The Ghost Cat Mira Archives

Chapter 1: A Human I Hate
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The bird finds a broken human.Why did he drag this wounded thing in?

It was not like him to reminisce of a time when he was happier. Diluc still remembered how his family used to be so close to those mortals, pretending they had a place among them. It was all a fantasy, Diluc was quick to realize that after he was left alone in this world. For as beautiful and prized something may be, humans were always driven by their primal instincts. Fear.Still he reminisced as he looked down at the sleeping man on his bed. A man who was frowning and delirious with fever. Diluc gently patted a cool wet rag against the sweaty forehead. He should have learnt a lesson all those decades ago, but here he is. Rescuing one of those dreaded mortals.
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Crepus Ragnvindr was once a man so influential and prominent. Respected, and sought for his knowledge and beauty. A creature kissed by the sun, blessed with fire and starlight. Many came and went from his home in the vineyard, something he had started out of curiosity. Some people came for the wine, but all stayed for the man. It was probably the large vermillion wings with feathers that would create golden sparks as they brushed against each other.Everyone thought such an ethereal creature was unapproachable. Everyone was wrong. Jealous eyes would turn every time their magnificent bird laughed with the person who had captured his heart. No one could deny that such happiness brought more radiance to their city.After some time no one remembered a moment when Master Ragnvindr wasn’t pure joy. He became even more radiant after Diluc was born. Everyday the Ragnvindr household was filled with happiness, so much so that the master would grace everyone with his feathered form. Wide wings that could cover the sky with the brilliance of the sun, would gracefully flutter creating sparks. They were incandescent golden leaves falling like snow to the earth below.Every night was joyous, with people flocking to the estate just to catch a glimpse of the magnificent and beautiful bird. A star that would take flight and dance through the skies.
Diluc took after him. As a fledgling his small wing could barely make a wisp of smoke. He could hardly transform between his forms, it would always make his parents smile when he did. The young fiery bird was full of glee and pride, always trying to impress both of his parents with his skills. All was well. He had never felt unhappy.Maybe that is why he felt so utterly useless, so bitterly angry. He should have seen them coming, with malice and evil intent, how they murdered his father. How they called him all sorts of things as they spat on his face and butchered his body. He should have known. That one cold night Crepus lost whom he loved the most, his partner, his fate, his mate. That one cold night Diluc learnt how to hate the humans that had once loved his father and mother. He also learnt that their kind could be overwhelmed by their own flames.Crepus wept, and screamed. The sneers and cruel laughter of the evil men around him, they slowly closed in on him and his precious son. The pain, the frustration, desperation and rage, it was all so much that the beautiful bird exploded into roaring flames. As if he couldn’t contain the fire within, it burst forth sparing not a single being. The blaze consumed half they’re beautiful vineyard, half their mansion. All the people were charred immediately in the inferno. Nothing was left but ashes, and a tiny little bird covered in soot. Diluc was left unscathed by the flames and he ran to rescue his mother, or what was left of him.What happened that night caused everyone to fear them. No one felt a single bit of empathy. Everyone was afraid. After that night they were abandoned and casted aside as a threat. No one worked the vineyard, none would visit. Crepus crumbled slowly. A bit of him got chipped away in time, when the people rejected him. Called him a monster. People forgot about the good. People started to hunt down his kind, because monsters should be killed.Hunters came after them, no matter how far they ran. Crepus all but accepted their knives and swords, Diluc would murder them all. He knew it was hard to kill their kind, but it was only a matter of time until they found out how. Until they noticed when they were at their most vulnerable, the perfect moment to go in for the kill.And of course they found out.
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Diluc was brought back to the present by a little whine. The man on his bed was frowning again, shivering violently from the fever. He should have just killed him instead of bringing him back. He was so bitter now, with a strong feeling of animosity towards these mortal beasts. He failed to protect his father, why should he save one of his enemies?He doesn’t know why he picked up this broken human. Perhaps it was the fact that he was pleading for help as he bled out on the forest floor. He had looked pathetic, maybe it was just pity. He looked down at the man again. Covered in cloth wrappings and a herbal smelling salve. Gently he pushed aside the stray blue locks of hair that had clung to the sweaty skin. He dampened the cloth once more as he cleaned away the sweat and tried to cool down the hot fever.He stared at the human for just a bit longer before deciding he had enough dealing with him. He sighed as he pushed the chair away from the bed. Living by himself in the densest of forests away from any city has its advantages. Now, he regrets choosing to save the man and bring him home. He has to make sure it doesn’t die, but now he has no place to sleep. Choosing against kicking out the dying man, after another whine of pain, perhaps he could just sleep on the roof.The crimson wings on his back flapped once as they created millions of tiny golden sparks that swirled around and clung to his human body. The once pale skin grew more crimson feathers, and long bones crackled with fiery bursts into smaller hollow ones. Ruby eyes glowed in the dark room, staring at the human breathing atop the bed before leaving.Once the light fluttering of feathers and the tapping of claws on wood was gone. Starry eyes opened slowly to focus on the swirls and patterns of the wooden ceiling. He thought he had imagined the beautiful man that looked like an angel who had come in his moment of agony. It could have been the fever, the loss of blood, or maybe the massive hit to his head. Now he was certain that the angel was real after hearing him sigh and huff by the bedside.He keeps focusing on the ceiling, trying not to think on the headache that is threatening to mush his brain in, or on the pain that flares up from his wounds every time he breathes. He was feeling down on his luck, with monsters and demons coming at him from every corner of the forsaken forest. Now he thinks his luck has turned, he has met an angel, one he didn’t know he was so desperate to meet. They do describe them so differently in his guild.
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He grunts again, sleep ever so light as every breath is just painful to take. He opens his starry eyes once more, this time he is blessed by the sight of his angel. Red eyes that glow with defiance stare back at him, a frown wrinkling the pristine and pale skin. Crimson locks falling over him slightly tickling his arm. He tries to speak, but only a pitiful whine comes out his lips. To his surprise the angel smiles, it is almost unnoticeable since the pink rosy lips are still pressed on a thin line. To most he looks quite apathetic, but with how close he is, he can see the red eyes soften and the frown is less obvious.“So you are alive,” the angel says and it is the most enchanting voice he has ever heard. He makes the same pitiful noise when he tries to speak again, the forced air causing his throat to feel itchy and sending him in a coughing fit. Every cough is agonizing. The angel shushes him, gently caressing his short hair, brushing aside the loose strands. “Try not to speak,” the angel says in a tender voice, bringing a cup of water to his lips, “drink.”Only then he notices that the other hand that had gently caressed him is holding his head up. He drinks thirstily from the cup. The water is refreshing and sweet, and every swallow makes him feel so much better. “Slow down,” the angel says softly. Once the water is done, his head is slowly placed on top of the pillow.“Rest some more, your wounds need healing,” the angel is so gentle with him, he is surprised. He had never expected such gentleness, such caring. Maybe it was all a lie, but that is alright. He closes his eyes once more and calms his breathing. The soft caress against his hair does not stop even as he drifts into sleep.
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Diluc is almost unconsciously caressing the soft blue hairs, he is deep in thought. He needs to get rid of the man once he has healed enough to leave. Partially because he doesn’t trust him, maybe he should have him get lost in the forest again. It’s not like he cares. Mostly because he is fed up with sleeping outside. Even if it was only one night so far. His sleep was interrupted by the pigeons, those who got cocky enough to approach him. They are so disrespectful. He huffed, a wisp of smoke leaving his nose. He may have burnt the feathers of one of the poor things.They’ll fear him now.He doesn’t want to sleep inside using his feathery form, not whilst the human is around. Diluc doesn’t know what it might do or try to do to him in his sleep. He has heard tales from the creatures in the forest; the bounty hunters, all greedy for reward, come and attack them at night in their homes, in their sleep.Those kinds of hunters who hunt for coin are cruel, they hunt the creatures they call monsters, they come into their territory and murder them. Most humans evade these forests, but some have indeed just wandered in accidentally. Diluc has driven away some of them, children that strayed too far, women and men that lost their way after collecting water or hunting for a meal.Maybe he is too merciful. Most of the creatures don’t second think and just kill any trespasser. He stares at the peaceful sleeping face, the tanned skin is no longer dripping with sweat. The handsome face is no longer troubled with pain. Maybe he can get rid of him soon. He transforms once more as he leaves his little dwelling, his nest.The morning is humid with a light drizzle. He ruffled his feathers and fluttered his wings as thin water droplets cling to him. “Just perfect,” he complains as he hops to the nearest tree. It bothers him to have to go out in his human form, he might as well visit the village.As much as he hates being around humans, they are an easy source to get different foods, clean clothes, and even furniture. Diluc dislikes hiding his wings. The thin off-white dress he is using slowly gets covered in a red velvety material. This new dress is thicker and soft to the touch, crimson like his feathers. It is long and it drags on the floor, but it remains clean. It covers his arms and his neck, making it warm. He dislikes having to do this each time he goes to the village.It is a long way through the forest, walking seems endless. He is just glad he is recognized by the forest’s inhabitants. Once he is out of the dense vegetation he finds a well used pathway, he rarely goes close to the humans and this time it is as if all is new once more. Last time he was by the village was years ago. He hunts most of his food but now he has a weak human to take care of. The people at the village gawk, like always. He is unbothered, but alert.
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The people talk amongst themselves, they always have outsiders coming and going. It was a favorite stop for travelers and hunters, particularly bounty hunters that tracked down monsters. The forests close to the village were those from stories and legends, sightings of every horror recounted and retold in written reports and in composed songs. Hence they never bat an eye at the burly and scar ridden men that came to stay at the only inn.This gorgeous beauty was different. The being was more beautiful than any woman they had ever seen or even heard of. Even the outsiders would stop and stare. Skin white like pure snow, lips plump and rosy, eyes shiny like rubies. Long curling locks of red that framed his face and thin body. Hips that swayed as long steps took the beautiful being through the dusty streets and into the general store.Many women looked in envy, and many men looked in hunger. Worse of all, many hunters of monsters and demons whose eyes looked dark and cruel, they stared like predators. Many had searched for the most elusive of beasts, the bird blessed by the sun. A being made of fire and starlight. Rumors said in the forest inhabited a bird of bright crimson feathers that would viciously peck and scare away people from the forest. Some of the hunters were too foolish, going by recounts and not by the books and books of their guilds history. Those books said that such a bird might not be a bird at all.While the hunters plotted and waited like predators, Diluc bought goods from the store. “Milk, vegetables, proper bandages,” he murmured under his breath, terribly aware of the eyes on him, “how can I help you?” He asked as one of the braver men approached him, judging by his appearance he was one of the younger bounty hunters. Perhaps its target wasn’t even a monster.A little taken aback, the young man fumbled over words before figuring out what to say, “what- you- beauty- what are you doing?” He then proceeded to curse for messing it up. Diluc was unimpressed, were all humans easily impressionable? “Shopping.” The man left feeling embarrassed, but another one replaced him instead. This time Diluc was more weary, a seasoned bounty hunter that specialized in monsters. He knew, he smelled the victims on his hands and clothes. Death is hard to remove.“Never seen you around, Miss,” the man said, his voice deep and grave. An assumption Diluc didn’t care to clarify. “Not from around,” his voice turned softer, more feminine. He really had to leave. “Where are you from then?” The man followed as Diluc paid at the counter and gathered his purchase inside a basket, everyone watched as the usually quiet bounty hunter spoke.They were either in for disappointment or a hunt was on.
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~~✧~~

Chapter 2: A Human I Like
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The bird finds that this human is different.Why does it make his heart beat fast?

