vergeltung | 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭

[ She listens in silence, merely nodding in response to his earlier statements. It's not her place to comment on them apart from the offer she made— which she's still entirely unsure about now that it has been made, but there's nothing she can do about that. She does notice though that he mentions that Kaeya has seen everything, and she wonders privately: is it because of their fight, or has he learned to trust the Cavalry Captain again?

(And if so, why?)

Despite her determination not to ask questions or make comments, the curiosity is there, chewing holes and poking its nose where it's not needed or wanted.

Although if she were to know he believed that she hated him, she'd be surprised. Dislike and hatred are two entirely different things in her mind, after all. And even if she had actually hated him— would that be something she could safely say anymore? Sitting here like this, enclosed in their combined bedrolls and with their arms around each other, her imagination keeps wandering to the idea of something more—

And yet there's no reason for that, just as there was never any reason for her to truly dislike him.

Is she really, truly that starved for affection that his helping to warm her up against the bitter cold of the blizzard enough to make her as vapid as his flock of admirers?

Another sigh— it comes soon enough after his offer that she worries for a moment he might misinterpret it, but hopefully her smile, genuine even if it is thin, is enough to put his mind at ease on that, along with the words that follow it: ]

I'll be certain to keep that in mind, Ragnvindr. Thank you.

(Her own thoughts swirling about seemed to be noticed by him though he knew himself that their fight was always the cause of his decision to begrudgingly trust Kaeya further for the time being. They still were so fractured apart on terms of their affection as siblings; though this didn't stop him from feeling it necessary to include him in his actions. His role was to simply help him while gathering information.

That was what Diluc decided on no matter his dislike of him.

His own mind had been wandering into something deep enough that he began to notice smaller details. He didn't think of her as being one of his admirers nor would he ever throw her into being such a lowly thing; the thought of her being able to see him simply as himself is what causes it. She didn't need to be disrespected like that.

(Though he himself had a feeling if Kaeya were there he'd comment the two of them should clearly let their tension out and offering to go to 'sleep' if they're quiet enough.)

The thought there of course agitating him just a little but that faded as soon as the thoughts began again to attack him relentlessly. Forcing them down was not getting any easier but those thoughts of more weren't helping him either, she isn't a lover so why... he shouldn't be going there.

Is he really that horrible that he now has to seek these things from Eula Lawrence of all people who looked mainly at him as someone she wanted nothing to do with? It was starting to get unbearable, but he's making himself remain composed even as a small yet tired smile made itself known across his lips in response to her words.)

... was there anything else you were curious about?

(Maybe he can stop thinking of it the more she talks.)

[ The silence lasts for just long enough that her thoughts go back to wandering again, and she's left trying in vain to shut them up as the frustration continues to mount. If it weren't for the fact that this place is so cold, she'd just pull away, put distance between them so that she has something else to think about, something other than the comfortable warmth that his body— and his embrace— provides. But as time passes and the sky outside gets darker not just with the blizzard but also the time of day, the temperature has only dropped further. At this point, separating from him would be the most foolish thing she could do— and that includes the conversations they've been having.

Still, at least for now she's not sure she has any other questions. Nothing he could answer, anyway. And so she shakes her head, offering him a small smile. ]

No. I don't think so.

[ Maybe she should fill the space by telling him all the ways in which he's now on her list for most extreme vengeance.

Or she could try to be a good conversationalist. That might work too. ]

How about you? Is there anything you are curious about?

[ Not that she exactly wants to talk about herself, but... it's better than silence, surely. ]

... unfortunately for us not currently, the only thing I believe I can say for myself is that I've always disliked being angry. My temper is... really it's a blessing it's not horrible but once it starts it's difficult to manage.

(A sigh left him immediately after that. With this there was nothing that could be said now, he could feel it in his gut that at this rate something worse may happen and that he may not live to see another day if she grew incredibly angry though he would not do anything to her instead if it were the other way around. These thoughts were starting to overpower him despite forcing himself to stay still in their embrace.

He may not know what her extreme vengeance list is meant to do but he would be more worried if she were going to attempt to take his head one day for simply trying to be human with her instead of the stoic Diluc who would always be aloof.

It was growing all the more agitating with the thoughts however fluttering toward her lips and more but he would not dare move or anything. Damn it all... what sort of effect is she even having on him to make him wonder just how she turned him into an awkward boy instead of a grown man.

