sempiternals | softer than rain, harder than pain

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softer than rain, harder than pain | @dawnbreaked

[ Trusting him was a mistake.

It was easier when she was a free agent, not having to worry about anyone else, focusing only on what she needed, what her company needed, working on a professional and not personal level, keeping her distance from others and letting them keep their distance from her.

It was lonely, but it was easier.

As a free agent, for example, she never would have been pacing the kitchen of the Dawn Winery with clenched fists and burning eyes, trying not to just snap and break something while Diluc's staff tend to him behind closed doors, caring for him through an unconsciousness going on at least a few hours now. She wouldn't be trembling with the cold horror of her Vision's resonance, nor dealing with tears she's unable to hide, sparkling as they are like diamonds frosted to her eyelashes. It wouldn't have been her for whom Kaeya came running, grave anxiety written over his face, tears of his own evident in the redness of his eyes and cheeks despite his attempts to hide them; she wouldn't have even known this was happening—

Somehow the thought does nothing to ease her churning, angry stomach. Eula closes her eyes and cups a hand over her mouth, convinced for a moment she's going to vomit. The free hand waves away whatever staff member it is who's trying to comfort her— she doesn't know these people, not enough for this— before coming to rest on the counter in front of her. She can feel the anxiety trembling through her skin where it contacts the furniture.

I swear, Ragnvindr, she thinks, a tight hold on the counter as if that will somehow make it better, if you get through this I'm going to kill you myself.

...

He'd better get through this. ]

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[ When he answers her, he's met with surprise, an embarrassed parting of her lips as she looks at him with wide eyes, and if it weren't for the gentle caress of his hand she'd probably pull away in her embarrassment, but in the end she stays put under his touch, allowing him to see if he so wishes the cogs turning in her mind, the realization slowly settling as she understands exactly what she did... ]

I... would apologize for accidentally doing that, but if you liked it, I suppose no harm was done, right?

[ No harm, true, although it doesn't do anything to help her— her mind is very suddenly alight with possibilities, Eula's mouth feeling a little too dry suddenly as she thinks back to the time he pinned her to the couch a couple of weeks back. Could she edge him to the point of frustration that he does that again, she wonders? Could she, possibly, push him to more? The involuntary swipe of her tongue over her lower lip is perhaps enough of a sign, if he's looking for it, that she's chased the worry away herself, at least for now—

Although his follow-up words a moment later certainly help in that regard too, an assurance that he won't speak up until he knows that she's ready, knows that she won't be left with an urge to just run and run and never stop. As he speaks, she smiles, the expression gentle compared to the movement of her tongue just moments before, and she loops her fingers through his with a small smile.

How, she catches herself thinking, did she get so lucky as to have this man in front of her? (It's a thought that makes her cheeks color as she chases it away to focus on his words, which this time make her shake her head, a certain sobriety brought back to her through them.) ]

Mm... maybe I won't. It might make me mad to know how little you looked after yourself in the past.

(It might leave him open on one hand to more teasing, maybe to being pushed about in subtle ways depending on where they are, he finds himself idly wondering just what ideas she might get now after taking note of her licking her lips and perhaps the gears turning in her head. What a relief, he succeeded at the cost of not necessarily knowing any sort of rest in a way. It could be worse on terms of trade-offs but this is enough for him anyway; normally he isn't prone to doing these things for just about anyone... well, for anyone at all which is another thing.

Something that he thinks is that she genuinely draws from him parts of him he long since thought were gone. Parts of himself he thought he abandoned, left behind with his decision to carry onward with the choice that he wants to bring forth his retribution in whatever way he must do so. Until the Fatui are finished, dismantled, and scattered to the wind he'll always push onward until he can rest.

Or that had been what he thought originally, now it's another story. For her sake maybe alone, he's not going to keep going as he once did with his objectives. Instead, he'll drive onward more cautiously instead of being as easily ignited, incensed by everything with the gentle contrast of her ice and his fire hitting him along his hand with her looping together their fingers.

It's pleasant. Enough to make him also feel lucky even if the two of them have their own issues to go about through in their own ways.

It won't be easy which he knows even now, enough that he finds himself not minding any the turn of events that may or may not happen in their lives. Maybe once she's ready they'll also wander Mondstadt together one day while everyone else simply stares with their mouths gaping open that Diluc instead of not following his heart, chose really to be happy even if he may feel he didn't deserve that.)

For the best then... I won't be surprised if you start to stay over more often while I'm recovering when you can. (Because he knows he'd miss her too but would take seeing her any chance they had during this over dying.)