He really shouldn’t have picked up the dying human from the forest. Then he wouldn’t be in this mess. The hunter insistently followed and repeated his question, sounding more threatening this time, “where are you from, Miss? Such a young and beautiful lady like you shouldn’t travel far.”Diluc huffed, “my husband is sick so I must travel alone, we live by the forest good sir.” He lied as he answered in indignation, like the annoyed housewife he pretended to be. How humiliating. He’d make the man he saved pay for this.Not looking fully convinced, the bounty hunter followed. The rest of them stared, ready for the kill, and the onlookers watched ready for entertainment. “Sweet Miss, why don’t you let me accompany you? The forest is dangerous,” the man wouldn’t let up. Diluc was annoyed, he sighed, still keeping up the act, “well, if you insist good sir, by all means I will appreciate your company.”The man was not expecting Diluc to give in so quickly, or even at all. Monsters were known to be distrustful but maybe this one was cunning. The man didn’t want to be wrong in front of the others, so he might just risk going alone. He gave a look at the others, and they looked back in disappointment. Less tense was the atmosphere now, and the onlookers finally carried on with their lives. Too bad there was no entertainment for today.Diluc himself was weighing his options, on one side he could murder the man, or simply escape. Either of those could end up in himself being targeted and definitely banned from leaving the forest for the next couple of decades. Bringing the man close to his nest was out of the question. They walked slowly outside the village and onto the path that led close to the forest.After the long silence, Diluc decided to speak again, “Good sir-” He was interrupted by the man, “Miss, it is alright, I apologize, you just seemed… out-worldly.” Diluc frowned, was it a compliment or was it a threat, that he had been discovered. He bowed and kept walking, slowly and carefully, following the path that led to the woods rather than the dense forest.He felt the cruel eyes on him for a while, until they were gone. He stopped, instead of looking back he took a deep breath smelling the air. The scent of grass, of freshwater, of oak and pine. The acrid and pungent scent of death was gone, only small traces were left where the man had stood. He continued to walk slowly on the path until he was far enough to switch directions into the dense forests.
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Starry eyes opened to a softly lit room, the light from outside filtered in through the door frame, and the window; the drapes doing a terrible job at keeping the light out. He groaned once more, this time out of boredom rather than pain. His wounds weren’t painful anymore, he tried to sit up. He winced as stiff muscles complained, but other than that the wounds were just a little sting he could barely feel. The angel did miracles.He took a moment to look around, his seeing eye adjusting to the light that filtered inside. The room was relatively small, one bed, a place to cook, and that was basically it. Some shelves on the side that probably kept some food or herbs.Herbs, he smelled of herbs. He looked down at the cloth wrappings around his chest, some around his arm, and even he felt some around his head. He tried to unwrap the one on his arm, but it was tightly secured, it made it hard to undo with one arm. He sighed, dragging his legs off the edge of the bed. He might just try to walk.The door suddenly opened, letting in the light from outside and making his eye sting. He squinted his eyes as he saw the figure come in a rush. Mostly ignoring him, the angel… was it the angel? Placed the items on the only table there was. A small little table, there was no chair. “Don’t move,” the angel had said, and he didn’t. Obediently waiting for him to stop moving around the small space. He came to sit beside him, the bed barely moving as he did.“Can you lift your arms?” The angel’s eyes looked so beautiful, he nodded and lifted his arms slowly, his muscles still stiff and achy. The angel wrapped his arms around him as he removed the cloth, the pungent herbal smell was stronger now. “Don’t move,” the voice was so sweet, he wondered if the angel was just like a songbird. He didn’t move an inch, even as his stiff muscles ached from having his arms up.The angel cleaned off the dry herbal salve with a damp rag, it fell cool against his skin. He really wanted a bath. “Where are your wings?” He asked, his voice quite hoarse. How long had he been sleeping?The angel jerked back, but pretended that the question was never asked as he diligently looked at the scarring gash across his chest. “You’ll live, put your arms down,” the angel said, this time more angry, maybe it was because he’d spoken. If only the pale skin wasn’t blushing so beautifully in a tender blush, or the eyes weren’t shining brightly even as he frowned. Maybe he would believe it.“I’m Kaeya,” he said softly in his hoarse voice, he wanted to hear the melodious voice speak his name. Then maybe he could believe that this wasn’t something his mind had made up. “Ok,” the angel said, ignoring Kaeya as he unwrapped the rest of the bandages.
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Diluc wasn’t sure why his face would heat up, it was probably the strain of having his wings hidden. He really wanted to unfurl them, but he wanted to get rid of this thing that was smiling at him. Kaeya, it’s name. It was pretty. He shook his head, what nonsense is he thinking now. The smile was bright, a little annoying too. It was almost playful and it made Diluc want to punch this Kaeya in the face.“Your wounds have healed enough,” Diluc looked up, then he suddenly jumped back when he felt a warm rough hand barely touching his arm. He bristled, “you can leave now.” The man, Kaeya, gave out a long sigh. He dared to ask again, “where are your wings?” As if that was what was important. Diluc huffed as he turned on his heel, away from the human.“Thank you for saving me, sweet angel,” the hoarse voice said as clearly as it could. Diluc rolled his eyes as he put away the things he had bought in the little shelf. “I am not an angel,” he didn’t look at the human as he heard the rustling of the bed sheets. A low curse in complaint. “But you have wings like an angel,” Kaeya said, it didn’t sound any farther than before. Diluc looked back, and frowned.Laying on his bed was Kaeya. Comfortably even, his hands under his head and a leg bent up. A clean shirt, where did he get it from? Diluc tried not to be bothered by it, or to think that the man on his bed was indeed very handsome.The tanned skin had many scars, he’d seen when he took off Kaeya the bloodied shirt and leather armor that was torn to bits. His starry eyes were something Diluc hadn’t seen before. While one remained a deep night blue, the other one was gray and dull. A little light scar ran over it, barely visible. His short hair was messy, but the blue locks felt soft to the touch.Yes, he was definitely not thinking about Kaeya. “What are you doing?” He demanded after putting away all the items. “Hm~ Getting comfortable, I am still in pain.” The smile was mischievous, and Diluc really slapped Kaeya’s leg off the bed. Instead of complaining he laughed, and it was such a warm laugh. Diluc hadn’t heard such real laughter since he used to live at the vineyard.He steeled his heart, because humans don’t deserve his trust anymore, “leave.” He tried to sound as harsh as he could, Kaeya’s laughter died out. “Alright sweet angel, but first,” he said as he stood, his face coming close to Diluc’s. He stood his ground, trying not to feel anything as the blue and gray eyes bore into his. “If I can’t see your wings, can I at least have a name?” Kaeya’s eyes were almost looking into his soul, and his smile looked genuine.“Diluc,” the little bird chirped, then blushed at how ridiculous he sounded. “Diluc, thank you for rescuing me,” he softly grabbed his hand, and gave it a quick peck before turning on his heel to leave. Diluc’s mind is debating whether to kill Kaeya, or to let him live. Instead he stopped him as he was leaving his little nest.“I’ll give you a feather,” he said, almost not believing his words. He unfurled his wings, the red dress sizzling in orange embers, leaving behind the thin white dress untouched by the embers. As the crimson wings came into existence, Diluc tried to stretch them out. He hated hiding them because they would go numb, now he couldn’t feel if they were stretched or just uselessly limp on his back.Kaeya, on the other hand, was amazed at the wings, he’d seen them whilst in and out of consciousness. Now, under the light of the sun, they glowed much like the sun at dawn. A brilliant red, and hints of golden yellow as they stretched out in all their splendor. He couldn’t help but grin, he’d found the angel he’d been looking for. His thoughts were interrupted as Diluc brought the recently plucked feather to him.“Uh, thanks?” Kaeya accepted the feather, it was deep red and warm to the touch. “I will help you leave the forest in one piece,” Diluc said, nonchalantly but looking rather shy, “it will turn to ash once you reach the path.” Kaeya nodded, taking the enchanting feather with him as he left the little hut in the middle of the forest. He didn’t look back once, but Diluc looked at the blue haired man until he had disappeared into the thick forest.He thought he’d never see the human again. He was very wrong.
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After the third time Diluc had to stop him, “what are you doing?” He chirped. It was a little demanding, but also too cheerful. The first time Kaeya had returned Diluc feared the worst, how his kindness had come back to haunt him even worse than how the people in the village spread the rumors.Kaeya had been waiting for him just outside his nest. Diluc had returned from picking berries and catching some fish, when he saw the blue hair and the pearly smile. “Diluc,” he’d called as he saw something shine on his hand. He almost drops his basket. He almost burns the man.He blushed in embarrassment as he saw the shiny object was a little trinket, a pretty red stone held by twisted metal almost in a swirling pattern like branches of trees. The stone was hanging by a thin golden chain, brilliant and yellow much like the metal that held the stone.All the while he’d thought it was a knife, a dagger that Kaeya had brought to try and murder him; or even worse, take his blood. Instead the little jewel took him by surprise, particularly after Kaeya wanted to give it to him as a sign of gratitude, “it reminded me of you.” Diluc was still suspicious of it all but gladly accepted it.This time, Kaeya searched for him by the river, “I am just visiting you, can’t I?” His eyes were soft and his smile seemed genuine, Diluc relaxed just a little as he watched the little fish swim by. “There is no need for you to visit,” he answered.Diluc wondered how Kaeya was walking around the forest unbothered, the creatures in the forest were generally alert and suspicious about the humans. Most humans that entered the forest never left it unscathed.“I just want to come see you, my sweet angel,” he said in a sweet tone, a smirk on his face. He knew it made Diluc blush and his wings flutter. He always tried to control them, but they still fluttered along with his heart. Creating golden sparks that would dance around him before dissolving into little gray specks of ashes. He answered mumbling, “I am not an angel.”Kaeya then laughed, “then you are my sunshine. Just as warm and radiant.” “Shut up, you are scaring the fish,” he answered sharply, but Diluc would almost combust on the spot. His wings fluttered and sent flickers of flames and golden sparks. His wings had betrayed him by giving away how overjoyed he felt at being called such embarrassing things.
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The visits became more frequent, every time Kaeya would bring a little something for Diluc. Flowers he’d never seen, some foods he’d never tried, one time he brought a book. Now Diluc has a growing collection of them. Diluc started to yearn Kaeya’s visits. Always expecting to see the starry eyes and the beautiful smile, getting disappointed when he didn’t. Feeling like he was flying when he did.
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He didn’t know his heart could beat so fast for someone.
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~~✧~~

Chapter 3: The Human I Want
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The bird want this human in his life.Why does he feel so happy?

