[ having been here for a few days now, diluc has found himself extremely overwhelmed and kind of lost at what to do. having been on the way home and to blink, then suddenly be in a completely different world?? universe?? whatever...it's all just very STRESSFUL.
the added bonus of your most awkward relationship also being here, well, diluc is doing his best not to let that bother him. spoiler:it's not going too well. ]
There has to be more to this...[ he thinks aloud, as he walks the shore line of the beach. canopus is in her tortoise form, stuck in diluc's flannel pocket, shielded from the cool morning breeze coming off the water. meanwhile he shivers slightly, still not used to the absence of his vision. #pyrouserprobs ]
[ kaeya is on the beach relaxing after his self-delegated fishing. it feeds people and there's time to soothe himself. he doesn't do it for very long, usually only when he finds a lull in the time between creeping into houses and exploring the remains that the adults had left behind.
he's sitting in the sand, just close enough that the water that washes in grazes the tips of his black boots. beside him, polaris is leaping about in the sand, rushing to the white foam the sea leaves behind and leaving little tiny prints in the sand before rushing back--the waves won't take him away, he's determined.
polaris is the first to see diluc, up on his back paws and neck stretched high. kaeya feels a gurgle of excitement in the pit of his chest as he glances up and sees...
diluc.
not disappointment, only... complicated emotions of distress and the need to crawl closer to him, to break the thick glass pane that's been between them for years finally. except it's hard when it's just the two of them, no buffer like their dear traveller. kaeya huffs. why does he need a buffer? oh that's right, because... well. you know.
he puts a smile on his face. his chest aches. polaris squeaks and proceeds to bounce excitedly in the sand, leaving wriggling patterns. ]
[ the moment that the headcount is through and kaeya has spoken with a number of people, he immediately seeks out diluc. he knows he's at least accounted for, that nothing could have happened to him, but it's been nearly a week and all kaeya wants to do is squirrel diluc away until this is all over.
of course, that would be nearly impossible. diluc can't help but insert himself into everything with even a remote whiff of injustice, such as a disappearance.
so he drags him off immediately, doesn't care so much about touch in this moment as he wraps arms around one of diluc's and pulls him away. ]
Do you have a moment, Master Diluc? We need to speak in private.
[ asking as he's already drawing him towards his room. "his" room. yjh come home.
polaris is circling the two of them, careful in his pacing as he makes a careful round about both kaeya and diluc both. he leads the way up the steps, glancing down the hall before trotting dutifully ahead like a steadfast sentinel. ]
[ the moment headcount had concluded diluc was gone, having observed what he need and went off to do his own snooping. He'd talk to people, sure, but that'd come later.
of course he didn't make it far, an arm catching his and promptly dragging him away. canopus flying after them in her owl form, hoo-ing at polaris. she knew, that diluc was vibrating out of his skin. he was anxious and his mind was racing. ]
Sir Kaeya, I-- [ there was no real time for a response, it was clear kaeya didn't even care about getting one, as he was dragged away. and with polaris circling them he had to make sure they didn't bump into each other. canopus flew ahead to catch up, dropping down into cat form when they reached the door.
once they were inside diluc pulled his arm away from kaeya, shooting him an annoyed look, before looking down at his daemon. ] What is it.
[ once the trial has come to a close and qi rong has been dragged away, diluc finds himself amidst a sea of white noise. his head is pounding and so is his chest, the feeling in his gut weighs heavy.
he has to get out of here.
canopus sneezes and poofs into her owl form, hoo-ing as she leads him out of the opera house. it's a tad quieter, even so he makes his way to the courtyard, finding a spot by the fountain. canopus landing and poofing back to a mainecoon, meowing up at him.
the moment he sits down she's in his lap, kneading at his thighs and purring. she's been wonderful at calming him down...even now when he feels as if he's vibrating out of his body.
[ it's not long until kaeya is there. polaris is a ghost in the night, leading him out of the opera house. he trusts him to take him to the hotel, but of course instead polaris has gone to find canopus, and by proxy, diluc. as if things couldn't get any worse--worse? or better. comfort or unease?
kaeya walks to the fountain, hands in the pockets of his trousers as he sits down beside diluc slowly. polaris moves forward to flap briefly and walk his way onto kaeya's lap with a soft flop. ]
You wandered off.
[ he's needy in how he butts his head beneath kaeya's chin far harder than necessary, but he remains unmoving. ]
Tell me where you're going next time.
[ polaris gives a soft trill, craning his head down slightly to touch beak to nose with canopus. ]
[ diluc is gone when the execution is over and in an instant, kaeya is removing diluc's glove from his coat, offering it to polaris. ]
Show me the way, [ he tells his daemon quietly, who immediately begins to lead kaeya through the winding, crumbling streets of cittégazza. diluc unfortunately can no longer hide now that kaeya has stolen one of his gloves and doesn't plan on giving it back.
when polaris leads them to the path towards the beach, kaeya knows immediately where he must go, even as the image of qi rong plays on repeat in his head, an exchange he has no desire to see repeated. he makes his way down the sand and towards the shape of diluc near the crashing waves. polaris moves past him without his say, taking speed where kaeya hesitates, and beelining it. ]
Polaris, easy. [ he calls it, knows that his daemon tends to become heedless when it comes to diluc. frustratingly so. damn it.
[ the execution repeats in his head, like a play on a grand stage. his mind is jumbled, emotions flying about, the white noise is back.
run run RUN
he lingered long enough to make sure xie lian was taken care of and once he was sure, he was gone. slipped through the crowd and down the streets, out of the city. canopus trotted after him, looking back for any signs of polaris...she was hopeful he'd find them later. ---
he's sitting alone, knees pulled to his chest and eyes out at sea. canopus sits next to him in tortoise form, hidden away inside her shell. he wishes he could hide.
she stirs, shifting back to a mainecoon and leaping up as polaris comes bounding across the sand. relieved to see her friend and kaeya.
diluc doesn't move. doesn't bother turning his gaze away from the waves. his voice is small. ]
[ come monday, the following week, diluc wakes up to a familiar face...but not the one he fell asleep next to. he's immediately on his gaurd, even if it's sheba, he's unsettled with how he got back here, also wherethey are now. this room is much more grand than the last, it's as if they've been teleported over night.
canopus is standing on his chest, staring at him, then hopping off and running to the door. she meows loudly. he gathers himself and goes to peek out of the door and as soon as the door is open canopus takes off. ] Oi! Not this again...
[ he can only assume (and hope) she's running to find polaris and by proxy kaeya, so he runs after her. ]
[ when kaeya wakes, polaris is curled up beside him in ermine form, pawing softly at his hand. it doesn't take very long for him to realize the bed is larger, the sheets different, and the air is heavy with salt. what's most disconcerting is this was not how he fell asleep last night and he sits up sharply, instantly scrambling.
polaris is already ahead of him, leaping off the bed into wolf form and pawing at the door. once it's opened, he's out.
it's not a struggle to keep up because polaris runs with such conviction only because kaeya feels it as well, low in his belly like a pit of snakes. he mutters diluc's name under his breath as he looks the halls.
polaris sees canopus and in a heartbeat bowls her over. ]
[ kaeya is... exhausted. the trial ending is unsatisfying, left on a precipice teetering towards some unfathomable dark below. so he grabs diluc's wrist the moment they're let out of the throne room. polaris is pacing as a wolf, his hackles raised and shaking his head, licking at his lips. ]
Come lay down with me somewhere, I have a headache.
