GAY AS HELL - oh-my-god-is-that-grape-juice

Automated Message BOT 7/29/2022 9:34 PM

:3

Years ago, Tartaglia was a different person. A steady rotation of three names kept him hidden, identities hidden under identities hidden under identities. A name for work, a name for his friends, and a name for the few people in his life he trusted: his family. Luckily, even younger him hadn't been stupid enough to give away his birth name. He'd been smart enough to hide it until he'd been given a nickname, one he kept to this day.

And although years had passed since he'd been given the name, and he'd long since lost hope in ever seeing Red again, he kept it. A memento of the past and of his personality, and something he didn't mind showing off. It was one of the few things he /could/ show off. He had to keep so many other things wound up and under wraps, hiding from the judgement of his home region.

Out here, though? It was a little more free. So when he was on a mission in Mondstadt, and was so graciously offered a few drinks by a man -- not his type but hey he couldn't be picky. Well, who was he to say no? The man had to know who he was, he didn't hide it, and even in their first meeting he'd /boasted/ it.

That's how he found himself here, walking in step with a Knight he'd come to know as 'Kaeya'. The two entered a bar, and the jingling bell above the door was enough to distract him for a brief second. He'd been told that his brother owned the bar (and he made note not to anger any siblings). He was led to the bar, and took a seat, gaze flicking over to the... oddly familiar face. He couldn't place it. What an odd sense of deja vu...

Kaeya. you said? He chuckled, leaning against the bar. the Knights seem like such stuffy work. don't they?

he received a well mannered laugh in response, and Kaeya motioned Diluc over. Kaeya shot an obvious look towards the guest, as if boasting to 'look what the cat dragged in.

Diluc remained mostly the same, if albeit less openly blood thirsty than he had been during his... adventures. The idea of the fatui still set him on edge and he still was actively working against them. More professionally than before.

He recognized the harbringer that Kaeya decided to drag into his bar for whatever reason. Probably to gather information or more likely piss him off. Or both. 

That wasn't the cause of the bitter taste in his mouth. Childe. Of course. The fatui member he wanted to see the least. He was half tempted to ignore Kaeya but if he did then he'd probably make a fuss and be annoying.

Sighing he walked over to the pair.

Well. A captain of our dear knights and a fatui harbringer. What an honor to have both of you here at the same time. he greeted dryly

Luckily for him, Kaeya's attention seemed to have been caught by someone else. He greeted Diluc with a grin and a two fingered wave. "Just a wine, please~ You know me. I'll head out. Let you work your magic."

Childe chuckled at that, leaning forward slightly on the bar as Kaeya walked off. Maybe he could actually get something good information-wise out of this. The bartender... still too familiar. He pushed those thoughts aside.

Well, you seem to recognize me~ Not a first. He stuck a hand out, grinning. Tartaglia. Although that's a work name. Most people close to me call me Childe. Feel free~ And you are?

that bastard. He understood his brother likely thought he was helping him in his own extremely bastard way. But as always he was leaving Diluc with a massive headache.

He was a perhaps taken aback somewhat at the fact he was still going by that dumb nickname he had saddled childe with out of spite. But he shook it off quickly. Hopefully.

Glancing down at his hand in distaste, he was just grateful he was wearing clothes as he reached out to shake it.

Diluc Ragnvindr. What a pleasure. giving out his actual name to childe after all this time felt wrong and uncomfortable

Diluc. Huh? The name didn't ring any bells, so he was left just as confused as he had been upon first seeing him. Maybe he'd met him somewhere else, but he couldn't be sure.

He shook his hand, pulling it back and adjusting his glove after the fact. Not often I'm in this region~ Do you travel, Sir Ragnvindr? He just needed to find out /where/ he'd met him. Kaeya certainly thought I'd be your type, given his quick departure~ Do you have firewater here?

No.

His tone was curt and he was rather uninterested in holding a conversation with him. It was better for the both of them if they avoided each

Kaeya has a unique sense of humor. I wouldn't put much stock in anything he says or does. And yes, our bar has some. he moved away and turned his back to Childe. Preparing a glass for him. He should leave early. Have charles take over

Mmm. Not a traveller. Too familiar. But he didn't come here often. This was his first official mission here... Huh. Awe, not a traveller~? Your hair doesn't look too native to this region. Had to ask. Not that I fit in any better. And just between you and me~? I don't quite think Kaeya's my type either.

That wouldn't stop him from flirting a bit. Why not? When in Rome or whatever. Sure, Diluc looked uninterested, but he *had* to know.

