The next day Nat was more alert, sitting in bed with Klee looking through her photo album while Albedo watched from a chair next to them. Albedo rested his head in his hand, his elbow propped up on the bed as they watched Klee point to photos and giggle.

“Big brother looks so funny in this photo,” Klee giggled, pointing to a photo from Albedo’s birthday party that year where Albedo is covered head to toe in cake and icing, a smile beaming across his face.

“Do you remember why your big brother looks so funny?” Nat asked. Klee sat and pondered for a moment before giggling to herself again.

“Klee made the cake go boom!” Klee exclaimed, causing both Albedo and Nat to laugh as there was a knock at the door. Albedo got up from his spot, letting Jean and Kaeya in. Kaeya walked over and hugged Nat, sandwiching Klee between them, making her giggle. Nat wasn’t used to this type of attention from Kaeya, but she knew she must have truly given him a scare.

“How are you feeling today Nat?” Kaeya asked and Nat explained she was fine, not mentioning the immense pain that still radiated from her torso and back. She had gotten to look at herself in the mirror that morning, and saw the scratches on her face and the way the bruising peeped up from under her shirt.  Jean walked over to Nat, and took her hand.

“There’s a lot of healing that can be done still, I’m going to use my anemo to heal you, it may feel weird, but let me know if it hurts more.” Jean explained as she picked Klee up and placed her on the floor. Klee ran over, photo album in hand, to Kaeya as Jean took Nat’s hand again. Nat closed her eyes and Albedo took a step back as wind started to pulsate off of Jean.

“I didn’t know anemo could heal, most healers are Hydro afterall,” Nat sparked conversation, trying to ignore the weird sensation flowing through her body as Jean healed. She looked to Albedo with a weak and weary smile; it hurt him to see her like this.

“Yes, almost all hydro vision holders can heal, some don’t know it, but they can. Anemo healers are slightly harder to find, but Anemo has the strongest healing properties. So I can pick up where Barbara left off, and hopefully get you to a better place physically, where you’ll at least be able to walk with more ease” Jean stopped, thinking about her own words, “But please do not tell Barbara I said that,” Jean fumbled, “She has trained hard for her abilities and I don’t want to take any of that away from her.” Jean blushed as she continued to spread her Anemo across Nat’s bruises, cuts, and injuries. 

“I’m sure Miss Barbara knows what you mean Master Jean,” Kaeya remarked from the corner. Jean stayed for a half an hour, healing Nat with swirls of Anemo. Nat could feel bones gracefully reconnecting and her blood vessels shrinking to pull away bruising. When Jean was done she sat and chatted, noticing a look in Albedo’s eyes that made her make a decision on her own.

“Kaeya, why don’t we take Klee for the evening? We can get dinner and ice cream, and come back later?” Jean asked and Kaeya understood.

“I think that’s a splendid idea grand master,” he responded and Klee giggled with excitement for ice cream. They collected their things and walked out, Kaeya promising Klee she could get sprinkles as they left. Albedo and Nat sat in silence for a moment.

“Do I get ice cream too?” Nat joked, making Albedo laugh.

“Of course, I can go get it whenever you want. How are you feeling?” He asked, a mixture of intrigue and concern in his voice. Normally, seeing anemo healing and injuries like this would cause his mind to race with questions, formulas, numbers, and he would be taking notes galore, but seeing it was Nat, the only thing that mattered was her well being. When he had been summoned by Swan to return to Mondstadt immediately the day before, he was shocked to hear that Knight Nat was hurt. All he could think of was her smile, her touch, and her laugh. When he arrived, Kaeya had already brought her to headquarters where Lisa had connected an IV and Barbara had pools of water swirling around her. Kaeya had put a hand on Albedo’s shoulder, pulling him into the hallway outside of the infirmary to explain what he knew. Lisa gave Albedo a quick hug, recommending he sit outside and get some air as he was looking rather pale. When he did, he ran into Diluc.

“Diluc, I wasn’t aware you had returned to Mondstadt,” Albedo started, but Diluc didn’t have time for any idle chit chat.

“Is she okay?” Diluc asked, his voice colder than Albedo remembered. 

