Say you hate me

Chapter 1

Kaeya was drunk again. It was late in the night and almost everyone had left the Tavern, save for Six-fingered José and Venti who were attempting to sing a duet together, and a few drunk customers scattered around the Tavern. Even Rosaria had left early tonight. He was sitting at the bar, eyes peering blearily at Diluc cleaning the last few glasses from tonight. The alcohol was pumping through his system, allowing him to fall deep into pure bliss, pulling him away from reality. His mind began to wander, and he started reminiscing about his life before that day came. How he used to play with Diluc, train with him, watch him become a Knight, obtain his vision. How Master Crepus had looked so proud of his son. The son that had watched him die in his arms. Would Master Crepus have wanted to keep Kaeya if he knew that he was a spy, a traitor?

"Tavern's closing for the night. Get out" A tired, frustrated voice came from in front. Kaeya raised his head, his star shaped pupil met deep scarlet eyes.

"Master Diluc. Always in such an unpleasant mood. I wonder what the cause of it is."

Diluc was silently wiping down one of the tables as Kaeya kept speaking, words slurred from the alcohol he had indulged in earlier that night.

"I mean, I remember when you were a young boy. Always so bright and cheerful. Look what's happened to him. Now you're always so moody and sullen. What would Master Crepus think, that his young, aspiring son had turned out like this."

"Dont you dare talk about my father like that. You traitor. You should've died instead of him that night." Diluc snarled, face twisting in anger and disgust

Kaeya froze, Diluc's words settling into his alcohol-addled brain.

"Now get out. Before I kick you out myself."

Kaeya, still froze still in his seat, didn't register Diluc's words as his racing mind was spiralling into darkness. 'Maybe I should have died that night. Diluc wouldn't have left Mondstadt. He would still have his father. He would have been happy.'

A rough hand grabbed his collar, snatching Kaeya away from his thoughts.

"What's wrong with you tonight? You're acting weird."

Kaeya's vision was blurred with tears, Diluc's face hazy mix of red. He wrenched his body away from the Pyro allogene's warm grasp, tears dripping down his face. He saw a flash of emotion pass through Diluc's crimson eyes. Was that worry? Or was it pity? He spun, breaking eye contact with Diluc and staggering towards the door. He felt something warm grab hold of his arm.

"Kaeya. Don't run away from me. Answer my question." Diluc hissed, anger and frustration heard in his words.

"Don't act like you care about me. You made sure I understood that 4 years ago," spat Kaeya, tears still falling from his eye. He wouldn't dare turn around to look at Diluc. He didn't want to see the disappointment in his eyes. The silence in the Tavern became suffocating.

For the second time this night, he withdrew himself from Diluc's firm grip and slunk out of the door, heart heavy from his sworn brother's sharp words.