Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The moon hung low over Mondstadt, its pale glow spilling across the rooftops. The streets were quiet, save for the distant hum of the wind through the trees and the occasional click of armour from the night patrols.

Eula Lawrence moved like a shadow between alleys, the weight of her claymore steady on her back. Her patrol route was supposed to be uneventful tonight— but the faint scent of smoke in the air told her otherwise. She knew that smell: burning Pyro. And it was definitely not the kind from a simple campfire.

Following it, she slipped through a narrow passage toward the city gates. Beyond them, just at the edge of the Whispering Woods, orange embers flickered against the dark.

She found him there — tall, broad-shouldered, with hair like a streak of flame under the moonlight. The infamous, ever-serious Diluc Ragnvindr. His claymore swept through the air, scattering a Fatui Skirmisher like he was made of straw. His face was expressionless, his eyes cold despite the fiery warmth of his red, and his movements precise, a few times better than most of the Favonius knights combined. 

Eula's fingers twitched. "Of course, it had to be him," she scowled internally.

"Fancy meeting you here, Master Ragnvindr," she called, stepping out of the shadows. Her voice carried its usual sarcastic lilt. "What is this, another secret vigilante outing? I could report you for obstructing Knights of Favonius' jurisdiction, ya' know." 

Diluc didn't even look at her. "You should be more concerned about the four Fatui behind you."

Her eyes narrowed, but she spun on her heel without hesitation, her Sacrificial blade already drawn. The clash of steel rang out as she met the first attacker head-on. Pyro flared somewhere to her left; Diluc spun his fiery claymore towards another approaching Fatui, and the night lit up in bursts of orange and blue.

They fought back-to-back without meaning to, each covering the other's blind spots with instinctive precision. Eula's movements were sharp and elegant, her claymore arcing like a deadly dance. Diluc was all efficiency — no wasted motion, no unnecessary flourish.

Within minutes, the last Fatui agent crumpled to the ground. The silence that followed was almost deafening.

Eula wiped her blade clean and slung it over her shoulder. "You're welcome," she said flatly.

Diluc turned to her at last, his eyes catching the moonlight. "You're in over your head, Miss Lawrence. Next time, stay in the city."

Her jaw tightened. "And let you have all the fun? Not a chance. Besides, I didn't see you complaining when I kept a Cryo Agent from skewering you."

"That was not necessary." His tone was as frosty as her Vision.

"Of course it wasn't," she said with mock sweetness. "You're Diluc Ragnvindr — nothing is ever necessary unless you say so," her tone was sarcastic as ever. A faint shift in his gaze was the only sign her jab had landed. Before he could respond, Kaeya's voice drifted in from one of the nearby treelines.

"Well, well," he drawled, stepping into view, arms crossed. "If it isn't my two favourite ice-cold personalities, sharing a lovely evening. Should I leave you to your... tension?"

Eula rolled her eyes, one hand resting on her hip, "You have the worst timing."

"On the contrary, my timing is perfect," Kaeya proudly said, smirking. "I caught the part where you were saving each other's lives. Very touching."

Diluc shot him a withering glare. "Go home, Kaeya."

"Gladly," Kaeya replied, already turning away. "But don't let me stop you two from... 'bonding'." His laughter faded into the night.

Eula adjusted her gloves, trying not to notice the way her heartbeat still hadn't settled from the fight — or from the fact that she'd been close enough to feel the heat radiating from Diluc's Pyro bursts.

"I'll file my report," she said curtly. "You can... brood, or whatever it is you do after these little escapades."

Without waiting for a reply, she strode past him, her boots crunching softly on the gravel. But she could feel his eyes on her back until the shadows swallowed her completely. And for reasons she didn't care to name, she found herself thinking about those eyes all the way back to Mondstadt.

Chapter Text

The next morning, in the Knights of Favonius headquarters, it was as calm as the Cider Lake at sunrise until Jean dropped the stone that shattered it.

