[ Guess who's gonna crawl right into his sheets and start to snuggle up. He reaches up, a hand pressed to Kaeya's cheek. Kaeya will notice the cool metal touch his cheek when Venti does. ]
I'm glad. That's a lot already, isn't it?
[ He lets out a soft, airy laugh. ]
I tried to talk to him already but it didn't well - it didn't go anywhere.
[ He looks confused for a moment - oh yeah, ring. It's new and he forgets and it's easy for him to not think about it. ]
Oh! [ Oh, that's it. ] No, I'm not getting married. The are kizuna powered and help us find each other if needed. I mean, I am dating someone, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't okay.
[ There's an easy laugh at that because of the immediate concern. Venti, on the other hand, doesn't even consider the possibility that Xiao could get upset with him over this. He lets out an easy, happy sigh. ]
I'll let him have his space. I made him pretty mad.
[ Big Chaotic Energy. ]
For the record, I'm not here because of him, though. I'm here because of you.
He is. He's from Teyvat, too, actually. I don't think you've met yet.
[ Note to self later. Right now, it's about Kaeya and that's why he's here. There's a soft, amused sound when Kaeya kisses his knuckles. He brings his hands up and gently strokes the other's hair, attention focused on him as he lays there comfortably. ]
Resigned to not getting that? It seems like a pretty big...step.
As well connected as I am, there are going to be those I don’t know or have yet to meet. Especially with how fascinating Teyvat can be.
[A Yaksha was definitely right up that alley, not that Kaeya knew about Xiao or his like.
He sighed softly, shrugged in that careless way again.]
I’m not one to give up, but I also know how stubborn Diluc could be. If I was going to spend the rest of my days poking the bear and hoping Diluc didn’t change his mind about ratting me out then… ahh, seems I never told you why we went from brothers to enemies, have I?
[ Venti wanted them all to get along. The boyfriend he cared for and the friends and people from home. He couldn't guarantee that they would, but he wanted to be optimistic all the same. He moves his hand to Kaeya's face, brushing bangs out of the way, letting out a soft sigh. ]
You didn't. But -- I never asked, I guess. I always tried to be very hands-off, but I see you guys as my friends, not just... my people. I guess.
[ Is that even the proper way. ]
And I think as friends, if you want to share, I'm happy to hear it.
I’ve kept it under wraps for so long, it’s a… bit tricky to suddenly willingly share. Last time I did… well, you know.
[He absently rubbed his eye beneath the patch.]
It’ll have to be abridged. Some of this is actually not my story to tell.
[He waited a few more moments, gathering his thoughts and settling a bit more. He also looked quite nervous at this point.]
I’m not just from Khaenri’ah. I was… planted in Mondstadt. I had a mission, I am… was? the last hope for our people. Being taken in by the Ragvindr’s wasn’t exactly by chance but they never knew. All these years and I heard nothing from my father or anyone, not since he left me on the side of the road. So, I grew up and learned how much I really loved the people of Mondstadt.
When… when our father died, I couldn’t keep the secret inside anymore. I needed to tell Diluc, he deserved to know. Our father’s death, as selfish as it was for me to think, was a relief because I was able to finally make the choice. I just made the mistake of telling Diluc not too long after… ah, well not too long after Crepus’ death. I knew he would be angry and upset but I essentially added betrayal to the mix.
[He couldn’t talk about the Knighr’s cover up, because he would have to tell more that he didn’t have the right to tell. He sighed, rolling onto his back and rubbing his forehead.]
Diluc has kept the secret all this time and he was the only one I told. I don’t believe I have to tell you that nothing about this can leave this room, right?
[ Venti shifts in close, draping one arm over Kaeya's chest when he rolls onto his back. He listened intently. He understood more now than he ever had. He had knowledge about who Kaeya was and where he was from, but that's not surprising. He remembers when Khaenri'ah fell those years ago. It's a long passed memory, but one all the same. Despite that, he had never really been suspicious of Kaeya's intention. The man --
seemed to love Mondstadt. ]
I know you're from Khhaenri'ah, but I've always saw you as one of mine.
[ Which is a way to say it, and he wonders if it is the right way to say it. But it's been said now, and he won't go back on it. Because, of anything he can think of, it's the most accurate way for him to describe how he feels about Kaeya's presence in Mondstadt. He's never really seen him as... anything but a person who loved his city of freedom. ]
Kaeya - I won't say a word. I promise.
[ He lifts a hand, brushing his thumb over the eyepatch. ]
[Kaeya tilted his face into Venti's hand, although he did look a little apprehensive at the touch to his eyepatch. It was a softer kind, easier to sleep with. One would think he wouldn't sleep with it on but surprises happen and he didn't want to be caught off guard without it.]
Thank you. I'm happy to hear that, Venti.