[ Oh, there's no "maybe" about it— this will definitely open Diluc up to more teasing in the future. With that knowledge in her mind, it's simply not possible for her to ignore it or not use it in some way, especially if it's a way that will bring pleasure to both of them. And the fact that she knows already that, with enough teasing, he'll snap... even after the swipe of her tongue along her lower lip, her mouth is still too dry, and the dull throbbing ache of want returns between her legs to start a new rhythm despite her recent orgasms.

But she says nothing for now— they've already pushed it too far today, if she's honest, doing more than she should have allowed for them given how injured he is, and speaking up will no doubt only bring more of it their way— instead just smiling, her head tilting into his touch and her fingers still coiled loosely with his. ]

If it won't be too much of a hassle for the winery staff, I'd like that.

[ Considering her work usually keeps her outside of Mondstadt, it will actually be easier for her to stay here than go back to the barracks— and certainly more comfortable than camping the way she's been known to in the past. Not to mention that this way she'll get to be with him...

Lately, she's finding she likes to spend time with him more often than not... no doubt another symptom of the feelings about which she can't bring herself to talk. And despite herself, it's a thought that makes her smile, Eula leaning in a little closer to him to press her mouth softly to his. ]

For now... are you tired? [ Yes, he was unconscious for a few hours, but that's a different thing to sleeping... not to mention the physical strain on his body from her earlier ministrations. ] You should rest a little. I'll stay here, if you do.

It shouldn't be a problem. Adelinde kept asking when I'm going to tell you since we haven't had a chance to talk about it yet with our jobs needing attention usually, other things aside. (Like their earlier activities... which isn't helping Diluc still want more. Something that the two of them didn't need to go about doing more of since he did admittedly feel tired from his own releases on top of the physical strain as she thought. Being tired isn't a surprise to him even as he returns her kiss again with a smile of his own.

It might be apparent now and he did want her to stay as long as she could before duty calls. That much he can offer, his hospitality so that she can have a means of resting too knowing their relationship has changed greatly. For the better too if he were asked more on it.

The added bonus of seeing her more is worth that too, is what he thinks before his eyes find themselves unable to fight to stay open for much longer to answer her question. The teasing and more can wait until he feels better; though he did murmur after a bit even with how tired he is:) ... maybe we can celebrate once I heal, dress up nicely and everything.

(It's a thought but a thought nonetheless he shares just as he falls into the depths of slumber not long after with a gentle dozing.)

——————

(About three weeks after this, for good measure given that they didn't want to take any chances Diluc was given a clean bill of health and perhaps a few stern looks from Adelinde lately. He's not even going to ask what she was glaring at him about but he has a feeling that she noticed whenever they did anything she deemed 'inappropriate' for his recovery.

Somehow he has a feeling that she also would have gone on the warpath were she to discover what they did not long after he woke up too.

The thoughts aside he was going to make due on part of what he said while dozing given he's in one of his nicer suit and vest combos, this time with a white dress shirt over one of his black ones. Tie included at that with Kaeya having had made certain that his hair was done for the occasion before leaving him alone followed by a wink and a smile to wish Diluc luck for the evening.

It was a small dinner that was made for the two of them with help from not only Kaeya knowing he was still getting back in shape, but Adelinde too to eat before they went out on their walk or whatever else they desire to do under the cover of darkness along the streets of Mondstadt whilst Diluc sat idly at the table in wait for Eula's entrance.

Gods, he never thought he felt nervous but he was now given this is their first real date isn't it? He hopes he can pull it off.)

[ The last time Eula remembers wearing a dress quite this formal comes alongside the memory of staring with angry eyes into the mirror, a fistful of long hair in one hand and a sharp dagger in the other before the two came together, strands of silken blue falling into the basin in front of her. That, and every other dress-related memory that comes before it, is something similar, stained with the unhappiness that permeated every moment of her life back then, something on which she prefers not to look back.

It makes this moment something even more nerve-wracking than it already is, as she stands before Diluc's door with a bottle of a sweet Liyue wine tucked in one arm and a sleek blue dress embracing her figure. Between the dress itself and the way her hair is elegantly pulled back, she's definitely been noticed on her way through the town, eyes watching her and whispers passed between the few people who are out this late; that on its own is already terrifying, and then there's the memories around dresses to accompany the terror, and of course the fact that she's never before been on a date...

Until now, that is. Until now, and her first date ever is with Diluc Ragnvindr, Mondstadt's most eligible bachelor, the man who is in everything other than the title itself her boyfriend, the man for whom she holds feelings deeper than she's brave enough to speak.

