[ His eyes light up bright, and Kaeya may notice the blue tint that seems to overtake them when he answers. He smiles into that small kiss on that pouted lip and sighs. ]
That means you're going to have to roll over.
[ Not that this is the first time Kaeya has heard Venti say that. ]
[No, it wasn't, and it made him laugh. His eye closed as he kissed Venti again. Then, instead of rolling over, he unwound his arms and pushed himself up with a soft groan so he could sit up and stretch.]
It might be best if I'm upright, but also, I can see your cute face as you braid my hair.
[He patted the bed in front of him, brushing his hair over his shoulder. Hm, it might need to be brushed first.]
[ He thinks he can play innocent as he shifts to sit up and his eyes move to Kaeya's hair. True, he does like the idea of sitting like this, facing the other. And it could be nice to bond. He reaches up a hand to move a few fingers through the strands of hair.
Yeah, it might need a brush. ]
I have to assume you have a brush for your amazing hair, Kaeya. If you tell me where it is I'll get it for you.
[Kaeya pointed to a small dresser at the side of the bed, smirking widely at being told he has amazing hair. He did do his best with it, even if the rat tail was unusual even for the style itself. He used to have a normal ponytail as a child, perhaps he should go back to that but ah, that would just look odd growing out and he didn't relish cutting it all off and starting over.]
If only I didn't have to brush my hair... but I suppose I have it easier compared to Diluc. Hair color swapping aside, I'm thankful this bond isn't messing with the texture.
[ Of course he liked to hear nice things from someone he enjoyed. It made him get butterflies in his stomach that wouldn't stop fluttering. He hummed as he shifted to the edge of the bed and stood up. He made his way to the dresser so he could get the sought after hair brush. He plopped up on the bed - exactly where he was before.
He folds his legs one over the other and takes a moment to look at the other. The vibrant blues settled in his own features - from his hair to joining the green in his eyes to form some sort of ombre. Interestingly, and newly, were peacock feathers that sat at the top of his braids, forming what almost looked like two small head wings. He doesn't notice them, not yet.
He reaches for that hair of Kaeya's, and starts to gently brush it. ]
Diluc has that fluffy, cloud-like hair. It's blessed to touch and cursed to manage.
[Kaeya reached over as soon as Venti returned just so he could pinch those cheeks.]
Adorable.
[Kaeya laughed and then gently stroked those braids, thumbs lightly stroking the feathers with a considering hum. Even with the few tangles, it always felt nice to have his hair brushed.]
These are new. [He snorted softly.] Why do you think it’s in a ponytail all the time?
[ He grins. He doesn't seem to mind the cheek getting pinched. He's comfortable across from Kaeya. He can tease him, talk honestly and earnestly, and just -- he feels himself here. There's no need for him to be on his guard or wary. No reason to be afraid. It's just -- it's easy. And having someone that's easy to be around is a must-have. ]
It's because of you.
[ He has to assume, though he can't see the features themselves. He moved the brush through Kaeya's hair slowly. He's careful if and when he encounters a tangle. He treats Kaeya's hair delicately. ]
I don't blame him.
[ Not even a little. He supposes, for a moment, he could do it if he really wanted to. But he's pretty fond of how he looks. ]
Your hair is pretty soft, Kaeya. Like...it feels good between my fingers.
[He laughed, letting his hands drop to his lap as his hair was taken and the brush slowly being worked through his hair.]
This kizuna continues to amaze me, I must say.
[He was a little surprised at the compliment. To be honest, he didn't do anything in particular to his hair aside from keeping it clean and making sure to brush it. It was naturally a bit wavy, but easy enough to manage compared to his brother's and it certainly didn't get everywhere.]
Does it now? I suppose that's one good thing about my lineage. My hair feels good even to the god, Barbatos~!
[He wasn't really trying to deflect, he just wasn't entirely sure what to make of the compliment either. Then again, Klee also really liked to play with his hair so perhaps it was just as innocent as it sounded.]
[ He smiles, fingers moving over the pieces of hair. The hair is certainly neatly brushed, but since he's enjoying this, he just keeps it up - for a few more moments. ]
Bonds get new and interesting in how they change. I feel like...the more time I spend with someone, the more they evolve. New things are good.
[ His hands pause in Kaeya's hair. ]
It means we're closer, I think.
[ Finally, he sets the brush down and he divides the hair into three even parts. ]
[He glanced down at his hair, the brush sliding through it. It was tri-colored at the moment, due to his bond with Diluc and Venti. Both were within range of some capacity, as though his hair was now a proximity sensor. Although, it never stayed Venti's color for very long and yet with Diluc...]
I guess so. It would explain a few things, at any rate.