"You'll be working with Master Diluc for the next two weeks," she said, her voice as steady as ever, quill scratching across parchment.

Eula froze in front of her desk. "...Pardon?"

Jean didn't look up. "A joint operation. We've been tracking Fatui smuggling activity in the Dawn Winery trade routes. As the primary landowner and... experienced combatant in that area, Master Diluc has agreed to assist."

The words 'agreed to assist' sounded suspiciously like they were persuaded with much difficulty.

Eula crossed her arms, her gaze sharpening. "You're pairing me with him? Surely there's a better option. I don't know — someone who doesn't glare like they've swallowed a lemon whenever I'm within ten paces?"

Jean finally met her eyes, expression calm but firm. "You're both capable, disciplined, and familiar with Fatui tactics. This is not about personal feelings. It's about results."

From behind Eula came a low, amused voice. "Don't flatter yourself, Lawrence. I don't waste my time on personal feelings where you're concerned."

She turned to find Diluc leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, every inch the composed wine magnate, except for that faint flicker in his eyes that revealed his reluctance. Seeing him, a mix of challenge and irritation tightened in her chest; she steeled herself for a partnership neither of them seemed to want.

"Oh, you're thrilled about this too, I'm sure," she said dryly.

"Ecstatic," he replied, tone flat as the Mondstadt winter.

Jean, entirely unbothered, set down her quill. "Good. You'll leave at first light tomorrow. Eula, you'll be in charge of official reports. Master Diluc, you'll oversee route logistics. Dismissed."

The pair of them walked out in silence until they reached the courtyard.

"You'll keep up," Diluc said without looking at her.

"You'll keep pace," Eula shot back. "And for the record, I don't need your approval to do my job."

"Neither do I," he said, already striding away.

Before Eula could muster a retort, Kaeya appeared from somewhere, like he always did, leaning against a pillar with his signature smirk. "Oh, this is better than I hoped. Forced proximity, shared danger, and my dear brother's charming conversational skills. I give it three days before one of you snaps," he winked as he made a pointing gesture towards her.

"Make it two," Eula said, stalking past him.

Kaeya fell into step beside her. "You know, some might see this as a... romantic opportunity. The enemies-to-lovers type of thing. All that mutual disdain hiding deeper-"

She stopped dead. "Kaeya, I have three seconds of patience left."

"That's more than I expected," he announced brightly, sauntering off toward the tavern. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

***

The next day dawned cold and crisp, and sparkly crystalflies fluttered before the streaks of the morning light. Eula met Diluc at the Winery gates, his long coat catching the faint morning breeze. He handed her a folder without a word — maps, smuggling reports, trade route logs, and so on.

"You've been busy," she said, flipping through the pages.

"I'm not in the habit of showing up unprepared." His eyes lingered on her for a moment. "I trust you are equally ready."

"Always." She closed the folder with a snap. "Lead the way, Master Ragnvindr."

They rode out in tense silence, the sound of hooves on dirt the only conversation. But every so often, Eula caught him glancing at her, quick, assessing, like he was still deciding whether she was an asset or a liability.

By midday, they'd reached the edge of the Falterwood trail. Diluc dismounted, scanning the ground. "Tracks. Four, maybe five people. Light armor. Headed toward the southern cliffside."

Eula crouched beside him, brushing a glove over a faint boot print. "Fresh. Less than a day old.", she flatly said.

Their eyes met briefly. For a heartbeat, neither spoke, and she was acutely aware of how close they were, his breath warm in the cold air.

Then he stood abruptly. "Let's move."

Hours later, the sun dipped low, casting the trail in orange and gold. At that moment, they heard muffled voices and the sound of metal clinking.

Eula raised a hand. "I'll circle left. You take the right."

He hesitated, eyes narrowing. "Don't engage until I signal."