(Also, she hasn't done anything more than kiss him in these three weeks, feeling guilty for how intense things got that first day of his recovery. So she's frustrated with want, too.)

Altogether, it's with an anxious expression that her free hand raps on the door, a knock far too business-like for her purpose here, and Eula can taste the chemical stain of the tint on her lips when she bites nervously on the lower, waiting for him to answer. ]

(The suit he wore this time was much more nicer to look at than his standard work attire normally gets. Even with his hair done properly the last time he did this... it was when his father was alive. Formal attire for an event at his side, his fluffy and wild mane he calls his hair properly tied up back then with vague memories of himself and Kaeya idly wondering if they can sneak out while their father did business. Happier yet bitter tasting memories. Like ash on his tongue he's ignoring once he hears the knock.

Diluc typically didn't do dates, that was a given, having a woman who was practically his girlfriend though not said out loud is another thing. Tonight this is different. Nobody knows of their meeting except one person alone though that's not counting those in his inner circle that were in on the loop eventually from her visitations, a thought which he tucked aside upon opening the door to let her inside after a brief moment longer. Nervousness evident since this is completely new for him too.

At the sight of her once he opens the door, he finds himself again breathless. It didn't help they both were left wanting but this just makes it harder, he thinks, to keep focused long enough for dinner at most. Speechless seemed to be another part of the effect she had on him before he forces himself to remember his manners as a gentleman.) Come in... (He should say something, right, about the dress? He thinks so anyway once he tries to come up something to describe it before settling on what he thought most of it.) ... I know we're both out of our element tonight, but, it looks great on you, by the way. (Even if he's currently feeling his face heat up similarly to what it did on Dragonspine from their close proximity back then.

This time instead however he isn't hiding it, he finds himself staring at her because he has no reason to hide it now. She's seen it enough in the end just as he's seen it from her too. Perhaps something she can count as another gift outside of his survival that Diluc found her to be that beautiful he couldn't speak for a time once he moves aside so she can enter.)

[ There's a gasp on her lips when the door opens, something quickly bitten back in favor of offering him a small smile, the expression admittedly a little shy not only as a result of their being on a date, but also the matter of how damn good he looks. It broadens a little when he compliments the dress as she steps through the doorway, and once the door is closed behind them she moves to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, something chaste and sweet, a proper greeting for a date before she steps back once more.

And then there's the matter of the compliment. She has to say something, of course, she can't just let it pass without commenting on it, but the anxiety is fighting to win this battle, wanting her to brush it off or reject it.

It takes her a moment, and Eula squares her shoulders in determination, managing to keep that smile on her lips. ] I'm glad you like it. And you... you look amazing.

[ It's an understatement, really, but she can't find the words right now to do him justice, to tell him how beautiful and handsome he looks all at once with the neat, tied back style of his hair, the suit fancier than anything she's seen him in before.

Mostly, though, she's glad to see him properly back on his feet and moving around. Even if, she can tell from the way he looks at her, from the words acknowledging their situation, that he's just as nervous as she is. Eula reaches out to take his hand in hers, fingers linking through his in an attempt at comfort. ]

(That compliment only causes him to find himself blushing more honestly. The kiss though chaste and sweet didn't help either as much as it wasn't a full on kiss; he fully intends to spend this evening with her and more as long as they could. With or without it being a pleasant date, even just time spent where they may unwind is fine for him knowing the two of them work harder than most expect.

Ironically it's the thought of her that drives him to push through whatever he must now for her sake too. He can do that much for her. That much is something he swears once he finds himself taking her hand in response, a gentle squeeze given from his own calloused yet scarred one as his own smile makes its appearance. That smile she can say she has laid claim on, the one that makes him almost look his age again.

It's a rarity in itself to get those too but he would give her them no matter what once he has his own thoughts trailing about of how much more gorgeous she is. Out of their element they may be, but, he can't say that he regrets asking her for this evening together.) ... I almost wanted to leave my hair down but Kaeya talked me into properly brushing it with him helping. (Really his estranged brother seemed all too thrilled at the prospect of assisting. He must have wanted to knowing Diluc hadn't been this happy in years.

Although Diluc had no idea if Kaeya explained anything more to Eula before either on it knowing that he wasn't himself for the longest time. Still isn't entirely but letting it out with her is nothing he minds doing anyway.) I worked hard with them at least too... (The dinner itself wasn't anything too fancy, but it shows he put his all into it all, even his specialty was made with something more traditional as well on terms of Mondstadtian based cuisine. Adelinde and Kaeya helping only when Diluc had to pause due to them not wanting him to keep standing.