With the cold outside getting worse he didn't have the luxury either of releasing her and leaving for his own sanity. But by now he had closed his eyes and attempted to make himself think really of anything else, which didn't seem to be working either since he could still picture her like that and all of it.

He is going to seriously murder Kaeya later.)

... the blizzard sounds nastier than I thought it would have been.

(He hopes the random comment will at least detract from his thoughts, maybe from both their thoughts.)

[ In response to his words, Eula smiles, although at the point the expression is somewhat strained. She knows nothing of his thoughts, only her own, but even in her ignorance her mind travels along much the same line as his, with her brain focused laser-sharp on the shape of his mouth, the expression in his eyes, on the gentle strength in the arms that are wrapped around her.

It would be so easy to close the little gap between them in a way that would infuriate every last hopeful bachelorette in Mondstadt, and yet—

He mentions the blizzard, and it pulls her back to the reality of their situation, leaving her internally cursing herself for being so easily swayed into fantasy yet again. She feels her cheeks heat, a wild, worried thought that perhaps he can see through her, that he knows what's on her mind... ]

It does. It seems that we have no choice but to settle in here for the night.

[ A frown, because that is certainly not going to help things. Another black checkmark for Jean, then.

(And one for Kaeya. One for Diluc, for— well, for whatever this is. And perhaps even one for herself, for not being adequately prepared for this excursion.) ]

Yet another secret we'll both be forced to keep. [ Her laugh sounds hollow, echoing the tired frustration written over her face. ] Although at this point, what's one more to the list?

(If only she knew he's still stuck thinking of the same thing she was earlier with getting lost in these things. He's simply trying to stop himself from acting on it himself given that he didn't know just what her reaction would have been; as Kaeya would call it this is a perfect scenario for them both. Both famous and infamous scions of Mondstadt with such glaring similarities beginning to realize their tension runs deeper than just dislike and aloofness.

Whilst likely telling them that there is no harm in them surrendering themselves before he winds up removed from this cavern... by Diluc deciding to hit him no less from his already thin patience due to their current state reaching a boiling point to be unable to stop himself from that.

But she's right, unfortunately. They would have to settle there.)

... and it being hopefully done with by morning would be fantastic.

(Forced to settle, forced to deal with building thoughts though he did not know she was seriously considering kissing him either. He's trying to force his eyes to not linger on her lips in front of her too; had she found out just what is running through his head he's certain that he's not going to leave this cave 'fine'.

Of course that depends on whatever she does to him too in response. Her revenge is something he long since ironically decided he did not want to be on the receiving end of.)

[ Another gust of cold wind around the cave has Eula pressing in close once more— and on one hand, it's a good thing because she doesn't have to look at his face anymore; on the other, the closeness is just further in the direction of opposite what she's felt comfortable with from the beginning of this.

(Of course, deep down, what Eula feels comfortable with and what she wants are two entirely different things, at this point, but that's a thought aggressively shoved to the side even as her face heats all over again.) ]

Agreed. We both have our reasons for being up here, after all.

[ Secrets to keep. ]

I hope you realize at this point, however, that you won't be able to shake me off so easily. [ And for a single moment, perhaps, the words almost sound nice. But she's pausing only for a breath, her words continuing in the next: ] This evening alone, you've committed enough transgressions that merely planning vengeance from afar is no longer good enough.

[ And the thing is... for Eula, this is about as nice as she's likely to get, at least on the surface. While her belief in and need for vengeance are both true things, there's also the fact that— while she'll never admit it— it's also part of the shell she's formed around herself, allowing herself to get closer to people even while keeping them at arm's length. She's done it with Amber, she's done it with the Traveler—

She refuses to consider it might be what she's doing with Diluc right now. (She refuses to acknowledge it's what she's already done with the two of them.) ]

(Damn it. Of course she's up further against him whenever he's trying to not focus on the thought though he is grateful that he would not dare think of kissing her in this state now that her face is hidden. What a relief in that regard though his resonance was likely helping her at this point from what closeness she's getting.

Even if he didn't know what else he could do to remotely enable that heat of his to go throughout her body without pushing certain boundaries further. It's nothing more than just this he can do with holding her; with truly just making certain she survives the night knowing her life is more at risk than his own.)