She arched a brow. "Don't order me-"

The crack of a twig cut her off. Shouts erupted, and in the next instant, Fatui agents poured from the trees.

There was no time for strategy. Diluc was already in motion, claymore blazing, while Eula's Cryo burst sent shards skittering across the ground. They fought as they had the night before, instinctively covering each other's flanks, trading terse commands over the din.

When the last agent fell, they stood panting in the fading light, a good three paces apart.

Diluc sheathed his blade. "You didn't wait for my signal."

"And you didn't need to give one," she replied coolly, brushing a lock of hair from her eyes.

For a moment, something unreadable flickered across his face, not quite irritation, not quite admiration. But whatever it was, he buried it as quickly as it appeared.

"We camp here tonight," he said, turning toward the packs.

Eula watched him go, her pulse still quick from the fight. She told herself it was just the adrenaline.

She almost believed it.

Chapter Text

The operation had gone smoothly for the past few days — almost too smoothly. No more Fatui ambushes, no heated arguments, just long stretches of quiet travel and the occasional terse exchange over campfire rations.

The truce was precarious, and Jean seemed determined to break it.

"I need you both to attend the charity gala at the Dawn Winery this evening," Jean said earlier that morning in her office. Both Eula and Diluc decided to return to Mondstadt to give Jean their report on the previous patrols.  "Represent the Knights, mingle with the merchant guests, and reassure them about recent security concerns."

Eula raised a brow. "Attend? As in... in formal attire?"

Jean's expression didn't waver. "Correct. It's important for public relations."

She almost argued, until she caught the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of Jean's mouth. Eula had the distinct suspicion their Acting Grand Master knew exactly how awkward this would be.

***

As dusk fell over Mondstadt, the Winery was a picture of warmth and opulence. Crystal chandeliers bathed the main hall in golden light, the air filled with the soft hum of a string quartet. Guests in elegant gowns and tailored suits drifted between tables, wine glasses in hand.

Eula stepped inside, her usual battle gear replaced by a gown the colour of winter frost — silver-blue silk that skimmed her frame, split high enough for movement if necessary. Her hair was pulled back in a loose braid, a few strands framing her face.

She didn't intend to look for him, but her eyes found him anyway. Diluc stood near the far wall, speaking with a cluster of merchants. His black formal coat fit him perfectly, a crimson silk cravat at his throat catching the light. As always, his posture was impeccable, his expression controlled — though she noticed the faintest crease between his brows, the same one he got whenever Kaeya was within a ten-mile radius.

Which, as fate would have it, he was.

Kaeya, dressed in midnight blue with a wine glass in hand, appeared at her side before she could make a beeline for the refreshment table. "Eula, you look positively radiant. Tell me, have you already danced with my dear brother?"

She shot him a look. "We're here on official business."

"Ah, so no dancing yet," Kaeya said, eyes glinting. "That can be fixed."

Before she could object, he had already started leading her toward the dance floor — only to pivot suddenly, steering her straight toward Diluc instead.

"Brother," Kaeya exclaimed, "your partner for the evening."

Diluc's gaze slid towards her, lingering just a moment too long before he inclined his head. "Lawrence."

"Ragnvindr." Her tone was equally flat.

"Enjoy," Kaeya said, waving his left hand lazily and disappearing into the crowd with the satisfaction of a cat knocking a glass off a table.

Diluc extended a gloved hand. "Shall we?"

For a heartbeat, Eula considered refusing out of sheer principle. But something in his eyes — steady, challenging — made her place her hand in his.

The quartet shifted into a slow waltz. Diluc's hand rested lightly at her waist, the other guiding hers. They moved with surprising ease, his steps precise, hers fluid.

"You dance well," she admitted reluctantly.

"You sound surprised," he replied, eyes not leaving hers.

"I didn't take you for someone who... entertains guests like this."

"I don't," he stated plainly. "But it's a useful skill."

