whatsthehurry | ic inbox @ songerein

[ 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...?

[ 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.

Have they always called this place home? ]

[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.]

[There's a package right outside Kaeya's door. If he opens it, he'll be welcomed by some home-made snacks and a small card.]

Happy birthday, Kaeya!

[The sender does not leave their signature anywhere, but it's probably easy to guess who left this small gift.]

[ 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. ]

action; sometime in november

action, dream time!!

November 30th

November 30th

11/30 BIRTHDAY

at the end of the party ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)