Thankfully it's just a dinner for two and not a whole army.)

[ She finds the smile on her lips growing a little at the way his cheeks color from her kiss— although she would be lying to say she isn't affected too after having barely touched him for three weeks. It's been, in its own way, a form of torture for her, having just uncovered a taste for something only to force herself to not indulge, but even now she can't help but view it as something necessary, after how spent his damaged body was. As nice as it is to go on a proper date with him, she's also admittedly looking forward to the part after, now that he's been given the all-clear.

She knows the way to the dining room by this point of course, but lets him lead her— they're on a proper date after all, she should be acting every bit the proper lady she isn't— laughing as they move at the admission about his hair. ]

I'm glad you listened to him. It looks good.

[ It's true that she likes his hair down, they both know that, but having it properly up like this is nice too, and different, a nice surprise to compliment the elegance of his outfit. On the subject of exactly why Kaeya was being so helpful, though, she knows next to nothing— only what Diluc has told her, and also that Kaeya's not that helpful when all of his help is pyrrhic in some form, coming hand in hand with a side effect she most certainly doesn't like.

What's on the table in front of them may not be the fanciest spread she's seen in her life— she is, after all, a Lawrence— but the air smells wonderful with combined, wafting flavors, flavors created by Diluc himself in preparation for her, and as far as she's concerned, that's all she needs. Her fingers squeeze around his, and she presses another kiss to the warm skin of his cheek. ]

It smells delightful, Ragnvindr. Thank you.

(Perhaps it's not the same spread the Lawrence's would have sure, but to Diluc himself it was every bit filled with his efforts. Fancy or not, he finds himself grateful that she seems to enjoy it too by scent. Good. A lot of it had been filled with his desire to cook for the one he cared for most even if this was all around going to be something different for the two of them. He won't, once he tugs her chair out for her just like the proper gentleman he is, hide that even he's been tortured by this wait. After anyway.

It was torture on him too. A want for more that he wasn't able to have once he idly wonders if the two of them could even hold back for long in general knowing that he'd be in reaching distance for her by how the table is set up. Likely Kaeya's doing then. A bit annoying but he'll work with it knowing that it might be his way of nudging them into letting loose in some manner.

Not that he'd be here to see Diluc drink since he doesn't know Eula brought wine, but, Diluc wouldn't want him there for that to begin with anyway.

He has a feeling that his clinging is going to make it more torture on them after the wine settles into his system. Something that he idly wonders if she remembers but he won't bring it up either after pushing her chair in for her once she sits down and taking up his own a beat later.)

I did my best. (He wanted to show off for her anyway, based off how pleased he is by the compliment.)

[ It's not that Eula has forgotten the alcohol-driven habits he mentioned, it's more that she just hasn't actively remembered them. In her mind, alcohol is the perfect accompaniment for a date, and having never seen him drink, what he told her back on the mountain has admittedly slipped her mind enough that she didn't think twice about bringing it. Perhaps if she'd had more forethought, she wouldn't have brought it with her— after all, while the thought of her boyfriend being clingy is certainly a cute one, logic would tell her with confidence that his being so while she's already frustrated from the weeks of abstinence will not be helpful— but alas, it was not to be, and she sets it on the table now that she's sat down, smiling up at him warmly. ]

Well, "your best" certainly has a lovely smell to it. And it is my understanding that if something smells good, it is very likely to taste good, too.

[ Once he's seated too, she reaches to pour a glass of the wine for each of them, explaining: ]

I thought it might be nice for you to drink something not made from your own hard work. So I chose something from my stores, a Liyue wine I picked up last time I was in the region. [ A pause, and then an embarrassed smile as she continues, ] I hope it tastes good. I've not tested it myself.

[ After all, she is admittedly usually more of an ale person than a wine person... or a "something strong" kind of person on the worse days. But neither of those makes for a date drink, especially not when your date is a vintner himself.

...A very attractive vintner, she notices yet again, now that he's seated across from her. The flickering of the candle playing off his face, casting shadows and glowing light besides across his figure... he's too close to her for a proper dinner but she hardly finds herself minding when the view is this good. ]

(On one hand he is thankful that it was nothing heavy, on the other he also is going to be eternally grateful that this ironically will only be something between them instead of others discovering his drunken habit of clinging. Even if she did have it slip from mind since he's assuming that's the case; he'll just hope that they make it somewhat through eating first before he winds up causing the two of them to go from quiet dinner to their abstinence being broken far too easily than some would think.