[It was surreal to think that he was close with Venti, that he had formed bonds like this with Aether and Diluc as well. Kaeya was known for being someone that everyone seemed to love and admire and yet he kept everyone at arm's length. He treated everyone kindly, he could be a bit arrogant and reckless, but he got the job done and he did his job well. Mondstadt really liked him but it was near impossible to get close to him. The only person who had that privilege had disowned him four years prior.
But even that bond was returning. He placed his elbow on his knee, cheek in hand as he continued watch Venti's fingers work masterfully.]
[ The three colors make him smile. He can probably draw some conclusions as to why there's red in the other's hair, too. He won't say it out loud, but it is nice for him to see, too. He's glad that two of his most important people seem to be doing better. He starts to work through the hair, braiding it slowly. It's more about the conversation right now, anyway. ]
I like the bonds I have here. I'm connected to Teyvat, but I wouldn't change what I have here.
[ His attention lifted up to Kaeya. ]
I have you, Diluc, Jean... I have my oldest friend, Zhongli, here. I have Xiao here. Oh - he's the one who has the other ring in this set. He's from Liyue, too.
I don't think I could have what I have here at home.
[It was a fair answer, although Kaeya wasn't sure himself. He fiddled with the hair brush now that Venti was not using it as he listened.]
I agree. I'm... not so sure Diluc and I would have proposed a truce had we still been home. Or maybe it would have just taken longer, I don't know. I can't say I don't want it though, considering my hair would just out the lie before I even tried.
[It was with a wry smile that he said this. He sighed softly, leaning his chin on his hand, probably his elbow on a folded knee.]
I'm just not sure about these bonds as a whole though, there's a lot we don't know about them.
They're tricky and I can't say I know a lot yet. But it's nice sometimes.
[ He moves delicately as he braids the other's hair. Enjoying the feel of it under his finger tips. He feels...good with Kaeya because the other makes him happy. He's special to Venti, and he likes that he barely has to say a word to say it, too. ]
Especially...when someone is hard to read. Or understand.
[ Like Xiao. Like Diluc. Like Zhongli sometimes, too. ]
To see the effect I have on someone so clearly...it speaks of a truth that words sometimes can't tell me. I think you and Diluc would have gotten there in time. Just...all it would take is time.
[Kaeya gave Venti a smile though as the other continued to braid down his hair. He understood what Venti meant. Diluc couldn't deny their bond anymore because of how visible it was. It allowed for things to start when it likely would have taken a bit more time.
He just wasn't sure he appreciated the speed yet. It all seemed to move so fast!]
I like our bond. Yours and mine. It's... been a very long time since I could feel like myself around someone. No pretenses, no façades, no lies... it feels almost foreign to me.
[It scared him as much as it excited him, but he had to temper himself nonetheless. It was only around Venti right now that he acted like this. Even his bond with Aether didn't allow this much just yet.]
Is it because you know that no matter what - I'll love you? I mean --
[ He's getting towards the end of Kaeya's hair, and he starts to move his hands slowly, only half-focused on the braid he's working on. Instead, his attention is on Kaeya's face. He's watching him - the way he expresses himself. The way he responds to everything he says -- without needing the words. ]
I tend to love in the most wholesome way one can as a god. I love my people wholly, no matter who they are or what they've done. Because they are my people. Because they are human and I love humans.
[ He pauses his hands. ]
But I love you as a person. As my friend. It's not just because you're my people or a human. It's because you're Kaeya. I love you because you're Kaeya.
[Kaeya said softly, turning his head slightly to gaze out the window for the moment. He listened to Venti's words, but he supposed he would never truly understand them. Love was a complicated thing and people reacted to it differently. Moreover, Venti was a god and a god's mind was different than a human's, at the end of the day.]
But I'm glad you do. It's comforting. I rather like Mondstadt, after all. It wouldn't do if its god didn't at least like me back.
[ He supposes what he said was reassuring enough, so he just utters the word back quietly. Maybe is better than no he supposes. But only by a slim margin. He's right to know that how Venti thinks probably is nothing like that of a mortal. He can pretend to be a human, and is even good at being one now, but he's never actually been one. ]
Well, that's never a concern you'll have to have. I can't think of a reason I'd dislike you. Ever. Unless you steal one of my drinks from me.
Oh, is that a challenge. Maybe I will now, just to see how long that grudge of yours would last. Could you really resist this face?
[He made sure to put on his finest smoulder pout that, when he was younger, had much of the Ragnvindr staff give in to his requests (usually for more sweets, to be honest).]
[ He leans in to kiss that pouty lip and laughs a little bit. ]
Hm - probably.
[ He's teasing, of course. He probably couldn't resist Kaeya's face if the other pouted at him and looked as adorable as he does now. Especially if he was sincerely doing it.]
I'd put my best foot forward. Ah - I'm done, by the way.
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[ He huffs, pouting a little bit at that. How dare Kaeya suggest he can't one-up a young child with braids. ]
My hair looks amazing. I style it daily.
