It tastes funny. After years of solitude and nothing but vengeance and crippling loneliness under the guise of duty, Diluc could taste his own sorrows. Palpable, pungent, putrid. But what tastes funny now is his smile, how the corner of his lips twitch up into this bright, teeth grinning, smile. You are his cure.

It’s taken years to get here, years of dismantling his walls one by one until he could wake up peacefully. Until duty doesn’t taste monotonous because now he has more than just Monstadt to silently protect, his vigilantism extends entirely to you. He’d do absolutely anything to make sure the streets are safe for the nights where you have to walk home alone.

And by god does Diluc smile? The second he stands at the alter, waiting for you to walk down, Jean as his best woman because honestly there’s no person who’s tolerated him better, other than you. The nerves that threaten to make him vomit all over the priest cease when he catches sight of you, more beautiful than ever, radiant in every way possible. God, does he smile.

“You look beautiful,” He whispers, just before dawn crests over the mountains and silence still engulfs Monstadt with peace. A press of his lips to every part of you he adores, which is every, it’s almost a ritual every morning by now. He never hides behind frustrations and anger, now he’s softer around the edges in ways only you could have blessed him with. “Love you.” Another kiss.

For a man who was emotionally constipated when you met him, Diluc has turned into the picture of a devoted husband. When he leaves sometimes, in the dead of night to haul treasure hoarders off the streets. When he ties them up and leaves them in front of the Knights Headquarters, the picture in the back of his mind is you. Because if someone hurt you, he would go on another four year hunting spree.

“I adore you.” Another kiss to your temple, your fingertips, your elbows, your cheeks and nose.. then finally that smile. His smile that he loves to taste, that he will never stop expressing his love and gratitude and affection for. Because if there is anyone in the world that needs to be reminded how much they are loved? It’s you.