and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of his lips on mine. When he let go, I dropped my head on his chest and snuggled up to him, my cheeks burning as if he turned them into pyro visions. Diluc put his arms around me and gave me another kiss on my head.

"I haven't even realized how lonely I felt, until now.", I chuckled with a tear rolling down my face at the same time. "Let's do better this time."

"Gladly."