They circled the floor, the hum of conversation fading until she was almost too aware of the way his fingers curved against her side, the warmth of his palm even through her gloves.

"You're staring," he said quietly.

Her lips curved in a faint, dangerous smile. "So are you."

A glimpse of something— amusement? A look of annoyance crossed his face.

Their dance slowed near the edge of the floor. She expected him to release her. Instead, he leaned in slightly, his voice low enough only she could hear. "You've been... unusually cooperative these past few days."

"Are you complaining?"

"No. But I wonder why."

She tilted her head. "Maybe I've decided you're less insufferable than I thought."

He huffed a quiet breath — not quite a laugh. "And here I thought you simply hadn't found the right moment to insult me."

"Oh, don't worry," she said sweetly. "The night is young."

They parted ways as the song came to a close. There was a charge in the air between them, similar to the moment before a lightning strike.

Before either could speak, a merchant approached Diluc with urgent news about a shipment. He excused himself with a polite bow, leaving Eula by the refreshment table.

She told herself it was for strategic reasons that she watched him disappear into the crowd.

But she couldn't ignore the fact that her heart was still beating in time with the waltz.

Chapter Text

Few sunsets had passed after the gala, and those days were calm and uneventful. Days like these were everyone’s wish, to be relaxed and free of stress, or maybe go on a picnic or fishing at Cider Lake. Until, just like Barbatos’s unexpected blessing, rain suddenly poured over Monstadt.

Eula stood still on the wet grassland, her hands holding what seemed like a map, her face deadpan as she faced up towards the rainy sky. Just a few moments ago, the sun was kissing her cheeks with warmth. “*sigh* Great! There goes another uniform ruined”, she complained internally as she folded and put away her drenched map.

Diluc was a few steps in front of her, and he did not seem to mind the rain at all. They had been tracking a Fatui convoy for hours through the forest south of the Dawn Winery. The wind carried the scent of rain, leaves whispering in warning above them. Then, they noticed something on the ground.

Diluc crouched, brushing his fingers over the dirt path. "Still fresh. They can't be more than a few hundred meters ahead."

Eula adjusted her grip on her claymore. "Then let's finish this before the rain gets any worse."

They moved quickly, keeping low between the trees. The first crack of thunder masked the sound of their approach — and then the Fatui were there, clustered around a pair of heavy crates.

It should have been routine. But the instant Eula stepped forward, a Pyro Agent turned, eyes gleaming under his mask. "Knights," he spat, alarming his crew, then lunging for her.

She met him with a swift, arcing strike, ice hissing against his flames. Another Skirmisher rushed in from the side — and that's when she heard Diluc shout, "Behind you!"

But she was a few seconds too late.

The blow caught her across her left ribs, the impact jarring all the way up her arm. She staggered, breath knocked from her lungs, but she forced herself to swing back, catching the attacker in the side. She couldn’t care less about the blood that started to taint her uniform. She needed to end this quickly.

By the time the last Fatui fell, the rain had turned in earnest, further soaking them both. Diluc was at her side in an instant, his gloved hand firm on her arm. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing," she said, wincing despite herself. This habit of hers, to act tough whenever she can, will eventually take a toll on her one day. She could not even stand properly.

His gaze darkened as he saw blood stains on her clothes. "...That is not ‘nothing’."

Before she could protest, he'd taken her claymore and slung it over his own shoulder, steering her toward the horses. "We're going back to the Winery."

"I c..can walk-," she muttered.

"Not quickly enough," he said, lifting her onto a nearby horse without ceremony. It's a miracle and weirdly convenient that the Fatui brought along a horse with them. His coat was already damp, the scent of smoke and rain clinging to it as they rushed towards the Winery mansion.

The ride back was silent except for the rain and the steady rhythm of hooves. She was too aware of the solid warmth of him behind her, one arm steadying her whenever the path grew slick.