My family has been in this region for generations. Starting back to its creation. We're very much native thank you. he placed a glass in front of childe as he turned back to face him How fascinating Childe. But I truly do not care about what falls under your type or not.

He picked up the glass, absently going to offer a toast (tradition!) before he realized he had no one to share it with. Oops. He gave a sheepish grin, taking a sip of the drink. Just like home. And Archons, he'd been away for too long.

Diluc's statement did make him jokingly frown, but he laughed it off. oh c'mon, don't be like that~ just making conversation. as he always did. you in the knights too? how do you know the Captain over there?

I was. The knights are inefficient and I have little trust or faith in them. Kaeya is a regular here so I am stuck with him often. please stop talking to him childe. This was very uncomfortable for him

he will not, in fact, stop! this is what you get for having the most talkative harbinger in your bar. he bring guys here often to just dump em with you~?

he laughs, maybe a bit too loudly, taking another sip of his drink. his eyes slowly scan the place, keeping track of his escape routes and anything he might need. never too safe in public.

so not a Knight anymore, huh~? just the bar then?

I hardly see if its any of your business. But no. I no longer associate with the knights. I run the dawn winery. The bar is just a task a I cover when the bartender needs a day off. he leaned against the counter with a sigh

just curious~ first time in the region, actually. just covering my bases. he tilts the glass, hearing the soft clink of the ice as the liquid flows over if. winery, a bar, do you drink what you sell, Sir Ragnvindr? i'm always looking for recommendations. his gaze flicks up, and he gives him a cocky grin. both for drinks and for things to do around here in my down time.

Are you now? Feel free to seek them out from somebody else. Still as annoying stubborn as always. Frustrating And no. I'm not a fan of alcohol. If you really need something to do, why not go to the other bar in town.

he tilted his head a bit, eyes scanning over him. this voice.. his curt tone. god it was so familiar. it was on the tip of his tongue...

his eyes landed on the vision, but his eyes immediately darted back up to his face. well, the captain brought me here didn't he? it'd be rude to leave, and now i have a drink. he raised it in a brief mock toast before taking another sip. that vision of yours... is all you do the winery and the bar?

Yes. It's all I do. I received my vision at a young age. However it doesn't see much use these days. Stop asking me questions and finish your drink, Childe.

he clicked his tounge in annoyance and turned away from him. He moved away from him. Hoping that would be the end of things

okayy, not a fan of conversation. got it! he laughed, and the sharp way he said his name was all he needed for that connection to be made, although he hid any realization on his face.

Diluc, was it~? i won't keep you too long. when do you guys close?

he just had to wait til then. after getting an answer, he'd push himself to his feet before slipping away to chat with some others. if he ended up jokingly flirting with Kaeya, oh well. he kept an eye on Diluc though, wanting to see any reactions ooor just how he was doing. sizing him up in the years since, and connecting the little dots in his mind.

Huffing he paid little attention to Childe the rest of the night. Well he perhaps listened in here and there. But since it was best to stay away. He kept his curiosity at bay. It was bitter sweet to see him again. But he was still an enemy opponent. They had different goals in the end. 

He starting wiping down the counter as there was a few minutes to closing left. Annoyingly it seemed like Childe was **still** here. Archons just *leave* already

Unsurprisingly, Childe had made his drink last the whole night. Kaeya made his way out at some point, but he'd managed to rope some girl into a conversation later on. As the night started to wrap up (and most people started to leave) he made his way back over to the bar.

He leaned on the bar, enjoying the brief break from the people as he watched Diluc. you don't look too happy to be here, Sir Ragnvindr~ a customer piss you off? He knew what he was doing.

Yes. And he happens to be still here. The bar is closing. Why don't you go run along and bother someone else. he tried to focus on the task at hand. Cleaning the glasses so it was all set for Charles tomorrow Don't you have work you should be doing?

He laughed at that, taking one last sip of his drink before setting it down on the bar. He knew it was meant to push him away, but it was familiar. He was almost certain it was him -- and really, the hair should have given it away.

what? you don't think I get a day or two off? i'll stick around for a bit longer~ just to get to know the place, you know?

Is that so? How predictable. You fatui love acting like you can do whatever you please. he let out a long suffering sigh before glancing over at him. What Do you want.

