![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
No.
[Kaeya didn’t try to push Venti’s hand away. It wasn’t something he wanted to show but he also couldn’t really tell himself that Venti didn’t deserve to see it. After all, it was his and his fellow archons who helped in the fall of his home. He didn’t even think of this in a malicious sense, he just never quite knew what the archons, new and old, thought now of the small amount of people left behind in the wake of the destruction, those Kaeya himself called sinners. It was a very matter of fact thought, but all the same, he conflicted and the confict stayed his hand.]
I didn’t sleep all that much to be honest. Cleaned myself up and then decided the bed was awfully inviting still.
[He chuckled.]
You seem so confident it’ll work out.
[Kaeya didn’t try to push Venti’s hand away. It wasn’t something he wanted to show but he also couldn’t really tell himself that Venti didn’t deserve to see it. After all, it was his and his fellow archons who helped in the fall of his home. He didn’t even think of this in a malicious sense, he just never quite knew what the archons, new and old, thought now of the small amount of people left behind in the wake of the destruction, those Kaeya himself called sinners. It was a very matter of fact thought, but all the same, he conflicted and the confict stayed his hand.]
I didn’t sleep all that much to be honest. Cleaned myself up and then decided the bed was awfully inviting still.
[He chuckled.]
You seem so confident it’ll work out.
It is pretty comfy, isn't it?
[ He doesn't blame the other. Truth being what it was, he hasn't forgotten what had happened, but he still - Khhaenri'ah was a tricky subject for him. And of his old friends, only Morax was still here. But he wasn't sure it mattered, it wasn't something that they talked about, anyway. He doesn't bring it up, though. Kaeya made his choice - Mondstadt. And that's what matters to Venti.
Kaeya is one of his. ]
I'm confident because you're both good men who have handled something tough already. You did good! It makes me happy.
[ Because he wants the people he cares about to be happy. ]
You guys had the freedom and you made a choice only you could make.
[ He doesn't blame the other. Truth being what it was, he hasn't forgotten what had happened, but he still - Khhaenri'ah was a tricky subject for him. And of his old friends, only Morax was still here. But he wasn't sure it mattered, it wasn't something that they talked about, anyway. He doesn't bring it up, though. Kaeya made his choice - Mondstadt. And that's what matters to Venti.
Kaeya is one of his. ]
I'm confident because you're both good men who have handled something tough already. You did good! It makes me happy.
[ Because he wants the people he cares about to be happy. ]
You guys had the freedom and you made a choice only you could make.
Mm.
[Kaeya heaved a heavy sigh and turned back onto his side only to press his face into Venti's chest, snaking his arms around the thin waist to hold close. Needless to say, he didn't feel like a good man. The last few days, the tattoos, it's all taken a bit of a toll on him.
Not to mention that, as the reality sank in, Kaeya realized he was utterly terrified. Not just of failing this promise he made, but of the future as well. It wasn't so much if his secret got out, Diluc and Venti would have to tell or perhaps another archon who was there that day would have to see him or what if one of those 'sinners' show up and he finally has to act on his mission?
It was a lot.]
Doesn't make it any less frightening.
[Kaeya heaved a heavy sigh and turned back onto his side only to press his face into Venti's chest, snaking his arms around the thin waist to hold close. Needless to say, he didn't feel like a good man. The last few days, the tattoos, it's all taken a bit of a toll on him.
Not to mention that, as the reality sank in, Kaeya realized he was utterly terrified. Not just of failing this promise he made, but of the future as well. It wasn't so much if his secret got out, Diluc and Venti would have to tell or perhaps another archon who was there that day would have to see him or what if one of those 'sinners' show up and he finally has to act on his mission?
It was a lot.]
Doesn't make it any less frightening.
[ He wrapped his arm's around Kaeya's head and held the other against his chest. The gesture itself is small, but clearly the other man needs some comfort and Venti is here and fine with offering it. His fingers start brushing through the hair on the back of the other's head, stroking gently. ]
I can't imagine it does. But - it's working out. Celebrate the small victories, Kaeya!
[ He sounds...almost cheerful. Almost. Not quite the same high energy you expect from Venti at the mention of a celebration. ]
Don't be so hard on yourself, too.