Especially since Diluc half thinks that might also add on to his clinging knowing his desire to be at her side. Regardless, he'll have to try it since he hasn't had this particular vintage around before. Not to drink but to move about as needed with importing knowing his businesses.

It did make him smile anyway even if he knows he'll be feeling this in the morning but he can't help but be touched she went that far for something out of their elements together.) Is it new actually? I don't think I've seen it before. (He did have enough trade with Liyue's winemakers after all so normally he knew most of them. Marking this as a pleasant surprise that there's one he didn't know of.

Though there is thoughts of her own beauty hitting him from their close proximity, perhaps a little thankful that Kaeya did this though now he's wondering if he was trying to tell them to let out their frustrations due to vaguely remembering mentions of fear of angering Eula during those three weeks.)

I'll likely enjoy it anyway, I think... I did prefer sweet unsurprisingly knowing my habit of drinking juice. (And non-alcoholic ciders too, but that was a given.)

[ At any other time, if someone asked her even the relative vintage of the wine they're drinking, she would have no idea how to answer. Again, Eula isn't really a wine person herself. Ale most days, spirits on worse days. Wine... wine on occasions like this... and this would be the first of those occasions. However, when you're dating(? are they? ...she really should ask...) a vintner, it's a question for which you have to be prepared. And so Eula is prepared, having thought to do her homework before the date. While she played it off as being something already in her stores, procured during her most recent visit, said was during his time confined to bed, and the wine purchased with purpose, waiting in her stores since then.

The result is that she's able to give him a smile and a nod, rather than the ridiculous expression she would have been wearing otherwise. ] I should have known you'd figure as much. As a matter of fact, when I went, I asked them for something more recent. [ After all, it's not like she doesn't know he trades with the Liyue wineries.

She sits back a little, wanting him to taste it first, wanting in part just to watch him savor its taste— not to mention the fact that she's just enjoying watching him in general.

(Of course, she's yet to know that Kaeya had anything to do with their seating arrangement, but if he were to tell her at this point, she wouldn't be surprised. Not that she's aware the Cavalry Captain has been mouthing off about her mood these past weeks... that is something she'd be mortified to know Diluc has been made to know.)

She lifts her glass, her smile warm as she offers a toast: ]

To your recovery.

(It helps Diluc doesn't mind she might not know typically, really a lot of his knowledge is drilled into his head from how long he's been at work with anything to do with wine. Part of how he can recommend vintages with ease is due to that as long as he has enough time to know the persons tastes; best to not accidentally sleight someone by giving them the wrong bottle or wrong flavor. Unless it's Fatui in which case he'd do it happily if he could get away with that.

However this is all around different, they were both seemingly unable to take their eyes off one another which is something that relaxes him more. Mutually being smitten it seems like in the way that he looks at her as she speaks, his own smile growing a little as he can't help but feel even with knowing how he gets due to being weak on terms of tolerance with drinking, that the evening so far will be successful for their first ever proper date.

(Not that he told Kaeya their activities were less than normal, then again he also avoided mentioning just how physical they can get if alone for a good bit.)

At seeing her raise the glass, he can't help himself in the way that he laughs a little since even he could drink to that but maybe he wants to add more on to it too. For once. He did behave differently around her with parts of him he thought gone simply coming out for her again anyway though after some thought, he can do that some other time if he did drink together with her on a rare occasion. If they had chances for more dates.)

... to my recovery.

(The clink of the wine glasses from raising his own with hers soon filling the air just before he takes a swig of it though slowly to not let it hit him all at once. By his reaction he did in fact like this one, marking it another rare instance on terms of Diluc actually enjoying alcohol for a change.

He'll have to remember this later then though he'd still like to be sober for her on terms of other occasions.)

[ Eula smiles when he repeats the toast, clinking the glass with his and then watching in silence as he drinks, and there's something clearly relieved in her expression to see approval on his— after all, she knows he ironically doesn't enjoy most alcohols, which had been something else she'd had in mind when she went looking for something different. Only then does she lift her own glass to her lips, her eyes closing for a moment at its unique, nearly sweet taste, and there's something about it that's almost familiar and yet not at the same time, something she can't quite place but adds a strong flavor to the drink. ]

...I like this, [ she admits after a moment, opening her eyes— and then having to blink again, because the drink isn't that strong but seeing him in front of her again instantly makes her feel like she's had one too many.

She puts the drink down, knowing her cheeks are turning pink. Maybe she can blame that on the drink, on the heat of alcohol and some other flavor on her tongue— but she knows it's him.

