[ Over the year that she's been living in Reverein, Oriphi has picked up many sorts of part-time jobs. There's always running errands for the townsfolk, for sure, but she's also been helping out at the Archives, the blacksmith's, and other such endeavors besides. That, naturally, includes continuing to take care of the vineyards for At Day's End. It's even busier than normal due to it being harvest season, and Ori is helping with preparations for a friend's wedding, too.
Which means that despite Kaeya already having made himself a permanent fixture at the winery's bar, Ori doesn't run into him for many weeks. This evening, when Ori arrives, she has with her a basket filled with a variety of things. Though Diluc has told her to expect Kaeya to be around a lot, she's still somehow surprised when she actually finds him there, this time. ]
Ah... Kaeya! I haven't seen you in some time... Are you settling in alright...?
[ The day is indeed starting to edge into nighttime, so she's got to wonder how long he's been here just today... But she nods to confirm that he's correctly remembered her name and then immediately shifts awkwardly at the second question. ]
Oh! I... [ off to a great start... ] I'm just here to drop a few things off for the bar...
[ With that, she shuffles on over behind the counter and deposits a container of what smells to be food, wrapped in cloth it's basically a bento on the counter opposite the bartop. ]
[ it's given almost reflexively, forgetting that she's - for some reason - trying to conceal (very badly) the fact that she's brought dinner for her boyfriend. ]
I, um... Made a lot of extra food, so I thought I would leave some for Diluc— and Mister Barok!
[ that's a lie she did not bring dinner for Van Zieks. ]
I would be happy to bring you some next time, too, Kaeya.
[ He's started dreaming a great deal more since arriving in Songerein, but that's perhaps to be expected.
Most of the time, they aren't all that eventful, and feature the same landscapes he traversed most often in Mondstadt, from the coldest reaches of Dragonspine, to the busy streets of the city itself. Most often, he's alone, but sometimes Klee is with him, or Aether, or Sucrose. He's always on his way to get something done, always busy - it seems he cannot escape his focused nature even inside of dreams.
However, this time...it's different.
Albedo feels himself pulled through his dreams towards...the Dawn Winery. A place he's only been perhaps a handful of times since arriving in Mondstadt, and a place he isn't sure why he finds himself at now. Why would he dream of this? Why...is he aware that he is dreaming?
Well, better to look around rather than remain static, so he starts for the manor at the center of the property, watching the Anemo crystalflies as they flutter by.
[ it's a warm, balmy day, the afternoon sun shining down upon the vineyards, the scent of warm, ripened grapes and fresh earth thick in the air, and birds call overhead. the scene is positively idyllic, bathed in sunlight and a quiet, halcyon calm.
at least, until two young boys come crashing through the bushes, laughing and squealing and chasing one another.
you're it! cries the one with hair like fire, before he's dashing down the aisle between the vines, leaving the second boy to pout, but only for a moment, before he, too, takes off - and immediately trips on a root, sprawling face first into the earth at albedo's feet. he won't cry. he won't! he's too old for crying. but the boy's single visible eye is watery as he looks up, face flushed, his pride as wounded as his skinned knees.
The two running around at the Winery are unmistakable; even younger than Albedo knows them, there's only two people they could be: Diluc and Kaeya. Does this mean...he has stumbled into one of their dreams, somehow? Then the ethical thing would be to try and wake them, wouldn't it be?
Yet...this is Albedo's first time Dreamwalking. Based off what he's learned so far, there's stipulations to waking the dreamer, and they're none too clear and consistent. Even if he did tell these children that they're dreaming, it's more than likely that they would simply dismiss him.
How did he get here, anyway?
His questions are pushed to the back of his mind as the young Kaeya trips in front of him. Without thinking, Albedo stoops to one knee, extending a hand to the boy to help him up. It's basically instinct by now, after spending so much time looking after Klee. Children are prone to these kinds of accidents. ]
Ah, hello there. I'm Mr. Albedo, from the Knights of Favonius. Are you alright?
