|Yaoi| Diluc X Oc - My fire has been... extinguished

ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝟞: ᴘᴀᴛʀᴏʟ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀꜱ

Mondstadt streets were alive with the chatter of cheerful citizens and the scent of blooming flora. . The city had found a new rhythm, with Evan integrating seamlessly into the community. His once-tainted reputation as a thief had been entirely overshadowed by his heroic deeds, and he was now a beloved figure, his silver hair and piercing blue eyes a familiar sight in the bustling squares and winding alleyways. Evan's charm and kindness had won over nearly everyone, yet one person remained resolutely distant... Diluc.

Diluc, the enigmatic and stoic guardian of Mondstadt, kept his interactions with Evan professional and curt. Despite Evan's best efforts to bridge the gap, Diluc's demeanor remained cold, his eyes betraying none of the warmth or camaraderie he showed to others. This perplexed Evan, who was determined to understand the root of Diluc's distance. Their interactions, while civil, were devoid of the friendliness that Evan experienced with others in Mondstadt. The peace that had settled over Mondstadt was abruptly shattered by a series of unprecedented attacks by hilichurls. These creatures, usually a manageable threat, now exhibited bizarre and formidable powers, making them a significant danger to the city. The nature of these newfound abilities was a mystery, and their frequency demanded a constant and vigilant defense. The Knights of Favonius, including Diluc, were forced to increase their patrols, covering the surrounding areas of Mondstadt daily to ensure the city's safety.

Evan, having proven his worth in battle, was assigned as Diluc's patrol partner. For weeks, they ventured out together, patrolling the farmlands, forests, and hills that bordered Mondstadt. The two men, despite their contrasting personalities, fought with a synergy that belied their strained relationship. In the heat of battle, they moved as one, their skills complementing each other perfectly to repel the increasingly aggressive hilichurls. Evan's agility and strategic mind meshed well with Diluc's raw power and combat experience, making them a formidable team against the dark forces threatening their home. Despite their effective teamwork, the personal distance between them persisted. Evan, ever warm and approachable, tried repeatedly to engage Diluc in conversation, hoping to thaw the icy barrier that lay between them. Yet, every attempt was met with curt responses or stony silence. One evening, as they walked through the quiet woods on their way back to Mondstadt after a particularly grueling battle, Evan decided to address the issue directly.

"Diluc, is everything alright between us?" Evan asked, his tone light but sincere. "I can't help but feel like there's something bothering you. If I've done something to offend you, I'd like to know."  Diluc's expression remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "There's nothing wrong," he replied tersely. "We have a job to do. Personal feelings are irrelevant."

Evan sighed, sensing the familiar wall of detachment. "You know, we make a pretty good team out there. It wouldn't hurt to be a bit more friendly. We're on the same side, after all."  Diluc's eyes flashed with a hint of irritation. "I don't need to be friends with everyone I work with," he said sharply. "As long as we get the job done, that's all that matters."  Evan, undeterred by Diluc's defensiveness, decided to try a different approach. With a mischievous grin, he teased, "Are you sure you're not just jealous because all the ladies in Mondstadt have a crush on me?"

Diluc stopped in his tracks, turning to face Evan, his eyes narrowing. "Jealous? Of you?" he retorted, his voice edged with annoyance. "Don't flatter yourself."  Evan chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get so defensive. I'm just trying to lighten the mood." Diluc's jaw tightened, and he resumed walking without another word, his silence speaking volumes. Evan followed, his mood somewhat dampened but his resolve unshaken. He had seen a glimpse of something behind Diluc's stern facade, a hint of vulnerability that suggested there was more to his aloofness than mere indifference. The days turned into weeks, and the attacks by the empowered hilichurls continued, keeping the Knights of Favonius and their allies on high alert. Evan and Diluc's patrols became routine, their battles against the hilichurls an almost daily occurrence. Each fight strengthened their unspoken bond, even if Diluc remained outwardly distant. Evan's determination to break through Diluc's defenses only grew stronger, fueled by a sense of camaraderie and curiosity.

One night, after a particularly intense skirmish, the two found themselves resting by a campfire, the flickering flames casting shadows on their weary faces. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and the distant chirping of nocturnal creatures. Evan seized the moment, his voice softer this time. "Diluc, I know you're not one for small talk, but I've seen how much you care about Mondstadt and its people. You're a good man, and I respect that. But carrying all that weight alone, it's not healthy. You've got people who want to help you, who care about you. Including me." Diluc stared into the fire, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Evan thought he might have crossed a line, but then Diluc spoke, his voice quieter than usual. "I've lost many people I cared about, Evan. Trust doesn't come easily to me. I can't afford to be distracted by... personal connections."

Evan nodded, understanding the underlying pain in Diluc's words. "I get it. But pushing everyone away won't make that pain any less. You're not alone, Diluc. And you don't have to face everything by yourself." Diluc's eyes met Evan's, and for the first time, there was a flicker of something other than cold detachment—perhaps gratitude, or a tentative acceptance. He didn't respond immediately, but the silence between them felt different this time, less strained and more contemplative. As the fire burned lower, they both sat in a companionable silence, the barriers between them slightly lowered. The following days saw them continue their patrols, the constant threat of hilichurl attacks keeping them on their toes. Yet, there was a subtle shift in their dynamic. While Diluc remained reserved, his responses to Evan's attempts at conversation became less curt, and the tension between them began to ease.

One afternoon, after successfully repelling a particularly fierce wave of hilichurls, Diluc unexpectedly broke the silence. "You've proven yourself to be a reliable ally, Evan. Your skills and dedication are commendable." Evan smiled, recognizing the effort behind Diluc's words. "Thanks, Diluc. That means a lot coming from you."  Diluc nodded, a rare, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips. "Just don't let it go to your head," he added, his tone lighter than usual.

Evan laughed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The bond between them continued to strengthen, forged in the fires of battle and tempered by mutual respect. Though Diluc's walls didn't crumble overnight, they began to show cracks, allowing glimpses of the man behind the stern exterior. Evan's persistence and genuine concern gradually wore down the barriers, creating a foundation for a friendship built on trust and shared purpose.

As they patrolled the lands around Mondstadt, defending their home from the mysterious threats, the partnership between Evan and Diluc became a symbol of resilience and unity. Their journey from distant allies to trusted comrades was a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that even the coldest hearts could be warmed with time and understanding. Mondstadt's peace might have been under constant threat, but within its defenders, there was a growing harmony that promised to protect it against any threat.