... does that mean you intend to follow me after this? (Somehow he has a gut feeling that she is going to find out the truth of his reasons for being there through that. But, he's worried, he isn't certain what she might do now that she intends to be closer and she is in fact unpredictable in how her vengeance can go. This was the variable he in fact had been hoping to avoid earlier.) Then if you're going to track me, not a word of what you see is meant to be spoken to others.

(His tone though tired was far more serious than earlier. He won't tell her the truth but the moment she sees him there, enacting his own dance in his own way with the Gravestone she'll likely know. He knew he should have taken another sword but it's far too late to regret his decision.

She'll just have to take it to the grave with her as he will alone.)

[ She shakes her head— and she certainly doesn't mean it to, but the breath of her laugh gusts over his throat, her lips curving into an amused smile. ]

I have no intention of following you, Ragnvindr. I have my own objectives to deal with, remember?

[ How is she supposed to explain what she means without it sounding— ]

I mean only that the feud between us is now something longer term.

[ Never mind that poor Diluc probably didn't realize they had a feud between them in the first place... But when casual disinterest turns so quickly into attraction, how can this be anything but?

(Never mind that disinterest has turned into its exact opposite, her curiosity once again piqued by the knowledge that he's doing something so clandestine...) ]

As such, I am affording you the courtesy of letting you know that in the future— [ She pauses, shaking her head. ] Know only that I will be keeping a closer eye on you than before.

[ Of course, the words might sound more threatening if she wasn't literally trembling of cold in his arms. (And yet, despite all that, she would argue if asked that she is fine.) ]

Edited 2022-11-05 04:52 (UTC)

(Feud? That raises a brow, they have a feud? He thought as far as his feuds goes it lies with Fatui and the Order; not with whatever it is that Eula felt he has done to wrong her if anything. Though he's not necessarily questioning it further as he resists the urge to shudder at the feeling of her laughing over his throat. His neck being discovered to be a sensitive spot, by him as well just now at that, won't go over well.

Though somehow the thought of him having to keep on his toes more due to her not being far behind him isn't necessarily a bad thing. Somehow this ironically made sneaking around to get into position as the Darklight Hero without notice all the more entertaining in general... gods he sounds like Kaeya there, he'd rather stick his head into burning lava than sound like him.

But he's hoping that he's not spotted in his own mission. His objectives are the same and if she were to discover that it'd get far more worse knowing the possibility of his identity leaking if she were to decide to do it. He'll have to be far more careful.)

So, shall I take this to mean that I should prepare a seat for you at the Angel's Share more frequently if any? (A pause.) Or should I prepare for unexpected visits at the Winery? (Unlike Kaeya's own, (he hated to admit this also), hers would be far more welcomed though he's attempting to keep it hidden as he normally does.

So far it seems to be working since it isn't like she'll notice any changes in his demeanor or expression.)

Though I'd welcome the visits there at the Angel's Share, only if you promise to remove Kaeya from there since he frequently visits to avoid his duties.

(He is in fact going to be petty. Within reason of course.)

[ Another laugh, which isn't exactly the most ideal thing for him, even though she doesn't know that. At this point, perhaps the only way to make it easier for him is for her to pull away— and yet the cold still coursing too-powerfully through her veins, active despite his heat surrounding and holding her, means that she's not likely to do that anytime soon, despite her own marked discomfort. ]

I'll agree to that deal. [ After all, while the Cavalry Captain is no longer as high on her list of vengeance as Diluc is, the effect in this case is somewhat opposite of what someone might otherwise expect. Of course, it helps that she is part of the same organization as Kaeya, meaning she has a reason to be frustrated by any avoidance of his duties. Being in separate areas, it's not that it creates extra work for her, not really, but it's the principle of the thing.

Everyone knows that Eula is big on principles. ]

Besides, if anyone is liable to make too much noise about my surveilling you, it will be Captain Alberich. I would also rather him not be there.

[ They have, after all, already discussed why neither of them wants any of this getting out. And while the same physical closeness would hardly occur at the Angel's Share of all places, Eula's more frequent presence would be enough to draw unwanted attention, if they're not careful. ]

(Strangely easy enough. He can't say that he minds it however, the chance of being able to get a break from dealing with his estranged brother is more than welcomed. Really he'd have not mentioned it had Kaeya not used the bar to avoid doing anything more than drinking, flirting, and then leaving with whatever woman he chose for the evening with poetry in his voice and tones whilst flirting. It only served to agitate him that he did that.