Diluc was staring at the red jewel that hung around his neck. He’d made sure to never take it off ever since Kaeya placed it around his neck. Against the sun’s rays filtering through the forest canopy, the jewel created little red reflections that illuminated his hands and even some little spots on the ground. A little speckled bird started to peck at a spot of light.Diluc laughed as the little bird hopped after it. Both him and the bird startled when a small cat pounced seemingly out of nowhere. More intent on chasing the bird at first but then easily distracted by the red sparkle of light. It’s white fur was a little gray and dirty, covered with some blades of grass and dirt. Diluc kept orienting the sparkle of light around it, smiling as the cat would keenly follow it.“You seem hungry, here, I have some cooked fish I brought for snacking,” Diluc gave the cat a small piece of fish. At first it looked distrustful of Diluc, suspiciously eyeing the fish before grabbing it between its teeth and dashing out of sight.“Giving your food away?” He heard the voice before he saw the man. It made his heart skip a beat. He almost jumped and ran towards Kaeya when he saw him appear through the thicket. “I wasn’t that hungry,” he lied as he walked up to Kaeya.He felt as if he hadn’t seen his starry eyes in a long time, even if he just saw them yesterday. Kaeya had been coming to visit him everyday, sometimes even staying with the excuse of sleepiness or that Diluc’s place was close to wherever he needed to go. The nights when Kaeya stayed were Diluc’s most restless ones. He always tried to find a distraction within the starry skies and the peaceful forest.“Too bad, I hunted on the way here,” he showed Diluc his catch. Two small brown rabbits, and a little speckled bird. All tied together by their legs and dangling in front of Diluc. Kaeya smiled at him.Diluc put away the red jewel, hiding it once more underneath the thin white dress he usually wore. His bare feet reached the smooth ground below as he jumped down from the rock he’d been lazing on. “Let’s go then,” he said as he pulled Kaeya along.He was sometimes bold enough to hold onto Kaeya’s hand. The first time he’d held onto his rough and scarred hand, he felt as if it was the warmest thing he had touched. He liked tracing his finger over the smooth pale lines that were Kaeya’s scars. He had once asked about some of them, and Kaeya always had a story to tell for each one. Sometimes ridiculous and other times believable. Most were about his knightly adventures, some were just accidents with him being reckless.This time like many others, Kaeya prepared a meal. It was usually very fragrant and tasty. Diluc’s meals were simple, he had grown used to being by himself and therefore a meal was just to satisfy his hunger rather than to be enjoyed in the company of another. Kaeya had changed a lot of what Diluc used to do in a matter of months. Kaeya even went to the village in his stead, so his little shelf remained well stocked.“Here you go,” Kaeya said, as he served him the cooked fowl along with some herbs and mashed potatoes. Diluc stared at the little bird, and gulped. He had never tasted any sort of bird before, as the idea seemed rather… wrong. Kaeya sat across from Diluc, the little table that had no chairs before now had two chairs.He eyed at Kaeya’s rabbits, they were rather small, but… “Kaeya can I have some of the rabbits?”“Are you sure, sunshine? They were rather old and small. That’s why I prepared the plump little bird, just for you,” Kaeya said with a wide smile, looking at Diluc expectantly.After Diluc hesitated for a moment, he sighed, “how about you try a little piece, if you don’t like it then we can change plates.” He cut a sizable piece of the fowl for Diluc, the softest and juiciest part and held it against Diluc’s lips all while humming.“Alright,” Diluc agreed, it wasn’t that bad if he just tried a little. As he opened his mouth, he felt the piece brush against his lips. It was tasty and tender, the fatty juices flowing and invading his mouth as he chewed slowly. He savored the piece until he swallowed it, licking his lips afterwards just to keep tasting it.“Was it good?” Kaeya asked, his smile brighter and eyes almost knowing, Diluc just nodded. He wordlessly continued to eat the cooked fowl, he hadn’t known it would taste so delicious.Kaeya wordlessly watched him devour the whole bird.
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Kaeya had been visiting his sweet angel. Rejoicing every time he managed to make Diluc blush and smile. After his success with the bird he had hunted, he made sure to bring Diluc a new meal to try. He tried to hunt new kinds of birds, pheasants were the easiest, little birdies that hopped and fluttered their wings were the hardest. Those usually fought back.Diluc had grown accustomed to finding Kaeya in his little hut, cooking the preys he found for the day, or simply just doing things idly. Diluc had grown a collection of books from those Kaeya had brought, most were fantastical stories with knights and demons. Kaeya had also built the shelves those were kept on.It was hard work for Kaeya, but they say hard work pays off. He’d like to think so.The brief hand-holds and the light touches slowly became innocent kisses, and Kaeya couldn’t be happier about it. His sweet angel had been staring at the red jewel, like most of the times, he’d found him lost in thought. Maybe Diluc had been too happy, and excited; Kaeya had been busy and hadn’t visited in two days. Diluc ran up to him and gave him a small kiss on his lips. It was fleeting and gone, he barely got a taste.Of course, the angel had immediately gone red. His wings fluttered madly making angry golden sparks, even wisps of smoke. Diluc fled after that, something between running and flying out of sight. Kaeya laughed at how silly he looked, but had also licked his lips trying to imagine those soft lips again. Slowly he wanted to make the angel his, just his. Diluc was the angel he had been looking for since long ago. He’d make sure no one else had him.
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After Diluc had gotten too excited when he saw Kaeya, he had run away. When he returned he had been kissed back just as softly. Kaeya had promised to return after his mission, whatever that was.Diluc was once again staring at the red jewel. He never knew he wanted Kaeya that much. “Would Kaeya want to be my mate?” He asked the lazy cat laying beside him. The white cat had returned at times, meowing and purring. Demanding more food, Diluc thought, but he found the feline adorable and good company. It would purr and rub against him, sometimes playing with his wings.Diluc had tried helping the cat get clean with a quick bath in the river close to the forest. Needless to say it didn’t end well for either of them. Diluc was wet and scratched, the cat was wet and angry, but cleaner. It’s fluffy white fur was no longer as gray and matted. Diluc had even tied on a little green ribbon around its neck, then none of the creatures in the forest would dare attack it.Kaeya had found them playing once. “Who’s that sweetheart?” The cat had jumped back and hid behind Diluc. He petted the small cat, but didn’t stand aside, “this little one is my friend.” Kaeya tilted his head to see the hiding white fluff with a green ribbon and smiled.
The cat had decided not to approach Diluc’s nest anymore but still chased after the red reflection of the jewel whenever Diluc decided to walk around the forest.The forest had been quiet recently, the creatures living in it had gone into hiding. Perhaps it was due to Kaeya’s visits, even though he tried to reassure them he was good.None would believe him, but he knew Kaeya never smelled like the death he smelled on all the bounty hunters in the village. Kaeya smelled like the forest, of cedarwood and moss.Diluc had spent so long distracted that the cat had gotten bored and left. Little paw prints leading back into the thicket. He sighed again, it was important when his kind chose a mate. They would only have one in their lifetime, as many just withered away if they lost them. Diluc couldn’t imagine living without Kaeya. He had become too attached to the human he had once hated, not out of malice, more out of fear and disappointment.Humans had taught Diluc how to hate, because no matter what Diluc did he was always a monster in their eyes. Kaeya however, he had been different. As much as Diluc suspected him at the beginning, he slowly crawled into his heart. Time and time again showing him that maybe humans aren’t that bad.Diluc returned rather late to his nest, it was getting chilly outside but his own fire kept him warm. He was surprised to see the fire lit, and Kaeya resting his head over his hand as he sat at their table. A meal ready and a little dimly glowing flower beside it. Diluc kissed the top of Kaeya’s head, and took the flower to place it in a little cup with water. He’d never seen a flower quite like it, but it had been a while since he left these forests.Diluc looked back at Kaeya who was drowsily looking at him, “welcome back sweetheart, I made dinner.” He yawned, as he placed his head back against his hand. Diluc coaxed him to bed, “come Kaeya, you need proper rest.” Then somehow, in between carrying him and placing him down, he was trapped in his embrace.“Um, Kaeya?” Diluc tried to escape, but Kaeya would not budge. After a while trying to struggle against his hold, Diluc gave up. He tilted his head to give a little peck to Kaeya’s lips and whispered to the night, “I love you Kaeya.” Kaeya hummed in his sleep, tucking Diluc’s head under his.
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It started with a kiss lingering just a little longer than usual. Then they became hungrier, a tongue licking against soft lips. The air warming up around them. A thin string of saliva connecting them just a little longer before it breaks. Then it was the hands, particularly Kaeya’s, where they’d slowly wander between Diluc’s hips, or his ass. Sometimes even his thighs when he’d press Diluc against the wall.Diluc would usually stop the hands from touching more. His body heated up every time he was kissed with such hunger. His body craved for more when he stopped Kaeya. He didn’t know how easily he’d give in to that craving.Soon Diluc was being pressed against his bed, his arms holding onto Kaeya’s neck as the other grinded against him. Biting onto his lips as Diluc let moans escape his mouth. Tonight, he’d ask Kaeya. He tapped against Kaeya’s back.“Diluc,” Kaeya gasped, as he broke the kiss. Diluc lips were a little swollen from the bites, a little red from the kissing. They glistened orange with the dance of the flames in the fireplace. The sweet angel was spread beneath Kaeya, his wings ruffled and his skin pink and glowing softly. “Kaeya,” Diluc breathed out, his red eyes shining with that undeniable love, “would you… be my mate?”Kaeya answered him with a kiss. His tongue tracing those sweet and soft lips before kissing his way down the side of Diluc’s neck. Diluc tasted sweet and Kaeya finds that he is dying to taste more. Too eager, Kaeya starts tearing at Diluc’s thin dress that was sticking to the pale skin, the fabric ripping easily until he can toss it away. If Diluc wanted to complain, he couldn’t as he was too busy moaning Kaeya’s name.The pale skin was flushed and glowing; the pink perky nipples just begging for attention. Kaeya lavished them with attention, lickling and nibbling at them until he could hear Diluc whining and holding onto his short hair. He didn’t relent in his ministrations until he made sure to mark Diluc’s entire chest. The nipples were dark pink and stiff, there were bite marks around them and around Diluc’s neck and shoulders.Little blooms of red and purple covered the snowy skin, and Kaeya relished in that fact. He continued moving down, making sure to spread Diluc’s legs wider apart. All the while Diluc moaned and turned to hold the sheets below.After marking his supple thighs, Kaeya could see Diluc was shaking. His small pink cock was leaking precum onto his stomach, and his knuckles were white from clenching too hard.Diluc opened his eyes he didn’t know he had shut tightly, Kaeya’s kiss on his cheek making him relax. “You are too tense, sweetheart,” he kept peppering kisses on his face. Diluc wasn’t sure how to feel from this intimacy, he felt exposed and shy, and overwhelmingly good. He’d never felt the need to touch himself before, so every touch had him feeling sensitive, but eager.Kaeya pressed two fingers against his lips, to which he opened without thinking. Kaeya pushed the fingers into his mouth, and he gladly started licking them. They tasted salty as he swirled his tongue around both fingers, coating them thick in saliva, whimpering as Kaeya retrieved them. The fingers were replaced with Kaeya’s tongue, swallowing Diluc’s moans as he was stretched gently.It felt strange, the pressure was something he’d never felt before. The stretch was good and it made him want to feel more of it. “More,” he demanded as the fingers left him feeling empty. Then he moaned in anticipation as he felt the thick tip of Kaeya’s cock pressing against his fluttering hole.Diluc screamed as Kaeya pushed in slowly, Diluc was overwhelmingly tight. He tensed over again after Kaeya had pushed just past the rim. He tried to relax Diluc with more kisses, and slowly stroking his cock until more precum oozed from the tip. Diluc sobbed as Kaeya pushed in inch after inch. He chirped loudly and his wings spasmed once Kaeya was fully inside. Diluc was so sensitive that he had come from being so full.“You are perfect,” Kaeya whispered as Diluc tried to hide his face in shame. Kaeya held his arms away and pinning them to the bed. “No, I- I- ahn~” Diluc moaned again as Kaeya thrusted in him slowly. Kaeya’s cock dragged against the sensitive, wet walls that seemed to want to suck him back inside every time he pulled out.“See Diluc, you are- so good, so greedy, begging me- to be inside you,” Kaeya groaned as he repositioned Diluc’s legs enough to bend him so he could see just how well he was taking Kaeya. The greedy hole was getting wetter, just as Diluc was getting harder again. He whimpered as Kaeya’s slow thrusts just barely grazed that part deep inside him that had made him see stars.“Kaey- ah, please,” Diluc begged again, trying to move his hips but barely being able to, seeing how Kaeya had him positioned. His wings fluttered along with his attempts. “Plea- please,” Diluc whined as Kaeya sped up his thrusts but still angled them to miss where Diluc wanted him the most. Diluc wanted, needed him deeper, he needed to feel full, so full.“Hm~ As you wish,” Kaeya fucked Diluc so deeply, that Diluc had to scream again. Kaeya touched the small bulge that was formed as he thrusted in and out of Diluc. He grabbed Diluc’s hand and made him feel it, “like this?” Diluc felt as the swell appeared every time Kaeya pushed in, and he sobbed. He was so full, and so sensitive it felt like he was going to come again.Diluc’s wings spasmed as he spilled over his stomach again. His legs twitched as his back arched and his toes curled. Diluc became so hot and tight that Kaeya wouldn’t last any longer. He pushed in deep as his warm cum filled and coated Diluc’s insides. The sweet angel's moans were so beautiful that Kaeya had become addicted to them. He rode their orgasms until he collapsed over the tired little bird.Kaeya repositioned them to be on their side. Diluc’s eyes were slowly closing, even as he complained about the white sticky fluid leaking from him onto his thighs and sheets. “I’ll clean later,” Kaeya promised as he nuzzled Diluc's soft hairs whilst staring at the fluttering wings.“My mate,” Diluc whispered before falling to sleep. Kaeya kissed his forehead in response.
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After their first time, Kaeya became bolder. His hands would wander around Diluc’s body as they kissed even outside Diluc’s little hut. At first Diluc had been shy, stopping Kaeya from going further unless they were home. Kaeya however, managed to convince Diluc to try it at least once. Soon he had Diluc bending over anytime, anywhere. The forest was filled with the sweet moans of his angel as he became undone by his hands, and on his cock.Diluc had grown to be very demanding, and Kaeya would give in to most of his demands. He didn’t want to disappoint his angel, as greedy as he had become. Kaeya was glad to satisfy Diluc as his tear streaked face was an absolute wonder to witness. Kaeya craved to see it whenever he’d fuck Diluc against a tree, or laid on top of soft grass.Then in one of his visits Diluc had been quite thoughtful, staring at the red jewel as he stroked his stomach absentmindedly. His eyes seemed to dawn upon something, as he gently pressed onto a spot on his belly. He jumped and ran over to Kaeya.“Kaeya,” Diluc smiled as little teardrops ran down his cheeks. Kaeya had never seen Diluc this radiant, so much so he could rival the sun. Diluc gently grabbed his hand and placed it over a little hard bump on his stomach just below his navel, “we’ll have a little one.”
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It was Kaeya’s turn to be overjoyed. His smile grew wide and his starry eyes glinted, but not with tears.
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~~✧~~