[ he wraps his arm further around his bicep.
is he demanding they go to diluc's room? yes. step quickly, now. ]
[ this week had gone much different from the last, diluc found himself lost on how to feel. thought just like before, the moment they were let free he was headed for the doors, but kaeya caught his wrist first.
he didn't make any comment, just let himself be dragged back to his own room. the way kaeya was holding his arms made him instantly worry...
as they came to the room he wasted no time pulling the coin out and letting them both in. he'd have to apologize to sheba later...]
Tell me how you're feeling.
[ his words are gentle, turning to kaeya once their inside and looking the captain over. ]
[ waking up in the morning to, not sheba, is alarming to say the least. they've finally been separated and he does not like it. they're also in a new world again and he finds himself growing tired of this constant change, already.
after hauling himself up and out of the room, he wanders the halls, admiring the architecture and layout of the home. it reminds him of his back at the winery, he smiles.
as he leaves the mansion canopus takes off running. here we go again. ] Only one person that could be.
[ canopus is correct to head toward the canals, as that is where kaeya and polaris are! kaeya is sitting on the edge of one, legs just kicking around while polaris is stretched out in the sun, soaking it up. they both look like they're having a very good time, actually. maybe trying to take advantage of the peace before everything turns to chaos.
polaris feels canopus before he sees her, ears already up and tail thumping against the wood of the dock. kaeya turns and diluc and her are already striding up. ]
[ kaeya is! wherever diluc is on monday evening, maybe in his room while kotetsu is down in the lounge or something, a pocket of time and privacy both. ]
'Luc, I need you to make sure you're careful about these shards of glass.
[ like a good brother, okay, must warn.
of course, it's unfortunate that polaris happens to hop on the bed to join canopus and his paw brushes at the glass that is teetering out of his jacket on the bed, suddenly splashing the world in gray and-- ]
[ the music begins and you are suddenly standing in the threshold of the doorway of the ragnvindr estate at dawn winery. the rain is sinking into your clothing, your hair, and you are shaking, you can't stop shaking as diluc's soft and tired eyes look you over, heavy with grief, but full of relief to see you. what begins as something quiet and tense, diluc asking you to enter, soon escalates into you leveling your gaze with your sworn brother, holding your hand to your chest be cause your heart won't stop trying to beat out through your jacket.
you tell him the truth, and the music softens for a moment around your words, but the truth melts over your tongue, falls out, it leaves your mouth, trembling and tight-jawed, the secrets tumbling down. your father, you, the hope of khaenri'ah on your slender shoulders. and all he has in his face is grief as you finish, arms down by your sides.
pain is welling in your body, a bone deep, soul deep pain as the words leave you. they are soundless, but you can feel the two syllables of diluc form on your tongue as suddenly he raises his sword against you, fire hurtling towards you on the edge of a claymore. it tears your clothing, touches your chest with a sharp singing burn.
crepus ragnvindr is dead and it may as well be all your fault.
timing is a devil of a thing and you have the worst, it turns out, but you can't hold it in any longer, you had to tell him, you had to come to him on your knees and whispers the secret rotting you from the inside out. i'm sorry, i never meant for it to take this long for me to tell you, my brother, i'm sorry, i'm sorry. you say the words, but only a sharp crack of thunder and a flash of lightning take their place.
you can't spit on crepus ragnvindr's grave any longer, on the grave of a man who cradled you close to his chest and didn't question why you always clutched at your eye, wouldn't let anyone see it or touch it. he let you be, and gave you agency in the way no one else had. and now here you are, crossing swords with him, the claymore heavy as it strikes down your one-handed sword, aims to bully you backwards onto your back. you dig your boots into the mud and cry out, shoving forward.
your swords clash and spark.
you just wanted to tell the truth. you just wanted to be free.
there's nothing but disgust in diluc's eyes, hatred, rage, grief, all of it slamming down in waves of fire, and you have earned all of it. the boy you chased crystalflies with through the vineyard, collected seashells with off the coast, held pinwheels up to catch the wind with. you flew your first glider with him at the age of sixteen and never looked back. all of that is gone now, all of that is dust. heat singes your cheek as you clash swords again and diluc's strikes become more and more punishing, erratic. he's crying, you can see it, the tears in his eyes. he grieves in the only way he knows how. he grieves and you've done nothing but step on his fingers and demand he grieve you too. as he twists to arc into another swing you try to warn him away, a swift cut with your sword that splits his shirt, furrows into his back. you make him bleed in one long slash and stumble--i'll prick you like a rose. you'll never know me again as i am in this moment. never again.
(what some may think of as a romantic red dozen of roses, translates in teyvat only to safeguarding secrets, held fast in the layered petals of a flower that could mean love in other worlds.)
the fire roars, catches your cheek, burns down your doublet. diluc's vision has always been strong, pyro, a gift of fire, while you remain visionless, helpless with just steel in your hand. crepus ragnvindr's son is a brilliant eagle, and his talons are as sharp as his sword as he swings it down. you fall as you narrowly avoid being cleaved in two, the heat from the sword singing the back of your neck. you are on the ground, in the dirt and mud. the rainfall extinguishes any burnt hairs at your nape, makes the burns on your skin ache and feel relief simultaneously.
(the burns will remain your entire life, sore reminders of the day you nearly lost your head to your own sworn brother.)
by the time you can get to your feet, diluc is striking down again, a ferocious wielder of the claymore. the silver blade comes down and you fumble away, barely. it catches you in the meat of your shoulder and the pain sears as it cleaves downwards. through the rain you can smell it, fire and flesh, burning, blood and mud as you crash down to your knees, shaking. you should be dead, you should be bleeding out, but the way the fire cauterizes your wound just leaves you limp, your non-dominant arm twitching and trembling.
diluc's words have no sound, but you know it can mean nothing but something scathing as the dread of execution sinks in.
and then you realize it.
no
you will not die here. for years you have lingered in diluc's shadow, not in the way a child who will never rise up to meet expectations remains hidden, rather, for fear of being discovered, for fear of being known as anything other than the child crepus ragnvindr took under his charitable wing. no. you will be yourself now, you will face diluc as the traitor you are, the traitor looking for recompense at the throne of the king.
this is who you are now. you are an outlander, and you are free.
as the heat comes down on you once again, you scream, bringing your sword forward so that the clash suddenly bursts in a swirl of brilliant heat and sheer cold. as your swing finishes its arc, as your swords both fall away, you feel frost in your palm, something cold and frigid in your fingers and when you look downwards, you see it. in your palm, a vision burning brilliantly blue. the look in diluc's eyes is one of both shock and disgust and your heart, at last, breaks in twain.
what are you, but a cold and lonely thing? meant to stay cold and lonely your entire life through?
your heart has never known anything but this since you left, clutching the vision in your hand, feeling the ice build between your fingers, the chill whipping at your skin as it manifests up your sword, climbs uncontrollably. it kisses your cheek and the tears fall away in sharp shards of salt and water.
this is your burden now, the crushing pressure of all of your lies. to tell a soul again would surely mean certain death. ]
[ diluc is so sticky. after helping get kaeya settled he was shooed away! unbelievable. it's fine.
he busies himself with going around and checking on xl, yuri, and rocha...this group got hit way harder than his own did, with their little "adventure". he hates that. he hates THIS.
and of course he finished doing all of these things well before the time kaeya told him to come back, so now he's just pacing up and down the hall of the third floor. canopus is trying to keep up with him, meowing and trying to catch his leg to make him stop! I know how you feel, but PLEASE stop moving!!
the adrenaline is too strong, he can't stop. he's worried about kaeya. more worried than he's ever been. there's something about seeing the love of your life so hurt...it hits a nerve in you that you didn't know you even had anymore. it brings up old memories, some good and some bad.
he finally comes to a stop in front of kaeya's room. it's about that time, right?
