[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. ]
[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.]
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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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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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