“I’m not too sure, they kicked me out quite quickly,” Albedo said, taking a seat on the retaining wall next to Diluc, his hands slightly shaking.

“Are you two finally together?” Diluc questioned, not making eye contact. Albedo stuttered on his answer.

“Y – Yes. We’ve been together a few years now.” Albedo answered, silence filling the air. 

“I’m glad she has you,” Diluc said before walking off into Mondstadt.

Albedo snapped back into the moment, and Nat explained to him how weird Jean’s healing had felt. Nat was happy to have some alone time with Albedo, she felt like she hadn’t seen him in so long, between getting hurt and being in Liyue, too much time had passed. When Kaeya and Jean returned, Albedo and Nat were both asleep on her bed, Nat’s head nuzzled up under his shoulder. Kaeya put a blanket over them, and Klee left some flowers on the nightstand before they left them alone.

The next afternoon Kaeya was accompanying Nat on a small stroll around the back of headquarters, trying to help her get fresh air and stretch out her legs. Nat was still sore, but feeling better. This was the first time Nat and Kaeya had been together, alone, since he had carried her to headquarters, Nat unconscious in his arms, and he wanted to take advantage of the moment.

“Nat, I am so sorry I wasn’t there for you. We shouldn’t have let you go alone, that’s something we knights should know better than to do,” Kaeya paused, helping Nat sit down on a bench, “Seeing you like that was uncomfortable. I never want to see you hurt like that and I should have been there -” But before Nat could respond a familiar voice broke through the tension.

“Natalya!” Xinqiu yelled as he ran over to his friend, bending down by her side to give her a hug. Nat winced slightly at the pain, but was excited to see her friend, “We came as soon as we got the letter this morning, what in the archons happened?” Xinqiu said, so wrapped up in his friend that he didn’t notice Kaeya sitting next to her. 

“Xingqiu, I’m so sorry to have worried you, but truly I’m okay,” she paused, motioning to Kaeya, “Xingqiu this is Kaeya, Kaeya Xingqiu. And that over there,” Nat pointed to Chongyun who stood across from her holding a basket, “Is Chongyun. These are my friends from Liyue.” Kaeya exchanged greetings with them as Nat gave them an overly simplified version of what had happened. Xinqiu had acknowledged her bruising and the tense way she reacted to his hug, and he knew he didn’t get the full story from Nat, but that was okay. Whatever had happened was not good, and he didn’t want her to relive that. Chongyun pulled out an ice pop from his basket, handing it to Nat, who was surprised at how cold it still was, forgetting Chongyun’s Cryo abilities.

“I worked with Xiangling to create an ice pop to help you heal,” he explained, “It’s enriched with medicinal herbs but Sunsietta flavored, you’re favorite.” He smiled, handing Nat the ice pop. She took it happily and the group sat there and chatted for what seemed like hours. Nat could feel her torso ache as she laughed with her friends, but she didn’t want it to stop. Eventually, though, Kaeya could see through her mask and suggested going inside to rest. When Nat agreed, Xingqiu and Chongyun bid her farewell, leaving Kaeya with the surplus of ice pops and a few books Xingqiu brought for Nat to read.

As they entered her room, Kaeya helped her back into the bed, creating an ice slab and wrapping it in a towel for Nat to put on her torso. When she lifted her shirt, her wound looked better than two days ago, but was still raw and bruised, starting to slowly blend in with the other scars on her abdomen and hips. Kaeya looked away, shamed by her wound, but curiosity peaked by the other scars he did not recognize. Despite his attempts to hide his thoughts, Nat noticed, putting the ice pack on and pulling her shirt back down.

“You know this isn’t anyone’s fault right? No matter what you think, or Diluc says, I went out on a daily commission. I wasn’t quick enough and got caught. We were all given false information. Everyone did the right thing, but sometimes things just happen.” Nat said, but Kaeya didn’t look up at her. She continued, “I know how you’re feeling, when Ajax fell over the cliff I blamed myself for years. The knights showed me, though, that it wasn’t my fault. We ran away together, it was his idea, and he didn’t have to sacrifice himself for me,” Nat paused, taking a breath as she was overcome with emotion herself. Kaeya looked at her as she continued, “I would hate for you to feel that way about this for years, it didn’t feel nice. You got me to Barbara, dealt with Diluc, and made sure Albedo was aware. You also took the knights back to the area to keep Mondstadt safe, you did everything right Kaeya and more,” Nat took his hand, “Thank you. Now stop blaming yourself, please.” Understanding washed over Kaeya’s face and he shook his head in agreement with Nat.