[ His smile comes more easily here, facing a little one, even if that little one is the Cavalry Captain. He still has the eyepatch, hm? ]
[ kaeya, of course, has yet to figure out that this is a dream at all, or that albedo is misplaced within it. everything holds steady within the dream, the landscape rolling, the sky a lovely shade of blue, filled with thick, fluffy clouds.
kaeya sniffles a bit, but he takes the help up, his hand small in albedo's, dirt under his fingernails. he stands, pushing back his tears, easily distracted from them by this new and interesting stranger. he does indeed still have his eyepatch! interesting. strange. ]
Oh.. you're a knight?
[ kaeya's eye widens, brightening with clear excitement. ]
I want to be a knight, too! I'm going to join as soon as I'm old enough.
[ which isn't too long from now, really. it appears he's forgotten all about his skinned knees. ]
[ Albedo's soft smile remains. It's always been easier to maintain it for children, their eyes still bright with curiosity for the world. ]
Do you, now? That's an admirable aspiration, young sir.
[ Well, far be it from him to spoil the surprise that this young man indeed will join the Knights, and even ascend to the rank of Cavalry Captain. Though come to think of it, why do the Knights have a captain of cavalry...?
That's neither here nor there. ]
Now, then...that was quite the fall. Mind if I take a look at your knee?
[ DESPITE POPULAR BELIEF, THE KNIGHTS DO INDEED HAVE CAVALRY... it's just that varka took them all with him when he went on his expedition.. hear all about it in a kaeya voice line.
anyway, this young kaeya would surely be happy to learn that he'd manage to climb so far in the ranks, even if his reasons for it are.. dubious. a shadow passes behind his eyes, reflected in the weather above, as the sky darkens briefly. but he's soon distracted by albedo again, and the sun quickly returns. ]
Oh.. my knee?
[ kaeya looks down at his skinned knees, where blood is welling, but he seems not to pay it too much mind now that the pain has subsided a bit. ]
[A basket is left outside of Kaeya's door. In it are two bottles that Kaeya would recognize: sparkling wine and dandelion wine, both from the Dawn Winery. There's also a note.]
To K: If you bring these to At Day's End this evening, I'll make the drinks for you. - D
[It's a birthday present, although one that pointedly does not mention the occasion.]
[ .. ah, of course diluc would remember his birthday, when even kaeya himself strives not to, though diluc was good enough to make no mention of it. he's certainly more touched by the gift than he lets on, and kaeya hefts one of the bottles into his hand with an easy smile.
thanks, 'luc.
sure enough, he's carrying the basket into the tavern after evening sets in, his smile bright and jovial, one hand lifting toward diluc. ]
[In all honesty, Diluc had the odds of Kaeya showing up at about 50/50. It depended on how dedicated he was to his other typical birthday plans: moping around aimlessly or pretending the occasion doesn't exist at all. That's why Diluc left the ingredients with him rather than just held them behind the bar here. If Kaeya wants to be alone, he should be allowed.
But here he is, and that's a good thing.
Diluc looks up from the counter and regards Kaeya with only slightly more warmth than usual.]
[ even with only one eye, kaeya can espy that slight change in demeanor, but he says nothing. he doesn't exactly want to draw attention to his own birthday, so best not to needle diluc too much - at least not yet. ]
I did. Master Diluc is too kind.
[ he sets the basket on the bartop, and slides onto a stool. ]
"Master Diluc" is a title that means nothing here.
[He pulls out the bottles and starts the familiar process of making the drink. It almost feels like if he blinks, they'll both find themselves back at the Angel's Share. It's a bittersweet feeling.
After he finishes, he sets the glass down on the bartop between them.]
Don't get used to this, by the way; these bottles are the only ones I have. The well doesn't give an endless supply of what you ask for.
[ Albedo is normally not one for social calls at others' homes...and today is no exception!! But he does stop by Kaeya's doorstep to leave a gift in a box with golden ribbon, with a note:
Dear Kaeya, Though the flow of time here may be strange, it would be remiss not to celebrate your birthday regardless. May you have many happy returns of the day. -Albedo
In the box, he will find, unsurprisingly, a unique bottle of white peach wine, as well as a smaller bottle of, yes, Albedo's homemade potion for hangover relief. He got quite the hang of making it during Weinlesefest...
There's also a crystalized cecilia blossom, created with alchemy. A little reminder of home. ]
[ Kaeya grants Albedo time to consider his offer, and it is very much needed. After parting from the Captain, the rest of the party is relatively uneventful for Albedo, and that's for the best, really. He has a lot to think about, the buzz of alcohol and Kaeya's sweet kisses lingering in the back of his mind, but he owes it to everyone here to continue to be a respectable party guest.
But the party does eventually wind down, and Albedo must answer the question that has been preoccupying his thoughts, every time he crosses paths with Kaeya and meets his gaze, or catches his eyes wandering to him across the room. Is he really so easily distracted? A bit of wine and a few kisses, and now all he can think about is doing it again?
Yes.
Maybe he knew his answer the moment Kaeya had made his offer, even if Albedo could not accept right away, and he's glad, he gave himself time, to allow his feelings to settle as much as they can. He is not immune to human impulses, regardless of the kind of person he is. A consideration like this called for...thoroughness.
But his mind is made up. Whatever happens next, they will figure out as they go, but one thing is certain: Albedo wants more of what they shared on the couch tonight. He wants to need, be needed. He never thought he would crave this kind of attention, but here he is.
As the guests begin to depart from the party, Albedo waits until Kaeya is alone, slipping silently up to his side and leaning near to whisper. ]
Let's go.
[ The promise in those words along makes his stomach clench up. ]
EYEZOOMS also this will sure be nsfw so shield your eyes onlookers, or dont im not your dad
[ kaeya does his best to keep his expectations at a minimum. albedo is by far the most difficult catch he's ever attempted, and he's fully prepared to be gently let down at the end of the night, once albedo has had the chance to cool off and organize his thoughts. he's all smiles when albedo approaches him, even though he's ready for a kindly rejection.
yet.. albedo surprises him, whispering against his ear in a tone that sounds so inviting it makes kaeya's pulse spike. he smiles, his eyelid falling low. ]
All right then, let's go.
[ dropping one hand, he takes albedo's own, threading their fingers together, and tugging him along without any further argument. albedo has made up his mind, and has had time to sober up a little, to boot. together they slip away from the quieting party and out into the night, toward their neighboring treehouses, where kaeya leads albedo up the winding stairs. though it still looks a bit unlived in, without all the little touches that make a house a home, kaeya's treehouse is nevertheless quite comfortable now. it's open plan, with large, tall windows to let in plenty of natural light, and high ceilings that make the place feel larger. the decor is simple, elegant, despite the rather rustic cabin appearance.
this time of night, however, no sun streams through the windows, only slanted silvery moonlight and twinkling stars.
the door closes, locks, and kaeya pulls albedo in toward him by their joined hands, dipping immediately to kiss him again, warm and firm and deep, murmuring against his lips. ]
[ Certain though he is of his decision, he still has his nerves, buzzing frenetically beneath his skin each moment from when Kaeya takes his hand and leads him away from the party to the moment when the door clicks shut behind them. He has never done anything like this before, so...recklessly human, and that it is not only with one of his fellow knights, but Kaeya Alberich of all people...it's a lot to process in such a short amount of time. Perhaps it would be better if he didn't think about it at all, but that simply isn't his nature.
Is this really okay? Does Kaeya only see him as another conquest, another pretty face to be made a bedfellow of? There's something so terribly lonely about that thought, but the drink still in his system makes it easy to push it away, to remember how warm his lips had felt, how perfectly soft and wet.
No, he will not go back on his choice now. If it was a mistake, so be it. He could perhaps stand to make a few more mistakes.
So Albedo is ready for Kaeya once he turns to kiss him, lips parted and his face tilted up. He remembers well everything he learned earlier, despite the alcohol, and as soon as Kaeya's mouth captures his own, his eyes flutter closed, his fingers lifting to curl in the front of Kaeya's silly holiday sweater.
A soft, plaintive sound tumbles past his lips. ]
You're quite convincing, Captain. [ A beat. ] I've never done anything like the before.
[ Kaeya should...probably know that, before they go any further. He has no idea how far they will go, how far he wants to go, but Kaeya should know what to expect of him. ]
[ honestly, whether or not albedo is simply meant to be a notch on his belt or not is something that even kaeya cannot answer.
for a long time, he's done everything in his power to fill the raw and aching hole in his heart - wine and sex numb the pain better than anything, he's found, and so this is the sort of thing he does. it's good fun to talk a pretty face into his bed, and for all he can be a filthy liar, kaeya is generally upfront about these sorts of things. he hasn't promised albedo anything beyond a lovely night in one another's company. still.. albedo isn't a nameless face he met in the angel's share on a lonely thursday night. he's a compatriot, and now, he thinks, kaeya would even call him a friend. albedo has peered into his past, into his soul.
so what will come of this.. well, that remains to be seen, doesn't it? kaeya is doing himself the favor of not thinking too far ahead. especially once albedo breathes that soft, sweet sound against his lips, kaeya's mind goes deliciously blank. when the kiss breaks so albedo can speak, kaeya presses their foreheads together, briefly, before he's mouthing his way down albedo's throat. ]
Mm.. good to know.
[ he murmurs, both hands gliding down albedo's back, pulling him even nearer still, until their bodies are flush. he's not.. entirely surprised to learn that albedo has never done anything like this before. the man is too devoted to his work for his own good. still, he's grown, and painfully beautiful - how on earth is kaeya the first person to talk him into bed? he'll consider himself lucky, and adjust accordingly. if albedo is new to all of this, kaeya will treat that with the gravity it deserves.
which means being a perfect gentleman, and stooping to sweep albedo right up into his arms. it's easy, for how slight his companion is. kaeya moves toward the winding wooden stairs that lead to his loft sleeping area. ]
Let's head somewhere more comfortable, hmm?
[ the nearby couch would've been just fine, were albedo any old rando, and were he more experienced, but.. as neither of those are the case, to the bed it is. ]
[ Gods, but it's so much, so quickly, and Albedo scarcely has time to recognize what is happening before Kaeya is gathering him up in his arms, parting Albedo's thighs around his slender waist to press flush against him. He's so damn warm, so solid against him, and Albedo feels open and vulnerable in a way he never has before. The press of Kaeya's abdomen between his legs is enough to stoke the heat that has begun to roar in his belly once more.
He's quickly beginning to associate that feeling with Kaeya, for better or for worse.
Kaeya is more than strong enough to handle a slight figure like Albedo, and even drunk, Albedo doesn't worry that he'll trip and drop him on the way to his loft. That won't stop him from making himself an absolute tease and a distraction, peppering kisses along Kaeya's ear and jaw line, learning the feel of his skin against his lips, his taste, his scent. It's the same as before, just as exhilarating, and yet somehow new and different all at once. Is that because the circumstances are different now, too? They are no longer surrounded by friends and loved ones at a party, but now completely alone, in the embrace of moonlight.
It bathes Kaeya in a beautiful light. It is rare that Albedo finds himself physically attracted to others, but maybe it's something about the way this man looks like a painting in motion that draws Albedo to him. ]
You're beautiful.
[ Albedo murmurs on a voice gone quiet with want, though he can't identify it in that way himself. Something about Kaeya just makes his whole heart and lungs and throat feel tight. ]
action; sometime in november
Which means that despite Kaeya already having made himself a permanent fixture at the winery's bar, Ori doesn't run into him for many weeks. This evening, when Ori arrives, she has with her a basket filled with a variety of things. Though Diluc has told her to expect Kaeya to be around a lot, she's still somehow surprised when she actually finds him there, this time. ]
Ah... Kaeya! I haven't seen you in some time... Are you settling in alright...?
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anyway, he sets down his glass and turns in his seat, offering her a winning smile. ]
Ah. Ori, right?
[ he remembered! ]
What brings you here?
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Oh! I... [ off to a great start... ] I'm just here to drop a few things off for the bar...
[ With that, she shuffles on over behind the counter and deposits a container of what smells to be food, wrapped in cloth
it's basically a bentoon the counter opposite the bartop. ]no subject
Is that so..?
[ it's clear in his gaze that he is curious, very curious, his smile curling at the edges. ]
That smells divine.
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[ it's given almost reflexively, forgetting that she's - for some reason - trying to conceal (very badly) the fact that she's brought dinner for her boyfriend. ]
I, um... Made a lot of extra food, so I thought I would leave some for Diluc— and Mister Barok!
[ that's a lie she did not bring dinner for Van Zieks. ]
I would be happy to bring you some next time, too, Kaeya.
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Oho, dinner for Master Diluc, is it?
[ and he doesn't even mention van zieks because it's quite clear that he was just tacked on as an afterthought, there. ]
I'd love that, of course, but I have to ask - what's the occasion?
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action, dream time!!
Most of the time, they aren't all that eventful, and feature the same landscapes he traversed most often in Mondstadt, from the coldest reaches of Dragonspine, to the busy streets of the city itself. Most often, he's alone, but sometimes Klee is with him, or Aether, or Sucrose. He's always on his way to get something done, always busy - it seems he cannot escape his focused nature even inside of dreams.
However, this time...it's different.
Albedo feels himself pulled through his dreams towards...the Dawn Winery. A place he's only been perhaps a handful of times since arriving in Mondstadt, and a place he isn't sure why he finds himself at now. Why would he dream of this? Why...is he aware that he is dreaming?
Well, better to look around rather than remain static, so he starts for the manor at the center of the property, watching the Anemo crystalflies as they flutter by.
Have they always called this place home? ]
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at least, until two young boys come crashing through the bushes, laughing and squealing and chasing one another.
you're it! cries the one with hair like fire, before he's dashing down the aisle between the vines, leaving the second boy to pout, but only for a moment, before he, too, takes off - and immediately trips on a root, sprawling face first into the earth at albedo's feet. he won't cry. he won't! he's too old for crying. but the boy's single visible eye is watery as he looks up, face flushed, his pride as wounded as his skinned knees.
though he's immediately distracted. ]
Who.. who are you?
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The two running around at the Winery are unmistakable; even younger than Albedo knows them, there's only two people they could be: Diluc and Kaeya. Does this mean...he has stumbled into one of their dreams, somehow? Then the ethical thing would be to try and wake them, wouldn't it be?
Yet...this is Albedo's first time Dreamwalking. Based off what he's learned so far, there's stipulations to waking the dreamer, and they're none too clear and consistent. Even if he did tell these children that they're dreaming, it's more than likely that they would simply dismiss him.
How did he get here, anyway?
His questions are pushed to the back of his mind as the young Kaeya trips in front of him. Without thinking, Albedo stoops to one knee, extending a hand to the boy to help him up. It's basically instinct by now, after spending so much time looking after Klee. Children are prone to these kinds of accidents. ]
Ah, hello there. I'm Mr. Albedo, from the Knights of Favonius. Are you alright?
[ His smile comes more easily here, facing a little one, even if that little one is the Cavalry Captain. He still has the eyepatch, hm? ]
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kaeya sniffles a bit, but he takes the help up, his hand small in albedo's, dirt under his fingernails. he stands, pushing back his tears, easily distracted from them by this new and interesting stranger. he does indeed still have his eyepatch! interesting. strange. ]
Oh.. you're a knight?
[ kaeya's eye widens, brightening with clear excitement. ]
I want to be a knight, too! I'm going to join as soon as I'm old enough.
[ which isn't too long from now, really. it appears he's forgotten all about his skinned knees. ]
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Do you, now? That's an admirable aspiration, young sir.
[ Well, far be it from him to spoil the surprise that this young man indeed will join the Knights, and even ascend to the rank of Cavalry Captain. Though come to think of it, why do the Knights have a captain of cavalry...?
That's neither here nor there. ]
Now, then...that was quite the fall. Mind if I take a look at your knee?
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anyway, this young kaeya would surely be happy to learn that he'd manage to climb so far in the ranks, even if his reasons for it are.. dubious. a shadow passes behind his eyes, reflected in the weather above, as the sky darkens briefly. but he's soon distracted by albedo again, and the sun quickly returns. ]
Oh.. my knee?
[ kaeya looks down at his skinned knees, where blood is welling, but he seems not to pay it too much mind now that the pain has subsided a bit. ]
Sure, but I'll be okay.
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November 30th
To K:
If you bring these to At Day's End this evening, I'll make the drinks for you.
- D
[It's a birthday present, although one that pointedly does not mention the occasion.]
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thanks, 'luc.
sure enough, he's carrying the basket into the tavern after evening sets in, his smile bright and jovial, one hand lifting toward diluc. ]
Just the man I wanted to see.
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But here he is, and that's a good thing.
Diluc looks up from the counter and regards Kaeya with only slightly more warmth than usual.]
I see you got the basket I left you.
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I did. Master Diluc is too kind.
[ he sets the basket on the bartop, and slides onto a stool. ]
I can hardly wait.
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[He pulls out the bottles and starts the familiar process of making the drink. It almost feels like if he blinks, they'll both find themselves back at the Angel's Share. It's a bittersweet feeling.
After he finishes, he sets the glass down on the bartop between them.]
Don't get used to this, by the way; these bottles are the only ones I have. The well doesn't give an endless supply of what you ask for.
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November 30th
Happy birthday, Kaeya!
[The sender does not leave their signature anywhere, but it's probably easy to guess who left this small gift.]
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11/30 BIRTHDAY
Dear Kaeya,
Though the flow of time here may be strange, it would be remiss not to celebrate your birthday regardless. May you have many happy returns of the day.
-Albedo
In the box, he will find, unsurprisingly, a unique bottle of white peach wine, as well as a smaller bottle of, yes, Albedo's homemade potion for hangover relief. He got quite the hang of making it during Weinlesefest...
There's also a crystalized cecilia blossom, created with alchemy. A little reminder of home. ]
at the end of the party ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
But the party does eventually wind down, and Albedo must answer the question that has been preoccupying his thoughts, every time he crosses paths with Kaeya and meets his gaze, or catches his eyes wandering to him across the room. Is he really so easily distracted? A bit of wine and a few kisses, and now all he can think about is doing it again?
Yes.
Maybe he knew his answer the moment Kaeya had made his offer, even if Albedo could not accept right away, and he's glad, he gave himself time, to allow his feelings to settle as much as they can. He is not immune to human impulses, regardless of the kind of person he is. A consideration like this called for...thoroughness.
But his mind is made up. Whatever happens next, they will figure out as they go, but one thing is certain: Albedo wants more of what they shared on the couch tonight. He wants to need, be needed. He never thought he would crave this kind of attention, but here he is.
As the guests begin to depart from the party, Albedo waits until Kaeya is alone, slipping silently up to his side and leaning near to whisper. ]
Let's go.
[ The promise in those words along makes his stomach clench up. ]
EYEZOOMS also this will sure be nsfw so shield your eyes onlookers, or dont im not your dad
yet.. albedo surprises him, whispering against his ear in a tone that sounds so inviting it makes kaeya's pulse spike. he smiles, his eyelid falling low. ]
All right then, let's go.
[ dropping one hand, he takes albedo's own, threading their fingers together, and tugging him along without any further argument. albedo has made up his mind, and has had time to sober up a little, to boot. together they slip away from the quieting party and out into the night, toward their neighboring treehouses, where kaeya leads albedo up the winding stairs. though it still looks a bit unlived in, without all the little touches that make a house a home, kaeya's treehouse is nevertheless quite comfortable now. it's open plan, with large, tall windows to let in plenty of natural light, and high ceilings that make the place feel larger. the decor is simple, elegant, despite the rather rustic cabin appearance.
this time of night, however, no sun streams through the windows, only slanted silvery moonlight and twinkling stars.
the door closes, locks, and kaeya pulls albedo in toward him by their joined hands, dipping immediately to kiss him again, warm and firm and deep, murmuring against his lips. ]
I'm glad you said yes.
you're not?!
Is this really okay? Does Kaeya only see him as another conquest, another pretty face to be made a bedfellow of? There's something so terribly lonely about that thought, but the drink still in his system makes it easy to push it away, to remember how warm his lips had felt, how perfectly soft and wet.
No, he will not go back on his choice now. If it was a mistake, so be it. He could perhaps stand to make a few more mistakes.
So Albedo is ready for Kaeya once he turns to kiss him, lips parted and his face tilted up. He remembers well everything he learned earlier, despite the alcohol, and as soon as Kaeya's mouth captures his own, his eyes flutter closed, his fingers lifting to curl in the front of Kaeya's silly holiday sweater.
A soft, plaintive sound tumbles past his lips. ]
You're quite convincing, Captain. [ A beat. ] I've never done anything like the before.
[ Kaeya should...probably know that, before they go any further. He has no idea how far they will go, how far he wants to go, but Kaeya should know what to expect of him. ]
am i??
for a long time, he's done everything in his power to fill the raw and aching hole in his heart - wine and sex numb the pain better than anything, he's found, and so this is the sort of thing he does. it's good fun to talk a pretty face into his bed, and for all he can be a filthy liar, kaeya is generally upfront about these sorts of things. he hasn't promised albedo anything beyond a lovely night in one another's company. still.. albedo isn't a nameless face he met in the angel's share on a lonely thursday night. he's a compatriot, and now, he thinks, kaeya would even call him a friend. albedo has peered into his past, into his soul.
so what will come of this.. well, that remains to be seen, doesn't it? kaeya is doing himself the favor of not thinking too far ahead. especially once albedo breathes that soft, sweet sound against his lips, kaeya's mind goes deliciously blank. when the kiss breaks so albedo can speak, kaeya presses their foreheads together, briefly, before he's mouthing his way down albedo's throat. ]
Mm.. good to know.
[ he murmurs, both hands gliding down albedo's back, pulling him even nearer still, until their bodies are flush. he's not.. entirely surprised to learn that albedo has never done anything like this before. the man is too devoted to his work for his own good. still, he's grown, and painfully beautiful - how on earth is kaeya the first person to talk him into bed? he'll consider himself lucky, and adjust accordingly. if albedo is new to all of this, kaeya will treat that with the gravity it deserves.
which means being a perfect gentleman, and stooping to sweep albedo right up into his arms. it's easy, for how slight his companion is. kaeya moves toward the winding wooden stairs that lead to his loft sleeping area. ]
Let's head somewhere more comfortable, hmm?
[ the nearby couch would've been just fine, were albedo any old rando, and were he more experienced, but.. as neither of those are the case, to the bed it is. ]
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He's quickly beginning to associate that feeling with Kaeya, for better or for worse.
Kaeya is more than strong enough to handle a slight figure like Albedo, and even drunk, Albedo doesn't worry that he'll trip and drop him on the way to his loft. That won't stop him from making himself an absolute tease and a distraction, peppering kisses along Kaeya's ear and jaw line, learning the feel of his skin against his lips, his taste, his scent. It's the same as before, just as exhilarating, and yet somehow new and different all at once. Is that because the circumstances are different now, too? They are no longer surrounded by friends and loved ones at a party, but now completely alone, in the embrace of moonlight.
It bathes Kaeya in a beautiful light. It is rare that Albedo finds himself physically attracted to others, but maybe it's something about the way this man looks like a painting in motion that draws Albedo to him. ]
You're beautiful.
[ Albedo murmurs on a voice gone quiet with want, though he can't identify it in that way himself. Something about Kaeya just makes his whole heart and lungs and throat feel tight. ]
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