The annoyed glance was met with a grin, and he leaned his chin onto his hand. well, this mission is long-term. is it so wrong to want to get to know some people? plus, you looked like you needed some company over here~

How utterly thoughtful of you. But actually I'd like to be able to go home. So if you'd like to be helpful. Then leave.

he chuckles, pushing himself to his feet. his brows furrow and he stumbles a bit, catching himself on the bar. he has to sit back down, holding his head.

eugh~ my bad. seems the.. uh... he pauses. all lies. convincing ones, but lies nonetheless. firewater got to me. mind if i stay to sober up a bit~?

With your alcohol tolerance? he lets out a scoff and tosses the rag down Just say whatever it is you need to say. Don't waste my time. Stalling and idle talk are irritating

Confusion crossed his expression, gaze darting upwards. That was the confirmation he needed. Still, he wouldn't comment on it for now.

huh? just need a moment~ you mind walking out of here with me? He slowly got to his feet again, brushing some hair out of his face.

Fine.

he walked around the counter and held out a hand to him. Since he was apparently just sooo out of it. He knew how stubborn Childe was and he likely wouldnt leave unless he went along with this

Are you truly light headed. Shall I bring you to the monastery

He had to know, right? There was zero way he didn't know. It was all so obvious. Still, he kept his mouth shut for now. He reached out to take his hand, nodding a quick thanks as he moved to his feet. Oh. He was taller than him now. What a fun turn of events.

monastery... how far is that? i do have a place i'm staying, which may be closer~

Far I suppose. I am not stepping place on Fatui occupied ground.

He *was* taller. Awful. It made him feel the childish urge to kick him. Diluc did not partake in such petty actions so he did not do that.

I'm sure we will pass another fatui member and I can pass you off to them.

Childe uses the hand to pull himself closer to Diluc, maybe a bit too into his personal space. He glances down at him, giving him a cocky grin.

pass me off? that eager to get rid of me~? he leans down, getting right into his face. keep me around a little longer, won't you Master Diluc~?

scowling he steps back, pulling his hand away from Childe And why should I do that? You seem like you're doing better. Perhaps you can head off by yourself.

he quickly grabs his hand again, using the leverage (and his strength) to tug him close again. am i now...? i really don't remember my way around here~ lies. he had a good mapping memory. at least help me out the door, won't you?

I fail to see how thats my problem.

he's taken aback at being forced closer. What did he want from him!!! It's not like he knew who he was. Why did he feel the need to be such a pest

refusing to let him get to him, he turned and headed towards the door. For a harbinger, you're rather immature.

he chuckled, stepping after him. he paused at the door, hesitating. he didn't bother to reach for the door knob, turning around and leaning his back against the door.

am i now~? you might give me the idea that Kaeya was wrong and i wasn't your type. he crossed his arms over his chest. woops, door blocked.

of course. Of course he would do something like that. How typical. Also nice to know that when it came to being the most frustrating human on the planet, Childe still held first place

Oh? Is that finally settling in for you? You are in fact not my type. Kaeya just wanted to torment me by bringing a fatui officer into my bar. He has a rather fucked up sense of humor.

Childe leaned down just a bit, just enough to be at eye level with him. He chuckled at him, reaching out to gently place two fingers under his chin. He tilted his head up slightly.

not your type, huh? is that right, firefly? something in me tells me that's wrong, Red.

A chill runs down his spine. Fuck. So childe did recognize him?? So what. Diluc didn't owe him anything and they were still on opposite sides. He refused to let his guard down.

He stayed stubbornly silent. Not having a good comeback on hand, so instead he just glared up at him.

Still as stubborn as ever. That was what he should have expected. Diluc was never one to give in, but nor was Childe.

At least they were close, he leaned in, stealing a kiss. It was much gentler than he originally planned, maybe a sign of that old affection bubbling back up.

His eyes widened in shook and he leaned very briefly into the kiss before pulling away to fucking deck Childe right in the face. He was not going to be lured into having feelings for this guy. No thank you

Don't touch me!!! Why are you always so annoying!!

He'd count that as a win! He felt Diluc press back into the kiss. Even if it. Led to him getting punched.

He laughed, one hand coming up to hold his cheek. Yeah that would bruise. He leaned back against the door, a grin playing on his lips.

glad your feelings haven't changed~ how've you been all these years, firecracker?

Don't get ahead of yourself. You know nothing about my feelings. He sighed and let out some tension leave his body. No matter how aloof he acted. It wouldn't push Childe away. Well. After almost dying. I've been doing rather well. Or I was until you showed up. Why is there a harbinger here. If you have intentions to harm this place... also. Kaeya is my brother. Seeing you flirt with him was disgusting.

information gathering for now. nothing bad. just doing my j- wait. he's your brother? Okay, he laughed at that, leaning his head back and letting it gently thump against the door. holy shit. if i'd've known i'd have kept my distance. did it at least make you jealous~?