all the air in his lungs leave as he sighs and knocks. ]
[ polaris knows that diluc is outside before he knocks. he's already pawing at the door, whining as kaeya dries his hair slowly with a towel, the trimmed edges curling a little too close to his face, but he'll live. the majority of the length is still there, it's just... maybe a little unusual to see kaeya with more than the barest trim.
when he opens the door, he's wearing a loose shirt, the buttons done only up his stomach, but this is merely because he has bandages wrapped around his shoulder going down his arm. his eyepatch is gone, replaced with just the scrap of cloth tied around his head, and he's barefooted.
he looks diluc up and down for a moment before his shoulders soften instantly. ]
Hey. [ he'll let him in at polaris' demand, the wolf instantly moving to canopus to push them together. meanwhile, kaeya reaches forward and takes diluc's hand, already leading him to the bed to have a seat. ] Thank you for coming back... I just. I needed a moment to breathe and have a bath. [ he squeezes his hands softly. ]
[ kaeya's minding his own business in the courtyard after joining house...... 2 on their little shopping trip (mostly burn ointment, sunscreen, and other bits and bobs that susato has responsibly purchased). he's by the fountain with polaris in wolf form, gently stroking his daemon's ears as he drapes over his lap. when he spots diluc, he grins, his chest swelling with every emotion possible. hoo boy. this is a lot. polaris' ears are already flicking, twitching, and he's huffing, eager. ]
Good morning, 'Luc.
[ he's dressed in a comfortable pair of loose trousers from otamo and his under shirt, though he's managed to procure lighter outer wear. ]
[ he'd gone out earlier with yuri and checked out the bar, which turned out to be very different from the taverns back home. there were strange pots with tubes and smoke. he feels like he floating a little, not sure if its from this effect or the smoke.
when he see's kaeya his heart jumps, the warmth flooding his chest and he almost feels dizzy. canopus takes off to polaris, pouncing him and starting to lick his face all over.]
Good morning. [ a warm and soft smile ] How are you feeling?
[ he walks right up to kaeya, reaching out to touch his bandaged arm tenderly, careful.
he's traded his usual layers for something lighter and his hair is in a high pony uwu. ]
[ absolutely everyone is clamoring, humming with energy and adrenaline and drink, high perhaps off of the fact that they've survived another week, that this place is as close to densely populated civilization that has yet to see some abhorrent calamity--no falling sky, no sunken cities, just an evening full of stars and too many things falling past kaeya's lips before he can catch them.
he tugs diluc from the party late into the night, steals quickly in an alcove with some stray pillows, away from prying eyes. kaeya pushes their mouths together hungrily then, fingers curled into diluc's shirt as he keeps him close, until his own shoulders press into a wall. ]
[ when was the last time he enjoyed himself that much, honestly, even if he wasn't thrilled at the beginning. the games and drinks, friendly banter and laughter, he really found himself caught up in it all. an evening filled with amusement and fun...something he didn't think was possible in this game they've found themselves playing.
the stars are on full display as he's tugged away from the chatter, his heart pounding with every step, he looks at kaeya with such fondness. he feels drunk off the adrenaline and the feeling only intensifies as they hide away, their lips coming together.
diluc presses closer, chasing the hunger and need to be as close to kaeya as humanly possible. when they part he's breathless, face flush, and he's dizzy. ]
Not a day goes by where I don’t find myself thinking fondly of you. Your eyes are bright like the stars above Windrise. Your smile warm like the sun over Cider lake. And your laugh as light as the breeze through the trees of the Whispering Woods. All of this to say that you are beautiful. Exceptionally so.
Starlight, how I wish I could speak these words out loud and see the look upon your face when I do. You wear your heart on your sleeve, though you might not admit to it, you are a good man and I thank you for all your hard work. There is much that has been left unsaid and for that I apologize, I find myself to be a coward and to that I promise to be better. You deserve all good things that come your way, be it here or back home, and I will do my best to support you.
To the boy I called my best friend, my brother in arms, and my first love. You are now the man that I call all the same. You are brilliant, radiant, cunning, and kind. You are a breath of fresh air amidst a hot summer's day. Brighter than a crystal fly fluttering through the night.
My dear Kaeya, I love you. I love you I love you I love you. If you would please consider spending the rest of your days with me, I would be beside myself with joy and contentment. Please take care.
I received your letter happily, nothing would delight me more than to walk with you, side by side, through our lives. You are as the dawn, steadfast and warm, everything you touch coming to life and to light, chasing the shadows away for another day. Our fair city would still be shrouded in such darkness without your watchful eye.
By your hand, our city drinks the fruit of the vine, and so too I feel connected to you when I find myself raising a glass to freedom and to song, invigorated by the earth and the sun and your tender hands.
Please meet me in the oasis in a few hours for a quiet stroll together. I have read your letter, and I should like to see you in person to impart a few important words.
[ he did not expect a response, especially one of this degree?? he's flabbergasted. but it warms his heart and makes him blush like a school girl. writing love letters to your crush in the hopes that he recognizes you and your adoration. he feels like a teenager.
after the chaos of their little mission, diluc heads back to house 4 and gets cleaned up, before heading back out to the oasis.
canopus is curled up by the fountain, tired from a hard days work of collecting for our good king greg. diluc is standing near her, put back together nicely and hair newly done up. he's keep an eye out for the captain, foot bouncing slightly with nerves. ]
[ kaeya arrives right on time, dressed his loose trousers and shirt. at his heels, polaris trots forward as a wolf, immediately letting out a bark-whine at canopus. he moves ahead to greet her, eager, while kaeya somehow maintains a steady pace despite his heart threatening to rip itself bodily from his chest. hoo boy. wow. what a thing he's done. this is... diluc is stupidly handsome, and his eyes are boyishly wide again like they used to be.
for as dour as the mechanics of this place can be, diluc somehow looks youthful and radiant like this. polaris is already pawing softly at canopus, leaning in to lick and nose at her when kaeya meets diluc toe-to-toe.
his hair is done in a jaunty ponytail at an angle thanks to xie lian... but it's the thought that counts, and honestly kaeya couldn't bring himself to remove it, and maybe he just likes knowing that a little piece of xie lian is with him, giving him a little more strength than usual. ]
[ after the morning announcement diluc helps aid in trying to find the missing, they know 2/3 are dead, but who and where is the third...it's unsettling. it's an improvement from last week when seven were missing, but even then three of those were of the dead...he shutters.
upon returning he seeks out kaeya, canopus flying overhead to find him faster. there's something of great importance they need to discuss, something diluc has been wanting to bring up for weeks, but the timing hasn't been right. but now is the right time.
the moment he sees the captain he's running up, grabbing hold of his hand and pulling him into a more private space. ]
Kae, there's something we need to discuss, before the chance is taken from us.
[ that sounds...but it's the reality of the situation and diluc doesn't want to leave any stone unturned. ]
[ he's pulled and polaris at once trots ahead, happily making the rounds by diluc's legs. he whines happily. they've been with xie lian, tearing up the town quite literally to try and find susato. now, kaeya has simply been going over the mysterious song that heard at dawn line for line. diluc, however, doesn't always burst out to him like this. so he can't help but be concerned. ]
What is it?
[ privacy exists in a small alcove, meant for a small meal or maybe prayer or perhaps a quick nap by the pillow left here (probably from one of their own.) kaeya reaches forward, touches diluc's hand gently and gives one last glance outwards before focusing on him. ]
[ diluc can find kaeya just beyond the ballroom, lingering in the evening air with a cup of wine in hand and polaris wrapped around his throat in ermine form. he's under the starlight, taking in the procession of ghosts and spirits that continue to mill about the castle and the entirety of castle town proper. he's wrapped his cape around him tightly in the chill night air, gaze turned upwards until he hears diluc approach.
when he turns, he offers him a smile. ]
No trouble here, Sir Darknight. Or should I say kitten?
