Chapter Text
Diluc started on his final stack of papers for the evening, the sun had begun to set, and its glow set his office ablaze. With Weinlesefest ending Diluc had to devote time to assisting Elzer with incoming documents. The festival created a lot of profit and brought in a lot of new international trade opportunities. Diluc had Traveler to thank for that. He had seen them scurrying about all throughout the festival, keeping everything well in order. The Traveler was one of the few people Diluc admired, after all they had been nothing but helpful to him, except for bringing around the cavalry captain. Adelinde’s insistence at his stay was not one Diluc appreciated. None the less, Diluc has prevented any alcohol from being opened, which was far better than the last time the captain made an appearance at the winery.
Diluc was interrupted from his thoughts by a knock at the winery door. Adelinde's footsteps were heard making their way to it and a small gasp was heard from her as she opened the door. This prompted Diluc to get up and open the door to his study, peering over the balcony of the second floor. Kaeya stood at the entrance to the winery, adorning his usual clothes along with a small bag. Adelinde began fussing around him, taking his stupid fur cape, and draping it onto the nearby coat rack. Diluc treaded down the stairs, dreading the interaction.
"Back so soon" Diluc asked, "I’m not giving you any of the left over wine from Weinlesefest you know.”
“Master Diluc, despite having a pyro vision you are always so cold to me.” Kaeya faked a shiver, “I am not here to beg you for wine.”
“Oh really? Have you turned overed a new leaf? Has Traveler talked some sense into you, perhaps you’ve done some reflection.” Diluc rolled his eyes, “Well Captain, why are you here?”
“I come bearing gifts.” Kaeya surprised Diluc with his words, “Traveler recently set off to Sumeru and brought back some drinks.”
“Ah so Traveler was the one who bore the gifts, you are just the delivery man.” Diluc turned back towards the stairs, “I’m sure Adelinde can show you where to put the wine."
“Oh you think so lowly of me, Diluc. It’s not wine and Traveler did not send it to me to give to you.” Kaeya pulled out a bottle from his bag, “As you know Traveler recently went to Sumeru and I asked them to bring back a drink. It’s a mixture of Ajilenakh nut and Zaytun peach. It’s quite popular from what I’m told.” Kaeya swished the bottle.
Diluc took his foot off the steps, deciding his next move, “Adelinde I think you might need to set another plate for dinner.” He finally spoke. He could practically hear Adelinde and Kaeya’s grin as she rushed off to grab more dinnerware. Diluc walked over to the table as Kaeya sat down, drink in hand. He handed the drink to Moco, who opened it with some flourish and poured it into two glasses before setting it onto the table. Kaeya lifted up the glass with some dramatics, waiting for Diluc to clink it. Diluc lifted up the glass, peering inside. The drink was a dull magenta and smelled sweet. He raised his glass to meet Kaeya’s, a soft dink resonating through the winery. Diluc took a sip of the juice, its viscosity being thicker than he originally thought. It was sweet and calmed Diluc.
“It’s not terrible, nothing compared to Dawn Winery’s grape juice, but not bad.” Diluc commented.
“You could have just said thank you.” Kaeya mused.
Adelinde brought out some roast and the two began eating silently. After they were finished, Kaeya stood up and made his way towards the door. Adelinde followed, grabbing his cape from the rack, and handing it to him. Diluc also stood, noticing that Kaeya had left his bag on the floor. He reached down and grabbed it, lifting it in front of him
“Captain, it appears you have nearly forgotten something,” Diluc shook the bag.
“Oh, it appears I did.” Kaeya grabbed the bag. He reached into and pulled out a pouch that jingled of mora, “Here it’s only a mere sum but hopefully it pays back some of the debt I’ve racked up at the Share.”
“And here I thought you were never going to pay back your tab. Now all you need to do is convince that bard to pay back his portion.” Diluc took the pouch and tucked it into his coat.
“I’m no miracle worker Master Diluc, I’m just the cavalry captain.” Kaeya smiled.
“The Knight of Favonius, always so inefficient.” Diluc said lightly.
“Oh? Is that a joke. Haven’t heard one of those from you since before you left.” Kaeya laughed.
Diluc’s small smile faded as he remembered the years long passed. Sensing his mistake Kaeya turned towards the door and, with a hasty goodbye, left, the sun long set. Adelinde moved from her position at the door and began clearing the plates, scolding Hillie and Moco as they gossiped in the parlor. Diluc climbed the stairs and made his way to his room, the papers in his office long forgotten. He began preparing for the night glancing out the window occasionally, looking for something that not even he knew he was looking for.