Work Text:
In the stuffy alchemy office within the Favonius building, Sucrose sat hunched over the desk deep in thought. The sun was long gone and she had been sitting with her back aching longer than she had hoped. A few candles strewn about the room lit her workspace, they were almost out by now. The moonlight from the window behind her helped light the area. She had no choice but to stay in longer as she believed she could figure out her work on her own. This was not the first time, nor the last time, she has done or will do this.
Unbeknownst to the bio-alchemist, a certain winery owner was making his way upstairs. Albedo had become increasingly concerned with Sucrose's health and behavior when it came to her projects. If she wouldn't listen to Albedo, he needed to get someone else to do the scolding for him. Diluc calmly knocked on the closed door, and he waited a few seconds for a response. There was none. This was suspicious to him considering the soft light he could see under the crack of the door.
He cracked open the door, "Miss Sucrose?"
Diluc saw Sucrose across the room, yet she did not answer him. He made the decision to shut the door behind himself and approach the desk. She was scribbling on some paper, her notes, crossing things out and rewriting them as she softly muttered. Clearly unaware of his presence.
Diluc delicately rested his left hand on her writing hand, successfully stopping her work and getting her attention finally.
"Can you hear me now?"
Sucrose took her hand back and adjusted her glasses, "My apologies… I didn't hear you come in, Master Diluc."
"I insist that you call me Diluc, you know this."
She nodded, "Okay… Diluc. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes. Do you mind coming with me?"
She gazed up at Diluc puzzled, "Not all all… but what do you need me for?"
Diluc waited for Sucrose to stand before going to the door. She followed him over as he held it open.
"I'll tell you when we get there. For now, just follow me."
Sucrose walked out, her shoes clicking on the hard floor and Diluc gently pulled the door closed. He led the way, occasionally glancing back to make sure the drowsy alchemist was still following, and they made their way out of the empty building.
Sucrose laid her eyes on the bright stars and yawned, "I didn't realize it was this late."
The man chuckled, "That's alright, nothing to be done about it now."
Diluc guided Sucrose with a hand on her back. The two made their way through the primarily empty streets, the only thing that could be heard was the light wind and a few foot steps. Sucrose let his warmth lead her, she was too heavy-eyed to do anything else. He couldn't help but smile at the fact that she was leaning up against him, almost her full weight on his side.
Eventually, the two faced Sucrose's small home. The roof was covered in moss and different plants, which she previously claimed was intentional, and there was a well maintained garden Diluc could see just off to the side. It was fairly set off from the other homes but well-loved. He looked down at his companion.
"I've brought you back home."
Sucrose looked up from the ground, "Why did you…?"
"I was told that you had been overworking yourself. Apparently, I'm the second best person to speak to you about it. And clearly this evening you were at it again, so I did my duty. May we go in?"
"Oh… uhm! Yes."
Sucrose opened the door for herself and walked in, immediately going to sit down on a bench in her entryway. The house had one floor with a small loft (an okay height for her, a tight squeeze for anyone taller), and he knew from looking in that every part of the interior was carefully arranged. She had paintings, some he recognized as Albedo's work, and specimens framed on her walls… shelves of books, different trinkets, and bones. It was like looking into Sucrose's soul. When Diluc stopped eyeing her interior design, he realized she had already taken off her shoes and he quickly did the same out of respect.
"I'm sorry everything's a bit of a mess… too much time in the lab. Would you like a drink or anything?"
Diluc followed her to her kitchen counters, giving her space of course, where she began rummaging through the cabinets for cups.
"I appreciate the gesture, but there's no need for that. I came to make sure you would rest, that is all."
"I won't let you leave without a snack or a drink. It's the least I can do for making you deal with me… and Albedo."
He huffed, "if that's what it takes for you to sleep, then alright."
Sucrose pointed to her 'living room', well if this house had more rooms it would be, "You can sit comfortably there, I won't be long. I just need to bring my things upstairs."
Diluc pulled his gaze away as she ascended the spiral stairs leading up into the loft. Despite his usual morals, he just wanted to peak at her shelves. How could he not with all the intriguing and odd items?