[ he drains his cup and sets it to the side, making space for him where he's sat down. his voice is honeyed with alcohol, too elegant to slur, too much of an old hand at being drunk. ]
[ he had just finished dancing with satariel, when he looked around to find kaeya and did not spot him. normally canopus would be the one to sniff polaris out, but here he is with a stronger nose than normal and leading the way. the scent of fresh mint guides him and leads him to the captain, illuminated by stars and sparkling in the moonlight.
he’s speechless at how beautifully stunning kaeya is and he’s about to say that, but the petname freezes him. ] You…
[ his eyes lay back a bit, face with obvious embarrassment on it, and tail twitching. but as kaeya makes room for him his heart melts and he joins the captain. ]
This whole celebration has been…[ he looks down and smiles ] it’s been wonderful. We must pay a visit to Liyue’s Lantern Rite in the future.
[ another sneeze follows. even polaris has paws on the door. let us in. once revealed, it's clear that kaeya may have been? out somewhere? his fox ears are plastered damp still and his tail is a little slicked down. it's certainly not drenched (anymore) but yeah. he looks. nervous? ]
[ what has he been doing during all this?? shrugs.
he opens the door, blinking at first and then hurrying to pull kaeya inside. ]
What in Barbatos happened to you?
[ he's starting to fret, canopus doing the same as she rubs against kaeya's legs and meows up at him. diluc's own ears lay back as he reaches up to touch kaeya's, he frowns. ]
[ it's a new week, which means they only have a couple of days before it all goes to shit, just like weeks past. diluc wakes up and is hit with pain and cold, it takes him a moment to get his bearings and throw his warmer clothes on. that's when he see's the blood. it's coming from his back and as he twists in the mirror he can see it's from an old wound that now looks fresh...hateful. once that's patched up he grabs a spare coat and heads off.
he finds kaeya with everyone else, gathered where the watchers stand and announce the day. he waits til the meeting is over to pull the captain aside, canopus weaves through his legs before bothering polaris with gentle baps and head nudges. ]
Are you injured as well? [ he's holding kaeya's arm carefully, being mindful of whatever injure he might have, and not wanting to irritate it. ]
[ he's wearing a turtleneck, uncharacteristic, not since he was young anyways. he just pulls it aside a little, showing diluc the bandages that have been placed there, already bloody. the wound smells burnt even through the bandages. he touches diluc's shoulders softly, the lightest touch, though his right arm falters a bit. ]
This is a nuisance. Show me where they've opened you back up...
[ polaris welcomes canopus eagerly, nuzzling into her warmly before moving to sniff diluc thoroughly, nosing against his hip with a soft whine. ]
[ after a thrilling adventure in the safari, diluc is exhausted...it was a wild ride throughout the whole scavenger hunt and now he just wishes to shower, then be horizontal.
canopus still has her lil safari hat on, while diluc has traded the outfit for his warmer clothes. he's back in normal pants and boots, gloves on his hands and the blue trench coat wrapped tightly around him. he does still have the safari shirt on, which isn't much of a shirt in the first place, while he's holding the rest of his things.
he's sitting in the hotel lobby, after stopping to apologize to some of the staff for the mess. if it wasn't because of all the blood they left behind, it was because of the ruckus they caused while competing with other guests.
canopus leaps off the lounge and takes off to greet her favorite daemon and human(that isn't diluc)!! she's running circles around the pair, then stopping to reach up and paw at kaeya's legs. diluc is slow to rise, joining her. ]
[ kaeya is making his way down the hall in his terrible tiddy sweater, the blood starting to stain through his shoulder now. his bandages need changing, but at least... well. at least! it's over. and they made some spare cash to boot so that's actually really nice too. he sees canopus darting towards him. ]
Hello, darling, [ he coos at her, crouching down to very gently pick her up under her arms and gather her close to his body. polaris meanwhile pads forward easily to rear up on his back legs and give diluc a warm nuzzle to the chest, pushing at his cheek with a wet nose.
he raises a brow at the trench coat. ]
Oh? What did I miss while I was busy selling my body and Yuri's little cartoons of our daemons?
[ kaeya is waiting for him in the ice garden, his hands in his lap and curled fingers. he's wearing diluc's gloves, and on one of the angel statues, polaris is resting in the crook of a wing, his perch large enough for more company.
kaeya doesn't speak. polaris just cries out from his perch on the angel. again, and again, and again. mournful. ]
[ he's here and he's brought a spare coat for kaeya, approaching him and slipping it over his shoulders. diluc takes a seat next to him, hand reaching over to cover kaeya's. he doesn't say anything...just tries to offer comfort.
canopus shifts into her owl form and flies up to join polaris, she lets out a hoooo, before nudging the peacock.]
having to watch that execution play out the way it did, with no way of interfering, made him uneasy. more than that...really just a cocktail of emotions. watching as the specters swarmed kaeya and polaris, seeing how they took hold of him...he shudders at the memory.
it's fine. kaeya is alive. polaris is alive. his heart can rest (for) now...
he's lost track of time out here, his hold on kaeya still firm and close. his voice is soft when he speaks. ]
Let's get you inside, Kae. It's freezing.
[ when kaeya doesn't budge he takes it upon himself to make him. in one smooth motion he hooks an arm under kaeya's legs and hoists him up into his arms, into a princess carry. canopus goes to nudging at polaris, tugging at his ears and trying to get him up!! (=චⰙච=)
with kaeya cradled in his arms, he's going to get them out of this snow and inside someplace warm. ]
[ he wants to say no, but before he gets the chance to, diluc hooks an arm under his legs, pulls him close and off the ground so he has no choice but to cooperate. at first, he's ungainly, and then, he stops trying to readjust.
it's a glance out at the cold. he'll find his way back out there again before the day is through. it feels deserved, the sting of the tundra, the ice and snow.
he just... kind of closes his eyes and pushes his face into diluc's neck. polaris will move eventually (he has to) and pulls his paws beneath himself, following after canopus with a soft lick over her ears before doing so. his tail hangs low, ears pressed flat. ]
I didn't mean to drag it out, [ he finally says with a soft murmur, just the two of them as diluc carries him. ] I'm sorry... that you had to watch that. All of that... [ kaeya has never apologized more times in his life. his body aches as much as his heart, his soul. ]
[ dinner and a trip to the art museum is a fine way to end the evening, with his arm looped inside of diluc's as they wander through the halls of paintings and statues arching over them, long, corridors where their footsteps echo. polaris is draped around kaeya's shoulders like a scarf. his ensemble is especially elegant tonight, with his shirt about as unbuttoned as might be borderline decent.
but he's glowing tonight, leaning into diluc warmly as they make their way towards a vestibule covered in stained glass. there's a history somewhere on the walls, but kaeya is more interested in seating the both of them on a small bench where the sun is glowing through the colored glass and shining on the both of them, streaking the both of them a spectrum of color.
when he turns to look at diluc, however, he looks as though he'd somehow been pulled from the beauty of the glass itself. his skin is warm with color and kaeya finds himself flushing a bit as he finds his eyes and meets them. ]
[ after the run around they had earlier, this evening is well deserved and diluc is more than pleased. just like earlier in the week, he is taken aback by kaeya's appearance...but really hasn't that just been every week?
canopus fits in his shirt pocket perfectly, kaeya can see her lil turtle head pop out to look at the sights. diluc is also looking in awe as they walk through the different halls, each painting unique and each statue grander than the last. some make him miss home terribly.
with his hand holding kaeya's he follows him to the vestibule, eyes sparkling at the stained glass, the different colors reflected in them. he really does look like an art piece sitting in front of kaeya, hair pulled back with a ribbon and side profile framed perfectly. he meets kaeya's eye, a flush immediately rising to his face at the compliment. ]
You...[ he reaches up to tuck a hair behind his ear, looking much more embarrassed than he should. honesty week just hits different. ]
I'd say the same for you...[ there's a smile that comes with that and he squeezes kaeya's hand. ]
diluc gets dragged bodily, pushed by polaris, grabbed by his clothes, manhandled straight up into bed when they are alone with one another. there’s a cursory dig around whatever drawers diluc's room has for the condoms he's slid under the doorway numerous time (i'm dropping hints i want to fuck more often /slides condom under ur door). in any case, polaris is already on canopus, his teeth around her scruff as he pins her, licking at her face, her neck, nosing into her belly with a soft whine and series of needy nibbling. ]
If they want to end you so badly, I’ll kill you myself.