...Food. Food is a good idea, lest she get drunk on a sip and the sight of him. ]

So... what's on the menu tonight?

[ Apart from you, she wants to say, but she bites it back in favor of looking across the table. She can see the spread laid out in front of them of course, but it seems somehow proper to have him introduce the food he's spent his time and effort preparing for their enjoyment.

Barbatos forfend, though, he looks good. Has three weeks of no touching really done this to her? It's so strange to think of the person she was before that night on Dragonspine, stoic and cold to all and with an occasional itch that she scratched with sex steeped in hate and anger. To think there was someone who could crack open that shell of ice enough not only to see who she is at her core, but to make her crave his touch enough that even three weeks is too much for her... ]

(Diluc himself typically isn't much of a drinker as she knows but he can't help but maybe appreciate that she was willing to go to this extent for his sake. There's a mutual sort of thoughts going around and not just caused by alcohol for him entirely once he finds his eyes on her with a near thought that he could have said 'how about me' to her question. The thought which makes him near blush since as usual the alcohol is hitting him quickly even with just that sip.

Focus Diluc. He didn't need to make himself look odd even for him knowing that the alcohol as good as it was, isn't the only thing causing those thoughts after a long three weeks of abstaining from one another.

Though after forcing himself back into reality he figures he better go on about the food now; Sumeru cuisine is normally odd to most but the Samosa and Panipuri that he made was meant to show off things he learnt in his travels with the third being his own specialty. His own take on Pile 'Em Up, Once Upon a time in Mondstadt, though he has a feeling she might rightfully find the fairy tale like name of it amusing.

Or cute, whichever comes first to her.)

Samosa and Panipuri, whenever I was in Sumeru for part of my travels I picked up on how to make them... along with my specialty, Once Upon a time in Mondstadt, if you don't find them to be your liking.

(The spices aside, he knew that the beans in the Panipuri's case might be not too desirable depending. Though that was why he made sure that he at least provided something special for this with his own personal favorite meal. He did owe it to her to give her that since he talked about wanting her to try it.

And the food is working to distract his thoughts from an urge to just start to lean on her on top of the other thoughts of just wanting to kiss her. Gods he really is a terrible lightweight.)

[ He's told her about his take on Pile `Em Up before, but this is the first time he's telling her the name, and it's with a surprised raise of her brows that she looks at him— not laughing, not judging, neither amused nor declaring it cute but surprised nonetheless, finding the fairytale quality of the name somewhat romantic in its own way. As for the Sumeru cuisine, it's entirely new to her, and she's impressed that he's gone to the effort to cook something so remote, even if he worries it may not be entirely to her taste.

Everything looks amazing, and while the bite-sized pastries he called samosas seems particularly so (what can she say, there's nothing like a buttery, flaky crust), the only correct thing to do in her mind is to try his own favored dish first, especially when he's promised before now to make it for her. And so she reaches to the plate sitting in front of her, cutting a small slice out of the meal before placing it in her mouth.

The robust starch of the potato, and the distinct sharpness of the delicately-cut cheese make for a perfect complement to the medium-seared ribs, allowing the umami flavor of the meat to come through in a way neither over nor underpowered; the small bite practically melts on her tongue and Eula closes her eyes in content as she swallows, a soft hum of pleasure on her lips. Her eyes open again and without a word she cuts another small bite to eat, only speaking once the second piece joins the first: ]

This is magnificent, Diluc... I had no idea you could cook so well.

[ Yet another point in his favor, another thing that makes him far too attractive in her (admittedly biased) view. ]

(That definitely surprised him to notice that she wasn't calling it cute or anything but it's a pleasant surprise to Diluc, he'll have to admit that he has a preference more leaning toward romantic titles and fairytale like qualities in general. There's a small bit of nervousness since he isn't quite sure how she'll receive his specialty and personal favorite knowing that meat typically could be hit or miss to others in the way he prepares it. It's only when she seems to sound pleased and eats more that he feels some manner of relief and maybe a small bit of pride he managed to succeed in getting her approval.

Good then. That certainly makes how he might behave knowing how quickly he gets inebriated worth tonight in general with him starting on his own plate of his favored meal in general first. The Panipuri and Samosa can wait knowing that they're not necessarily fit for a main meal in comparison which is why he included his personal spin on Pile 'Em Up anyway.

Had he known that she was finding him more attractive by the minute when she speaks about his cooking, he likely would have been blushing more brightly than he is now from the alcohol. The alcohol and her anyway once he reaches to take another swig to wash it down with carefully knowing if he drinks too quickly she'll be in for a surprise.