Chapter 4: The Human I'll Harm
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The bird is forgetful, feeling very anxious.Why does everything smell of moss?

Kaeya had been busier than usual, leaving for days or returning late at night. He’d always tell Diluc not to worry before kissing him, then looking down at the very obvious bump on Diluc’s abdomen. He’d always smile when he saw the bump, his eyes shining. Diluc thought Kaeya was happy, as he’d usually hold his waist tightly.The little egg growing inside him felt warm through his skin. The little flame was not yet strong enough, and so Diluc tried to be careful any time he left to walk around the forest. The forest had grown deadly quiet, he could no longer hear the creatures in hiding, or even smell them. Most smelled of a strong scent of moss, and a hint of something citrusy. It made him fear for the life within him, but it wasn’t the first time the forest had grown this silent.At least Diluc had company with the white cat, it would laze around him or play with a falling leaf. It would chase around the little red spot of light from Diluc’s red jewel, or it would curl near Diluc’s growing belly and purr. Then it would run away as soon as it heard Kaeya coming.“You are out here again,” Kaeya said softly.“I was getting bored staying indoors, and it is hard to transform,” Diluc huffed, gathering his thin red dress to the side. He patted the empty space beside him. Kaeya’s dark blue eyes followed Diluc’s motions before moving next to him.“You’ve been busy recently,” Diluc commented, hoping Kaeya might tell him a little bit. Kaeya doesn’t tell him many details of his missions, he says it is best if Diluc doesn’t know.“I was hunting down monsters,” Kaeya says, staring directly at Diluc.It made Diluc’s heart speed up and his muscles tense, that word he had heard many times directed at him and at his kind. “A group had attacked the village,” he says as he card’s his fingers through Diluc’s soft red locks of hair. The motion is soothing, and it helps Diluc calm.“That’s why I am afraid of you leaving the hut,” he adds as he kisses Diluc’s forehead. Maybe that’s why the creatures in the forest were gone, such a commotion wouldn’t have gone unnoticed.How had he not noticed it?Perhaps that is why he’d been more restless, the quiet brought a sense of dread. With Kaeya gone most days, Diluc worried for his mate. He also felt vulnerable without him. “Kae-kaeya, please stay,” the starry eyes looked thoughtful.“Alright, I’ll stay tomorrow,” he kissed Diluc’s cheek, “but I must return to my duties.” Diluc pouted and nodded, it was not enough.They walked back to his nest, it was warm. Outside had been cold and cloudy, the slightest hint of rain could be smelled faintly. “Oh, here, you liked this one last time,” Kaeya handed Diluc a blue flower which glowed dimly like a lantern. ‘Lamp grass’ Kaeya had mentioned when he had asked about the flower. He rushed inside to place it in the same little cup he had placed the last one.The white porcelain cup helped the dim glow of the lamp grass shine just a little more. He admired it for a while as Kaeya started preparing a meal with some fresh meat cuts.“Oh, I didn’t know you had hunted on the way here,” Diluc commented.“Yes, I was carrying it with me sweetheart,” Kaeya continued slicing the meat into pieces.Diluc looked confused for a moment, not recalling that fact. Maybe he had been too distracted, too worried and stressed over the deadly silence of the forest. He flapped his wings lightly, sending little wisps of smoke. He laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling, deep in thought.At least Kaeya’s cooking smelled delicious and covered the strong smell of moss that seemed to cling to the air in the forest.Kaeya turned to look at him and smiled, his sweet bird was terribly stressed. He should do something about his weakened little bird.
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Diluc woke up late, the space beside him was warm but empty. He took a moment to curl in bed, placing his hand over the little bump of the egg. He wasn’t feeling hungry yet so decided to stretch his wings and lay on his side. He was still sore from last night, even though Kaeya was gentle with him.As he looked around the quiet room he noticed the flower that glowed blue, was now wilted and gray. He looked at it trying to think if he forgot to add water to the cup. Maybe that was the case, since the blue flower would usually shine for nights if well kept.He stood to remove the wilted flower. He placed the cup aside on top of the table, and sighed. The day felt like it dragged on endlessly, the silence was perturbing and the stormy weather was foreboding.Diluc would have loved to transform into his feathery form, but he was scared he might damage the fragile eggshell and hurt the little flame inside.He paced around. The sound of his bare feet was the only thing that resounded in the room. That and the wind outside from the stormy weather.
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He paced.Reorganizing the shelves....and paced.. ... .
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Trying to read one of the books.. ...
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And paced.
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And paced.
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Kaeya was nowhere to be seen. Diluc was growing restless and anxious. He decided to go outside before he wore out the floors inside his nest. If he stayed close to his nest it should be alright. Right?Diluc flapped his wings once he was out, creating sparks of gold that landed on the grass as cinders. No birds chirped, no creatures scuffled. The rustling of the leaves was minimal. The silence was making him insane, maybe going closer to the river would calm him.The walk wasn’t that long, still staying close to his nest. He was glad that the closer he got, the louder the rush of the water. It helped soothe his nerves just a little. Even the low rumble of far away thunder was welcome.Diluc was glad to find the white cat was laying on top of a dry patch of grass. Rubbing its body against it until it saw Diluc. It’s shiny green eyes stared at Diluc for a while, before sitting and motioning at Diluc with a paw. He was happy to see the cat, and leaned down to give him a little pat on the head.The cat purred, meowed, and meowed. The quiet cat was being very vocal today, Diluc tilted his head wondering what it wanted. Too bad he didn’t bring a snack with him.The cat then shook itself, the little green ribbon shaking along. Then as if to clear its throat, the cat sat up straight and tucked it’s paws close.Then it spoke softly, broken in little meows.Animals can rarely speak as they possess less power than the rest of the creatures in the forest. Therefore when they did it was few words, or very important words.“Should... leave forest... nya,” it said as it slowly walked to rub against Diluc, “hunt... always smells... same.”He wasn’t sure what the cat meant. The hunts usually ended up smelling like blood and death. He had witnessed too many to forget the metallic scent that he could almost taste at the back of his throat. He shook his head.This forest had always smelled of grass, of the freshwater of the river, and of the oak and pine trees that grew within its borders; strongly of moss. He stopped to think, the smell was too strong. Unordinary, uncommon to the forest, even if Kaeya smelled like it every time he came from the forest.Something was definitely wrong, and the strange silence that had taken over the forest was a warning.The cat hissed and jumped back as it heard the rustle of leaves through the thicket, and what seemed like voices carried in the wind.Diluc protected his belly as he was getting ready to attack, but as soon as his muscles had tensed ready to spring and his eyes lightened up with dangerous fire. He caught the sight of Kaeya.“You are out here again,” Kaeya mumbled, a little angry, his eyes darting as the flash of white disappeared into the dark greens of the forest. Diluc breathed in the familiar scent of Kaeya, he always smelled strongly of cedarwood and hints of moss. Such familiarity helped Diluc’s heart slow down.“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you,” Diluc apologized, trying to soothe Kaeya by caressing his arm. Kaeya’s eyes remained sharp and angry, “don’t go out anymore, it has been very dangerous.” Diluc would argue, but Kaeya was right. Things have been tense due to how eerily silent everything had become. He wanted to know if Kaeya knew anything but said nothing.
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Kaeya dragged Diluc back, kissing him once the door was closed. “Promise me Diluc,” he said in-between kisses, “you won’t go out.”Diluc didn’t answer, and Kaeya ran his hands over the red hairs, and the crimson feathers. He then cupped his hands and held Diluc’s soft cheeks, all while smiling. “At least for a few days,” he gave Diluc another kiss. Diluc nodded. Good.Kaeya finished caressing the soft cheeks, and decided to hold Diluc up in his arms. The little bird fluttered his wings as he yelped, “Kaeya, put me down, put me down.” His face turned pink and the red eyes no longer looked troubled.The flailing caused the wings to knock against the table. The clear sound of clinking porcelain resounded. Diluc stopped, “wait, wait, my cup. You broke it.” His eyes scrunched as he used a hand to hit lightly at Kaeya.“Such accusations my little angel,” Kaeya laughed as he put him down on the bed, kissing his forehead, “you broke it last night.”Diluc blinked, that wasn’t true. The cup, the only porcelain cup he had. He just threw out the flower this morning. Right?Diluc looked at the cup, all the pieces were neatly piled up on the table. Kaeya showed him his hands, “see, it even cut me.” The angry small red cut at the back of his hand was evident, but also already closed.“But I-” Diluc started, but Kaeya interrupted him, “sweetheart are you alright? You said you had forgotten to put some water in.”“Yes, I took the flower...” Diluc tried to think. Kaeya interrupted again, “yes sweetheart, that was last night.”Kaeya kissed the little confused bird, “maybe you are too stressed, sunshine. You even forgot I brought a whole catch last time.”Diluc hummed, pulling Kaeya along as he laid back on the bed. Kaeya knew Diluc felt the safest when he had his arms around him, especially if he had a hand over the little bump the egg made.Kaeya smiled, and left the bed.Even as Diluc whined in complaint, “come back.” Kaeya chuckled under his breath, “just let me pack up, you know I must go tomorrow.”
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Once Kaeya left, Diluc paced in his nest. Restless, as the storm brewing outside seemed to be raging in his thoughts. He stared at the red jewel and then at the door. He promised Kaeya not to leave today. His mind was so restless and clouded with worry he almost missed the little scratches at the door followed by soft anguished meows.“Must go! Death here! Death here!”The meows were incessant, and Diluc stood fast to open the door. He hesitated, remembering the look in Kaeya’s eyes as he promised not to leave. It didn’t matter, his little friend was desperate.“Death... is moss, moss a-” the meowing stopped just as Diluc opened the door. The deadly silence returned with a wave of metallic stench, and a stronger fresher scent of moss. The flicker of a shadow quickly vanished into the forest.Little red blooms led onto a river of viscous and sticky red liquid. It clung to the grass blades and seeped into the earth. The white and fluffy fur was covered in the same red blooms that dripped slowly onto the green and fresh grass.The pretty green ribbon Diluc had once tied around its neck was stained with the same red blooms as the grass around the white feline on the ground. Diluc knelt beside it slowly, not caring about red staining his hands or his thin red dress. A shaky hand took the green ribbon gently.He glared in the direction he saw the shadow disappear. Monsters. That’s all there is.
Diluc was furious. He had no time for tears, even as they burned behind his eyelids. He followed the strong scent of blood, and moss. It led him around and around the forest. When he started to hear voices he sped up.“The captain said he is a beauty.”
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“Saw him at the village.”
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“So much planning ever since he saw him.”
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“So cunning.”
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“That’s why he is the captain.”
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“Shut up would you.”
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Diluc could have sworn he recognized some voices, but they were muffled and faint. It felt like the voices were surrounding him, the noise coming from every direction as he went around and around the forest. He stopped being able to smell them, undistinguishable as everything was just moss scented. It almost felt like the forest was spinning.“Look, he has even been bred.”
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He covered the little bump protectively. They could see him, but he couldn’t see them. He was starting to panic. He hurled flames whenever he heard a noise.
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“Such a thing shouldn’t be allowed.”
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He hurled another ball of fire, this time he hoped he hit its target. The wails of pain were a sign he hadn’t miss. But they were soon drowned out by the simultaneous chanting that overcame the quiet forest.
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“Monster!”
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“Monster!”
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“Monster!”
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“Shut up! Shut up!” Diluc felt overwhelmed and trapped as he blasted red flames, but all he could hear was laughter. Even the agonizing screams from before were getting mixed into the laughing, all ridiculing him. His fury was blinding as he ran through the forest following the voices. Until he was back close to his nest.
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“Monster!”
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“Monster!”
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“Diluc!”
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“Monster!”
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“Diluc!”
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“DILUC!”
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It was just a breath too late. He realized too late. Too late.The shape that had appeared was that of Kaeya. He could have heard him calling if he hadn’t been focused on the voices. They were now quiet and gone. Almost like a nightmare he was back outside his nest.The red sticky flowers on the grass were gone and so was the white cat.He ran to Kaeya’s side, his clothes looked charred and burnt. He tried to help him, but Kaeya recoiled in pain. “Diluc,” it was like the bright starry eyes were gone, the brightness replaced by the same somber hatred he had seen before among the people who hunted him down.Maybe, maybe some were right. He was dangerous.He had hurt Kaeya, his mate.
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“Kaeya, I,” Diluc tried to hold back his tears, to hold back the hurt in his heart as Kaeya asked enraged, “why did you run outside?!”“M-my friend,” Diluc tried to explain. “Diluc, there was no cat, you just left,” Kaeya seethed as he struggled to get up, “why did you have to go out?!”Diluc tried to help again but Kaeya slapped his hand away. “But, I have the- the- the-” there was no ribbon on him, “I- I must have dropped his ribbon.”“Diluc,” he said calmly with dreadful anger, “there is no dead cat here.”Had it all been in his head? He could start believing that. Forgetful before, now almost hallucinating. Had he been so stressed that he snapped? He had hurt Kaeya in the process, all he felt was guilt at his disobedience.“Kaeya, I didn’t- I- I didn’t-,” he was at the edge of crying. The darkness in his eyes seemed to lighten, “it’s fine sweetheart, you didn’t mean to burn my skin off.” Diluc’s heart beated harder, the guilt consuming him.He hurt his mate, he should know how to control himself.He gently helped Kaeya into his nest. The storm outside seemed to pick up. The wind blew harder and made the scent of moss more pungent.Kaeya stared back outside before wobbling into the safe and cozy nest. Diluc closed the door tightly. The storm outside raged quieter than the one in his mind.
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~~✧~~