Perhaps. he answers vaguely. It should be obvious to you, with everything that happened. But I am not a fan of the fatui. I never have been. You will get nothing associating with me. he reaches out and cups the cheek he punched, pressing his thumb gently against the bruise Don't allow nostalgia to cloud your judgment.

Childe leans into the touch at his cheek, and for a brief moment he could almost melt into the touch. the press into his bruise made him suck in a hissed breath.

ah. was the pain some shitty metaphor~? he reaches out to grab the front of his shirt, tugging him closer. even if i get nothing but pain out of this, it'll be worth it if it's you~

okay. maybe he's stupid. he's gonna tug him back into a kiss. he's been missing this for /years/ and now he's not going to let this opportunity slip from him.

This man... he was such an idiot. In a brief moment of weakness, and maybe he missed Childe, just a small amount, he allowed the kiss to happen. The heavy glare he had been sporting softening as he leaned into the kiss. 

As long as he didn't allow things to get out of hand. It should be alright.

Having to lean down to kiss him was a little odd, but he didn't mind it too much. his hand trailed down his torso, hand resting on his hip. his fingers pressed into him to keep himself steady, other hand tracing up his shoulder and mayyybe tugging Diluc's hair out of his ponytail.

nothing out of hand. this was fine. he tilted his head a bit, using the hand on his hip to tug him flush against himself.

Letting out a grunt, he turn his head to break the kiss. Falling into familar patterns would be bad and he was not going to make out with a harbinger.

Don't. Don't push your luck Childe. Why are you still using that name anyway. It hardly strikes fear when mentioned

woops. the hairtie rolls onto his wrist, letting Diluc's hair fall down around his shoulders. he laughs softly, leaning his forehead against Diluc's.

let them underestimate me~ 's not the name most know me by anyway.

he shifts, actions quick as he switches their positions and presses Diluc against the door. his fingers press a little further into his hips.

...kiss me again? c'mon~ what's the harm? no ones around here. i could use a little bit of luck

He was less than pleased by the situation. His glare returning full force as he pressed a hand against his chest. The extra strength was worrying. Why did he have to put up with this.

I think you're lucky enough as it its. I hardly trust you to keep it to just kissing either. Get off of me.

what? the joke not hit? little bit of luck, little bit of 'luc~ He pressed him a little further back into the door, but he kept a close eye on him trying to get out of his grip. 'm not gonna do anything more than kiss ya, not here at least, what's one night gonna do, firefly?

You think very highly of yourself don't you. Assuming you going to come home with me. Perhaps I am in a relationship? Or simply uninterested in you.

the joke was terrible and he wanted to hurt this man. Still he couldn't deny the slight twist in his gut at how close Childe was to him

I dont believe you. You're the type that if given an inch, you'll move a mile. So one night would just lead to more. I am not a fool.

well, let me ask a question or two then, nothing too serious~

he loosened his grip juust a bit, enough that if he wanted to get away from him, he very much could push him away. but, he kept him pretty much cornered against the door.

are you in a relationship~? and if not, why not one night with me? i distinctly remember you calling me attractive all those years ago~

I just told you why! Childe. You are so utterly infuriating. No. he sighed heavily, reaching out to fix Childes stupid collar No I'm not in a relationship. Why are you trying to have a one night stand with me anyway. After all this time? Your first instinct upon seeing me is trying to get into my pants?

he laughs at that, leaning into the touch. it was nice, he couldn't help but want to melt into his warmth again. didn't think i'd see you here, sorry to get ahead of myself~ still a firecracker, arent'cha? last time i saw you i was... he trailed off, grimacing. yeahh he cuts himself off.

I know. And I thought I told you back then to forget about me. I used you for my own benefit. You shouldn't... He held back another sigh. Always the love sick fool wasn't he. You can come home with me. But nothing is going to happen. I suppose after all this time, I owe you some answers

Childe brightened up at that, face lighting up with a grin. that was a win in his books, even if Diluc said nothing was gonna happen.

surprised you didn't cut down my camp, y'know~ they were pissed off.

he leaned in to steal another kiss before properly pulling away from him and stretching his arms up, hearing a nice crack in his shoulder blades.

aaand you got me promoted, so, like, they had every reason to suspect me.