There was a shelf in the far corner that had intricate detailing in the carvings of the wood, perhaps custom made. Most of the books here were field guides to the wildlife in Mondstadt and a few based in other regions. On the third shelf down there was a small frame with a picture of Sucrose, Albedo, Klee, and Kaeya in the background… photo bombing… he smiled to himself still. It was rare to see pure joy on Sucrose's face as it was often mixed with nervousness. This was an uncommon glimpse into her life. He hoped he'd see it again.
Framed on the wall to the left of the shelf were different butterflies. Pristine wings pinned down for viewing. Maybe Sucrose once studied these delicate creatures, before saving what was left of them after death. Although he doesn't like insects, he understands the interest in animals. He would have to ask her about birds sometime.
Diluc perked up when he heard Sucrose coming back down and he stepped away from the corner. He had to hold back a gasp, her hair was down and she was changed into loose fitting pajamas. He needed to hold himself together, this was too foolish of him.
"I have some homemade Sweetflower and Sunsettia water. It shouldn't be too sugary. Sweetflowers are my specialty, I know how to use them perfectly… but anyways, I'll get you some!"
Sucrose set a deep red mug down. If you looked closely, you could see gold swirls and stars on the side of it. She took a small pitcher and slowly poured the flavored water into the mug, once she topped it off she handed it to him and started pouring her own.
He took a small sip from his mug and relished in the impeccably curated water. The sweetness wasn't too harsh and there was enough Sunsettia flavor to keep him wanting more.
Sucrose barely waved her hand to gesture Diluc to follow her to the couch. She sat and pulled a blanket from the back of the seat into her lap. As Diluc settled into the couch, he took one last taste of the drink and put his cup down on the side table.
He turned his gaze towards her, "What has you overworking yourself?"
Sucrose sighed at the thought of her work and brushed hair out of her face, "It's nothing you'd be interested in."
"You'd be surprised."
"Ah, well, I'm doing something for someone all the way in Fontaine with the Bulle Fruits… I'm too tired to think about it all now."
He chuckled, "I'll be more than happy to hear about it another time, when you aren't so exhausted."
"Uhm… what about you? Have you been working on any projects?"
"Not yet. But, I wanted to ask you about something."
Sucrose nodded calmly in response, her eyes threatening to close.
"I've seen your decorations and I know of your work, but have you done anything with birds before?… I find that I enjoy them."
"Hmm, I did briefly study them alongside some other organisms. It wasn't in depth so I doubt I could tell you anything you don't already know."
"I see. I know plenty about birds, more specifically birds of prey and falconry. I have a few books pertaining to the topic… It's not something I bring up since people don't ask."
He looked over at Sucrose and she was half asleep, fighting a losing battle.
"Mhm. I'll ask… later."
He only watched her for a few moments, listening as her breathing evened out. He stood up and grabbed the mugs they both had, walking them over to the sink to set them down. He didn't want to intrude too much but leaving his mess and her alone didn't seem right. He made his way back over to her and debated on what to do.
Diluc chose to move her to her bed, this couch would've made her back ache and he wouldn't allow that. He reached his hands under her back and legs, picking both Sucrose and her plush blanket up. He prayed that his heavily beating heart wouldn't wake her up. He went up her stairs and moved the curtain out of the way.
Sucrose's bed was against the far wall with the end of it pointed towards the stairs. Her room wasn't the tidiest but it wasn't his place to judge. He would feel guilty about invading her space later. Regardless, he pulled the blankets on her bed back to carefully place her. Once she was placed, he took off her glasses and set them on the nightstand, then he was content. Diluc admired her calm features. Her eyelashes were a deep green rather than black and she had nearly invisible freckles on her cheeks.
He whispered to the air, "Goodnight, Sucrose."
He decided he'd looked enough and abruptly made his way back down. He put his shoes on and mentally scolded himself for pestering her and invading her space so much.
Diluc left her home with mixed, twisting emotions. Unsure how to feel, he chose to go back to his residence. He could only hope that he'd be able to speak to her again soon.