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I never said it didn't look good, dear Venti. You can play with my hair if you want, though. I won't stop you. Want to do it now?
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[ His eyes light up bright, and Kaeya may notice the blue tint that seems to overtake them when he answers. He smiles into that small kiss on that pouted lip and sighs. ]
That means you're going to have to roll over.
[ Not that this is the first time Kaeya has heard Venti say that. ]
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It might be best if I'm upright, but also, I can see your cute face as you braid my hair.
[He patted the bed in front of him, brushing his hair over his shoulder. Hm, it might need to be brushed first.]
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[ He thinks he can play innocent as he shifts to sit up and his eyes move to Kaeya's hair. True, he does like the idea of sitting like this, facing the other. And it could be nice to bond. He reaches up a hand to move a few fingers through the strands of hair.
Yeah, it might need a brush. ]
I have to assume you have a brush for your amazing hair, Kaeya. If you tell me where it is I'll get it for you.
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[Kaeya pointed to a small dresser at the side of the bed, smirking widely at being told he has amazing hair. He did do his best with it, even if the rat tail was unusual even for the style itself. He used to have a normal ponytail as a child, perhaps he should go back to that but ah, that would just look odd growing out and he didn't relish cutting it all off and starting over.]
If only I didn't have to brush my hair... but I suppose I have it easier compared to Diluc. Hair color swapping aside, I'm thankful this bond isn't messing with the texture.
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[ Of course he liked to hear nice things from someone he enjoyed. It made him get butterflies in his stomach that wouldn't stop fluttering. He hummed as he shifted to the edge of the bed and stood up. He made his way to the dresser so he could get the sought after hair brush. He plopped up on the bed - exactly where he was before.
He folds his legs one over the other and takes a moment to look at the other. The vibrant blues settled in his own features - from his hair to joining the green in his eyes to form some sort of ombre. Interestingly, and newly, were peacock feathers that sat at the top of his braids, forming what almost looked like two small head wings. He doesn't notice them, not yet.
He reaches for that hair of Kaeya's, and starts to gently brush it. ]
Diluc has that fluffy, cloud-like hair. It's blessed to touch and cursed to manage.
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Adorable.
[Kaeya laughed and then gently stroked those braids, thumbs lightly stroking the feathers with a considering hum. Even with the few tangles, it always felt nice to have his hair brushed.]
These are new. [He snorted softly.] Why do you think it’s in a ponytail all the time?
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[ He grins. He doesn't seem to mind the cheek getting pinched. He's comfortable across from Kaeya. He can tease him, talk honestly and earnestly, and just -- he feels himself here. There's no need for him to be on his guard or wary. No reason to be afraid. It's just -- it's easy. And having someone that's easy to be around is a must-have. ]
It's because of you.
[ He has to assume, though he can't see the features themselves. He moved the brush through Kaeya's hair slowly. He's careful if and when he encounters a tangle. He treats Kaeya's hair delicately. ]
I don't blame him.
[ Not even a little. He supposes, for a moment, he could do it if he really wanted to. But he's pretty fond of how he looks. ]
Your hair is pretty soft, Kaeya. Like...it feels good between my fingers.
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This kizuna continues to amaze me, I must say.
[He was a little surprised at the compliment. To be honest, he didn't do anything in particular to his hair aside from keeping it clean and making sure to brush it. It was naturally a bit wavy, but easy enough to manage compared to his brother's and it certainly didn't get everywhere.]
Does it now? I suppose that's one good thing about my lineage. My hair feels good even to the god, Barbatos~!
[He wasn't really trying to deflect, he just wasn't entirely sure what to make of the compliment either. Then again, Klee also really liked to play with his hair so perhaps it was just as innocent as it sounded.]
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[ He smiles, fingers moving over the pieces of hair. The hair is certainly neatly brushed, but since he's enjoying this, he just keeps it up - for a few more moments. ]
Bonds get new and interesting in how they change. I feel like...the more time I spend with someone, the more they evolve. New things are good.
[ His hands pause in Kaeya's hair. ]
It means we're closer, I think.
[ Finally, he sets the brush down and he divides the hair into three even parts. ]
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[He glanced down at his hair, the brush sliding through it. It was tri-colored at the moment, due to his bond with Diluc and Venti. Both were within range of some capacity, as though his hair was now a proximity sensor. Although, it never stayed Venti's color for very long and yet with Diluc...]
I guess so. It would explain a few things, at any rate.
[It was surreal to think that he was close with Venti, that he had formed bonds like this with Aether and Diluc as well. Kaeya was known for being someone that everyone seemed to love and admire and yet he kept everyone at arm's length. He treated everyone kindly, he could be a bit arrogant and reckless, but he got the job done and he did his job well. Mondstadt really liked him but it was near impossible to get close to him. The only person who had that privilege had disowned him four years prior.
