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The antique grandfather clock chimed twelve times, as the clanging of an empty wine bottle resonated within the confines of the room. An opened letter with a Liyuen seal had its contents haphazardly strewn about the wooden floor.
Today was April 30th. Yet another year has passed one Diluc Ragnvindr's life. Being the sole heir of Mondstadt's biggest winery business, he was no stranger to gossip regarding himself.
His shift at Angel's Share earlier was no exception, as whispers hidden behind goblets were shared between shifty gazes.
"Have you heard? It is Master Diluc's birthday tomorrow."
"Really now? I wonder if he'll hold a special banquet. Isn't that what rich nobles do, after all?"
"Perhaps, maybe he'll even hold a ball to announce his engagement to some other well-off noble!"
Diluc had to hold back a scoff as he served a glass of wolfhook juice to a patron at the bar.
"I wouldn't think he'd do that. Don't you remember what happened on his birthday a few years ago?"
Diluc's grip on the glass he was wiping tightened, threatening to shatter it into pieces. He placed it down on the counter with a harsh noise that made the gossiping customers flinch. He walked over to Charles and asked him to take over his shift.
And that's where Diluc found himself in his manor, a bottle of osmanthus wine long finished and coursing through his bloodstream.
It was Zhongli's favorite wine, and he can see why.
In his drunken haze he had stripped off his coat and was left in his untucked shirt and pants. He lifted the bottle to his lips, despite the fact that it was empty, and let out an ugly laugh as he recalled that day.
Feeling the tremor of the earth as Ursa the drake reared its ugly head and readied itself to attack them.
Seeing his father jump out of the carriage wielding the very weapon that took his life.
Hearing the last few breaths he took as his body went cold in Diluc's arms, staining his pristine white gloves with crimson blood.
His door swinging open pulled him back from his thoughts as he slowly turned his blurry gaze towards the newcomer.
"Luc? It is your birthday today, is it not? I apologize for being late. I took the liberty to stop by Miss Flora's shop to give you-"
Zhongli dropped the bouquet of flowers to the floor as he rushed over to Diluc's side, a hand making its way over to his cheek as he held his face towards his gaze.
In the dim light of a nearby candle, he could make out the crimson flush all over Diluc's face and the tear streaks streaming down his cheeks.
Zhongli peered down to the empty bottle in his grasp and sighed. "My sweet silk flower," he whispered as he took the bottle away from Diluc.
Diluc heard clasps of buttons being undone as he felt the weight of Zhongli's coat on his shoulders. He found himself sinking into its warmth, only just realizing how cold the room was.
He felt his center of gravity shift as he found himself being lifted off the floor in Zhongli's arms as he was being carried onto the soft mattress. Diluc tried to cling to the warmth that was Zhongli, letting out a little whimper as Zhongli had to let him go briefly to adjust themselves on the bed.
"Shhh, my heart. I'm right here, I won't leave your side," Zhongli reassured him, wrapping his arms around Diluc and undoing the clasp of his hair, letting the red locks free.
"Our contract shall never be broken, even if fate dares to intervene. You are loved, my phoenix. You are so loved, and I wish for you to see it so."
Diluc Ragnvindr hasn't known peace ever since that tragic day. Yet at this one instance, this one statement, a spark of hope was ignited in his heart. Maybe, he can finally experience what it was like to be at peace once again.
Right here in the arms of the one he loved most.
He felt a kiss on the top of his head and let Zhongli's low whispers, his gentle caresses to his hair and the comforting grip of his arms lull him into a peaceful slumber.
BONUS
"Li?"
"Yes, Luc?"
"How long have we been lying here?"
"I believe a few hours or so."
"My head feels like it's been trampled by a mitachurl."
"That would be the effect of you downing a bottle of osmanthus wine."
"Ughhhh~"
"I'll brew you some sobering tea later, do not worry."