[ he turns, giving diluc a soft push as he wrangles himself out of his own shirt. it's easy to bully diluc onto the bed, straddling him immediately with care to be sure to avoid any particularly beaten up areas. ]
Any objections before you die by my hand?
[ he sounds serious, even as he drops a bunch of plastic-wrapped condoms to the side and leans over him, pressing a kiss to his mouth. he’s burning alive inside, raking fingers down diluc’s ribs as he breathes him in, his lungs trembling in fury and desperation. he’s not ready to let yuri see him like this, which is why he’s gone and sequestered them away (he doesn’t want to scare him just yet with how absolutely monstrous he feels in this moment).
he bites at his neck once, sharp, a growl himself as polaris growls in turn like an echo. the shorn hairs of diluc's once lengthy red mane tickle his nose and he lets out a huff. ]
Or last requests?
[ a kiss to the bite mark follows. ]
Final prayers to your gods? Before I use your body in its entirety to show you how absolutely insane you’ve made me go?
[ there's something about being pushed and shoved, literally dragged, back to his room that has diluc at a loss for words. he's still hurt from the hell he just came back from, the healing from yuri only helping to stop any bleeding left and minor aches, his legs are screaming as he moves. he fumbles trying to get his coin out, almost dropping it in the process, as he's pushed to the bed upon entering the room.
canopus can't avoid the fussing from polaris, staying by the door as she's pinned, a frustrated meow coming out. she baps at the wolf's nose, before holding it with both paws and licking his face. ]
Kaeya what are you-
[ he's pushed down with an oof and winces, looking up at kaeya as he climbs over him. the feral look in the captain's eyes sends a shiver down his spine and he's just stuck staring. ]
You...[ he's cut off by the kiss, it's intensity making his head spin and he swears for a moment that it burns. and the hands on his body that follow, also burn, maybe it's his vision reacting with each firm touch or maybe it's just from kaeya's intense emotions.
he's trying to say something, again, as the kiss breaks, but is immediately silenced by the sharp bite to the neck. the sound that comes out is a mix between a hiss and a groan, like he can't decide how it feels. canopus lets out a muffled yowl as she continues to wrestle polaris, feet kicking slightly at his chest. ]
What has gotten into you.
[ somehow he finally manages to get his hands up and grabs ahold of kaeya's face, looking him in the eye. all this talk of murdering him himself? picking a god to pray to? last requests? hello??? ]
[ once he has diluc guided away somewhere calm and in the void, he'll sit with him, close, a place knee to knee, maybe in diluc's room for a bit. he just sits with him. there's a troubled look on his face, the sort that seems to just be playing the execution back over and over again, the look on diluc's face as he'd fired his gun into the sky, as the spectres had swarmed. ]
The questions from your... adventure, Diluc? I heard them discuss it... outside the barrier.
[ he holds his hands, passes thumbs over his knuckles. ]
[ he hasn't looked kaeya in the eye since that whole mess ended...he can't. his face reads the same, just more distant, as he replays the whole execution in his head. ]
Yes...did the others tell you about them...?
[ where his hands have been warmer as of late, they seem on the cooler side now, and paler. ]
[ once everyone has arrived and gotten settled...diluc is with kaeya, just sitting somewhere away from the crowd. let's pretend he found some kind of towel and water to get kaeya's face cleaned up a bit. he's gentle...
diluc has taken his cloak and wrapped it around kaeya, hands finding his and holding on tight. things are quiet here... ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
w0, tuesday
the added bonus of your most awkward relationship also being here, well, diluc is doing his best not to let that bother him. spoiler:it's not going too well. ]
There has to be more to this...[ he thinks aloud, as he walks the shore line of the beach. canopus is in her tortoise form, stuck in diluc's flannel pocket, shielded from the cool morning breeze coming off the water. meanwhile he shivers slightly, still not used to the absence of his vision. #pyrouserprobs ]
no subject
he's sitting in the sand, just close enough that the water that washes in grazes the tips of his black boots. beside him, polaris is leaping about in the sand, rushing to the white foam the sea leaves behind and leaving little tiny prints in the sand before rushing back--the waves won't take him away, he's determined.
polaris is the first to see diluc, up on his back paws and neck stretched high. kaeya feels a gurgle of excitement in the pit of his chest as he glances up and sees...
diluc.
not disappointment, only... complicated emotions of distress and the need to crawl closer to him, to break the thick glass pane that's been between them for years finally. except it's hard when it's just the two of them, no buffer like their dear traveller. kaeya huffs. why does he need a buffer? oh that's right, because... well. you know.
he puts a smile on his face. his chest aches. polaris squeaks and proceeds to bounce excitedly in the sand, leaving wriggling patterns. ]
Come for a swim?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w0, friday - the hotel
of course, that would be nearly impossible. diluc can't help but insert himself into everything with even a remote whiff of injustice, such as a disappearance.
so he drags him off immediately, doesn't care so much about touch in this moment as he wraps arms around one of diluc's and pulls him away. ]
Do you have a moment, Master Diluc? We need to speak in private.
[ asking as he's already drawing him towards his room. "his" room.
yjh come home.polaris is circling the two of them, careful in his pacing as he makes a careful round about both kaeya and diluc both. he leads the way up the steps, glancing down the hall before trotting dutifully ahead like a steadfast sentinel. ]
Re: w0, friday - the hotel
of course he didn't make it far, an arm catching his and promptly dragging him away. canopus flying after them in her owl form, hoo-ing at polaris. she knew, that diluc was vibrating out of his skin. he was anxious and his mind was racing. ]
Sir Kaeya, I-- [ there was no real time for a response, it was clear kaeya didn't even care about getting one, as he was dragged away. and with polaris circling them he had to make sure they didn't bump into each other. canopus flew ahead to catch up, dropping down into cat form when they reached the door.
once they were inside diluc pulled his arm away from kaeya, shooting him an annoyed look, before looking down at his daemon. ] What is it.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w0, saturday-post trial
he has to get out of here.
canopus sneezes and poofs into her owl form, hoo-ing as she leads him out of the opera house. it's a tad quieter, even so he makes his way to the courtyard, finding a spot by the fountain. canopus landing and poofing back to a mainecoon, meowing up at him.
the moment he sits down she's in his lap, kneading at his thighs and purring. she's been wonderful at calming him down...even now when he feels as if he's vibrating out of his body.
he definitely hates it here. ]
no subject
kaeya walks to the fountain, hands in the pockets of his trousers as he sits down beside diluc slowly. polaris moves forward to flap briefly and walk his way onto kaeya's lap with a soft flop. ]
You wandered off.