***

The Winery was quiet when they arrived; most of the staff had gone home for the evening. Diluc carefully helped her get down from their horse and led her upstairs without a word, straight to a guest room lit only by a single oil lamp.

"Sit," he said, already rummaging in a cabinet for supplies.

She raised a brow. "You play medic now, too?", her tone sceptical as she watched him rummaging through what seemed to be a first-aid bag. Her right hand never left the left side of her ribs. She had hoped that it would ease the intense pain that she stubbornly ignored. 

He didn't look at her. "I've had enough practice."

When he turned back with a piece of clean cloth and a jar of ointment, she was reluctantly perched on the edge of the bed, rainwater still dripping from her bangs. 

"Off," he said, nodding to her jacket.

Her brows shot up. "Excuse me?"

"I need to see the injury."

She hesitated for a moment, but the ache in her side made arguing feel petty. With careful movements, she peeled the damp jacket away, revealing the dark and bloody bruise already blooming along her ribs. She could not help but wince and hiss at every movement she made. 

His eyes flicked to it, jaw tightening, "Hold still." The bruise was more severe than he had expected, and the blood was still fresh. He then poured some ointment on the cloth and gently patted along her ribs.

The cool press of the cloth made her jolt and hiss instantly, but his hands were steady and precise. He worked in silence; the only sound was the patter of rain against the window. Despite his big and toned hands, his touches were quite gentle.

"You're good at this," she said finally, ignoring the fact that her ears had slightly tinged red due to the softness of his touch.

"I've had... people to patch up," he said quietly, not meeting her eyes.

She studied him, taking in the faint lines of exhaustion at the corners of his eyes, the faded eye bags under those fiery red eyes, and the way he focused so intently on his task. "You're not as cold as you pretend to be."

His gaze met hers then, something unreadable flickering there. "And you're not as unshakable as you pretend to be."

The air between them seemed to shift, charged like the moment before a lightning strike, like how they felt during the waltz a few days ago. His hands stilled, still resting lightly at her side. His crimson eyes seemed to be glued to her pair of lilac eyes. It's... alluring.

Eula was suddenly, acutely aware of the distance — or lack thereof — between them.

He was the one to break it, stepping back abruptly. He balled a fist in front of his mouth and cleared his throat, avoiding awkwardness, "E-hem!.. You should rest. I'll have food sent up."

She let him retreat to the door, though she couldn't stop herself from saying, "Thank you... Diluc." Her voice sounded kinder and sweeter than she intended; she paid no mind, for she truly was sincere. He paused, glancing back just long enough for her to catch the faintest softening in his expression, “...Don’t mention it.” — and then he was gone.

Chapter Text

*

*

*

It had been two days since the rain hadn't let up. It came down in silver sheets against the forest canopy, soaking through cloaks and hoods, turning the trails into rivers of mud. Perhaps it is the time of year when humidity increases in the Mondstadt region in early summer. 

They were tracking the last known Fatui unit in the region — a small but stubborn group rumored to be moving dangerous contraband toward Mondstadt. The Acting Grandmaster Jean informed that their camp base was around the edge of Windwail Highland, to the north of Brightcrown Mountains. 

Eula moved ahead, boots splashing through shallow puddles. She could feel Diluc's presence a few steps behind her; he was steady, silent, and impossible to ignore. 

*

*

Just a couple of hours ago, after meeting Jean at her office, they had a small argument. “You cannot join today’s mission,” Diluc flatly said as he adjusted his gloves. Eula jolted her head up, surprised at his sudden comment. Her face completely showed disagreement, “What?! This is my mission too. You can’t just ask me not to go-”. 

“I wasn’t asking. It’s an order.”

”WHA- You can’t tell me what to do!”

“Yes, I can.”

“pfft! Why? Cuz’ you’re a Ragnvindr?”

“...”

“... Unbelievable! I will have my vengeance! Y-you cocky piece of- ”

“You’re still hurt!”