But even that bond was returning. He placed his elbow on his knee, cheek in hand as he continued watch Venti's fingers work masterfully.]
Do you like it here? Compared to Teyvat?
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I like the bonds I have here. I'm connected to Teyvat, but I wouldn't change what I have here.
[ His attention lifted up to Kaeya. ]
I have you, Diluc, Jean... I have my oldest friend, Zhongli, here. I have Xiao here. Oh - he's the one who has the other ring in this set. He's from Liyue, too.
I don't think I could have what I have here at home.
[ Like - well, someone he loves. ]
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I agree. I'm... not so sure Diluc and I would have proposed a truce had we still been home. Or maybe it would have just taken longer, I don't know. I can't say I don't want it though, considering my hair would just out the lie before I even tried.
[It was with a wry smile that he said this. He sighed softly, leaning his chin on his hand, probably his elbow on a folded knee.]
I'm just not sure about these bonds as a whole though, there's a lot we don't know about them.
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[ He moves delicately as he braids the other's hair. Enjoying the feel of it under his finger tips. He feels...good with Kaeya because the other makes him happy. He's special to Venti, and he likes that he barely has to say a word to say it, too. ]
Especially...when someone is hard to read. Or understand.
[ Like Xiao. Like Diluc. Like Zhongli sometimes, too. ]
To see the effect I have on someone so clearly...it speaks of a truth that words sometimes can't tell me. I think you and Diluc would have gotten there in time. Just...all it would take is time.
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[Kaeya gave Venti a smile though as the other continued to braid down his hair. He understood what Venti meant. Diluc couldn't deny their bond anymore because of how visible it was. It allowed for things to start when it likely would have taken a bit more time.
He just wasn't sure he appreciated the speed yet. It all seemed to move so fast!]
I like our bond. Yours and mine. It's... been a very long time since I could feel like myself around someone. No pretenses, no façades, no lies... it feels almost foreign to me.
[It scared him as much as it excited him, but he had to temper himself nonetheless. It was only around Venti right now that he acted like this. Even his bond with Aether didn't allow this much just yet.]
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[ He's getting towards the end of Kaeya's hair, and he starts to move his hands slowly, only half-focused on the braid he's working on. Instead, his attention is on Kaeya's face. He's watching him - the way he expresses himself. The way he responds to everything he says -- without needing the words. ]
I tend to love in the most wholesome way one can as a god. I love my people wholly, no matter who they are or what they've done. Because they are my people. Because they are human and I love humans.
[ He pauses his hands. ]
But I love you as a person. As my friend. It's not just because you're my people or a human. It's because you're Kaeya. I love you because you're Kaeya.
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[Kaeya said softly, turning his head slightly to gaze out the window for the moment. He listened to Venti's words, but he supposed he would never truly understand them. Love was a complicated thing and people reacted to it differently. Moreover, Venti was a god and a god's mind was different than a human's, at the end of the day.]
But I'm glad you do. It's comforting. I rather like Mondstadt, after all. It wouldn't do if its god didn't at least like me back.
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[ He supposes what he said was reassuring enough, so he just utters the word back quietly. Maybe is better than no he supposes. But only by a slim margin. He's right to know that how Venti thinks probably is nothing like that of a mortal. He can pretend to be a human, and is even good at being one now, but he's never actually been one. ]
Well, that's never a concern you'll have to have. I can't think of a reason I'd dislike you. Ever. Unless you steal one of my drinks from me.
[ He's teasing. ]
But then I might just hold a grudge for awhile.
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[He made sure to put on his finest
smoulderpout that, when he was younger, had much of the Ragnvindr staff give in to his requests (usually for more sweets, to be honest).]no subject
Hm - probably.
[ He's teasing, of course. He probably couldn't resist Kaeya's face if the other pouted at him and looked as adorable as he does now. Especially if he was sincerely doing it.]
I'd put my best foot forward. Ah - I'm done, by the way.
[ With his hair, of course. ]
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A very good braid. I guess this is better than Klee's.
[His smile widened.]
Perhaps I should leave it like this. It would certainly get less tangled this way.
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[ He moves his fingers gently over the completed braid. ]
I won't tell you how to keep your hair, but it does look nice on you.
[ He leaned up to place a soft kiss on Kaeya's cheek. ]
Although, to be fair, you're always really attractive. And no, I'm not just flattering you.
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I'm teasing, Venti. But I will admit, it would probably look better if I had more hair. But thank you for the not flattery.
[He chuckled quietly, taking the hairbrush to place back on the dresser for now.]
Would you mind staying here a little while longer, though?
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[ He is comfortable here waiting for Kaeya to return, watching the other with a bright smile. ]
I'll stay as long as you'll have me.
[ He'll let Kaeya decide when he wants him to leave. ]
And I think...in time, you'll have more to braid.