[ he's needy in how he butts his head beneath kaeya's chin far harder than necessary, but he remains unmoving. ]
Tell me where you're going next time.
[ polaris gives a soft trill, craning his head down slightly to touch beak to nose with canopus. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/2
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w0, sunday - beach
Show me the way, [ he tells his daemon quietly, who immediately begins to lead kaeya through the winding, crumbling streets of cittégazza. diluc unfortunately can no longer hide now that kaeya has stolen one of his gloves and doesn't plan on giving it back.
when polaris leads them to the path towards the beach, kaeya knows immediately where he must go, even as the image of qi rong plays on repeat in his head, an exchange he has no desire to see repeated. he makes his way down the sand and towards the shape of diluc near the crashing waves. polaris moves past him without his say, taking speed where kaeya hesitates, and beelining it. ]
Polaris, easy. [ he calls it, knows that his daemon tends to become heedless when it comes to diluc. frustratingly so. damn it.
as he stops beside him, he looks down. ]
I've been looking for you, 'Luc.
no subject
run run RUN
he lingered long enough to make sure xie lian was taken care of and once he was sure, he was gone. slipped through the crowd and down the streets, out of the city. canopus trotted after him, looking back for any signs of polaris...she was hopeful he'd find them later.
---
he's sitting alone, knees pulled to his chest and eyes out at sea. canopus sits next to him in tortoise form, hidden away inside her shell. he wishes he could hide.
she stirs, shifting back to a mainecoon and leaping up as polaris comes bounding across the sand. relieved to see her friend and kaeya.
diluc doesn't move. doesn't bother turning his gaze away from the waves. his voice is small. ]
Sorry...
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/2
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w1-monday
canopus is standing on his chest, staring at him, then hopping off and running to the door. she meows loudly. he gathers himself and goes to peek out of the door and as soon as the door is open canopus takes off. ] Oi! Not this again...
[ he can only assume (and hope) she's running to find polaris and by proxy kaeya, so he runs after her. ]
no subject
polaris is already ahead of him, leaping off the bed into wolf form and pawing at the door. once it's opened, he's out.
it's not a struggle to keep up because polaris runs with such conviction only because kaeya feels it as well, low in his belly like a pit of snakes. he mutters diluc's name under his breath as he looks the halls.
polaris sees canopus and in a heartbeat bowls her over. ]
Diluc, [ he says. ] There you are...
[ you were gone. ]
I was... [ afraid. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/??
2/??
3/??
4/??
5/5
w1, post-trial
Come lay down with me somewhere, I have a headache.
[ he wraps his arm further around his bicep.
is he demanding they go to diluc's room? yes. step quickly, now. ]
no subject
he didn't make any comment, just let himself be dragged back to his own room. the way kaeya was holding his arms made him instantly worry...
as they came to the room he wasted no time pulling the coin out and letting them both in. he'd have to apologize to sheba later...]
Tell me how you're feeling.
[ his words are gentle, turning to kaeya once their inside and looking the captain over. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w2-monday
after hauling himself up and out of the room, he wanders the halls, admiring the architecture and layout of the home. it reminds him of his back at the winery, he smiles.
as he leaves the mansion canopus takes off running. here we go again. ] Only one person that could be.
[ she's headed towards the canal. ]
no subject
polaris feels canopus before he sees her, ears already up and tail thumping against the wood of the dock. kaeya turns and diluc and her are already striding up. ]
'Luc. Good morning.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w2, monday evening (1/2)
'Luc, I need you to make sure you're careful about these shards of glass.
[ like a good brother, okay, must warn.
of course, it's unfortunate that polaris happens to hop on the bed to join canopus and his paw brushes at the glass that is teetering out of his jacket on the bed, suddenly splashing the world in gray and-- ]
(2/2)
you tell him the truth, and the music softens for a moment around your words, but the truth melts over your tongue, falls out, it leaves your mouth, trembling and tight-jawed, the secrets tumbling down. your father, you, the hope of khaenri'ah on your slender shoulders. and all he has in his face is grief as you finish, arms down by your sides.
pain is welling in your body, a bone deep, soul deep pain as the words leave you. they are soundless, but you can feel the two syllables of diluc form on your tongue as suddenly he raises his sword against you, fire hurtling towards you on the edge of a claymore. it tears your clothing, touches your chest with a sharp singing burn.
crepus ragnvindr is dead and it may as well be all your fault.
timing is a devil of a thing and you have the worst, it turns out, but you can't hold it in any longer, you had to tell him, you had to come to him on your knees and whispers the secret rotting you from the inside out. i'm sorry, i never meant for it to take this long for me to tell you, my brother, i'm sorry, i'm sorry. you say the words, but only a sharp crack of thunder and a flash of lightning take their place.
you can't spit on crepus ragnvindr's grave any longer, on the grave of a man who cradled you close to his chest and didn't question why you always clutched at your eye, wouldn't let anyone see it or touch it. he let you be, and gave you agency in the way no one else had. and now here you are, crossing swords with him, the claymore heavy as it strikes down your one-handed sword, aims to bully you backwards onto your back. you dig your boots into the mud and cry out, shoving forward.
your swords clash and spark.
you just wanted to tell the truth. you just wanted to be free.
there's nothing but disgust in diluc's eyes, hatred, rage, grief, all of it slamming down in waves of fire, and you have earned all of it. the boy you chased crystalflies with through the vineyard, collected seashells with off the coast, held pinwheels up to catch the wind with. you flew your first glider with him at the age of sixteen and never looked back. all of that is gone now, all of that is dust. heat singes your cheek as you clash swords again and diluc's strikes become more and more punishing, erratic. he's crying, you can see it, the tears in his eyes. he grieves in the only way he knows how. he grieves and you've done nothing but step on his fingers and demand he grieve you too. as he twists to arc into another swing you try to warn him away, a swift cut with your sword that splits his shirt, furrows into his back. you make him bleed in one long slash and stumble--i'll prick you like a rose. you'll never know me again as i am in this moment. never again.
(what some may think of as a romantic red dozen of roses, translates in teyvat only to safeguarding secrets, held fast in the layered petals of a flower that could mean love in other worlds.)
the fire roars, catches your cheek, burns down your doublet. diluc's vision has always been strong, pyro, a gift of fire, while you remain visionless, helpless with just steel in your hand. crepus ragnvindr's son is a brilliant eagle, and his talons are as sharp as his sword as he swings it down. you fall as you narrowly avoid being cleaved in two, the heat from the sword singing the back of your neck. you are on the ground, in the dirt and mud. the rainfall extinguishes any burnt hairs at your nape, makes the burns on your skin ache and feel relief simultaneously.