[Not just the keeping secrets but that Venti didn't seem to mind what he just heard. At the very least, he seemed to believe him when he said he loved the place he grew up in. He knew one day his past would come back, he wasn't foolish enough to completely let it go. But for now, he could cherish what he had.
He didn't push Venti's hand away.]
And that's why Diluc and I had been at odds since he returned. And why I'm having trouble believing that this is happening.
[ Kaeya is one of his. One of the people he cares about and wants to be safe. One of the people that, despite his desire to be hands off and let his people have freedom, he couldn't help but desire their safety. His fingers trace over Kaeya's face, soft and gently, settled over the soft fabric of his eyepatch. ]
Did I wake you up when I texted?
[ He sighs. ]
You guys being at odds is so normal. When you start getting along better, you'll stun us all.
[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 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.
[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?
[ 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. ]
[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.
[ 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.
[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.
Of course it won't solve it. But when people get randomly tossed, they tend to be surprised enough to refocus
[ Or - He giggles at the thought. ]
Or they get the wind knocked out of them and they can't talk, which if you can't talk, you can't fight.
[ He brushed his fingers over the side of Kaeya's head, thumb brushing over that eyepatch again. He wonders if it's comfortable. He wonders a lot about this eyepatch, but he's trying not to push too hard right now so he doesn't ask, even if he wants to. He'll continue brushing his fingers through Kaeya's hair and then -- ]
[He has worn it for so long that it honestly is barely noticeable these days. He has one of the day and one for sleeping. While he really had no reason to wear one at night, there was always those what if scenarios that ran through his anxious mind. So, the one he had one now was of a softer material. It wasn't quite as comfortable as the one from home, as he had to request another one to be made and find a place willing to do such an odd request (and eyepatch to sleep with?).
He didn't push Venti's hand away. He wasn't quite ready to reveal that much just yet, as much as he did trust Venti. It was a part of himself that generally always remained hidden. Although he suspected for a long while that his father knew exactly what was under the eyepatch and knew exactly who and what he was. But Kaeya never had any proof and Crepus only showed unconditional love toward him, so it wasn't something he outright tried to uncover on his own and now... well, he never would be able to.
He sighed softly, hiding his face again in Venti's chest. As funny as the image was from Venti's suggestion, the anxiety in his stomach was still going strong and the safe feeling he got being in Venti's arms was not lost on him.]
Because you have this great long hair that would look amazing in a braid.
[ As if to emphasize, from where he is, he moves his fingers over the long strands of hair on the back of Kaeya's head. He lets the man stay tucked against him for as long as he wants. If he can bring a small bit of comfort here? Well, he'll do it. So he'll continue to joke and play with the things he says. ]
And don't you want over two-thousand years of experience braiding your hair? You can trust me to make it look great.
Hmm... I'm not sure how two thousand years of experiences will make it look any different than when Klee does it.
[He pulled his face back to lift up one of Venti's, pretending to scrutinize it. And yes, he did just imply that he regularly lets Klee play with his hair.]
[ 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. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I'm glad. That's a lot already, isn't it?
[ He lets out a soft, airy laugh. ]
I tried to talk to him already but it didn't well - it didn't go anywhere.
[ Rejected. ]
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Are you getting married or something, Venti? This is new. I hope I’m not getting in between you and someone else.
[He chuckled mildly, his other hand curling under Venti to run his fingers through the shorter hair.]
He probably thinks the same thing I do. Give him a few days and try again.
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[ He looks confused for a moment - oh yeah, ring. It's new and he forgets and it's easy for him to not think about it. ]
Oh! [ Oh, that's it. ] No, I'm not getting married. The are kizuna powered and help us find each other if needed. I mean, I am dating someone, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't okay.
[ There's an easy laugh at that because of the immediate concern. Venti, on the other hand, doesn't even consider the possibility that Xiao could get upset with him over this. He lets out an easy, happy sigh. ]
I'll let him have his space. I made him pretty mad.
[ Big Chaotic Energy. ]
For the record, I'm not here because of him, though. I'm here because of you.
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[He pressed his lips to those pale knuckles, laughing quietly against them before settling. His smile dropped a little as he sighed.]
I figured, but good to know. He’s probably going to be like that for a few days. I probably won’t be any different.
It’s what I’ve wanted but I just… I think a part of me was always resigned.
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[ Note to self later. Right now, it's about Kaeya and that's why he's here. There's a soft, amused sound when Kaeya kisses his knuckles. He brings his hands up and gently strokes the other's hair, attention focused on him as he lays there comfortably. ]
Resigned to not getting that? It seems like a pretty big...step.
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[A Yaksha was definitely right up that alley, not that Kaeya knew about Xiao or his like.
He sighed softly, shrugged in that careless way again.]
