With Diluc Ragnvindr, a kiss is never careless.

It always begins with a look.

You’ll notice it first — the way his crimson eyes lower slightly, not in shyness, but in focus. Like the entire room has narrowed down to just you.

He steps closer.

Not abruptly.

Deliberately.

His hand finds your waist, resting there as if testing whether you’ll lean away.

You don’t.

So his thumb shifts slightly, drawing you half an inch nearer.

He studies your face — the way your lips part just a little, the way your breath changes.

Diluc doesn’t rush.

He makes sure.

His other hand rises slowly to your jaw, fingers warm against your skin. He tilts your chin just enough so you’re looking up at him.

There’s always that pause.

Foreheads almost touching. Breath mingling. His eyes searching yours one last time.

And when he’s certain — absolutely certain — that you want this too?

He closes the distance.

The first touch of his lips is soft.

Measured.

Like he’s afraid too much pressure would bruise you.

His hand at your waist stays gentle at first, barely holding you there. Space still exists between your bodies.

But the moment you kiss him back?

Something shifts.

His fingers tighten slightly at your lower back. He pulls you closer — slowly, steadily — until there’s no space left.

The kiss deepens, not rushed, not wild — but firm. Intentional. Warm like banked fire.

He doesn’t overwhelm.

He envelops.

If it’s a jealous kiss, his grip is stronger, his arm wrapping fully around you as if to remind both you and himself where you belong.

If it’s a tender one, his hold stays light, thumb brushing your cheek in soft strokes.

The depth of the kiss always matches the certainty in his hands.

When he finally pulls away, it’s not abrupt.

His forehead rests against yours. His breath is a little heavier than before.

“…Forgive me,” he murmurs quietly — though there’s no real apology in it.

Just acknowledgment.

Because Diluc does not kiss lightly.

And when he chooses to?

It’s never halfway.

It’s careful. It’s controlled.

And it’s entirely, undeniably meant for you.