“You’re right. In fact, I think I’m deserving of a drink from Charles, but I’ll be by later.” Kaeya got up and made his way to the door, “Call if you need me.” He said as he walked out the door. Nat laughed to herself about Kaeya’s quick departure, having a moment to herself for the first time since she got hurt. Nat found herself overwhelmed with emotion, she knew she was missing a lot of details from the past few days: Jean’s response to Diluc’s return, Diluc’s response to Nat’s injury or Jean in charge, what Lisa and Barbara may have seen while healing her, Kaeya’s response to Diluc. Did her brothers fight? Did Albedo tell Diluc about them? Nat took a deep breath before her thoughts could get the best of her, quickly falling asleep for a half an hour before a knock at the door woke her. Nat tried to get up quickly, causing a sharp pain to radiate from her torso to her toes.

“Just a moment!” Nat yelled to the person on the other side of the door.  When she opened the door, Adelinde stood on the other side, flowers in hand. “Oh Adelinde, I’m so happy to see you,” Nat said as she embraced her. While Adelinde had never worked for Nat, she had spent many nights and days taking care of her. She healed Nat’s wounds, was a shoulder to cry on when Master Diluc left, and would always accommodate her in their guest bedroom, which Master Crepus had once called Nat’s. 

Nat ushered Adelinde in, placing the flowers on her dresser, the two of them sitting at the table by her window. Adelinde asked Nat how she was feeling, and explained that Kaeya had filled her in. Nat told her some of the more intricate details of the attack, feeling like she was talking with her adoptive mom, or a big sister.

“I know the boys have both been worried sick, it’s nice to see you in good spirits.” Adelinde said, smiling at Nat who offered a slight smile back. Nat fidgeted with her hands in her lap, thinking of Kaeya and Diluc. What did Kaeya see? What does Diluc know?

“Adelinde, is Diluc at the winery?” Nat asked.

“Yes, Master Diluc has been at the winery since his return. Today he’s catching up on some paperwork with Elzer.” She responded.

“How has he been?” Nat continued.

“Master Diluc is not the same, but he is as sharp as ever. I’m sure he needs to ground himself back to life in Mondstadt before he can feel together.” Adelinde was careful with her words.

“I’m sure this didn’t help him feel home at all… The way Kaeya treated him wasn’t fair, though I understand where he was coming from,” Nat paused for a moment, contemplating. “Adelinde, I would like to return to Dawn Winery with you. Would that be okay?” Nat asked, catching Adelinde by surprise. They discussed the opportunity for Nat to go and speak with Diluc, and despite the fact that it could be emotionally upsetting, Adelinde agreed to take her.

Adelinde helped Nat slip a note under Albedo’s door, and a Dawn Winery carriage took them back to the Ragnvindr estate. Nat and Adelinde caught up on the ride back.

“Did Kaeya say anything to you after the accident? Was he upset by what he saw?” Nat asked abashedly. She knew there were many things he saw that day he shouldn’t have, but she had certain things in mind.

“Nothing he saw necessarily, he came to the Winery covered in your blood…” Adelinde responded quietly, looking down.

“He came to Dawn Winery?” Nat inquired.

“He comes home often, especially when things are hard. I’ve told him many times that Dawn Winery will always be his home. Luckily Master Diluc was meeting with Grand Master Jean at the time. I helped him gather himself, cleaned his clothes, and sent him back to you.” Adelinde smiled looking down at her lap. She remembered when Kaeya was first brought home to the winery, she was only eighteen and working as a nanny. She didn’t expect the blue haired, starry eyed boy to become a good friend and someone she would care so much about.

When they arrived at the Winery, Adelinde helped Nat out of the carriage, entering through the back kitchen to avoid patrons. Nat pushed ahead, hearing Diluc’s voice, when she heard a familiar voice chatting back from the other side of a swinging door.