Chapter 5: The Human I'll Loathe
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The bird had once lived in a beautiful dream.But it had been just a dream.
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Why... Kaeya...?

Kaeya had been guarded since Diluc’s attack. Diluc could feel the change. The starry eyes would no longer linger on him. The beautiful smile was no longer directed at him, if Kaeya even smiled. When he did, his eyes remained with the same darkness. At least he never flinched away from him.Diluc didn’t leave during those days, diligently taking care of Kaeya’s burnt shoulder. The burn wasn’t as bad, the thick clothes he wore for his knightly duties had protected him mostly.Diluc stopped using his fire, even when his wings fluttered the golden sparkles no longer appeared, just some little wisps of smoke. He was afraid.Afraid that his fire would attack Kaeya again, his mate. Scared that he would lose his mind once more. He placed around Kaeya’s neck the red jewel. He told himself that if he saw the glistening red reflecting from it, his mind would clear. He didn’t want to hallucinate again.
Kaeya left once his burn had healed enough, saying he had a duty to finish, “a hunt I have put off for too long.”He didn’t look back as he left Diluc alone. Diluc wondered if Kaeya hunted monsters like him, creatures that had been casted out into the darkness and murdered in their homes. Kaeya never had the scent of death on him before, it was always the same cedarwood and faint moss.He paced for a while, he didn’t want to leave his nest. He had promised. Yet the more he paced the louder the silence outside became. He needed to know. He peeked out twice, before walking outside. Carefully stepping on the moist earth no not make a sound. He searched for anyone who was left.He ventured far and deep into the forest, hoping to be quick before Kaeya could find him again. He didn’t want to anger him further, he just wanted to know. He walked soundlessly.He walked and walked until the forest thinned, the bare paths leading into the mountains. He would have continued walking if it wasn’t for the loud shrills that warned him. Unwelcoming voices all talking over each other. He felt many eyes on him, and he could smell their anger. The hidden creatures all demanded, “what are you doing here? Leave, leave.”Diluc was taken aback by their animosity, unconsciously curling his wings around himself, a hand over his belly in an act of protectiveness. “I was just-”The voices interrupted from their hiding places, “go back to your mate, leave! We’ll have to move away again because of you.” Diluc frowned, he was confused at the accusations, “but I haven’t-”“Traitor! Traitor!” He heard in the distance, the voices that resounded closer to him all hummed in agreement. Diluc stepped back, further curling his wings, ready to protect his little flame. None of the voices quieted down until a more solemn one spoke.“Son of Ragnvindr, you are a traitor just like your mother,” the voice said before it was drowned out by loud agreements. Then all was silent.Diluc ran, ran away, ran from his own thoughts. He knew his mother had fallen in love with a human, was that wrong? Was it wrong? Creatures―monsters have been hunted like plagues ever since the night he lost his father. Had it all been his mother’s fault? To have placed trust in the humans his father was friends with? No. He knew humans could be good.He had witnessed the joy his father brought to his mother. He had experienced the happiness Kaeya gave him.
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Oh, how wrong he had been.
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He had almost reached his nest when he fell. His legs were trapped and wrapped in a rope. He desperately tried to undo the tight rope that was scraping his skin as he fought it. He thought about using his fire, but a small nagging thought invaded his brain. What if this wasn’t real?Tangled with some of the rope, his wings fluttered until he heard voices. The same man he once saw at the village came into sight, “sweet miss, fancy seeing you again.” The rest of the men sniggered, but no one else approached him.“You are such a pretty thing, too bad we can’t touch you,” the man slowly approached the tangled mess that was Diluc’s legs, “but that little spawn of yours… That’s another story.” Diluc didn’t move, his wings were letting out flickers of flames and his hands itched with the burning fire. One tightly wrapped around his bump. He should burn them, burn them to the ground.Then he smelled it. The stench of moss was strong with the men.Death smells like moss.Even as he sat on the floor, his legs bound and surrounded by these humans, these monsters. He prepared to attack them. Then he froze. “Diluc,” a hand softly caressed his cheeks as he looked up at Kaeya. All at once the fire died down. Kaeya was looking at him, slightly disappointed, “you never listen.”He grabbed Diluc’s throat as he was pushed back to the floor, he could barely breathe. Kaeya looked like he did not care that he was being watched. He didn’t seem to care as Diluc whimpered as his dress was pushed up, and his legs spread. “Stop,” he begged as he gasped for air. The hand on his throat was crushing.The stares were intense and the snickers were evil. “If you don’t listen, why should I?” Diluc saw the dark expression on Kaeya as he was taken. The sharp sting and the pain was unbearable. He tried to throw Kaeya off, to fight him back.He couldn’t.He couldn’t.
.He couldn’t!
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.Diluc wailed and pleaded, his mind refusing to believe Kaeya would do something like that to him. It must be his hallucinations, but it hurt, it hurt so much. He couldn’t hear what Kaeya was telling the other men. His ears were buzzing as each thrust was felt deep inside him.The world turned dark as he fainted.
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Diluc awakened sore, in pain, and he looked around anxiously. He was in his nest, safely tucked in. Was it real? Was anything real?He startled as Kaeya came close to him with a bowl of soup, “sweetheart, you fainted.” The eyes looked concerned, but maybe it was all not real. He hesitated, staying far away from Kaeya as he curled around himself.“Sweetheart?” Kaeya looked at him hurt, starry eyes shining, “did something happen in your dreams?”Diluc shook his head, his legs were sore but there were no marks on them from the ropes. He swallowed hard before he crawled closer to Kaeya. Trembling hands took the wooden bowl full of soup, Kaeya smiled at him as he drank it slowly. It tasted delicious and it was warm and creamy.Kaeya softly caressed his head before kissing it, “rest well my angel, have sweet dreams.”
.
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It repeated again, almost the same way. Diluc had run out almost as soon as Kaeya had left. Then he was caught, and the same group of men told him the same thing again. Then Kaeya got angry, and Diluc was useless to stop him. Powerless to dissuade his anger, his disappointment. After the pain became too much and the air couldn’t reach his lungs. His world went dark once more.Diluc awakened again, safe in his bed. He jumped, almost making a run to the door in his panic.
“Sweetheart, why are you so ready to dash out? You fainted, you need rest.” Kaeya brought in the same bowl of soup, and Diluc didn’t know what's real anymore. He hugged Kaeya and softly cried onto his shoulder. Kaeya stroked his wings and his back soothingly.The next day it happened again. And the next. And the next. Diluc wanted to be obedient, to be a good mate. Yet everyday the stench of moss compelled him to run far away. Maybe it was all in this loop of a dream-like moment.
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It was unreal, as soon as he ran out he was trapped. Sometimes close to his nest, other times a little further away. The men would always say the same things, mostly. Even when he resisted the urge to run, and gave into it at night time. It was the same thing, he got trapped, and Kaeya got angry.“Kaeya, please stop it hurts,” he sobbed as he was held against the ground. Kaeya pushed harder into him, it felt raw and his insides were burning. What was this nightmare?It went on for several days, until Diluc got desperate. Once Kaeya had left, he ran to the kitchen and violently stabbed through his feet with one of the knives. No blood dripped out of his wounds. Instead, the open gash was bright red, slowly glowing gold. The broken pale skin was melted together with what seemed like molten gold.This way, every step he took was agonizing, forcing him to stay. Maybe this way he was good enough of a mate. Maybe the nightmares would stop.
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Kaeya returned happily for once, Diluc had stayed inside. He kissed Diluc’s forehead even as Diluc flinched before leaning into the kiss. Diluc hated how hazy his mind had become. His only beacon of light was Kaeya, bringing him just a little joy as he spent his time with him. Kaeya would rub the little bump before kissing him.It was a simple tiny joy. One that he himself ruined.He hadn’t meant to open the door, but the unexpected noises outside frightened him. Even with the stabbing at his feet, he needed to protect himself from the nightmare. What if it happened in his nest?He hadn’t meant to follow the red reflection in between the thicket, and the darkness of the night. He hadn’t meant to kill the humans. Diluc stared at his hands. What had he done? He’d lost his mind again?Kaeya was left unharmed, the red jewel shining around his neck.Diluc watched as the starry eyes morphed, no happiness, no worry. Nothing. He was ready to apologize when felt a strong punch against his side, he dropped to the ground. Immediately protecting his stomach, he looked at the eyes that gazed back at him. Cold, one dark blue and one pale gray; the starry pupils thin.“You had to be disobedient.”Diluc breathed hard, Kaeya stepped on one of his wings. “No, I’m sorry, I’ll be good,” Diluc cried. Kaeya knelt down, caressing Diluc’s cheek before giving him a harsh slap. He didn’t allow Diluc to look away, “good?”Kaeya slapped Diluc’s other cheek, and Diluc started to think it was his nightmare all over again. “You… good?” Kaeya asked, pressing his heels further into the wing. “Y-yes, please, it hurts,” he tried to move his wing away, but it was trapped. Kaeya smiled and let Diluc go, not before kicking him.Diluc landed on his side, still protecting his little flame. He was frightened, it all hurt. It was too real to be a nightmare. He tried to crawl away, he didn’t want to hurt Kaeya. Not again. His fire crackled inside, ready to explode. But Kaeya was his mate. Right?“Why, why, what did I do wrong?”“Because you are a cunning little demon, my sweet bird,” Kaeya said, pushing Diluc down to the ground once more, “a monster to be hunted.”The wings fluttered desperately, Kaeya grabbed a hold of one, “now it’s going to be impossible to kill you.”Diluc’s mind was muddled, confused. He couldn’t believe in anything his mate said, they’d been happy. Maybe Diluc did something wrong in all his hallucinations. “I thought, I thought-”He struggled, crying as his wing was being stretched and pulled.
Kaeya held onto the wing tightly, “that I loved you?” He held it closer to the base, “how could I?”
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Had he been a bad mate?