He wants to at least hold it back until after they finish the bigger part of their meal... if he even could knowing how it gets him.)

It's a relief... I do enjoy doing it when I get the chance to, much to Adelinde's amusement.

(Especially since both him and Kaeya typically could fend for themselves and give her a well-deserved break as needed. Something which Diluc did this time while letting her watch due to her concerns about his being up and moving that much.)

[ By this point, she's certainly noticed the color in his cheeks, but she hasn't quite pieced it together with the alcohol he's drinking— after all, there's a matching color staining her skin too, and while the wine is no doubt in a small part responsible, it's largely due to him: his presence, his appearance, his Barbatos-damned everything.

Not to mention, of course, the wandering, not-so-innocent parts of her mind. Eula sips at her own wine, a smile on her lips as she listens to him explain. ]

Why does she find it amusing? If anything she should be proud. [ After all, she knows for how long Adelinde has looked out for Diluc, how important her presence is in the other's life— she can't help but feel that the other would be happy to see how far he's come from the revenge-driven, angry young man of whom Eula has heard so much. A different Diluc Ragnvindr, one whom technically she has met, even if the memory of him is as distant as the memory of her own cold, lonely past.

She shakes the thought off with another sip, her twice in as many moments, before putting the glass down. One more bite of his specialty meal follows before she allows herself to reach for one of the samosas.

It's spicy, but not in the hot, uncomfortable way some Liyue foods tend to be. It's a spice that pairs well with the meat, and of course the addition of the flaky parcel around it makes the whole thing divine— ]

...Mm, you've truly been holding out on me with these skills, Ragnvindr. What kind of vengeance does something like this deserve...?

[ Her hand twitches a little even as she keeps a tight grip on her cutlery; she desperately wants to reach out and touch him, but doing so before finishing the food would be an insult in her mind. ]

... it was more that she hasn't seen me get this way in quite some time. She was proud but amused that I was already up and moving in the kitchen not long after recovering. (Of course he didn't want to throw out there that Adelinde was more amused by the fact the two of them were together more often as well but that didn't necessarily matter much. She was pleased to know that someone was dragging out that part of Diluc again knowing how he is now; it almost seemed as if she was approving of this especially after discovering Eula would just about make him regret it if he were to continue being reckless.

With a mix of the wine and his own personal thoughts floating about wandering into a more... it's definitely starting to get harder to keep down specific things coming to mind pertaining to them having had not been able to touch each other for quite some time. He finds himself maybe being subtle in the way he's sitting near her, close enough his tie is in reach once he reaches over to eat one of the Samosa's himself after for the most part eating down his specialty further.

He's a bit grateful that he learned this one given after trying Liyue's own variations of spice filled dishes, though he may be pyro attuned that didn't exactly mean he enjoys incredibly spicy meals. At the very least he's pleased that showing off for her went that well given her reactions and words.)

... what do you have in mind then, exactly?

(The curiosity in him is enough that he has to wonder what it is she may perhaps do to enact said 'vengeance' knowing her of showing it means she may or may not be planning something. Of course not that he'd dare push for it to be in the middle of eating as much as he's given small openings for after.

Gods, he really is torturing himself.)

[ There are thoughts, probably, about Adelinde and her mixed amusement and pride toward Diluc, but they're very quickly chased away by the he meets her eyes with curiosity in his own, a shudder of pleasure dancing down her spine despite her immediate efforts to suppress it. Oh, she knows what she has in mind, and she knows he knows it too, from the way he shifts, not as subtle as he'd like, to make sure he's in easier reach—

Not subtle, but Eula takes the bait anyway, movement fast enough that she could potentially be mistaken for one chosen by the sharp speediness of Electro, her fingers curling around his tie to take a firm hold and tugging, pulling him forcibly to her and pressing her mouth against his, something hot and wet and demanding with the need she's been feeling these past three weeks.

But even then, it's brief; a stroke of her tongue along his lower lip a few seconds in being the end to it, her breath already short as she pulls back from him.

At the very least, they should finish eating, even if it's torture.

So she peers up at him, eyes dark and lids heavy, fingers uncurling from his tie so she can sit back, breath catching despite how briefly the kiss passed between them. ]

I could tell you, but [ ~~then I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you, just from thinking about it~~ ] isn't it more interesting to make you wait for an answer?

[ Torture it may be, but that doesn't mean Eula can't have some fun with it. ]

(It was in that moment he realizes he may have messed up in one way, knowing though she spent three weeks without touching him after that day, he spent way longer than that not touching her. A thought which he had forgotten about in the alcohol once he finds himself dragged toward her, their lips together for that brief moment so filled with heat. So filled with desire once he finds himself dealing with a sudden flare of his instincts knowing he should eat first.

