I'm about to start my set when Diluc walks in, but he doesn't even spare me a glance. I won't lie, it hurts a little, being blown off like that. Usually, he sneaks a glance when no one's looking. But I am, I watch for it.
I sing a lively set, getting the whole tavern to sing along. But Diluc doesn't even smile. Did something happen in Liyue? I wish I could have gone with him.
After my set, I go up to the counter, but he still doesn't pay me any mind. When he does finally look at me to take my order he looks angry, and hurt.
"Two more Death After Noon's please, Master Diluc." Kaeya says sliding his and Rosaria's empty cups over to Diluc.
He obliges, making two more drinks. Still not looking at me.
The rest of the night goes like this. I go as far to order a grape juice, he still doesnt look at me. I almost cry
He pours the drink, and slides it over, spilling some of it on the counter. Diluc seems to get even more upset after that. He still won't look at me.
Kaeya even seems to notice because Rosaria suddenly leaves and Kaeya gives a pointed look.
Diluc doesnt respond verbally, just giving Kaeya another drink.
When everyone but Kaeya leaves, I half-expect Diluc to tear me a new one, or start crying.
He doesn't do either, he just leans against the wall and stares at Kaeya.
"Is something wrong, Master Diluc?" Kaeya asks, taking a sip of his drink.
"No," Still not looking at me, glaring at Kaeya, he starts wiping down the counter.
Sighing, Kaeya stands, patting me on the shoulder as he leaves. "You're on your own, sorry man."
I sit there until Kaeya is gone, trying not to meet Diluc's gaze, though he's still not looking at me.
Finally I get the courage to speak. "What's wrong Songbird?" I ask.
"Nothing, Venti." The short answer stabs me though the heart.
"Should I go? You seem upset." I say, hoping I don't set him off. I don't think he'll try to hurt me, but I'm still anxious.
He doesnt answer so I turn to leave. As I'm starting to walk out he calls out to me.
"Am I a plaything to you?" He sounds angry and almost broken at the same time. Though his voice is monotone, I've learned to read him better than most in this short time.
"No!" I say, whipping around, forgetting my own bad day. He's still not looking at me, looking at the ground instead. "Songbird, what made you think that?" He doesn't answer. "Diluc?"
"I met some interesting people in Liyue." Is all he says.
I go back to my stool and sit down. I reach for him across the counter but he doesnt take my hand.
"What kind of interesting people?" I ask.
"Some friends of Traveler. Did you know they're friends with a harbinger?"
"I did know, but I can't dictate who they're friends with." I say. "Oh shit, you met Zhongli, didn't you."
"I did, did you know he's the late god of Liyue?" He's still not looking at me.
"I did, did he say something to you?" I ask. He finally looks at me and it's with so much heat the room warms.
"He did, in fact."
"What did you say to you, Songbird?" He doesnt answer, looking at the floor again.
Still looking at the floor, he stands up straight. Walking around the counter and up to me, he closes the space between us, closing me in by placing his arms on the counter on either side of me.
"Am I a plaything to you?" He asks again. Enunciating each word.
"No." I say firmly. "Is that what he said to you? Did he call you that?" Diluc nods, looking defeated.
I push him off and start walking to the door. He looks at me surprised.
"Where are you going?"
I turn around to look at him, angry. "I'm going to find Traveler, they're going to Liyue." He looks confused so I continue. "That stupid oaf needs to learn when to shut up. Osmanthus wine this and that." I realize I'm glaring at Diluc but I can't stop. "No one talks to you that way."
He reaches for me and I let him. Taking him into a hug I sigh. "I'm still going to get Traveler to deliver a message for me. But it can wait."
He smiles and then laughs. "You know he said that to me, but he's dating that harbinger."
"You're never going to Liyue again. Not with out me." I declare, meaning it.
"You said you can't go, Venti" He soothes, running his hands through my hair. I'm still fuming.
"Fuck not being able to go. I'll deal with the wrath of Celestia. Just like that oafish Adepti will have to deal with me." I hold onto his coat like a life line, like if I let go he'll leave.
"I thought he was a god?"
"He is, but we weren't born gods. He's the Prime Adepti and I was a wind sprite." I answer, hoping to clear his confusion.
"You were a wind sprite?"
"Yes, it's why I like the nickname so much."
"I'll make sure to call you that more." He smiles and I smile too. "Let's go rest Wind Sprite, it's been a long day." I nod at him and he leads me upstairs. I've started spending a lot of time up here.
He gets under the covers, laying down while I sit against the headboard. Letting Diluc rest his head in my lap, I sing to him, like he's done for me when the positions are flipped.
I stay awake all night, singing and humming to him long after he falls asleep.
In the morning, I'll find Traveler. But first I'm going to hold him like the moment I let go he'll disappear.