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Was it all a lie?
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The little bird screamed, his wing was torn out in one strong yank.The pale back was now open like a red blossom, but this flower didn’t cry red rivers. The fleshy petals melted into liquid gold until the red angry gash was a beautiful golden streak across the porcelain skin. The feathery wing twitched once, letting golden sparks float before the crimson soft feathers turned gray and crumbled like burnt leaves.“Who would have thought angels don’t bleed,” Kaeya looked disappointed.He pressed his knee further into Diluc’s back, taking a tight hold around the other wing that tried to flap desperately, “tell me Diluc, would you murder your mate?”Diluc’s body shook as the other wing was torn off. The little pieces of flesh that clung to the wing, melted into trickles of gold before turning into dust. Another golden streak branched out like lightning appeared across the broken porcelain.Kaeya threw aside the withered wing, “now the angel won’t fly anymore.”He pressed down harder and Diluc yelped, “Kaeya, stop!” Kaeya relented, waiting for the little bird to speak in his sweet voice, “you are hurting our baby.” Diluc felt his world turn, his sensitive wounded back pressed harshly against the ground.Kaeya chuckled sinisterly, the little bird cried as his body was forced open. “Stop, stop, Kaeya, stop,” he begged as he felt the length inside him thrust mercilessly. It felt raw, and his insides were burning. For a moment he wished his body would bleed easily so at least it would help with the slide.Maybe even as he lay there taking Kaeya’s anger, he still wasn’t being good. After a few thrusts of him calling Kaeya’s name he was slapped on the face. His cheek stung, and his vision was blurry, he wanted to hold back the tears.
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Was this punishment for loving?
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Had he been wrong?
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He tried to think of anything else as his body was broken.The sweet smiles they would exchange, like he had been cherished. The gentle hands that held onto him, like he had been fragile and precious. The soft kisses to his cheeks, to his forehead, to his lips, like he had been loved. His happiness and his love. He tried to imagine that it had all been real. That this was just another madness from his mind.That they had been happy. Right?His vision blurred as hot tears fell. It had all been a lie.
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Diluc’s body shook, and convulsed. His vision turned darker, with spots that danced around the corners. He felt so weak, even if he hadn’t lost blood the ongoing assault on his body was too much to withstand. The ache in his heart was even worse. He had stopped screaming, and begging, his eyes fixed on the cold starry eyes.He wondered for a brief moment why he hadn’t fainted yet.His body convulsed again, and the pain shot through him like lightning. His stomach hurt so much. It dawned on him what was happening. He begged again, “please,” it was so quiet, so broken, “please, our baby.” He whimpered as his muscles contracted, his body was expelling the little egg within him. It was too soon, the thin shell would break. His little flame would die.“Kae-” a slap across his face. That’s right, that’s right he ruined everything. He had been a bad mate, he had been hallucinating and hurting others. He had to go and ruin it all.The warm hand that had once been so gentle with him, pushed against the bump harshly, he screamed again, “no, no, you’ll kill them, stop, please.” The pain was excruciating, he had grown numb to the harsh fucking, but now his body wanted to get rid of his little flame. Kaeya pushed harder the more Diluc struggled.The small crack made him stop. His tears wouldn’t stop flowing as he stared into the cold starry eyes above him. Kaeya stopped fucking him open, but the spasms wouldn’t stop. Stunned, he tried to curl around his body, willing it to stop.It wouldn’t stop, he felt his body spasm again, the egg slowly going down until he was forced to push it out of his body. Tired and broken he tried to reach for it, but Kaeya punched him down.He feared when a smile came across Kaeya’s face, dark and unhinged. Diluc heard the crunchy crack of the shell breaking. His little flame...“We can’t have another little bird killing as it pleases,” Kaeya spoke, and Diluc’s fire flared up once more. Harsher, burning with outrage. Threatening to break him, to explode out like the flares of a dying sun. He didn’t want to let his flame loose, he didn’t want to believe that this was his Kaeya.
He wanted to think that these were his hallucinations.The fire within was becoming too overwhelming, like he was being torn apart, even worse than his ripped wings. He tried to believe that the eyes above him were not real, that Kaeya had loved him. The eyes were cold, and unfeeling. Diluc gave in to his sorrow, a red jewel shining against his eyes before he shut them close.Kaeya’s eyes saddened just a little as he kissed Diluc one last time, before everything exploded into flames.
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The golden flash was blinding and the flames that came with it were furious. The inferno raced over every surface, the flames eating and devouring anything on its way.Even the water was consumed without leaving a trace, cracking the earth dead. In a loud boom of a red hell, everything that had once been green had been turned alight into an all consuming fire. Crackling with anger and roaring in loss. As quick as it started, it ended. The flames flickered into embers, into cinders. All that was left was a gray void of black destruction.The sky cried burnt memories, soft gray flakes that crumbled as they fell.

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. ... . .... ... .... . . ....
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Diluc opened his red dull eyes, there were no more tears left. He tried to stand in this frail form covered in the soot of his charred body, and the other dead things that had surrounded him when his body had truly broken to let the fire out. His wings were gone, the broken flesh sealed by his flame.He struggled as he hopped around the black scorched earth. He continued despite the crushing pain on his ghost limbs, and that in his heart.He couldn’t bear to see the darkened cracked shell, nor that little flame that had died into ashes inside it. He kept hopping, the lack of his wings throwing his balance off. Yet the strong yearning in him was too much.Out of all the bodies that had been blasted away, he recognized the one of his mate. Still adorned with a red jewel, though the metal had softened into golden trickles that froze on their way down to the scorched earth. His mate’s skin had melted away into a black thin layer that stuck close to the bone like a mourning veil. The starry eyes had burnt into ashes, joining the stars above as they shone brighter in the cloudless sky.Diluc’s feathery form stumbled over the body, his gray ash covered feathers ruffling as he fell. He pressed against the burnt body one last time, trying to feel the kind warmth that had once been there. He had hoped that maybe, somehow, that warmth had been out of love. That the smiles had been real, even if it was just in his dreams. It had all been real for him.
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Just for him.
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Thin silvery tears flowed onto the dead earth as he cried silently.
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The sun had broken, and it wept tiny stars into the darkest of nights.

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. . .... ... .... ... .. ... .... . ... ....

~~✧~~

Chapter 8: The Person I Remembered
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The human had once lived in a beautiful dream.But it had become a nightmare of his own making.
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... Diluc.