That they should eat first once that hunger reaches his eyes, darker than ever, more fire consuming them in response as if showing he's very close already to being pushed over the edge from how his brain for a moment near forgets about the food he made. He's trying to not bend so early yet gods, that just made it harder knowing the wait was more torturous on him.

It's taking more than he thought he had to resist the urge to just pull her close and give her a kiss of his own in response to match that heat she gave him. If she was paying attention she'd likely notice the difficulties he's having too in resisting now completely.

That torture is going to obliterate his willpower.

Or to be more specific, it is already whenever he's at a point that the urge is there so intensely it's going to be a wonder if he can hold back fully. If not enough to at least give her the chance to finish eating first in exchange.)

... it's going to be a hard wait.

(And he'll be lucky to not ruin her dress.)

[ His words are received with a slow smile, something that could almost be sweet if not for the dark, glazed-over look in her eyes as she watches him, or the way she bites her plush lower lip before tracing her tongue over it, a deliberate motion for his benefit, meant in design to inspire further frustration.

How easy, that wicked part of her wonders, will it be to break a man who has gone without for three weeks? A man who is sitting across from her now with a dangerous darkness in his own eyes: a smoldering flame ready to burst to life, to burn and take and consume? She shifts in her seat, biting back a soft sound that springs unbidden to her lips as a particularly strong pulse of pleasure strikes between her legs at the thought, and it's with trembling fingers that she picks up her cutlery once more, returning to the meal.

Her eyes remain on his face the whole time.

(It makes for a hell of a time cutting, but it's worth it. That face...) ]

For me too, in case you couldn't tell. [ There's a pause before she continues, a hesitation— she knows what she wants to say, but as with him, her experience is limited, and she worries the words will come out strange or awkward. Determination carries her through, though, even as the blood rushes up her cheeks, as her voice comes out in a husky murmur: ] With how wet they are, I may as well have bathed in my undergarments.

[ ...Okay, so it's a little awkwardly phrased, but the spirit is there. ]

(Another flare up.

It's evident that he's just barely holding himself back but with the way that smoldering flame seems to be near igniting, fingers clenching tightly with him noticing his heat is at a level beyond his usual with this. Likely from the weeks of frustration but taking his eyes off her near feels impossible with him attempting to not act just yet being tested not only by the way she just made a show of licking her lips, but her words given in response.

His imagination flaring is making this worse too knowing that he's quite literally feeling as if he's on fire. All she has to do is push one more time by the look in his eyes and he'll break apart so easily from the frustration, from how much he wants her even as he tries to remind himself that they should finish eating in futility. There's not a chance they will at this rate.

Not with the way he's looking at her, having to completely concentrate instead of talking since he can't rip his eyes away long enough for anything else now in the way he's close to putting her against the table like this nearly or close to dragging her into his lap. His mind hasn't made a decision yet there but it's likely going to be his lap.)

... gods. (Though he says it more to himself, his tone betrays him in his hunger, his fire filled hunger that so badly wants to flood him through the restraint he's just barely holding against her. He's going to wind up doing something that dangerous knowing that with his heat the way it is, that it will be a miracle if he doesn't burn her.

... even if he doubts she'd mind that.)

[ ...They're not going to finish their dinner, are they.

It's a realization that strikes her the moment she sees the way his eyes hone in on her, the way she feels his heat spike despite the distance between them, and Eula swallows against the dryness in her mouth, such contrast to the wet heat between her legs. The single word murmured under his breath does little to help her, a shudder dancing down her spine at the thought that even her awkwardly honest words could affect him in such a way. It's a visceral thing, visible in the way her fingers shake once more, this time enough to drop her fork she's holding, the clatter of metal against ceramic echoing loudly in the too-quiet room.

She played too close to the flame this time.

Eula takes a breath, her eyes closing for a moment— as if somehow she can steady herself against the tide of her desire. And this time, the brush of her tongue over her lip is absent at best, far from the deliberate display of just moments ago. Where she was teasing, she's now too caught up in it, struggling to focus on anything that isn't him... ]

The food... [ It's a helpless murmur as her eyes open again, a desperate grasp toward the internal promise she made herself even before she knocked at his door. They're meant to finish eating before they fall into each other— ] You worked so hard on it, Diluc.

[ As if it will somehow help the situation— liquid resilience, perhaps?— Eula reaches for her wine glass and tips the rest of the liquid into her mouth. ]

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