His own discomfort aside due to her accidentally finding a sensitive spot on him, he'll have to remember that she'll be there more often. He may not know what she drinks typically but he does know that he should be ready for any sort of thing to happen from her decision to watch his movements closely.

Part of him wondered how she'd react to learning he's near died on multiple occasions now. Better yet, she might near wring his neck at learning that his earlier statement of refusing to stay down when attacked stemmed from almost dying. Perhaps for the best she hasn't uncovered his arm scars yet or caught wind of the others on him.)

That's normal sadly for him. I've seen him on occasion also attempt to flirt with Sister Rosaria too since she also frequents the bar; I suppose that however isn't a surprise since she always is caught smoking outside the Cathedral much to the dismay of the other sisters and Barbara.

(And Diluc had a feeling she knows about his late night activities based off how she stares at him.)

Edited 2022-11-05 05:50 (UTC)

[ The comment is met with yet another soft peal of laughter, and Eula shakes her head. Admittedly, she's a little annoyed: there aren't many people who can make her laugh easily, and yet right now it seems like she can't stop laughing. It's easy enough to blame it on the numbness the cold has created through her body, even if that makes no logical sense, and yet she still can't help but file it away as another point against Diluc Ragnvindr, as if somehow the whole thing is entirely his fault. ]

Sister Rosaria, hm? While I am entirely sure she can handle herself, I can't help but feel a little sorry for her.

[ Of course, it's not that Kaeya isn't an attractive man— quite the contrary, really. But his general attitude toward everything works against him, as far as Eula's concerned; the irritating parts of his personality shine through too clearly for attraction to be an issue for long. ]

I have been on that side of his attentions myself... for all his reputation, though, he was surprisingly easy to frighten off.

[ Is that a hint of bitterness in her voice at the end there? She would deny it if asked, of course, but the water that flows under the ice cage of her heart is more bothered than she would like. After all, it always comes down to the same thing, doesn't it? ]

Although I can hardly blame him, what with my own reputation.

(There's a frown. He knows Kaeya, he hates saying it perhaps sure but he knows his estranged sibling well. Reputation doesn't stop him. The only thing that does stop him is quite literally a nice threat to either his family jewels, his face, or really him being given obvious hints his target for his romantic endeavors is about to get violent or mouthy at him over his unwelcome advances. For him to stop easily there had to be other factors in mind.

He may hate admitting these things sure, but, that didn't stop him from sighing about it in a choice to reluctantly defend his brother just a little. Diluc hates it but he might as well unfortunately.)

... Kaeya ironically doesn't care for reputation, however he does care for well placed threats and hints being given directly in front of his face. Knowing him he'll likely try again when you least expect it.

(After all, he's hit multiple times on Rosaria and only paused when she made it clear she was not in the mood. Whenever her mood was somewhat better the next day however that was another story; though this did not stop Diluc from hating every second of it knowing that he was trying to use his bar for 'dates' instead of either leaving or doing his duties.

It really did get more agitating than he cared to let on but there's not much he can say or do there. Kaeya does whatever he pleases and that simply meant he had to grit his teeth and bear with it even if he didn't want to.)

And don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning his actions, I've just see how often he flirts. He stops if he knows he won't get anywhere there or if whoever he's pursuing isn't in the mood.

Rosaria made him learn that lesson harshly at one point and I still don't think I found all the glass from that bottle she broke to prove her point.

(Though his tone had a hint of irritation one may chalk up to his brothers antics... for some reason the thought of him flirting with her was starting to get under his skin a little. He's just going to be glad that she wouldn't notice it though he has no idea how to feel about it.

Eula isn't even romantically involved with him so why would he feel like this? Not that Diluc could answer it or cared to find out yet.)

[ The statement makes her brows raise, and leaves her cheeks hot, and for a moment or two she thinks maybe she should defend herself, explain that she wasn't actually upset by Kaeya being easily scared off, and quite frankly how dare Diluc for thinking as much— and worse, going so far as to comfort her—

She says nothing further on the topic, though; instead she just frowns again, holding her tongue and her frustration alike in the hopes both will simmer away. Still, she mentally adds another black mark to Diluc's quickly-growing tally.