“Your last correspondence stated you would be back in several weeks. You’re early, I never got to tell her…” Kaeya spoke in a low voice. Nat leaned closer to the door, trying not to be heard.

“You should have told her months ago, a lack of transparency on your end does not create an issue for me,” Diluc responded, cold to his brother.

“Tsk, you don’t think you’re wrong for never contacting her yourself?” Kaeya retorted, causing Diluc to pause.

“She had already lost so much, I didn’t want to add to it…” Diluc trailed.

“Well I think there’s more to it then we know, Lisa approached me about some scarring on her -” but Kaeya didn’t get to finish as Nat slowly pushed the door open, startling both brothers.

“Natalya, I didn’t know you were here,” Diluc started, brushing past Kaeya, who’s mouth was open, dumbfounded. Diluc touched Nat’s shoulder, looking her up and down before continuing, “How are you feeling? Did Jean’s abilities help?” Nat didn’t say anything, she just looked down at her feet, her boots covered in dirt and blood. She focused on one of the drops of blood until she noticed a teardrop fall next to it. This caused Kaeya to stand upright.

“Nat,” Kaeya started, unsure of what to say.

“How long were you two in contact?” Nat asked, still not looking up.

“Diluc first reached out to be six months ago.” Kaeya answered, knowing Nat just needed to hear the facts.

“And why didn’t you tell me?” Nat questioned.

“I asked him not to,” Diluc answered. He continued, “I needed intel from him and couldn’t risk others knowing. I asked him to not inform you, Jean and the Knights, or the Dawn Winery. It was too risky.” Nat shook her head in understanding, still upset.

Nat had been through a lot the last few days, if not her whole life, and in that moment she felt that mask she had worn since entering Mondstadt slip away. With the scars of her past showing, it felt only right to shift her tone as well. 

“It would’ve been nice to be included. I’m glad you’re safe,” Nat turned around to leave, Diluc catching her arm with a stronger grip then Nat was used to. She turned back to face him.

“Nat, I am sorry I’ve hurt you. I know I have hurt you both more then I can currently imagine, but I am here now. I want to be here for you. The Dawn Winery is always open to you and I am always just a call away.” Diluc stopped, looking Nat in the eyes. Her eyes were dry now, but seemed to have lost the light they usually had. 

“I would’ve told you if I could,” Kaeya started, “But it could’ve risked Diluc’s safety.” Kaeya looked at Nat, worried.

“It’s okay, really. I’m going to go back to my Mondstadt, I’m suddenly not feeling well.” Nat responded.

“Kaeya will go with you, he has to report back to Jean anyway.” Diluc answered, causing Kaeya to make a wary face. He knew Nat was mad, and he knew she was hurting. While he knew she shouldn’t travel alone, he also thought the last thing she wanted was time with Kaeya. 

“That’s fine, but I hope you’ve reported back to Jean too. You owe it to her.” Nat turned back through the door, leaving Diluc speechless as Kaeya followed suit.

Kaeya got a carriage together and assisted Nat inside. He could see Nat grimace as the herbs helping with her pain were wearing off. They sat across from one another, Nat looking out the window while Kaeya looked at Nat’s pained face.

“I’m sorry Nat.” Kaeya spoke quietly.

“I don’t want to talk about it Kaeya, I just want to get home.” Nat responded.

“I just need you to know Diluc’s life was in danger, he’ll tell you more about it, but he needed it to be as quiet as possible.” Kaeya answered.

“It’s not that he didn’t tell me Kaeya, it’s that he only trusted one of us. Neither of you trusted me with his safety. But then again, I am an Ex-Snezhnayan.” Nat whispered the last part, just loud enough for Kaeya to hear.

“It has nothing to do with your past Nat,” Kaeya explained. Nat listened to his long winded explanation of how he understands what it was like to be an outsider, and how Diluc only reached out to him because he had access to more intel then Nat in his position. Nat nodded in agreement, comforted Kaeya even, but she was used to the shut out treatment she got as someone whose parents were Fatui. Someone who didn’t always belong. She knew her past may have finally caught up to her.