He felt a little delusional, it was like he was run over by a cart. Twice. He tried to move his legs, or arms, or even open his eyes. Everything felt heavy. Even the voices, if they were voices, were muffled. They sounded more like the wind rushing through the trees, or water trickling down the rooftops. So loud, and yet so quiet.Maybe he had died. The last thing he had seen was a dark shadow, with a hood covering their face. All in black, maybe it was death itself coming for him finally. He had always been a little reckless in his assignments, but he was willing to work less ‘properly’. At least that’s the lighter way of putting it, his superior would say some other harsher words. Jean just worries about him and Varka… he somehow supports his way of taking action, not openly of course.He wants to laugh, but even that he can’t do, it’s all just pitch black. He stops questioning it. Maybe this is how the great Captain of the Knight of Favonius dies, stabbed during a not so official duty. It’s fine, maybe the heavens grant him something nice apart from his power.
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Kaeya has been shivering for a while, and he has heard the sweetest huffs and murmurs a deadman can hear. He barely squints, he barely sees the flash of crimson flit by. His eye and head can’t take it and he is plunged back into dark tiredness. He thinks of a crimson angel, but what a strange thing to think. It’s not that strange when he manages to open his eyes again. Red rubies for eyes are staring down at him, their shine so bright you could see the fire burn within them.He grunts and tries to speak, a ridiculous squeak comes out instead. He wants to warn the angel to leave, he wants to tell it to fly away. He also doesn’t want to. He never knew there could be such kindness in such deadly eyes. “So you are alive,” it speaks, it speaks and it’s enchanting, like the songbirds you can only find in old tales of love. The expression can’t deceive him, this angel is worried, even just a little.He tries to speak again, maybe he can warn this beautiful monster to escape away from the massacre that is sure to come. What a catch it would be to kill this strange and feared monster, but it had been different from the rest, those that had just butchered him as soon as he stepped into the forest. Understandably, he was there to kill them too. He could spare this one though. “Drink,” oh, he had missed what the angel had been saying, this little beautiful firebird. So gentle.He keeps hearing the beautiful voice, lost in it’s melodious tones whilst ignoring most of the words. However he is always surprised with how gentle it has been with him. Then he decides he wants to observe this monster some more. Especially as it lulls him to sleep, not stopping the gentle caresses even as Kaeya drifts away into the darkness once more.What a strange being.The next time he awoke, his eye managed to adjust to the light better. Finally he can see, if only from his one good eye. He looked around the small place, he had no idea where in the forest he was, but he knew he had to leave soon. His companions would suspect something if he had been gone for so long. Instead, he obediently stayed as the sweet firebird instructed him to move. Kaeya might have doubted it for a bit, but the firmness and gentleness made him give in.“Where are your wings?” he asked with a voice that sounded much like a rusted door hinge. He didn’t know that little firebirds could hide their wings, maybe it’d be safe. The little bird tried to sound mad, but this time its own expression gave it away. If not that, then perhaps the faint blush that covered its soft cheeks.“I’m Kaeya,” he said, trying to appeal to the creature, maybe he could get a name, maybe it didn’t even have a name. He just wanted to hear how his name sounded coming from the rosy lips. Kaeya is guilty for finding this monster too beautiful, maybe he is being bewitched. Otherwise he wouldn’t have attempted to touch the monster, it looked insulted and a little angry. Trying to get rid of him immediately.Kaeya was daring, and he blamed it on how curious he felt about the bird. Cautiously, or not entirely he teased the bird, the angel as he was calling it. He wasn’t being burnt yet, so he pushed just a little more, and got comfortable on the little bird’s bed. Too much perhaps, as it slapped his leg, which technically was still in pain. He’d leave then, but he couldn’t just leave. He wanted to know so much more, “if I can’t see your wings, can I at least have a name?”He didn’t expect an answer, then it came. Diluc. Diluc. It sounded so nice when Kaeya said his name, he wanted to say it more. He most definitely did not expect the firebird to spread his crimson wings out and give him a feather. The wings confirmed the reports of a firebird in the forest, and it made Kaeya a little giddy. Then he remembers how different it had been compared to others and… he really has to think about this.Nothing had attacked him as he walked through the forest, a little alert with every movement, but still nothing. Very unlike how he got in. The feather stays bright red, almost like a burning fire under the sunlight. Once he took the last step out, the feather disintegrated into ashes. Memento gone, Kaeya thinks he’ll never see the bird again. Maybe only to hunt it down. He goes deep into thought until he reaches the town.“Captain,” his crew salutes him, then they all proceed to complain and also give remarks of relief. He had gone alone and had taken so long in returning. Then they all quieted down, “I found nothing, yet, of the firebird.” Most of the crew looked in disappointment, except one. Kaeya found that suspicious, but said nothing about it. The hunt would still have to continue, as they were tasked with eradicating the small little pests. The less powerful monsters that multiplied like vermin, they’d rid the forest of it all.
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The first time Kaeya returns, he had to murder his way there. Thankfully, no blood had splattered on him. He couldn’t be too confident that the little bird wouldn't smell it. He found some strong smelling moss, and some little flowers by the river, calla lilies. If anything, he’d say it was his and hope not to end this curiosity of his with a charred body. It almost did end as him getting charred for startling the little bird into a sweet chirp.Red eyes had looked at him with suspicion, he didn’t dare approach, but instead left the bundle of calla lilies on the nearest clear spot. The red eyes never left him, looking deadly even as he walked away.The second time Kaeya returns, he had to murder his way there. Again. He also did the same again, searching for some moss, although there were no flowers, and so he brought the little bird a small rabbit he had hunted on the way. This time he made sure to make his presence known.“What?” The melodious voice had asked, fiery eyes ready to attack. He left the prey, and escaped out of sight.“What is he even doing? That Kaeya,” he heard the low mumbles as the bird picked up the rabbit and carried it back. Kaeya found it strange, it was as if he was courting the bird with little gifts. He found it even more interesting that the bird had remembered his name. What he found the most interesting was that the mossy scent would cover out all the death from him.He shared that piece of his findings to his companions. They didn’t question him much, as they trusted their dear captain. They did ask strange questions though, “Captain, you seem happier, did something happen?”He told them nothing special had happened, but of course none of them believed him when he got side tracked by a beautiful necklace. The chain was golden, and it would look good on Diluc’s pale skin. It would shine like his golden sparks. The small gem was red, held tightly by golden branch-like twists. Red like Diluc’s fiery eyes; the gem’s brilliance barely compared to them.“The person who is wearing this, will be important to me,” he says, almost subconsciously. He is most definitely under some spell, he had barely talked to Diluc; and yet, he cannot forget the kindness, the gentleness, how unlike a monster he is. He has to get him out of there.
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Even as the extermination began, he steered them away from where he knew Diluc would be. Then when he had the time, he’d visit Diluc. Giving him little gifts each day, almost. If there was something he liked, Kaeya made sure to give him more of that. If there was something he didn’t like, Kaeya forgot the item even existed on this earth.Sometimes his sadistic side showed up, whenever he was reminded that Diluc was not human. When he’d flutter around like a large crimson bird. He made him eat a little bird, a sly smile on his face at the twistedness of the idea. After seeing Diluc’s reaction, those moments were far and sparse. Until he forgot that he was a hunter, and that Diluc was his prey.Kaeya was truly happy, and maybe even in love. They both had become a little more daring, more touchy, more needy for each other’s presence. Kaeya thought that finally he could ask Diluc to move away.Then certain things started to go wrong. First, it was Diluc new ‘friend’ the feline had seen him murdering half the forest. He knows because he cannot forget the white pelt that he’d seen multiple times, and when he saw the green ribbon he was certain of it. His anxiety spiked. Even worse when Diluc had been late, later than usual. He didn’t let it show.His nerves calmed when Diluc said he loved him, but they also got worse. As he knew he hadn’t been entirely truthful. He should have stopped it then, but he was too happy, he really loved Diluc. Then Diluc chose him to be his mate, and somehow Kaeya knew that was important.That was his next mistake.Consumed by happiness, by lust, by love. He made Diluc sing for him at any time, anywhere. He couldn’t get enough of Diluc, and Diluc seemed to never be able to get enough of him. Diluc, his mate. His wonderful mate. He wished he had spoken soon, and got Diluc out of there sooner. Kaeya was a fool.He probably lost the last bits of sanity that one night. When one of his crew members spoke to him. The same man who had looked so thoughtful when he announced the rumors of the firebird being false. “Captain,” he whispered, “I believe I have seen the firebird.” Kaeya’s blood went cold. “I’ve talked around town, and the creature I saw that time, in town, was no human,” Kaeya wanted him to shut up, especially when the rest of them caught up on the murmuring.“It went to ‘this’ other side of the forest, we can take the extermination crew to that side.”
Kaeya almost screams at them, he did punch them. He doesn’t really remember much about it after that. Then he got detained, and blamed it on the alcohol. The plans had been changed, his sweet mate was in danger.Kaeya’s next visit, he would ask Diluc to move. To fly far away, and Kaeya could find him later. He had to fly, as by now most of the crew surrounded most of the forest. He had to. But Diluc, his Diluc… He had to tell him that. A little one, their little one. Kaeya was ecstatic, and he would have cried, if he didn’t feel so lost. He had a plan, but Diluc would have to obey.But Diluc wouldn’t listen.He was a free bird after all, never caged.

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He was a monster after all, never human.
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Kaeya was slowly losing his mind, every time he saw Diluc outside. He could have easily been spotted, and the crew is now spread. He could have been killed, he could have. Where are all these wretched thoughts coming from? He just wants to protect his mate. Mate. Diluc just can’t listen to him.He knew… he shouldn’t have thought this way. If only he could explain. But.

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But.
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That would give himself away. Diluc would hate him, and something in him pained more than anything in this world that Diluc would leave him. Mate. Mate.If he thinks he is getting less attentive then he won’t leave.It wasn’t supposed to go that far, making Diluc confused. If it helped to scare him, to stay inside, then Kaeya would do it. Kaeya had to keep him safe. In their home. He had done all he could to keep them all away from there. Then that cat, that stupid cat. He should have killed it.He didn’t know until it was too late. The crew had killed the feline, but Diluc. Diluc. Diluc. Diluc.

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GODS DILUC WHY CAN’T YOU LISTEN!
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He’d told the crew about his love.They had looked down on him, but being who he was. He had managed to keep them away on the word that Diluc was weak. That Diluc was different. Then it was all ruined. Diluc had attacked and killed them, they’d also seen Diluc was with child. Their child. They’d hunt him down. They’ll kill him.But what if, what if. He can sever this bond, this love. Mate.Kaeya was willing to go with that idea, his broken mind had formulated at that moment the fire had hit him. He promised the crew he’d kill the monster, that it was the only way. They agreed, perhaps out of malice, or maybe he managed to convince them that this monster had only been a toy. Now it was time to break it.Kaeya was slowly losing who he was. He said he’d do it, the human monsters were eager to witness. He kept stalling it in a humiliating and tormenting way. Everytime Diluc ran, he had to break his heart a little, but it would help, he told himself as Diluc cried in pain, in agony. If Diluc hated him enough, it would be worth it. It didn’t seem like it as he slowly made Diluc lose his mind, between the constant abuse to his weak body, and the kindness to his mind.Was anything even real anymore?The day Diluc stayed hidden was the day Kaeya’s mind pretended that it was all ok. He knew it was only time before Diluc snapped. He didn’t even realize when he was the one wearing the red jewel. Then, then, Diluc wouldn’t be safe, he wouldn’t.Then it happened, Diluc snapped. Yet it wasn’t enough. Not in Kaeya’s fragmented mind. Mate.You have to kill me, don’t you?He pushed Diluc, cruel things he said, even crueler things he did. Ripping his wings out was not enough. Diluc, Diluc wouldn’t have to worry about them if he survives. Yet, Diluc wouldn’t kill Kaeya. All that was left was to quench the little flame. Their little one. Kaeya can never atone for this sin. It had to be done, he tried to convince himself as Diluc begged, even more than when he’d been taken so roughly against his will.
.It had to be done.
.All this torture, all this pain had to be done? What a twisted way to think Kaeya, he thought, as he gave Diluc one last kiss, where he hoped Diluc would survive once a sinner like himself was gone. He only wished Diluc could forget him.