(He should be careful, she thinks; at this rate he's going to be causing more trouble for himself with her than even the Traveler has...)

When she does speak again, the topic is brought slightly askew, a response to the irritation in his voice— and how could she blame him for that? It must be incredibly frustrating to try doing business with someone constantly driving away your customers with their flirtatious attitude. ]

If he is truly that much of an annoyance, then it will be doubly my pleasure to remove him from your establishment. And if he proves to be too difficult, I have no doubt that Sister Rosaria would be all too glad to assist also.

[ A slight smile sneaks into her voice as she says it, followed by a chuckle on her lips at the thought of teaming up with the other tall, ice cold woman in the name of tossing Mondstadt's most notorious flirt out into the night-lit street. On his ass. ]

(Though it was more he was saying it to explain sadly his brothers antics, not to comfort her, he did not know what he caused nor did he know what was going through her head about the subject. He's more or less bringing to light how Kaeya is even if he dislikes all of it. His flirting still remains the worst he's dealt with and annoys himself greatly though the underlying thought is still lingering.

He'll just have to avoid her learning that the thought of his brother flirting with her has irritated him further. But it did make him blink for a brief moment that she is planning to recruit Rosaria's assistance if it comes down to it in an attempt of removing really his problem in the form of Kaeya's mouth. That caught him off guard.

It's a good thing probably she won't say much about Diluc's other activities or so he assumes in Rosaria's case. Then again he even keeps quiet on her own with the number of times the two of them did ironically assist one another with cleaning up the streets under the noses of everyone... often times thanks to that he did send her vintages she'd like in secret.)

And I'll thank you for that, both of you really. I do think she gets as tired of it but doesn't say anything since she's attempting to simply unwind for the evening.

(This being of course before she goes out hunting down whoever she's pursuing for the night if not multiple people she's uncovered she wants to take care of.)

Of course. And shouldn't everyone be allowed to enjoy a night unwinding in peace and quiet?

[ Perhaps there's something ironic in the statement, given that she figures— based on how long it's been sitting here with him— that night has fallen, and yet neither of them is getting any real peace and quiet, what with the blizzard having forced them to be so much in each other's space. Worse still is the fact that she's come to find herself quite comfortable in his arms, despite him holding her as he would a lover, despite her face being pressed into his neck the way she imagines some shy, flighty thing would with a protector.

She does not want to think about what that means, or why she's feeling the way she is. Which means... more conversation is needed, right? If they're not talking, she'll be stuck inside her thoughts, and that's not where she wants to be right now.

The problem, of course, is that neither of them is a particularly strong conversationalist.

She sighs.

If she can't keep the conversation light, she can at least talk about something important: ]

...We have to sleep at some point.

[ She regrets the words the second they leave her mouth, and it's enough for the sentence to stop there, abruptly, even though her tone indicates that there was more originally planned for her to say. ]

(Even as he lays there, his mind starts to wander again. In the end it feels all the more inevitable that she would show up whenever he's working the bar yet he's not certain on if someone may notice his change in demeanor if he does keep his unwelcome presence there longer than necessary. His thoughts currently weren't helping any of it with going back and forth on wondering how far they may perhaps push their boundaries. He did not see her as someone to be protected thankfully.

No, he saw her as herself. Eula Lawrence who pushes herself beyond her limits all to carry the weight of her actions and wish on her shoulders; if anything he feels as if he looks nothing like the picture he paints of himself to the eyes of others currently. The uncrowned monarch, untouchable by many, desired by many even. But that seems forgotten in this moment between them.

The growing thoughts of a man starving for affection, love even, aside, he's racking his brain in an attempt to help. He is never one for idle chatter unless it's dragged out of him from his old self; which does little to stop him from feeling as if he's growing more frustrated between this and thoughts of Kaeya flirting with her in front of him.

Again, he curses his luck, he curses his brother, and he especially curses that side of him that he neglects to drive himself further and further into his work, into the ground.

All because of him... all because of her.)

... I can try to keep watch instead unless you want to like this.

(He won't press her on it, he didn't think he can sleep in this state to begin with so he'll force himself to focus on the outside blizzard in an attempt to clear his thoughts.

He'll notice anyway if something gets too close for comfort.)

