[ Diluc had only joked about it because Kaeya had said he was fine. Trying to lighten the mood after the somber turn it took. Really he should leave any of the jesting to Kaeya, he always says the wrong thing. ] Right. My apologies.

[ He winces at that. ] I did try my best, to not come out worse this time. [ Failed, again, though. Not unsurprising. Why would he expect anything different from himself. He's always going to let those he cares for down in one way or another. 'You should be more careful with Kaeya's feelings, young master Diluc,' he thinks back to a memory of Adelinde saying, when they were children and Kaeya and Diluc had a fight, 'he hides it well but he's not made of stone.'

"You so stubborn, Master Diluc, even still you struggle with the lessons I taught you" a facsimile of Adelinde says, standing dutifully by the doorway of their apartment, "After all of the accomodations I make for you: patching your wounds, keeping your secrets, on top of my other duties as the head maid. You can't even keep yourself from hurting my sweet and loyal Kaeya." She shakes her head, bowing as they get closer, "At least one of the boys I raised doesn't disappoint me so."

It's a small mercy he had already been frowning, lest Kaeya worry more. Diluc knows she's not here, this is in his head. Not untrue, but not real. His features remain schooled, blank as he opens the door to their apartment, Adelinde trailing in behind them. ]