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... ... .... . . .
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The blue haired man’s eye opened, and it looked glassy. Much like tears were about to drop. He couldn’t remember a single detail about his dream, but somehow it made him feel sad and angry all at once. Useless, even pathetic. It was strange.Not as strange as awakening to two red eyes, they glared at him sharp like daggers, but with hands that were caressing his hair so gently. “Oh, you are alive,” and it all seems familiar, “you fainted from blood loss.”He tries to talk but it comes out as a pitiful sound between a ‘hey’ and ‘hello’. The pale man looking down at him lifts a brow; he hasn’t stopped caressing his hair. He clears his throat and tries again, “hello sunshine,” he grins until the soft eyes deadpan, and the caresses stop.“No, no, wait,” he wants the gentle rhythm to return, and it does, “thanks for saving me, uh…”“I don’t know your name either, captain was it?”It’s strange for someone not to know his name, so probably he wasn’t from the city. He winces as he starts to realize he was stabbed on his shoulder, he feels too stiff to sit up.“Well at least you know that much,” he attempts a laugh but that ends up in a whimper. “Don’t move, Kaeya,” the red eyes widened, almost as if he had made a mistake. A horrible, terrible mistake enough to make his eyebrows pinch in a frown, and his teeth bite into rosy lips.“So you do know my name,” Kaeya smiles, but it falters as tears start dropping from rubied eyes.“I’m, ah- sorry, sunshine- uh no wait- sorry, what- who--?” he starts to panic when after every word the crying becomes worse, and the gentle man just clings to his side as if he’ll disappear soon. Kaeya tries his best to calm the red-head. If words don’t help and his hands are currently refusing to move, then maybe humming. He hums an old song, about the sun, he thinks, he hears the bards at the tavern sing them.“I’m Diluc,” the redhead, Diluc, says from where he hasn’t lifted his head, “Diluc Ragnvindr.”Diluc, yes, Diluc. Then Kaeya’s brain does a little flip, wait, wait, wait. Ragnvindr? Surely it is not, that Ragnvindr, renowned businessman and allegedly a powerhouse in the very market Kaeya has been attempting to crack down.Surely he can’t be, not with how the beautiful red eyes look teary, and swollen. Tired even. Why would someone described as merciless and cruel be looking at him like he was the most important thing in their life. Maybe Kaeya was just imagining things, must be.Diluc called for a woman by the name of Adelinde, who immediately looked at Kaeya with sharpness in her green eyes. Was it because he attacked Diluc? The eyes look deadly, as if Kaeya had done the worst crime possible.
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What is this situation?!
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~~✧~~

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Diluc woke up later than he usually does; it was odd for him not to be able to curl against the plush tan chest, or to look at the smug face smiling at him with loving eyes. “Good morning, sunshine,” it resonated in his mind.The smell of burnt wood and ash still permeates the air.The other side of the bed was cold, he must have left early. Knightly duties, he huffed to himself as he was reminded how said knight would rather spend the day away from headquarters. They had been busy, the abyss had been dealt with and the traveler had finally found their sister, although it was apparent the journey wasn’t over.Diluc tried to blink away the sleepiness, the cold air wafting from underneath the door just meant that winter was coming soon to the city of freedom. There was much to do, much had been lost in their fight against the abyss, but the city still stood strong. Slowly he got ready to leave, the cold seeping into his bones.He was helping rebuild the city, lending manpower and dealing with paperwork along with Jean. Maybe he could catch a glance of the Cavalry Captain then. “Si-Master Diluc, are you…” the once again Acting Grandmaster started, though whatever she had wanted to say died down into an inaudible whisper to no one but herself. Said Master Diluc looked much like his usual self, albeit distracted eyes searching among the crowd of working men repairing city walls.She cleared her throat to get his attention, “Master Diluc, the work here is well on its way, more help is needed with the refugees from Springvale.” The voice was clear and straight to the point, the lost look on the red eyes was gone, almost as if it hadn’t been there, “right, I’ll see to that.”Diluc made his way to where the refugees were, not before glancing around in hopes of finding the starry blue eye, or even trying to hear the usual mischievous voice. Without luck, he wasted no time in going to the refugee area just within the city walls. The tents were cramped together, the crying was deafening, and the smell was indescribable; most had just come flooding the city in search for food and water, not caring for much else.Assessing the situation, many needed clothing especially with the cold weather coming upon them. Many who saw him cried for his help, or thanked him, even both, “Master Ragnvindr, you have been so kind.”“Master Ragnvindr, some of the families need more food.”“Master Ragnvindr, you helped end the war.”“Master Ragnvindr…”
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“Master Ragnvindr…”
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“Master Ragnvindr…”
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“You killed him.”
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“I, what?” Diluc mumbled to himself, as all the words were melding and running over each other over and over. He did kill many during the long fight against the abyss, he wasn’t sure to whom they referred to. Still all the voices were being drowned by the other, to the point that the knights in their ever so efficient ways tried to control them.Realizing the situation was getting out of control, Diluc quickly dissuaded it by grabbing the crowd’s attention. At least the hungering crowd was still reasonable and not bordering desperation, both him and Jean were trying their best with the resources they had to not push them into that state.The day dragged on, and reallocating resources was all Diluc’s work for now, still his mind kept wandering to starry blue, and tanned warm hands. He walked back to the winery hoping once more that Kaeya might appear on his way back, still no luck. He shivered and tried to wrap his coat around him more. What luck that winter was approaching soon.When he arrived, most of the staff was gone, most of the staff had been busy aiding in the distribution of goods and materials to the city, and its surroundings. Only Adelinde remained, waiting for him at the entrance to the manor. “Master Diluc, you are late again today,” her voice was even, barely hinting her worries. “Yes, there is much to do,” it was dismissive but he was tired, and cold, very cold. “I’ve started the fire in your room,” she said, knowing almost by instinct what he was going to request. “Ah, thank you, rest well.”The fire crackled, warming the room up. He changed into something more comfortable, but still his hands were cold. He got close to the flames dancing on the firewood, they warmed his skin into a pink blush. Still he felt a chill deep in his bones that was stubborn, maybe having a pyro vision made him feel the heat less. His hands were almost touching the flickering flames when a warm hand grabbed at his wrist.“What are you doing, hm?” The starry eye shone brightly with the dancing orange and red, the expression was soft and the smile was wide. Strong arms surrounded Diluc, away from the fire, but he felt warm inside now being within those arms. “If you felt cold you could have just told me, sweetheart,” a hand caressed Diluc’s back, leaving warm trails on their way.“Hmph, if only I knew when you’d be back,” he whispered into the plush chest, shamelessly nuzzling his head against it. Enjoying the rumbling vibrations that came from it as the tanned man laughed. Kaeya looked into Diluc’s eyes, the red eyes were like lit embers in the night, “warm me up, Kae.”Soft lips came together, occasionally having playful teeth nipping at rosy lips. Kaeya brought Diluc onto the bed, their bed. Slowly kissing his way down the pale neck, gently peeling the clothing from the man shivering underneath him.Delicate fingers threading and grasping at blue locks of hairs when demanding kisses. Nails scratching thin lines when demanding more. Supple milky thighs trembling, as they frame undulating hips. The room filled with the crackling of fire, and the quiet moans between kisses and words of love and adoration.And the even quieter were the sobs and the broken apologies, hushed only by lovely whispered words.
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Diluc woke up later than he usually does; he wanted to curl against the embracing warmth, wanted to hear the lovely, “Good morning, sunshine,” that still resonated in his mind. The other side of the bed was cold, Kaeya must have slipped out early in the morning.The smell of burnt wood and ash still lingered in the air.The day was long and chilly, not much caught Diluc’s attention, constantly glancing from side to side as he walked through city streets, as he walked back to the winery once more. Always hoping to catch just a flash of the fuzzy fur and the revealing coat, to catch a whisper of the playful voice.This time Jean had walked back with him, and she was saying something he did not quite understand. Of course, since it didn’t involve the well-being of the city and its people, he didn’t make a sign of confusion. “I know,” he answered nonchalantly, to which her frown only deepened. “Diluc,” she said as they reached the manor, where Adelinde was once again waiting for him. She wouldn’t call him only by his name if it wasn’t serious, but he knew. What she said, he understood, but he’d rather not, “Jean, I know.”Unlike last night, Kaeya did not come back. He was cold, so cold, and the fire licking at his bare palms did nothing to warm him up.
Diluc woke up earlier than he usually does, the other side was still cold. He had to run to Barbara to heal his hands, even with some resistance he had to fire, his palms were mad red and blistered.
Lacking the smell of burnt wood and ashes he stared at the picture on the nightstand, a soft jeweled eye looking lovingly at annoyed red ones.He felt no pain, just cold.Jean knew where to find him, it wasn’t the first time he had accidentally burnt his hands or even his arms as he searched for warmth within the roaring fire. She might have said something the first few times, now she just watched in silence.
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“Why would you?” Gray-blue eyes silently tearing up.“I was cold.” Red eyes started at bandaged hands.“What should I tell you?” The voice was trembling just slightly.“Nothing.”-Because there was nothing left.-
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Red eyes stared at bandaged hands as gray-blue silently pleaded.A starry blue eye observed as Diluc’s fingers curled slightly towards his palms in an attempt to curl them into a fist. The soft voice was beside his ear, “sweetheart, I am here to warm you up.” Red eyes still stared at the bandages, an uncharacteristically soft smile on rosy lips. Perhaps Jean should have said something then, but it was like the owner of such a sad smile was not in this world but in another. Undisturbed by her presence.This time when he returned to the manor, Adelinde had already gone, of course since he had told her not to wait anymore. The place was empty except for a tanned figure waiting for him by the entrance. “I thought you were gone,” Diluc whispered as the scarred arms surrounded him. The scent of burnt wood and ash was strong, as if smelling the hearth where the fire once warmed it.“Where else would I be?” The voice sounded above him, around him. Much like how the wandering hands surrounded him with warmth, they were too real and so soft that it made him cry. “What should I do?” Diluc whispered to himself like a mantra, the starry eye flickering in the darkness of the room. “Nothing my love, the ashes are already scattered.”
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-Ashes he had created.-
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Ashes that he could no longer cry over. “Kae, I feel cold,” he said, he could no longer pretend, because he could not do what they had all done. Forget and move on. The abyss had taken away his warmth. “What if I warm us up this time?” Diluc smiled happily as oceans of orange sparks surrounded them in a pyro burst. Kaeya smiled back with sadness in his eye, “that is also fine, sunshine.” Kaeya held tightly onto Diluc.Diluc held tightly onto his memories.
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Dawn shone brightly against the pale skin that had shivered for so long. Too long.
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The picture of better times was now ashes.
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Maybe…They could be together again in the wind.

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