(the burns will remain your entire life, sore reminders of the day you nearly lost your head to your own sworn brother.)
by the time you can get to your feet, diluc is striking down again, a ferocious wielder of the claymore. the silver blade comes down and you fumble away, barely. it catches you in the meat of your shoulder and the pain sears as it cleaves downwards. through the rain you can smell it, fire and flesh, burning, blood and mud as you crash down to your knees, shaking. you should be dead, you should be bleeding out, but the way the fire cauterizes your wound just leaves you limp, your non-dominant arm twitching and trembling.
diluc's words have no sound, but you know it can mean nothing but something scathing as the dread of execution sinks in.
and then you realize it.
no
you will not die here. for years you have lingered in diluc's shadow, not in the way a child who will never rise up to meet expectations remains hidden, rather, for fear of being discovered, for fear of being known as anything other than the child crepus ragnvindr took under his charitable wing. no. you will be yourself now, you will face diluc as the traitor you are, the traitor looking for recompense at the throne of the king.
this is who you are now. you are an outlander, and you are free.
as the heat comes down on you once again, you scream, bringing your sword forward so that the clash suddenly bursts in a swirl of brilliant heat and sheer cold. as your swing finishes its arc, as your swords both fall away, you feel frost in your palm, something cold and frigid in your fingers and when you look downwards, you see it. in your palm, a vision burning brilliantly blue. the look in diluc's eyes is one of both shock and disgust and your heart, at last, breaks in twain.
what are you, but a cold and lonely thing? meant to stay cold and lonely your entire life through?
your heart has never known anything but this since you left, clutching the vision in your hand, feeling the ice build between your fingers, the chill whipping at your skin as it manifests up your sword, climbs uncontrollably. it kisses your cheek and the tears fall away in sharp shards of salt and water.
this is your burden now, the crushing pressure of all of your lies. to tell a soul again would surely mean certain death. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
w2-friday night
he busies himself with going around and checking on xl, yuri, and rocha...this group got hit way harder than his own did, with their little "adventure". he hates that. he hates THIS.
and of course he finished doing all of these things well before the time kaeya told him to come back, so now he's just pacing up and down the hall of the third floor. canopus is trying to keep up with him, meowing and trying to catch his leg to make him stop! I know how you feel, but PLEASE stop moving!!
the adrenaline is too strong, he can't stop. he's worried about kaeya. more worried than he's ever been. there's something about seeing the love of your life so hurt...it hits a nerve in you that you didn't know you even had anymore. it brings up old memories, some good and some bad.
he finally comes to a stop in front of kaeya's room. it's about that time, right?
all the air in his lungs leave as he sighs and knocks. ]
no subject
when he opens the door, he's wearing a loose shirt, the buttons done only up his stomach, but this is merely because he has bandages wrapped around his shoulder going down his arm. his eyepatch is gone, replaced with just the scrap of cloth tied around his head, and he's barefooted.
he looks diluc up and down for a moment before his shoulders soften instantly. ]
Hey. [ he'll let him in at polaris' demand, the wolf instantly moving to canopus to push them together. meanwhile, kaeya reaches forward and takes diluc's hand, already leading him to the bed to have a seat. ] Thank you for coming back... I just. I needed a moment to breathe and have a bath. [ he squeezes his hands softly. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w3, monday
Good morning, 'Luc.
[ he's dressed in a comfortable pair of loose trousers from otamo and his under shirt, though he's managed to procure lighter outer wear. ]
no subject
when he see's kaeya his heart jumps, the warmth flooding his chest and he almost feels dizzy. canopus takes off to polaris, pouncing him and starting to lick his face all over.]
Good morning. [ a warm and soft smile ] How are you feeling?
[ he walks right up to kaeya, reaching out to touch his bandaged arm tenderly, careful.
he's traded his usual layers for something lighter and his hair is in a high pony uwu. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w3, late evening / NSFW
he tugs diluc from the party late into the night, steals quickly in an alcove with some stray pillows, away from prying eyes. kaeya pushes their mouths together hungrily then, fingers curled into diluc's shirt as he keeps him close, until his own shoulders press into a wall. ]
no subject
the stars are on full display as he's tugged away from the chatter, his heart pounding with every step, he looks at kaeya with such fondness. he feels drunk off the adrenaline and the feeling only intensifies as they hide away, their lips coming together.
diluc presses closer, chasing the hunger and need to be as close to kaeya as humanly possible. when they part he's breathless, face flush, and he's dizzy. ]
Kae...
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
w3, wednesday morning
w3, wednesday morning re: missive
w3, wednesday, post mini-event
after the chaos of their little mission, diluc heads back to house 4 and gets cleaned up, before heading back out to the oasis.
canopus is curled up by the fountain, tired from a hard days work of collecting for our good king greg. diluc is standing near her, put back together nicely and hair newly done up. he's keep an eye out for the captain, foot bouncing slightly with nerves. ]
no subject
for as dour as the mechanics of this place can be, diluc somehow looks youthful and radiant like this. polaris is already pawing softly at canopus, leaning in to lick and nose at her when kaeya meets diluc toe-to-toe.
his hair is done in a jaunty ponytail at an angle thanks to xie lian... but it's the thought that counts, and honestly kaeya couldn't bring himself to remove it, and maybe he just likes knowing that a little piece of xie lian is with him, giving him a little more strength than usual. ]
That was quite the letter.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/???
2/3, i'm weak
3/4
4/4
1/??
2/3
3/3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w3, friday
upon returning he seeks out kaeya, canopus flying overhead to find him faster. there's something of great importance they need to discuss, something diluc has been wanting to bring up for weeks, but the timing hasn't been right. but now is the right time.
the moment he sees the captain he's running up, grabbing hold of his hand and pulling him into a more private space. ]
Kae, there's something we need to discuss, before the chance is taken from us.
[ that sounds...but it's the reality of the situation and diluc doesn't want to leave any stone unturned. ]
no subject
[ he's pulled and polaris at once trots ahead, happily making the rounds by diluc's legs. he whines happily. they've been with xie lian, tearing up the town quite literally to try and find susato. now, kaeya has simply been going over the mysterious song that heard at dawn line for line. diluc, however, doesn't always burst out to him like this. so he can't help but be concerned. ]
What is it?
[ privacy exists in a small alcove, meant for a small meal or maybe prayer or perhaps a quick nap by the pillow left here (probably from one of their own.) kaeya reaches forward, touches diluc's hand gently and gives one last glance outwards before focusing on him. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w4, tuesday evening
when he turns, he offers him a smile. ]
No trouble here, Sir Darknight. Or should I say kitten?
[ he drains his cup and sets it to the side, making space for him where he's sat down. his voice is honeyed with alcohol, too elegant to slur, too much of an old hand at being drunk. ]
Are you enjoying yourself?
no subject
he’s speechless at how beautifully stunning kaeya is and he’s about to say that, but the petname freezes him. ] You…
[ his eyes lay back a bit, face with obvious embarrassment on it, and tail twitching. but as kaeya makes room for him his heart melts and he joins the captain. ]
This whole celebration has been…[ he looks down and smiles ] it’s been wonderful. We must pay a visit to Liyue’s Lantern Rite in the future.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w4, wednesday evening after mini-event stuff (before missing sheba)
'Luc open up. It's important.
[ another sneeze follows. even polaris has paws on the door. let us in. once revealed, it's clear that kaeya may have been? out somewhere? his fox ears are plastered damp still and his tail is a little slicked down. it's certainly not drenched (anymore) but yeah. he looks. nervous? ]
no subject
he opens the door, blinking at first and then hurrying to pull kaeya inside. ]
What in Barbatos happened to you?
[ he's starting to fret, canopus doing the same as she rubs against kaeya's legs and meows up at him. diluc's own ears lay back as he reaches up to touch kaeya's, he frowns. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
w5, monday
he finds kaeya with everyone else, gathered where the watchers stand and announce the day. he waits til the meeting is over to pull the captain aside, canopus weaves through his legs before bothering polaris with gentle baps and head nudges. ]
Are you injured as well? [ he's holding kaeya's arm carefully, being mindful of whatever injure he might have, and not wanting to irritate it. ]
no subject
[ he's wearing a turtleneck, uncharacteristic, not since he was young anyways. he just pulls it aside a little, showing diluc the bandages that have been placed there, already bloody. the wound smells burnt even through the bandages. he touches diluc's shoulders softly, the lightest touch, though his right arm falters a bit. ]
This is a nuisance. Show me where they've opened you back up...