[ He thinks Kaeya is well loved by the people of Mondstadt. There's no reason for him to think of himself as anything less. Venti fully relaxes, cuddling up against Kaeya feels nice. ]
I can't imagine it does. But - it's working out. Celebrate the small victories, Kaeya!
[ He sounds...almost cheerful. Almost. Not quite the same high energy you expect from Venti at the mention of a celebration. ]
Don't be so hard on yourself, too.
[ He thinks Kaeya is well loved by the people of Mondstadt. There's no reason for him to think of himself as anything less. Venti fully relaxes, cuddling up against Kaeya feels nice. ]
I know.
[Kaeya hadn't really expected to let this get to him as much as it had, but it was a huge step in his relationship with Diluc. It had been in shambles before but now... now they were willing to pick the pieces back up. It was as exciting as it was frightening.
He heaved a sigh and then placed a kiss on Venti's neck, right at the junction between his neck and shoulders.]
Thank you for checking on me. I think I needed this.
[Kaeya hadn't really expected to let this get to him as much as it had, but it was a huge step in his relationship with Diluc. It had been in shambles before but now... now they were willing to pick the pieces back up. It was as exciting as it was frightening.
He heaved a sigh and then placed a kiss on Venti's neck, right at the junction between his neck and shoulders.]
Thank you for checking on me. I think I needed this.
[Unlike with the others, when he reaches out to Kaeya, it's with a certain sense of uneasiness. Just as Kaeya doesn't know everything about Aether, so too does Aether not know everything about Kaeya. And since remembering his travels with Dain and finding his sister -- and now, finding her here in Nippon -- things have only gotten more complicated. It's not like he didn't make the connection between Kaeya's eyes and those of Dain.]
[But he can't just ignore all of this. Kaeya means too much to him for that -- perhaps more so now than back in Teyvat. He'll just have to hope that this is the right choice.]
Kaeya, are you free right now?
I'm a little late, but I did promise I'd tell you everything, didn't I?
Can we meet somewhere private?
[But he can't just ignore all of this. Kaeya means too much to him for that -- perhaps more so now than back in Teyvat. He'll just have to hope that this is the right choice.]
Kaeya, are you free right now?
I'm a little late, but I did promise I'd tell you everything, didn't I?
Can we meet somewhere private?
There's a park with a nice view of the stars in Little Edo. How does that sound?
[ROMANTIC-- but also, far from anywhere they could easily be overheard.]
[ROMANTIC-- but also, far from anywhere they could easily be overheard.]
Oh? Another date, I see. I suppose second dates are apt for telling some of one’s history.
I’ll see you there.
[Of course he’s going to try and keep it lighthearted even as he is now feeling quite anxious. He had only ever told someone the truth once before and that ended incredibly poorly. He hoped the same didn’t happen here.
Still, he knows of the park Aether is talking about. He lived in Kyoto so it took a little bit of time for him to arrive but arrive he did. He raised a hand in greeting.]
Hey.
I’ll see you there.
[Of course he’s going to try and keep it lighthearted even as he is now feeling quite anxious. He had only ever told someone the truth once before and that ended incredibly poorly. He hoped the same didn’t happen here.
Still, he knows of the park Aether is talking about. He lived in Kyoto so it took a little bit of time for him to arrive but arrive he did. He raised a hand in greeting.]
Hey.
[Okay he can't let himself get schmoopy here. Even if, maybe, some little part of him is hoping that their connection will at least be enough to shield Lumine.]
[After all-- he has no idea how Kaeya will react to what he's learned of her back in Teyvat. And as much as he'd like to just push it all away and pretend it never happened and never will happen, it wouldn't feel right to hide it from Kaeya.]
[When Kaeya arrives, he'll find Aether sitting peacefully on the grass, gaze pointed at the stars. And when he sees Kaeya, he smiles -- his hair immediately fading to an icy blue at the ends.]
Hey, yourself. Sorry to make you come out all this way.
[After all-- he has no idea how Kaeya will react to what he's learned of her back in Teyvat. And as much as he'd like to just push it all away and pretend it never happened and never will happen, it wouldn't feel right to hide it from Kaeya.]
[When Kaeya arrives, he'll find Aether sitting peacefully on the grass, gaze pointed at the stars. And when he sees Kaeya, he smiles -- his hair immediately fading to an icy blue at the ends.]
Hey, yourself. Sorry to make you come out all this way.
