[Wow he can take a break to add an emoji or something gosh!!!]
[But as Diluc is finishing his shift and leaving, he'll find Aether outside waiting for him -- his hair having already taken on that familiar red tint before he even saw him.]
[...also similar to the red tint his cheeks take on when he looks up at Diluc -- sorry, that's just a feature now.]
Sorry for calling out of the blue like this. Did you want to stop anywhere? Or we can just talk as we walk back to your place?
[He walks out of the front door of the bar carefully tying his hair back up after letting it down to neaten it and lower the position of the tie, and as he spots Aether his expression warms immediately. Quickly, he finishes what he's doing with his hands and strides to where the young man is waiting for him, crooking a faintly amused smile at the question.]
I live in Kyoto, Aether. We can find somewhere to sit down.
[Is he travelling some ridiculous distances for work? Yes, actually. Thankfully it's only a one-off.]
I'm not usually here today, but I'm doing it as a favour.
Well, the timing works out for me, at least. I've been staying in the East for the past couple of days.
Since-- my sister is here now.
[Despite everything -- when he says this, it's with a bright smile. But clearly there's more to it -- given this is pretty obviously why he came to talk to him.]
[He nods. And while the smile is definitely still on his face, there's a certain shine to his eyes as well -- honestly, it was all pretty overwhelming. Like a wonderful dream he's terrified he'll wake up from one day.]
My sister, Lumine. As soon as she arrived, she started looking for me. So she's probably already run into a few people I know.
But... she doesn't remember anything after we were separated. She was even really happy to see me. And... confused, when I told her just how long we were separated. For her, it was probably only a few minutes.
[It goes without saying that their previous meeting in Teyvat had been painful in ways he couldn't describe by comparison.]
[He'd done a lot of thinking about Lumine since Aether had told him about her, and he doesn't seem to share the same joy at her appearance that Aether has. While they walk, Diluc fidgets with the glove on his left hand and frowns slightly.]
Are you sure she's telling the truth?
[His arms fold loosely. Though he doesn't want to be the one to say it... given what he knows he feels it needs to be said.]
...I trust her more than I trust myself. And even if she did remember, I don't think she'd have a reason to lie about it. Especially not to me.
[Aether's already gathered that she may be hoping that Aether will join her someday after he finishes exploring Teyvat -- perhaps thinking that whatever "truth" she discovered would be enough to give her actions merit. If that were the case, the last thing she would do is lie.]
But if it's the same as with my memories, then it's possible she might still remember someday. Ever since our last talk, I've been remembering more and more about my journey...
[...]
So I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure that never happens to her.
[He nods. That was exactly what he was going to ask, and he's glad to hear they're on the same page. Even if, perhaps, Diluc doesn't agree with his methods.]
...thank you, Diluc.
I know, realistically, I can't expect to hide it from her forever. Sooner or later, something will probably come up. And I don't know if I'd be able to lie to her.
[She's almost certain to ask about his travels in Teyvat, after all. Can he even talk about half of it without potentially triggering a memory? Even just letting her meet his friends felt risky, with two of them being Archons. And even now, he still doesn't know what role they may or may not have played in Khaenri'ah's fall.]
But maybe... maybe there's something I can do to change it. To change whatever sad and lonely future she was dealt, that led her to a place like the Abyss... I don't want to see that look on her face ever again.
[He doesn't entirely like it, but he can also acknowledge that it isn't his place to interfere. This is Aether's sister, and Aether will need to be the one to take the lead on it. Diluc has already seen what the Traveller is capable of and he's more than able to handle this.
His tense posture eases enough for him to put an arm around Aether's shoulders while they walk. The tips of his bright red curls are already tinted blonde, and a few golden flecks appear in his eyes when he makes contact.]
If you need anything of me, you can ask. I hope you know that.
[And... hearing Aether talk about his sister like that is making his mind wander to places Diluc doesn't necessarily want it to be. He shakes himself quickly off that train of thought.]
Even when it comes to helping your sister. I'll do whatever I can.