I’m not one to give up, but I also know how stubborn Diluc could be. If I was going to spend the rest of my days poking the bear and hoping Diluc didn’t change his mind about ratting me out then… ahh, seems I never told you why we went from brothers to enemies, have I?
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[ Venti wanted them all to get along. The boyfriend he cared for and the friends and people from home. He couldn't guarantee that they would, but he wanted to be optimistic all the same. He moves his hand to Kaeya's face, brushing bangs out of the way, letting out a soft sigh. ]
You didn't. But -- I never asked, I guess. I always tried to be very hands-off, but I see you guys as my friends, not just... my people. I guess.
[ Is that even the proper way. ]
And I think as friends, if you want to share, I'm happy to hear it.
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I’ve kept it under wraps for so long, it’s a… bit tricky to suddenly willingly share. Last time I did… well, you know.
[He absently rubbed his eye beneath the patch.]
It’ll have to be abridged. Some of this is actually not my story to tell.
[He waited a few more moments, gathering his thoughts and settling a bit more. He also looked quite nervous at this point.]
I’m not just from Khaenri’ah. I was… planted in Mondstadt. I had a mission, I am… was? the last hope for our people. Being taken in by the Ragvindr’s wasn’t exactly by chance but they never knew. All these years and I heard nothing from my father or anyone, not since he left me on the side of the road. So, I grew up and learned how much I really loved the people of Mondstadt.
When… when our father died, I couldn’t keep the secret inside anymore. I needed to tell Diluc, he deserved to know. Our father’s death, as selfish as it was for me to think, was a relief because I was able to finally make the choice. I just made the mistake of telling Diluc not too long after… ah, well not too long after Crepus’ death. I knew he would be angry and upset but I essentially added betrayal to the mix.
[He couldn’t talk about the Knighr’s cover up, because he would have to tell more that he didn’t have the right to tell. He sighed, rolling onto his back and rubbing his forehead.]
Diluc has kept the secret all this time and he was the only one I told. I don’t believe I have to tell you that nothing about this can leave this room, right?
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seemed to love Mondstadt. ]
I know you're from Khhaenri'ah, but I've always saw you as one of mine.
[ Which is a way to say it, and he wonders if it is the right way to say it. But it's been said now, and he won't go back on it. Because, of anything he can think of, it's the most accurate way for him to describe how he feels about Kaeya's presence in Mondstadt. He's never really seen him as... anything but a person who loved his city of freedom. ]
Kaeya - I won't say a word. I promise.
[ He lifts a hand, brushing his thumb over the eyepatch. ]
I'm good at keeping secrets.
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Thank you. I'm happy to hear that, Venti.
[Not just the keeping secrets but that Venti didn't seem to mind what he just heard. At the very least, he seemed to believe him when he said he loved the place he grew up in. He knew one day his past would come back, he wasn't foolish enough to completely let it go. But for now, he could cherish what he had.
He didn't push Venti's hand away.]
And that's why Diluc and I had been at odds since he returned. And why I'm having trouble believing that this is happening.
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Did I wake you up when I texted?
[ He sighs. ]
You guys being at odds is so normal. When you start getting along better, you'll stun us all.
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[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.
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[ 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.
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[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.
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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. ]
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[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.
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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. ]
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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.
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[ Or - He giggles at the thought. ]
Or they get the wind knocked out of them and they can't talk, which if you can't talk, you can't fight.
[ He brushed his fingers over the side of Kaeya's head, thumb brushing over that eyepatch again. He wonders if it's comfortable. He wonders a lot about this eyepatch, but he's trying not to push too hard right now so he doesn't ask, even if he wants to. He'll continue brushing his fingers through Kaeya's hair and then -- ]
Let me braid your hair sometime.
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He didn't push Venti's hand away. He wasn't quite ready to reveal that much just yet, as much as he did trust Venti. It was a part of himself that generally always remained hidden. Although he suspected for a long while that his father knew exactly what was under the eyepatch and knew exactly who and what he was. But Kaeya never had any proof and Crepus only showed unconditional love toward him, so it wasn't something he outright tried to uncover on his own and now... well, he never would be able to.
He sighed softly, hiding his face again in Venti's chest. As funny as the image was from Venti's suggestion, the anxiety in his stomach was still going strong and the safe feeling he got being in Venti's arms was not lost on him.]
And why do you want to braid my hair?
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[ As if to emphasize, from where he is, he moves his fingers over the long strands of hair on the back of Kaeya's head. He lets the man stay tucked against him for as long as he wants. If he can bring a small bit of comfort here? Well, he'll do it. So he'll continue to joke and play with the things he says. ]
And don't you want over two-thousand years of experience braiding your hair? You can trust me to make it look great.
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[He pulled his face back to lift up one of Venti's, pretending to scrutinize it. And yes, he did just imply that he regularly lets Klee play with his hair.]
Yeah, I'm not seeing the experience.
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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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