I won't be home tonight.
Just letting you know in case you were concerned.
[Since he knows that Kaeya is aware of when he's home as much as he's aware of when Kaeya is... and he doubts the man has actually quit keeping tabs on him regardless.]
Just letting you know in case you were concerned.
[Since he knows that Kaeya is aware of when he's home as much as he's aware of when Kaeya is... and he doubts the man has actually quit keeping tabs on him regardless.]
More like asleep than concerned but thanks for letting me know.
I appreciate it.
[He does keep track of Diluc a lot of the time, but even he knows late nights happen. One evening wasn’t a concern usually, as long as Diluc was actually home by morning.
But still, it was actually really thoughtful of Diluc to let him know.]
I appreciate it.
[He does keep track of Diluc a lot of the time, but even he knows late nights happen. One evening wasn’t a concern usually, as long as Diluc was actually home by morning.
But still, it was actually really thoughtful of Diluc to let him know.]
[Oh, yes... it's pretty early isn't it.]
Sorry if I woke you.
Sorry if I woke you.
[ His fingers brush delicately through those blue strands in Kaeya's hair. His own hair taking on light blue shades where it's normally that bright green. It is bright, almost glowing. He's pretty relaxed and happy here. Honestly, as much as he's tried to let his people make their own choices - including their mistakes, there's some who he will always have a special bond with. Among them is Kaeya. He can't imagine himself not checking in. ]
Of course. You're my friend, Kaeya.
[ Just like that - that simple. ]
Next time I catch you I'm just going to use wind to knock you both over though.
[ So maybe you'll take a moment to think. ]
Of course. You're my friend, Kaeya.
[ Just like that - that simple. ]
Next time I catch you I'm just going to use wind to knock you both over though.
[ So maybe you'll take a moment to think. ]
It's alright, if it gets too late I'm sure I can find a place to stay until morning.
[Kaeya wasn't exactly fond of the five hour train ride but aside from meeting in the middle somewhere or making Aether come all the way to Kyoto, there wasn't much choice. Besides, he could always just browse the Markets or something to pass the time before the next train out.
Well, depending on how long this conversation will be. They had a lot to tell. So, he sat down and leaned back on his hands. The rat tail faded to blond at the tips, the ombre reaching about halfway.]
So, did something happen to suddenly remind you of this? I admit, I almost forgot myself.
[More like he had been stalling.]
[Kaeya wasn't exactly fond of the five hour train ride but aside from meeting in the middle somewhere or making Aether come all the way to Kyoto, there wasn't much choice. Besides, he could always just browse the Markets or something to pass the time before the next train out.
Well, depending on how long this conversation will be. They had a lot to tell. So, he sat down and leaned back on his hands. The rat tail faded to blond at the tips, the ombre reaching about halfway.]
So, did something happen to suddenly remind you of this? I admit, I almost forgot myself.
[More like he had been stalling.]
[He purred softly at the fingers in his hair, he sighed happily and nuzzled against Venti deeper. This felt divine, a perfect place to probably nap too. He didn't get much sleep but he also didn't want to force Venti to stay with him just so he could watch him sleep.
So, he remained awake. He snorted softly in laughter.]
Knocking us on our asses probably won't solve the problem, you know. As funny as that would be.
So, he remained awake. He snorted softly in laughter.]
Knocking us on our asses probably won't solve the problem, you know. As funny as that would be.
[Kaeya's setting himself up to be invited to a sleepover after all this--]
It's not like I forgot. It's just-- there's a lot. So I was trying to think of the best way to approach it, but... things have changed a little.
[There's a smile on his face, as he turns and looks at Kaeya -- his heart doing a little flutter in his chest when he sees the blond strands woven through the end of his hair.]
My sister is here now.
It's not like I forgot. It's just-- there's a lot. So I was trying to think of the best way to approach it, but... things have changed a little.
[There's a smile on his face, as he turns and looks at Kaeya -- his heart doing a little flutter in his chest when he sees the blond strands woven through the end of his hair.]
My sister is here now.
[Kaeya can agree to that. There was a lot they needed to discuss. Kaeya was already a bit nervous about what he was going to have to reveal. It was easy with Venti, the god had been there when Khaenri'ah fell. He also knew about Kaeya instantly, due to the tell tale diamond pupil that only the Khaenri'ahns had. But with Aether... well, it depended on how much he already knew.]