Oh I know. You getting promoted wasn't apart of my plan. Since there's no harm in it. I wandered into that camp and they all seemed to think I was there for you. I just used that to my advantage. freed he turned and opened the door. The fatui think so highly of themselves to believe an outsider would never have a delusion. I had no reason to destroy your camp because it had been useful to me

nah, i like to think you kept it around cause you liked me~ he laughs, slipping out the door before Diluc could. he pauses, realizing that he has no idea where he's going. so... where's your place? i genuinely know nothing about mondstadt other than- ... never mind~ that parts not important

Well... that may have played a small part in it. a small amused smile forms on his face Please do continue. What do you know? And I live a distance away. I hope your in the mood to walk.

as dramatic as ever, he puts the back of his hand on his forehead, leaning back almost as if he were about to fall towards Diluc.

eugh- you may have to carry me Sir Ragnvindr~ man, weird knowing your name now~ suits ya 'Luc. distraction!

It is especially odd for me. I will carry you if you tell me what the fatui want from my country. When it comes to the safety of his people, hes impossible to distract

he pouts at that, straightening up. well, i don't know everything~ just heard some rumors of some objects that might increase vision and delusion bearer's powers. so that's goal number one. nothing bad, firefly~

That sounds very bad actually, especially in the hands of the Fatui. He'd have to find those objects first and destroy them. Or give them to albedo. Unless albedo made them. A pain Whats goal number two?

huh? oh, the usual. information gathering, landscape mapping, training. he shrugs again, shooting him a grin. that enough info for you?

No but i don't expect to get much more from you. I have other ways of finding out what I want. rolling his eyes at the grin, he pauses suddenly Can I have my hairtie back. I am not a fan of walking around with my hair down.

Childe raises a hand, hairtie now between his fingers. seems he was just twisting it around them and messing with it. oh~? this one? nah, mine now~

he makes a deadpanned expression you don't even have enough hair for that to be of use to you. You're like a fox, running off with whatever you can get your hands on

don't test him, he'll tie his hair up. awe, i'll take it as a compliment. c'mon, your hair looks nice down~ you can't live too far, right?

You would take it that way. resuming walking, he heads down the trail. Maybe I do. When we get there. Do not make things difficult for my staff. Or I will kick you out.

ooh~? staff? didn't tell me you were so wealthy, 'Luc.

he catches up quickly, hair tie back on his wrist. he'll give it back eventually. he blinks as he notices them walking out of the main city, a little confused.

what? don't live in the walls?

As if you aren't as well at this point. We both know a harbingers budget is no joke. he nodded, brushing some of his hair out of his face I don't. Theres quite a few settlements outside the walls. You'll be stuck in an area alone with me. How awful for you.

hm? my money goes back home, but yeah~ don't have staff though. he laughs, throwing an arm over his shoulder just to be a dick and yanking him a bit closer. oh how tragic, is there only one bed too~?

huffing he heated up his own body heat out of spite. Burn. No there are many guest rooms. Though for you I may just offer a couch instead. Wouldn't want you to feel too welcomed

nope, he's stubborn and not moving away. awe, i'll freeze out there on the couch. will i at least have you to warm me up, firecracker~?

Absolutely not. Freeze then. I am not a personal heating pad for annoying guests

yeah hes gonna pout at him again. you're no fun sometimes~

he pauses, aand forces Diluc to stop too. he shifts to face him, just reaching up to absently brush his hair back and essentially pull it back into a ponytail. get fucked.

aaand if i give you this back~?

it brings back memories he'd rather not deal with at the moment. He brings up a hand to his face, the lack of a mask around Childe makes him feel painfully exposed.

If you give it back. I'll consider humoring one request from you.

he grins, tying his hair back for him. he's careful not to actually tug on the hair, pulling his hands back to drape his arms loosely over his shoulders. he's more than happy to bask in the nostalgia, even if everything is a little more than different now. .

done~

He stares at Childe for a moment before moving closer to him and placing a brief kiss against his cheek. Hes quick to move away so they can continue their walk

Thank you. How long... are you posted here?

oh. yeah. he sort of stands in place for a moment before brightening up and moving to catch right back up to his side. ah, until i get orders otherwise? anywhere from a month to a year or two. he shrugs. not including going home for other things. iii think they estimated a good while? maybe moving me down to Liyue towards the end of the year. kinda just on my own~

So I'm essentially stuck with you then. Liyue is not too terribly far from here. Maybe showing you where I live is not the wisest. ...how is it? Being a harbinger? A dream come true?

well, unless you wanna spend the night in the same building as a bunch of Fatui... he laughs, shaking his head. the laugh is maybe a little forced out. course it is~ how could it be anything else? youngest to be promoted, travel, the fighting keeps me busy. keeps me gettin' stronger. just step one in my plans.

