Tch. [The amusement grows despite his inner sigh, and he regards Kaeya with what he hopes is an incredulous look.]
A sip from the Calvary Captain Sir Kaeya. Now, if I hadn't known any better, I'd have thought you strange. I like keeping alert. The effects... you already know this.
[He's already sighing into his glass. Diluc takes a sip and revels in its sweet taste.]
That is expected. Not everything you experience will be pleasant.
[He eyes him curiously, watching him sip and noting the way his features tighten by a smidgen. A passing thought reminds Diluc that not everyone can tell the differences, at least in the way Kaeya carries himself.]
Doing it to fool yourself and another is ridiculous.
[Ah, there. Diluc lets out a soft sigh.] I don't doubt your abilities, captain. I simply don't think adding intoxication would maintain your "alertness" consistently.
Oh, you don't? That's news to me, considering how often you remind us knights otherwise.
[Kaeya flashes him a too-wide smile. Maybe it was time to spike his own juice.]
Don't worry, I remain alert enough for my needs. Speaking of which, do you still not want to sample any of your own products?
[Diluc may be fine with his juice, but Kaeya very much wasn't and he planned to change that, gesturing to the various options behind him. He raises a brow at Diluc- very much expecting him to decline, but waiting for a response nonetheless.]
[Kaeya has to try really hard to stop himself from rolling his eyes at how pedantic Diluc was being. He'd managed to insult and almost compliment him simultaneously. Whatever. Kaeya knew not to expect much from Diluc and his opinions on such matters, anyway.
When Diluc rejects the offer of alcohol, Kaeya sighs lightly, though it was expected. He was already pouring in something for himself, to give the sickening sweetness of the juice at least some kind of edge, as he gives Diluc a polite smile.]
Of course.
[Before he can even have a sip, though, his attention is pulled away by a customer who orders a drink and questions why the cavalry captain is behind the bar. Kaeya takes it in stride, promptly preparing their drink as he gives Diluc a sideways glance before gracing the customer with a charming smirk and a casual shrug.]
I simply thought the tavern could do with someone lightening the mood! Besides, everyone needs a hobby, don't they?
[He slides over the customer's drink, who seems satisfied enough with Kaeya's answer - or more so the prospect of his drink.]
Of course not. I'd rather not drag any patron home. You are an exemption for the night. [He's gruff as he speaks, occasionally adjusting his arms so Kaeya is secure in his arms. Diluc finds himself wandering; mind at least, in how his childhood and adolescent memories littered around the street.
Diluc and Kaeya peeking over at the Good Hunter stove, watching the sweet flowers melt into the pot. Participating in their first Windblume festival. Crepus holding them high in his arms to watch a travelling troupe perform in the square. Then, training for the knights, training with Kaeya, doing the tryouts, and shooting to captaincy.
Diluc pauses as he looks up, now facing the housing block where he knows Kaeya lives in. He opens his mouth then.]
Kaeya.
[The short pause he takes unfortunately prolongs. He schools his expression into stoicism, but a longing holds and persists. Many questions formed but not enough to settle in the moment.]
[Kaeya looks back down in front of him, seemingly satisfied with the reply. An exemption, huh? Interesting. He would say more, but Diluc's gaze had seemed to have gone distant, and a nice peace had settled over them. It was like being in a bubble, and the wrong words could pop it, so he chose to keep his lips sealed for once. Just in case Diluc's generosity ran out and his bum hit the ground, hard.
Kaeya exhales softly, willing his mind to think of anything but Diluc's grasp under his back and legs, but now that he was aware of it, it's the only thing his mind holds to. When was the last time Diluc held him like this? A few times when they were kids: Diluc always wanted to prove he was a good- no, the best, older brother, even when Kaeya insisted he was alright. And then in their teens...
Sigh.
Kaeya shuts his eye, absolutely refusing to let his mind go there.
Thankfully, Diluc's voice pulls him out of his thoughts.]
Hmm?
[He watches, expectantly, very aware they'd reached his front door. Diluc has the same expression he's seen on him countless times - one that suggests he wants to say more, but eventually thinks against it. Kaeya has long since stopped hoping that Diluc would surprise him in that aspect.]
Ah, right, of course. Here you go, Master Diluc.
[Conveniently, Kaeya reaches in to produce his keys from under his jacket, holding up the front door key for Diluc. Was Diluc... not going to put him down? How long is he going to deal with me?]
Edited (shah grammar go peepoo) Date: 2021-12-30 07:49 pm (UTC)
[The time it takes for his keys to appear from under his jacket was the same time something slices through the air. Diluc's heart stops for a split-second. Before he could move an inch, it zings past his head and strikes at the door in front of him.
Thunk.
Missed by a hair's width, he stares at the small dagger, embedded neatly into the door.