Oh? Looks like your search is over, then, I'm glad!
[He reached out and ruffled that blond hair of his, pleased at the icy blue appearing at the braided tip.]
I'll have to meet her, sometime.
Oh? Looks like your search is over, then, I'm glad!
[He reached out and ruffled that blond hair of his, pleased at the icy blue appearing at the braided tip.]
I'll have to meet her, sometime.
[Meanwhile, Aether's hair decides to sparkle when Kaeya ruffles it--]
I'd love to introduce you to her. She and I are pretty similar, so I'm sure you'll get along.
[Not that this is really what he came to talk about. Maybe he has been stalling, worried about what he might learn, or perhaps worried about what Kaeya might think. After all, even now, those words spoken to him in his soul can't help but linger in the back of his mind sometimes -- even if the reality of that particular situation had been rather different from what Kaeya saw.]
[His smile wanes then, as he turns his gaze up towards the sky. Somehow, it always felt easier to talk when sitting beneath the stars like this.]
But... she's part of the reason I knew I had to talk to you as soon as possible.
[...]
Because she might be able to tell that you're from Khaenri'ah when she meets you.
I'd love to introduce you to her. She and I are pretty similar, so I'm sure you'll get along.
[Not that this is really what he came to talk about. Maybe he has been stalling, worried about what he might learn, or perhaps worried about what Kaeya might think. After all, even now, those words spoken to him in his soul can't help but linger in the back of his mind sometimes -- even if the reality of that particular situation had been rather different from what Kaeya saw.]
[His smile wanes then, as he turns his gaze up towards the sky. Somehow, it always felt easier to talk when sitting beneath the stars like this.]
But... she's part of the reason I knew I had to talk to you as soon as possible.
[...]
Because she might be able to tell that you're from Khaenri'ah when she meets you.
[Ugh.]
Don't call it that.
But no, I'm working over in Tokyo as a favour. The owner of one of the bars I'm employed at is short-staffed in his second location just for tonight and he's going to owe me after this.
It's going to take me five hours to get out there, so I'll find somewhere to stay over night and come back tomorrow.
Don't call it that.
But no, I'm working over in Tokyo as a favour. The owner of one of the bars I'm employed at is short-staffed in his second location just for tonight and he's going to owe me after this.
It's going to take me five hours to get out there, so I'll find somewhere to stay over night and come back tomorrow.
I didn't want to have to search for a room after finishing the shift, so I'll be finding somewhere to stay first.
And it isn't that early.
And it isn't that early.
[He heard the 'but' before Aether even said it. Kaeya let his hand fall a bit from Aether's hair, resting his chin in hand, propped up by his knee. He wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a bit off for Aether to already not want them to meet.
Did he do something wrong?
...
Ah.
So, it was that. Of all things, Kaeya honestly hadn't expected that. He couldn't help the soft sigh and this time, his hand did leave Aether's hair completely to rest on the ground beside them. He leaned back, resting both hands on the grass.
The blond was also beginning to recede a little from his hair.]
And just what does my unfortunate heritage have to do with your sister, Aether?
[While he knew he promised he would explain himself to Aether about Khaenri'ah, there was something cold about his tone of voice that he hadn't planned to have now there was another variable in the mix. Venti knew what he was from the very beginning and Diluc also knew, but kept his secret despite their previous animosity. Those who knew or already knew, had their reasons for knowing.
Aether's sister did not (as far as he was aware, anyway) and he wasn't sure what to do about that.]
Did he do something wrong?
...
Ah.
So, it was that. Of all things, Kaeya honestly hadn't expected that. He couldn't help the soft sigh and this time, his hand did leave Aether's hair completely to rest on the ground beside them. He leaned back, resting both hands on the grass.
The blond was also beginning to recede a little from his hair.]
And just what does my unfortunate heritage have to do with your sister, Aether?
[While he knew he promised he would explain himself to Aether about Khaenri'ah, there was something cold about his tone of voice that he hadn't planned to have now there was another variable in the mix. Venti knew what he was from the very beginning and Diluc also knew, but kept his secret despite their previous animosity. Those who knew or already knew, had their reasons for knowing.
Aether's sister did not (as far as he was aware, anyway) and he wasn't sure what to do about that.]
Page 2 of 18