His sudden rise in voice caught her off guard, and she instantly went silent. She stared at his eyes, dumbfounded, before slowly turning her face away while crossing her arms together. Diluc felt guilty for raising his voice louder than he intended. He rubbed his face before sighing deeply, “Apologies, Miss Eula. I didn’t mean to scold you. But your wound from days ago still hasn’t recovered.”

He was right, her left ribs still ached and were sore. But she believed that she had already recovered most of her strength thanks to Diluc’s help the other day. She was willing and ready to go on a mission whenever possible. 

“I-I’m fine. Really. Thanks to you...” She mumbled sheepishly, still looking away. “So please, let me come with you.”

Diluc crossed his arms and squinted his eyes. He groaned while thinking of an answer, “..... Ughh, fine.”

*

*

The trail narrowed into a rocky pass, the roar of rain muffling the sound of movement ahead. She lifted a hand to signal a halt, but before she could say anything, a flash of steel emerged from the shadows. The ambush was fast and brutal. Three agents from the front, two flanking from the ridge. Diluc was already ablaze with Pyro, his claymore scattering attackers with sweeping arcs. Eula met her own assailant head-on, the clash of Cryo and steel ringing in her ears.

It ought to have been manageable. However, visibility was poor due to the heavy rain, the ground was slippery, and the Fatui pushed forward violently. Diluc's yell broke through the chaos as one of them pounced at her from the side.

"EULA!!"

She turned just in time to see him barreling toward her, his blade intercepting the strike meant for her ribs. The impact forced them back against the rocky wall, his arm braced beside her head to shield her from the follow-up blow.

Her heart slammed against her ribs, half from adrenaline, half from the fact that his body was pinning hers to the stone.

"I told you to watch your flank!" he whisper-shouted, voice low, breath hot against her ear even through the cold rain.

"And I told you-" she gritted out, shoving her attacker away with a burst of Cryo, "-to stop ordering me around."

But she didn't step away. She couldn't make sense of the occurring situation because it was all happening so quickly. Too quickly.

The last agent went down under a joint strike, the fight ending as abruptly as it began. The forest was still except for the rain and the sound of their panting. Hearts pounding so loud from their adrenaline rush. 

Diluc's eyes found hers, molten even in the dim light. "You're reckless."

"You're overbearing. I will have my vengeance!" she replied sternly as she poked his left chest with her right index finger. They were close enough now that the words barely had space between them. His hand was still on her waist, fingers splayed against the wet fabric of her coat.

"Why do you care so much if I get hurt?" she challenged. His actions towards her seemed unusual, and they had scratched every inch of her brain ever since.

His jaw tightened. "Because I-" He broke off, as if the rest of the sentence might burn him. The expression he wore, Eula could not understand. Heat slowly crept into his ears, tinging them red as his crimson hair. He was glad for the lack of light; it helped to cover this embarrassing state of his.

The air between them finally snapped, taut as a bowstring — and then he kissed her. His rough lips pressed onto her soft, plump ones.

It wasn't tentative. It was weeks of tension breaking all at once, hard and heated, his hand sliding up to cup the back of her neck. She returned it just as fiercely, one hand gripping his coat, the other curling against his shoulder.

Rain ran down her face, mingling with the warmth of his mouth. The rough scrape of his glove against her jaw sent a shiver through her, even with the heat of him pressed flush against her.

When they broke the kiss for air, his forehead rested against hers, breath ragged and desperate. "You drive me mad, woman," he murmured.

"Good," she chuckled softly as she said, lips brushing his. "It's mutual."

Another kiss — slower this time, lingering, his thumb stroking along her cheekbone. The world beyond the rain felt very distant, as if they were in a domain of their own.

It was Diluc who finally pulled back, though his hand didn't leave her waist. "We should move before more arrive."

"Right," she replied, though her voice was still unsteady.

They stepped apart, but the space between them felt different now — electric, unspoken, and very, very dangerous.