[ The comment he makes is enough for her to unwind her arms from around him, to use the flat of his chest for leverage to push herself back— because she needs to push; her body refuses to cooperate with the idea of her pulling away— forming enough distance between them that she can frown at him even as a full-body shudder works its way through her, the cold instantly filling the space— and her.

The purple-yellow of her eyes search the deep red of his even as she shakes her head, her displeasure making itself clear on her face. ]

Anything sufficiently dangerous would have to survive the blizzard before even finding us, Ragnvindr. If you want to keep watch, do it from here, where it's warmer.

[ The entire truth of it— that she would right now sooner stay warm than have her safety guaranteed— is a secret kept between her lips. And as for the thoughts which surface, that she's enjoying the closeness, she stifles those before they can even get far enough to consider.

Damn him for making her weak. ]

We both should try to get some kind of rest, anyway. So what if we take shifts?

[ Being conscious at all isn't an entirely thrilling thought right now when she would much rather pass out and forget every single little thing that has happened this evening. But despite the hazard of the storm outside, all her training and knowledge tells her that he's right, that at least one of them should be awake at all times—

As long as it's from here, so she can stay warm. ]

... that's my point, I would stay near then since I'm the one capable of providing greater warmth however, there is still beasts capable of surviving the blizzards in Dragonspine. And no I am not claiming that you have to force yourself to part over it given it's at a point for us we'd freeze to death.

(And he's being truthful about it despite him also hating the fact that she forced some form of distance due to that side of him wanting her to stay in his arms. He's trying to not show he's getting cold from the distance himself but it is getting apparent his resonance would not help him alone the further this gets dragged out.

Though he'd hate to see what can outlast a blizzard amongst the wildlife in Dragonspine if any still exists currently out there. Better yet if it turned out to be an Abyss Mage then there would in deeper trouble... especially if it's one of their hydro infused ones. He'd have not been able to life a finger for the two of them without it near killing him again; though being the one frozen to a point instead of her would be fine with him.

He can handle being sick for a change despite himself.)

I can handle the first shift, I don't know what can survive this but the elements themselves are often times capable of producing really anything far more dangerous than usual. I've seen Ruin Guards after all that were abnormal here before...

(And he's not going to mention he's fought them too. All she has to know is that he's seen them, though the risk of her finding out anything deeper remains too. He can at least keep her warm in his sleep after to give her opportunity to rest first.

He isn't certain if he can fall asleep to begin with involving the way his thoughts were trailing back and forth. He'd have to hope that if they wind up in compromising positions he can explain himself knowing he is not the type to do so willingly.)

I'm more worried about the possibility of one of them finding us if not anything worse showing itself. (And as part of his unsaid point which he thought of earlier, Hydro Mages. Really anything still living and capable of that is enough to make him wary knowing the risks of much worse that can happen.)

...Mm.

[ She tries not to bristle too much at the way he speaks, knowing by now this is just who he is and not a slight against her, even if her own experiences mean that she can't help but want to interpret it that way. It doesn't help that she's already shivering again, because the closeness was driving her crazy in other ways and she's not sure how much longer she can handle it for—

But if she's asleep, that will help, surely.

She nods. ]

At least Ruin Guards and their ilk are more likely to guard from a stationary position than come hunting for us. But I understand your point.

[ With that said, she moves to lie down, and there's a sharp hiss from between her lips when her back touches the cold stone even through the material of their combined bed rolls; another shudder runs through her, its strength making it visible despite her best efforts to conceal it, and she curls up tighter against herself, drinking in as much of his warmth as she can from here without needing to practically lie on him. ]

Wake me after four hours.

[ Her tone is sharp, colder than it should be by rights, given how long they have sat here talking. Yet that strange need to protect herself has resurfaced, freezing a cage around her the moment she forced herself further away from his warmth. ]

And if you need to move to get more comfortable, do so now. If you wake me early, the vengeance visited on you will not be pleasant.

[ With that said, she closes her eyes, willing sleep to come. ]

(Though he did move just close enough to enable her to get more from his resonance, he said nothing more and laid still with his eyes focusing on outside the cave. His back is turned to her this time to enable him to focus without distraction or so he hopes despite the thoughts driving him insane; he can ignore them like this and he supposed that this also allows her to not have to look much at him too.