[It's strange that casual touches like this come so easily between them now. He can't help the little flutter he feels in his chest, drawing him in to leaning against Diluc -- even if it does make walking a bit more of a challenge.]
I know. I'm glad to have someone like you here that I can depend on.
[Though a part of him can't help but wonder... if this happened, and he was alone here in Nippon, would he make the same choice? Or would he seek to forget about Teyvat all together?]
[He's not sure. So maybe it's better that choice wasn't an option.]
But to be honest... I'd just love to introduce you sometime. She and I are a lot alike, so I think you'd really like her.
[Just ignore the whole "traumatized-into-an-evil-ruler" thing, it's fine.]
[With Aether so close to him, Diluc shortens his stride to let him keep up more easily. Hopefully that should alleviate some of the challenge in walking side by side.]
If she's like you.
[He leaves that incomplete, but the meaning is there. Diluc has grown very fond of Aether and if Lumine is like him, there's little doubt in Diluc's mind that he'd like her too. There's just that unfortunate, niggling piece of knowledge of where she ends up.]
It might seem strange if I reach out to her myself, but if you'd like to introduce us I'd be happy to meet her.
[It does help, and he does notice it -- and Diluc might catch a few sparkles out of the corner of his eye when he does.]
Of course! The two of us were planning to find a place to live together, so I was thinking maybe we could have some kind of housewarming party and just invite everyone at once. We still have to decide which Kingdom we'll stay in, but I'm leaning more towards the West.
[...though partially out of necessity, since that's where he goes for the soul healing and all.]
[Though... parties are certainly not Diluc's kind of 'thing', he'd tolerate it for Aether's sake. It might not be a bad thing to find out who his young friend is choosing to associate with while he's here.
He never really does switch off.]
I can even bring something to drink along for you, if you like.
[They walk and chat for a bit longer, still close and cozy, before Aether eventually has to get back to Lumine before she wonders where he vanished off to this late.]
[And thus, Diluc was the only person Aether told about his sister without dramatics happening. But to be fair, it's probably because he already knew all the heavy shit.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 07:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 07:59 pm (UTC)[But as Diluc is finishing his shift and leaving, he'll find Aether outside waiting for him -- his hair having already taken on that familiar red tint before he even saw him.]
[...also similar to the red tint his cheeks take on when he looks up at Diluc -- sorry, that's just a feature now.]
Sorry for calling out of the blue like this. Did you want to stop anywhere? Or we can just talk as we walk back to your place?
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:11 pm (UTC)I live in Kyoto, Aether. We can find somewhere to sit down.
[Is he travelling some ridiculous distances for work? Yes, actually. Thankfully it's only a one-off.]
I'm not usually here today, but I'm doing it as a favour.
1/2
Date: 2021-09-24 08:29 pm (UTC)[BRUH THE TRAIN TAKES 5 HOURS WHEN DO YOU SLEEP probably on the train, huh.]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:30 pm (UTC)Since-- my sister is here now.
[Despite everything -- when he says this, it's with a bright smile. But clearly there's more to it -- given this is pretty obviously why he came to talk to him.]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:32 pm (UTC)Of all things he expected to hear that was clearly not it, and his expression immediately becomes oddly unreadable.]
Your sister?
[The leader of the Abyss Order? That sister?]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:40 pm (UTC)My sister, Lumine. As soon as she arrived, she started looking for me. So she's probably already run into a few people I know.
But... she doesn't remember anything after we were separated. She was even really happy to see me. And... confused, when I told her just how long we were separated. For her, it was probably only a few minutes.
[It goes without saying that their previous meeting in Teyvat had been painful in ways he couldn't describe by comparison.]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:43 pm (UTC)Are you sure she's telling the truth?
[His arms fold loosely. Though he doesn't want to be the one to say it... given what he knows he feels it needs to be said.]
That she doesn't remember?
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:51 pm (UTC)[Aether's already gathered that she may be hoping that Aether will join her someday after he finishes exploring Teyvat -- perhaps thinking that whatever "truth" she discovered would be enough to give her actions merit. If that were the case, the last thing she would do is lie.]
But if it's the same as with my memories, then it's possible she might still remember someday. Ever since our last talk, I've been remembering more and more about my journey...