[ polaris welcomes canopus eagerly, nuzzling into her warmly before moving to sniff diluc thoroughly, nosing against his hip with a soft whine. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w5, wednesday, post mini-event
canopus still has her lil safari hat on, while diluc has traded the outfit for his warmer clothes. he's back in normal pants and boots, gloves on his hands and the blue trench coat wrapped tightly around him. he does still have the safari shirt on, which isn't much of a shirt in the first place, while he's holding the rest of his things.
he's sitting in the hotel lobby, after stopping to apologize to some of the staff for the mess. if it wasn't because of all the blood they left behind, it was because of the ruckus they caused while competing with other guests.
canopus leaps off the lounge and takes off to greet her favorite daemon and human(that isn't diluc)!! she's running circles around the pair, then stopping to reach up and paw at kaeya's legs. diluc is slow to rise, joining her. ]
You also got a ridiculous costume, I see.
no subject
Hello, darling, [ he coos at her, crouching down to very gently pick her up under her arms and gather her close to his body. polaris meanwhile pads forward easily to rear up on his back legs and give diluc a warm nuzzle to the chest, pushing at his cheek with a wet nose.
he raises a brow at the trench coat. ]
Oh? What did I miss while I was busy selling my body and Yuri's little cartoons of our daemons?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w5, post deda
kaeya doesn't speak. polaris just cries out from his perch on the angel. again, and again, and again. mournful. ]
no subject
canopus shifts into her owl form and flies up to join polaris, she lets out a hoooo, before nudging the peacock.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
w5, sunday post-trial
having to watch that execution play out the way it did, with no way of interfering, made him uneasy. more than that...really just a cocktail of emotions. watching as the specters swarmed kaeya and polaris, seeing how they took hold of him...he shudders at the memory.
it's fine. kaeya is alive. polaris is alive. his heart can rest (for) now...
he's lost track of time out here, his hold on kaeya still firm and close. his voice is soft when he speaks. ]
Let's get you inside, Kae. It's freezing.
[ when kaeya doesn't budge he takes it upon himself to make him. in one smooth motion he hooks an arm under kaeya's legs and hoists him up into his arms, into a princess carry. canopus goes to nudging at polaris, tugging at his ears and trying to get him up!! (=චⰙච=)
with kaeya cradled in his arms, he's going to get them out of this snow and inside someplace warm. ]
no subject
[ he wants to say no, but before he gets the chance to, diluc hooks an arm under his legs, pulls him close and off the ground so he has no choice but to cooperate. at first, he's ungainly, and then, he stops trying to readjust.
it's a glance out at the cold. he'll find his way back out there again before the day is through. it feels deserved, the sting of the tundra, the ice and snow.
he just... kind of closes his eyes and pushes his face into diluc's neck. polaris will move eventually (he has to) and pulls his paws beneath himself, following after canopus with a soft lick over her ears before doing so. his tail hangs low, ears pressed flat. ]
I didn't mean to drag it out, [ he finally says with a soft murmur, just the two of them as diluc carries him. ] I'm sorry... that you had to watch that. All of that... [ kaeya has never apologized more times in his life. his body aches as much as his heart, his soul. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w6, wednesday evening date after mini-event
but he's glowing tonight, leaning into diluc warmly as they make their way towards a vestibule covered in stained glass. there's a history somewhere on the walls, but kaeya is more interested in seating the both of them on a small bench where the sun is glowing through the colored glass and shining on the both of them, streaking the both of them a spectrum of color.
when he turns to look at diluc, however, he looks as though he'd somehow been pulled from the beauty of the glass itself. his skin is warm with color and kaeya finds himself flushing a bit as he finds his eyes and meets them. ]
You're beautiful... [ he murmurs. ] I'm so lucky.
no subject
canopus fits in his shirt pocket perfectly, kaeya can see her lil turtle head pop out to look at the sights. diluc is also looking in awe as they walk through the different halls, each painting unique and each statue grander than the last. some make him miss home terribly.
with his hand holding kaeya's he follows him to the vestibule, eyes sparkling at the stained glass, the different colors reflected in them. he really does look like an art piece sitting in front of kaeya, hair pulled back with a ribbon and side profile framed perfectly. he meets kaeya's eye, a flush immediately rising to his face at the compliment. ]
You...[ he reaches up to tuck a hair behind his ear, looking much more embarrassed than he should. honesty week just hits different. ]
I'd say the same for you...[ there's a smile that comes with that and he squeezes kaeya's hand. ]
(no subject)
w6, friday late at night somewhere void? / nsfw, idk i'm sorry monika
diluc gets dragged bodily, pushed by polaris, grabbed by his clothes, manhandled straight up into bed when they are alone with one another. there’s a cursory dig around whatever drawers diluc's room has for the condoms he's slid under the doorway numerous time (
i'm dropping hints i want to fuck more often /slides condom under ur door). in any case, polaris is already on canopus, his teeth around her scruff as he pins her, licking at her face, her neck, nosing into her belly with a soft whine and series of needy nibbling. ]If they want to end you so badly, I’ll kill you myself.
[ he turns, giving diluc a soft push as he wrangles himself out of his own shirt. it's easy to bully diluc onto the bed, straddling him immediately with care to be sure to avoid any particularly beaten up areas. ]
Any objections before you die by my hand?
[ he sounds serious, even as he drops a bunch of plastic-wrapped condoms to the side and leans over him, pressing a kiss to his mouth. he’s burning alive inside, raking fingers down diluc’s ribs as he breathes him in, his lungs trembling in fury and desperation. he’s not ready to let yuri see him like this, which is why he’s gone and sequestered them away (he doesn’t want to scare him just yet with how absolutely monstrous he feels in this moment).
he bites at his neck once, sharp, a growl himself as polaris growls in turn like an echo. the shorn hairs of diluc's once lengthy red mane tickle his nose and he lets out a huff. ]
Or last requests?
[ a kiss to the bite mark follows. ]
Final prayers to your gods? Before I use your body in its entirety to show you how absolutely insane you’ve made me go?
[ KAEYA HE'S FUCKING HURT ]
no subject
canopus can't avoid the fussing from polaris, staying by the door as she's pinned, a frustrated meow coming out. she baps at the wolf's nose, before holding it with both paws and licking his face. ]
Kaeya what are you-
[ he's pushed down with an oof and winces, looking up at kaeya as he climbs over him. the feral look in the captain's eyes sends a shiver down his spine and he's just stuck staring. ]
You...[ he's cut off by the kiss, it's intensity making his head spin and he swears for a moment that it burns. and the hands on his body that follow, also burn, maybe it's his vision reacting with each firm touch or maybe it's just from kaeya's intense emotions.
he's trying to say something, again, as the kiss breaks, but is immediately silenced by the sharp bite to the neck. the sound that comes out is a mix between a hiss and a groan, like he can't decide how it feels. canopus lets out a muffled yowl as she continues to wrestle polaris, feet kicking slightly at his chest. ]
What has gotten into you.
[ somehow he finally manages to get his hands up and grabs ahold of kaeya's face, looking him in the eye. all this talk of murdering him himself? picking a god to pray to? last requests? hello??? ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w6, post-execution
The questions from your... adventure, Diluc? I heard them discuss it... outside the barrier.
[ he holds his hands, passes thumbs over his knuckles. ]
no subject
Yes...did the others tell you about them...?
[ where his hands have been warmer as of late, they seem on the cooler side now, and paler. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
w7, friday, post EVERYTHING
diluc has taken his cloak and wrapped it around kaeya, hands finding his and holding on tight. things are quiet here... ]
no subject
This... won't be something I can explain back home, 'Luc.
[ ah. dissociates from the mountain by thinking about other things. he does curl in close. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...