A quiet sigh to himself later, this is going to be a long four hours but he knew he can't sleep easily like this. The Gravestone was firmly planted near by him too in case if he had to be up quickly though he suspected that he may not have to be as worried. Really the suggestion was so that he can give himself time to think up excuses to give Kaeya later if absolutely necessary.

He knew he'd be all over something like this.

So Diluc for now would take the lonely yet quiet vigil as he always has. She made it obvious by how she forced herself apart from him in her tone and in the way she reacted. He'll do as he set out to do and simply keep quiet about all of it then in the end without a second thought even if he did have to wonder if she'd ever let that cage melt to himself.

... not even long after that he shook the thought off immediately. He really shouldn't allow himself to think this way knowing that the two of them have no reason to dare think of one another in such ways.)

...

(Now to figure out how he can pass the time while laying there to stay awake with since even his mind could start to grow tired enough the thoughts would seem distant.)

[ The worst part of it all is that despite having just told him she was going to sleep... Eula can't sleep. For the better part of an hour, she lies there, unmoving, her eyes shut and her breathing even, as if the stillness will work a kind of magic and lull her to sleep.

It doesn't.

Rather, her head spends the time sorting through those same thoughts that she's already shoved away, thoughts on which she would rather not focus, thoughts too soft and weak for her liking, the exact kind of wonderings that made her want to retreat into unconsciousness in the first place, wonderings made more of water than ice.

His fault, she decides, the thought bitter as it passes; only through fire can ice melt, after all. But deep down, she knows that's not true, no matter how loathe she is to admit it, no matter how instantly she tries to reject the thought as it surfaces.

She's lonely, that's all. She's been lonely for quite some time now.

That's just how it is, being an outcast not only from society, but from one's own family. And it's not like she does anything to help matters; she prefers it like this— at least that's what she tells herself, even now— it makes it easier to pursue the vengeance she seeks.

Or is it the other way around— is her "vengeance" just another tool to keep people at a distance?

Keeping her from getting hurt.

Fall asleep, damnit.

She sighs, the sound sudden in the near-silent interior of the cave, an obvious contrast from the roaring storm outside. And then her cheeks heat, her body tensing.

With any luck, Diluc will just think it's a sound made in her sleep, and not the stupid existential crisis it apparently really is. ]

(He's only half paying attention thankfully for her. He isn't paying her any attention to be more specific however with him silently staring off into space as if trying to will himself into pushing her presence out of his mind; the thoughts still were there to his immense displeasure. Thoughts of holding her, thoughts of her lips, thoughts of how much he'd hate to see his estranged brother flirting with her.

He hates it.

His heats growing more at the third thought but he forced himself to control himself again knowing that she would not be happy if he wakes her this soon. His emotions are in turmoil. The thought of her piercing through his well crafted walls only made them attempt to thicken despite the wish of his love deprived heart begging him to pursue this further knowing she did not view him the way his suitors might.

He hates all of it.

This isn't something he should be, he needed to force himself away from her yet his tiredness from the loneliness is resurfacing. He's always forced himself at arms length. To be alone was simply part of his life's work and something he always had to accept no matter circumstances presented before him.

With any luck she may not be disturbed and realize that his heats going back and forth from the thoughts agitating him. From really all of it agitating him in general.

...

Curse these thoughts. Diluc really did not want her to see through him or to learn just what is running through his head in such ways.)

[ No doubt if she were asleep, she wouldn't notice the fluctuating temperature coming from the back pressed up against hers— but she's not asleep, that's the whole damn problem.

For a moment, she thinks to just ignore it— after all, he doesn't seem to have noticed the sigh, doesn't seem to be aware that she's awake, and she still has hours left of her rest; she should try to use it, try to get even some small amount of sleep— ]

Ragnvindr. Is everything alright?

[ She addresses him before she even realizes she's made a decision, and her eyes close in frustration at herself; she's pretty sure there's a headache forming behind her brows even as she speaks. But her tone, at least, if he listens to it, is even, with no anger directed at him.

(No, right now the only anger she has is directed at her own foolish, traitorous thoughts.) ]

If you are getting cold, we can move until you're comfortable again.

[ That, after all, is the only guess she can make at the sudden changes in his body temperature— although if he has the strength to force himself to warm up, she'll be impressed. She's never heard of such a thing. But not knowing what's going on in his mind, it's the only thought she has. ]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject