![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ kaeya, thankfully, is too young to understand the implications of presumptuousness. things are much simpler at this age. all kaeya knows is that he was frightened, and now that threat has been taken away.. but he feels guilty, too, a cold feeling clawing at his belly. ]
I don't know if I..
[ he starts, then stops, swallowing thickly. no, he shouldn't reveal any more. even this young, kaeya has secrets, he knows he's not allowed to talk about his father, or about where he came from, so he's quick to press his lips together, looking away. ]
.. thanks, Mr. Albedo.
[ he's really very nice, isn't he? ]
I don't know if I..
[ he starts, then stops, swallowing thickly. no, he shouldn't reveal any more. even this young, kaeya has secrets, he knows he's not allowed to talk about his father, or about where he came from, so he's quick to press his lips together, looking away. ]
.. thanks, Mr. Albedo.
[ he's really very nice, isn't he? ]
Hmmm... Alright, if you're sure...
[ She's so sure it would have been okay. After all, there had been a faint undercurrent of lingering affection in Diluc's demeanor when he'd introduced Kaeya to Ori in that dream...
Regardless, with dinner delivered, she makes her way back around to the other side of the bar, taking the liberty to seat herself in the stool next to Kaeya's. ]
How have you settled in to Reverein so far, Kaeya? Have you found a suitable tree house to stay in yet?
[ She's so sure it would have been okay. After all, there had been a faint undercurrent of lingering affection in Diluc's demeanor when he'd introduced Kaeya to Ori in that dream...
Regardless, with dinner delivered, she makes her way back around to the other side of the bar, taking the liberty to seat herself in the stool next to Kaeya's. ]
How have you settled in to Reverein so far, Kaeya? Have you found a suitable tree house to stay in yet?
[ Albedo is a curious thing, and the question to know who that was burns inside of him. Still, he can't ask this child - won't ask him. It's not in his nature to pry, and Kaeya is already distressed enough. Perhaps another time, once they are returned to their usual selves, if Kaeya even remembers this. If not, then perhaps Albedo simply was not meant to know.
He kneels down on one knee before Kaeya, peering at him with gentle eyes. ]
I'm glad I was able to help. Should you ever need my assistance, you need only ask for it. Understood?
[ Perhaps the present-day Kaeya won't remember this either, but Albedo means it. If he can help...he would like to. He hopes Kaeya will at least remember in his heart. ]
He kneels down on one knee before Kaeya, peering at him with gentle eyes. ]
I'm glad I was able to help. Should you ever need my assistance, you need only ask for it. Understood?
[ Perhaps the present-day Kaeya won't remember this either, but Albedo means it. If he can help...he would like to. He hopes Kaeya will at least remember in his heart. ]
[ kaeya is distracted, peering over his shoulder and out the window, toward the tall hill, but he can't make out a shape there, can't tell whether or not the man is lingering. when lightning flashes, he can see a little more clearly, but not clearly enough to tell for sure. rain pounds hard against the glass panes, thunder rattles the windows in their frames.
but then albedo is there, kneeling in front of him, looking at him with such kind eyes, and he's feeling a little better. maybe it's the fact that the real kaeya knows this man, knows he's trustworthy, but.. this kaeya trusts him, too. they've only just met, but albedo's presence puts him at ease. his eyes are so warm. ]
.. okay.
[ he nods, and takes a deep breath through his nose. time to be tough again. time to be strong. conceal, don't feel!! ]
I want to help you too, Mr. Albedo.
but then albedo is there, kneeling in front of him, looking at him with such kind eyes, and he's feeling a little better. maybe it's the fact that the real kaeya knows this man, knows he's trustworthy, but.. this kaeya trusts him, too. they've only just met, but albedo's presence puts him at ease. his eyes are so warm. ]
.. okay.
[ he nods, and takes a deep breath through his nose. time to be tough again. time to be strong. conceal, don't feel!! ]
I want to help you too, Mr. Albedo.
[ there's absolutely an undercurrent of lingering affection between them, but it's also something that they both pointedly ignore!! they're just so heckin complicated, ori.. it may very well have been okay, but then, kaeya also might've been the asshole that just ate the entire meal. ]
Yes, I was fortunate enough to find one quite easily. It's.. quaint, but comfortable. I can't complain.
[ and it's not as if he spends much time there.. ]
Would you like a drink?
Yes, I was fortunate enough to find one quite easily. It's.. quaint, but comfortable. I can't complain.
[ and it's not as if he spends much time there.. ]
Would you like a drink?
[ Put on a show, make one wrong move and everyone will know... :(
But Albedo also knows that putting on a brave face is often the best way to face what you fear. If it helps Kaeya feel strong and capable to offer him help, then far be it from him to refuse. ]
Of course. I'm sure there's plenty you could help me with. You said you wanted to be a knight someday, didn't you?
[ Then perhaps he could help Albedo in the field sometime. He's often in need of an assistant -
And for a moment, he's caught up enough in the dream that he nearly forgets that that's all it is - a dream. Will the real Kaeya even remember this when they wake? ]
But Albedo also knows that putting on a brave face is often the best way to face what you fear. If it helps Kaeya feel strong and capable to offer him help, then far be it from him to refuse. ]
Of course. I'm sure there's plenty you could help me with. You said you wanted to be a knight someday, didn't you?
[ Then perhaps he could help Albedo in the field sometime. He's often in need of an assistant -
And for a moment, he's caught up enough in the dream that he nearly forgets that that's all it is - a dream. Will the real Kaeya even remember this when they wake? ]
[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.]
I see you got the basket I left you.
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.
[ that certainly remains to be seen, doesn't it? kaeya will remember, but whether or not he will bring it up is the question. if albedo says nothing, kaeya is sure to say nothing, as well.
too bad they'll be sucked into another dream soon enough.. ]
Yeah! As soon as I can.
[ he nods emphatically, a warm smile beginning to spread across his face again. behind him, the rain begins to lessen, the rolling thunder growing more distant. ]
I should probably go find Diluc, soon..
too bad they'll be sucked into another dream soon enough.. ]
Yeah! As soon as I can.
[ he nods emphatically, a warm smile beginning to spread across his face again. behind him, the rain begins to lessen, the rolling thunder growing more distant. ]
I should probably go find Diluc, soon..
[ is he spending more time at someone else's treehouse, hm...... ]
Well, maybe it won't stay plain for long. Everyone's houses change and shift with their dreamotion.
[ To answer his question, she leans over the counter and procures another glass. ]
If you don't mind me joining you for one, sure! I regret that our first meeting was a bit strange... I really would like to get to know you in earnest!
Well, maybe it won't stay plain for long. Everyone's houses change and shift with their dreamotion.
[ To answer his question, she leans over the counter and procures another glass. ]
If you don't mind me joining you for one, sure! I regret that our first meeting was a bit strange... I really would like to get to know you in earnest!
[ Albedo nods. Kaeya is so concerned for the well-being of his brother...had something happened between them when they got older?
Well, that's a question for another time. Straightening up, he takes a step back. ]
Yes, better to make sure he's safe as well. I can lend you a hand.
[ Except no sooner does he say this than does the dream begin to dissolve from around him. Is he waking up? Well, then.
At least it reached a satisfying conclusion. ]
Well, that's a question for another time. Straightening up, he takes a step back. ]
Yes, better to make sure he's safe as well. I can lend you a hand.
[ Except no sooner does he say this than does the dream begin to dissolve from around him. Is he waking up? Well, then.
At least it reached a satisfying conclusion. ]
[ 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. ]
I can hardly wait.
I did. Master Diluc is too kind.
[ he sets the basket on the bartop, and slides onto a stool. ]
I can hardly wait.
[ nope! 8) not yet. being at home just makes him depressed!! ]
Is that so? We'll see, then.
[ but that's enough smalltalk. kaeya is happy to fill her glass. ]
And I'm an open book, my dear. Anything you'd like to know?
Is that so? We'll see, then.
[ but that's enough smalltalk. kaeya is happy to fill her glass. ]
And I'm an open book, my dear. Anything you'd like to know?
[ There is a part of her that very much Doubts him being an "open book." She's an open book, and she knows, and he does not strike her as someone who is like her in most any way... ]
Well, for starters... What's your favorite food? I'll keep it mind for the next time I bring food over here.
Well, for starters... What's your favorite food? I'll keep it mind for the next time I bring food over here.
[ why would u think he lying hmm?? does this look like a face that would lie?? ]
My favorite food? I don't suppose you would accept a cocktail as an answer, would you?
[ somehow he thinks she wouldn't be satisfied with death after noon.. ]
My favorite food? I don't suppose you would accept a cocktail as an answer, would you?
[ somehow he thinks she wouldn't be satisfied with death after noon.. ]
"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.
[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.
[ her lips immediately pull into a frown. ]
No, I wouldn’t…
I’ve heard of some dishes from Mondstadt during my time here, y’know! Like… Tea Break Pancakes, and Moon Pie… Besides, if it’s a cocktail that you’d like, you could just ask our bartender to make one for you, couldn’t you?
No, I wouldn’t…
I’ve heard of some dishes from Mondstadt during my time here, y’know! Like… Tea Break Pancakes, and Moon Pie… Besides, if it’s a cocktail that you’d like, you could just ask our bartender to make one for you, couldn’t you?
[ if you think he'll stop referring to you as master diluc, you're sorely mistaken, diloo..
at any rate, there are more important things at hand, like the drink that is soon set before him. kaeya watches diluc prepare it, his chin resting against his knuckles, a warm, easy smile on his face. ]
If only there were an easier way to procure it..
[ a heavy sigh, and he lifts his drink, swirling it in its glass for a moment before taking a sip - oh, oh, that's good.. the sound he makes is positively sinful. ]
at any rate, there are more important things at hand, like the drink that is soon set before him. kaeya watches diluc prepare it, his chin resting against his knuckles, a warm, easy smile on his face. ]
If only there were an easier way to procure it..
[ a heavy sigh, and he lifts his drink, swirling it in its glass for a moment before taking a sip - oh, oh, that's good.. the sound he makes is positively sinful. ]
It's a very specific cocktail that I seek, my dear, not just any drink has the honor of being my favorite.
[ he chuckles. the drinks here are wonderful, and all, but nothing beats his death after noon.. ]
Still, if you're going to twist my arm, I also enjoy chicken and mushroom skewers. Even better if they're marinated in wine.
[ he chuckles. the drinks here are wonderful, and all, but nothing beats his death after noon.. ]
Still, if you're going to twist my arm, I also enjoy chicken and mushroom skewers. Even better if they're marinated in wine.
Hmm, alright…
[ She’s not exactly sure what it means. She’d like to ask him about it, but the cocktail is soon forgotten by the mention of chicken and mushroom skewers. Recognition flits across her features, and she smiles. ]
Oh! Diluc has made those for me before! They’re very tasty!
[ So very subtle! ]
[ She’s not exactly sure what it means. She’d like to ask him about it, but the cocktail is soon forgotten by the mention of chicken and mushroom skewers. Recognition flits across her features, and she smiles. ]
Oh! Diluc has made those for me before! They’re very tasty!
[ So very subtle! ]
[ ah yes, incredibly subtle.. kaeya arches a brow, grins, and makes no comment. ]
Yes, he learned the recipe from me. Well, the altered recipe. Quite good, hmm?
[ and he's a little smug that diluc is still making them, tbh!! ]
Yes, he learned the recipe from me. Well, the altered recipe. Quite good, hmm?
[ and he's a little smug that diluc is still making them, tbh!! ]
[Diluc is entirely unfazed by Kaeya's reaction to the drink. He's like this every time the drink comes back into season.]
You'll earn baubles for the well soon enough. In the meantime, perhaps you could talk to Van Zieks and see if he's interested in creating an approximate drink here. He's much more involved in the winemaking process than I am.
You'll earn baubles for the well soon enough. In the meantime, perhaps you could talk to Van Zieks and see if he's interested in creating an approximate drink here. He's much more involved in the winemaking process than I am.
[ he sure is just like this every time!! because it's absolutely, decadently delicious every single time. kaeya exhales slowly, and sets the drink down for a moment. he can't be too greedy, there's not much of this to go around, and the night is young. ]
I'll be sure to do just that. Though it can hardly compare to Mondstadt's own dandelion wine, I'm sure there's something that ought to help scratch the itch, hmm? What does he usually offer, here?
[ nevermind that kaeya's been coming here for awhile already, this is more for aiden's benefit.. ]
I'll be sure to do just that. Though it can hardly compare to Mondstadt's own dandelion wine, I'm sure there's something that ought to help scratch the itch, hmm? What does he usually offer, here?
[ nevermind that kaeya's been coming here for awhile already, this is more for aiden's benefit.. ]
Delicious, actually!
[ ... why does he look so smug ]
D-Did I actually say something funny?
[ ... why does he look so smug ]
D-Did I actually say something funny?
Funny? Of course not.
[ you're just really fuckin sus my friend, he doesn't need to hear it from her lips to be suspicious.. he'll just casually sip his drink. ]
Nevertheless, I'm glad you like them! I'd be happy to jot down the recipe for you, if you'd like it for yourself.
[ you're just really fuckin sus my friend, he doesn't need to hear it from her lips to be suspicious.. he'll just casually sip his drink. ]
Nevertheless, I'm glad you like them! I'd be happy to jot down the recipe for you, if you'd like it for yourself.
[ 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. ]
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. ]
Page 3 of 6