I had enough of that as it. The only fatui I will tolerate at the moment is you. his expression shifts to concern Ah. I'm proud you are so focused on your goals then. As accomplished as always

he doesn't notice! he's just walking. you say that like you were expecting me to hate it~ never a dull day. still a long way to go though

I didnt expect you to hate it. You just. You dont retire from a job like that. Its who you are until you die

you're not the first to say that. who's to say there's not something else after this, though~? trust me, i've got plans 'Luc. he glanced at him, giving him a bright grin. what about you? how's the bar compare to your uh -- what's the word? vigilante days.

Who said my vigilante days are over. I Don't tend to the bar often. I was covering a shift for an employee of mine. he offers him a sly smile.

look at you~ he brightens a bit, bumping Diluc's shoulder with his own. people don't recognize you up here, though? was a looot easier to hide in Snezhnaya where no one knew you.

You'd be surprised how much a mask can hide. These days I'm focused more on the abyss order. he gently bumps back against him

Childe's expression shifted at that, a chill running up his spine. his even steps seemed to falter, but he was quick to catch up.

are you now~? big things to tackle there.

They have an invested interest in this area. They caused quite a few issues in this area recently. You could say our archon even had to step in. Hah.

mhm... already dealt with them a bit too much~ maybe we'll be assigned something we can actually work on together~ doubtful. if anything, he'd be working against Diluc.

Is that your attempt at a joke. You should know that is never going to happen. Our goals do not line up at all.

he offers him a grin, shaking his head. well, maybe in some aspects they might~ how much farther?

So impatient. You see that small town? We're almost there. he gestures to the small settlement

he glances forward, brightening up. not a city person, 'Luc~?

Not at all. Remember to mind your manners

reminds me of home. just less uh... snowy

2:46 PM

and, i always mind my manners~

It snows here on occasion. Nothing like back... by you

you ever miss it? staying in Snezhnaya, i mean. you were with us fooor... a while. weren't you?

you mean did I ever miss you? Why would I miss a place like that.

oh, come on. it's gorgeous back home. aand the arms back over his shoulder. not even a little bit?

if he murdered him right now. No body would know. So tempting. It's not my home. Some places were decent.

it's my home, aaand i think i turned out pretty well. c'mon. tell me what you liked. he squished him a little closer. close pals!

Okay that was far too close. He shoved Childe off of him. I suppose seeing you fall into the snow was nice

Oh, there he goes. He stumbled a tiny bit before getting back on track, shoving his hands in his pockets for the time being.

it's a hell of a lot nicer than the sun~ so, you didn't miss Snezhnaya. but did you miss me~?

I like the sun. he side eyed Childe at that last question. As if he would answer that honestly. Him? Missing fatui? As if. ... Tch. Wouldn't you like to know. they made it through the vineyard to front door. I'll have them run a bath for you.

The sun's annoying. He was definitely whining, but it's fine. A bath, though~? Sounds nice. You gonna join me, 'Luc~?

You're annoying He snapped back in return. No. Who knows what germs you have.

Me? I'm so glad you think so~ He laughed, reaching up to stretch as he kept in step with Diluc. Only the normal Snheznayan ones! And you've been there too!

No. You can visit me after you bathe He open the door and pulled one of the maids aside for a chat. Follow her. She will take care of you

Visit you? In your bed? He looked jokingly scandalized. But he would follow the maid off. Bye bye, Diluc~

rolling his eyes, He headed up to his study, waiting  for childe to finish up. This whole thing made him tempted to drink. What was he supposed to do? For now he would allow him to spend the night and then send him away in the morning

Childe took his time in the bath, letting his muscles relax and letting himself almost melt into the water. it was nice, and he ended up a lot better than he'd started off. As he was led to the guest room, he thanked the maid before darting out. Off to find Diluc!

He knocked on the door to the study, it being one of the few properly closed doors. (edited)

He knew even without seeing him that it was childe. Betrayal was an unforgiving pain. So why did Childe even wish to be here? Was this some twisted revenge plot? Or was the ginger so loyal and desperate that he didn't even care as long as they were in each others lives again?

Come in Childe.