[...]
So I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure that never happens to her.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 08:55 pm (UTC)I know how to keep a secret. [He says then, tapping his fingers against his elbow. If nothing else, he knew how to keep a secret.]
I get the feeling you're going to ask me not to say anything to her about the Abyss Order, so I won't.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 09:09 pm (UTC)...thank you, Diluc.
I know, realistically, I can't expect to hide it from her forever. Sooner or later, something will probably come up. And I don't know if I'd be able to lie to her.
[She's almost certain to ask about his travels in Teyvat, after all. Can he even talk about half of it without potentially triggering a memory? Even just letting her meet his friends felt risky, with two of them being Archons. And even now, he still doesn't know what role they may or may not have played in Khaenri'ah's fall.]
But maybe... maybe there's something I can do to change it. To change whatever sad and lonely future she was dealt, that led her to a place like the Abyss... I don't want to see that look on her face ever again.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 09:14 pm (UTC)His tense posture eases enough for him to put an arm around Aether's shoulders while they walk. The tips of his bright red curls are already tinted blonde, and a few golden flecks appear in his eyes when he makes contact.]
If you need anything of me, you can ask. I hope you know that.
[And... hearing Aether talk about his sister like that is making his mind wander to places Diluc doesn't necessarily want it to be. He shakes himself quickly off that train of thought.]
Even when it comes to helping your sister. I'll do whatever I can.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 09:54 pm (UTC)I know. I'm glad to have someone like you here that I can depend on.
[Though a part of him can't help but wonder... if this happened, and he was alone here in Nippon, would he make the same choice? Or would he seek to forget about Teyvat all together?]
[He's not sure. So maybe it's better that choice wasn't an option.]
But to be honest... I'd just love to introduce you sometime. She and I are a lot alike, so I think you'd really like her.
[Just ignore the whole "traumatized-into-an-evil-ruler" thing, it's fine.]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 10:01 pm (UTC)If she's like you.
[He leaves that incomplete, but the meaning is there. Diluc has grown very fond of Aether and if Lumine is like him, there's little doubt in Diluc's mind that he'd like her too. There's just that unfortunate, niggling piece of knowledge of where she ends up.]
It might seem strange if I reach out to her myself, but if you'd like to introduce us I'd be happy to meet her.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-24 10:11 pm (UTC)Of course! The two of us were planning to find a place to live together, so I was thinking maybe we could have some kind of housewarming party and just invite everyone at once. We still have to decide which Kingdom we'll stay in, but I'm leaning more towards the West.
[...though partially out of necessity, since that's where he goes for the soul healing and all.]
no subject
Date: 2021-09-27 10:35 pm (UTC)[Though... parties are certainly not Diluc's kind of 'thing', he'd tolerate it for Aether's sake. It might not be a bad thing to find out who his young friend is choosing to associate with while he's here.
He never really does switch off.]
I can even bring something to drink along for you, if you like.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-30 08:51 am (UTC)[He can't boozeblock him when he knows he's older than him now!!]
[...though he'd be happy with anything, honestly.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-01 07:50 pm (UTC)[He lifts his eyebrows slightly as he looks down, then he shakes his head and chuckles softly.]
I'll bring whatever you want, within reason.
no subject
Date: 2021-10-01 08:31 pm (UTC)[He seems to be thinking very hard about this-- but then, with a grin:]
Then how about a bottle of the best grape juice you can find, so we share a drink together?
[Yes, he remembers Diluc's favorite thing to drink. Who needs booze when you can be smooth af]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-03 06:14 pm (UTC)I'm sure I can do that. [And he definitely appreciates the consideration shown in the request.]
But I'll bring a bottle of good wine, too.
/wraps up this cuteness tho
Date: 2021-10-04 09:59 pm (UTC)[They walk and chat for a bit longer, still close and cozy, before Aether eventually has to get back to Lumine before she wonders where he vanished off to this late.]
[And thus, Diluc was the only person Aether told about his sister without dramatics happening. But to be fair, it's probably because he already knew all the heavy shit.]