Diluc puts Kaeya down, then immediately turns towards the shadow caught in the corner of his eye, now scurrying into the darker parts of the street.]
Stay here.
[He hops over the railing and rushes out, disappearing in around the corner.
[Kaeya's eye widens, shooting to the new 'arrival' on his door. His eye narrows at it, and if Diluc hadn't set him down, he'd be leaping out of his arms anyway. The dagger is small and seemingly nondescript, but it's hilt has a signature shape that makes him raise a brow. Then, Kaeya takes a second to scan where they'd just come from, to check if anyone else was pursuing them, rooftops included, before taking off right after Diluc.]
You really couldn't have expected me to stay put.
[Kaeya mutters, mostly to himself, but he'd easily caught up to Diluc and didn't mind if the man heard him.
Whatever tiredness he'd felt and what (relatively) little alcohol he'd taken in earlier was long forgotten now as he ran, his senses on high alert. Whoever thought they could attempt to murder Diluc on his literal doorstep was going to get a piece of his mind.]
[Diluc gives chase, hot on the escapee's heels as he reaches behind to summon his weapon. In one split-second glance they disappear off from one of the lesser known alleyways and into the wilderness, where they give no more than a breath's start into the forest. Diluc follows, listening to the crunches of his boots against the dry grass. He slows down as soon as he enters, blinking as the shadows he followed now merged into the stillness among the trees.
He takes a cautious step onward.
Rustle.
Diluc lunges forward. The glimpse of a uniform - ragged and camouflaged with muted colours, gives him enough to assume this was not Mondstadt's.
His world turns.
He falls forward.
Weight presses hard onto his back, and he grunts with effort.
Displeasure crawls unpleasantly along his skin as he's yanked up by his hair. Something clamps around his wrists, firm against his back.
He's dragged up to his knees. The gleam of a knife catches his eye.]
Ha. Turning to dirty tricks now? I know not to expect much from you Fatui.
[Diluc spits, but his vision blackens once, and pain erupts at the side of his head. It isn't anything he's not used to, but the throbbing pain along with something suspiciously wet at his head means they meant business.
He hears something about betrayal, and revenge for their now dead-Harbinger.
Diluc scoffs. So he's supposed to be collateral damage. Supposedly a victim to the Fatui's ploy. He shifts his weight once, twice, but is afforded no more with the hand tightening around his hair that his head spun.
His throat throbs against the cold press of the knife. Blood drips from the small cut. He dares not to move.
[Kaeya gives chase, the protective cover of the night's shadows simultaneously working on his side and against him as the assailant runs out of sight. He curses internally as they leave the threshold of the city walls and enter the forest. He's as light and quiet on his feet as the grass allows, which doesn't matter much when Diluc is making enough noise for the both of them in front of him-
Until he isn't.
Kaeya tenses as Diluc lunges forward, his attack immediately cut short by the assailant, who makes quick work of immobilising Diluc. He lets the Fatui say their piece, mind racing through their options as the Fatui spews their nonsense. He has to try not to roll his eyes at their words, considering they had absolutely nothing to do with that Harbinger. For all the excuses they could come up with to kill Diluc, this was a weak one.
Not that it mattered; he wouldn't let that happen.
Finally, Kaeya stalks towards the pair, arms crossed in a manner that appears casual, despite the threateningly icy air around him.]
I wouldn't do that if I were you.
[His uninterested pretense is laced with a warning tone, topping it off with a shrug as he lifts his gaze from Diluc to the Fatui.]
Unless of course, you want to sink Monstadt's allyship with the Fatui at one go.
[He knows Kaeya's there without having to search for him. On another day, when danger isn't looming near them, he'd have gotten to Kaeya's location and save him inches from death.
Despite his heart racing, he calms to his presence, gaze meeting once before he watches his face contort into grave, just below the surface icy anger.
Diluc thinks of his own position, and Kaeya's, and concludes that it's only because he's a figurehead at Mondstadt, if only unofficially. He knows it's more than that.
He feels hesitation coming from the assailant with his knife pressed against his throat. One of them whispers, another grits their teeth. Hmm.
"Just kill him! We can take him on!"
Ah.
But the second he yells at the assailant, whose grip loosens around the knife, Diluc tugs back and pushes on his feet with as much strength as he could. The top of his head hits what feels like a chin, followed by a surprised yelp and a stagger. He spins on his feet and kicks at them, the night air swishing coolly to his movements long embedded in his muscles. He watches them fall back, knife disarmed.]
[The moment Diluc’s movement catches Kaeya’s eye, his heart skips a few beats. He immediately closes the distance between him and the group, sword in hand even though Diluc was already standing and kicking the assailants away.
A quick, near unnoticeable glance is cast over Diluc - just to be sure that the man was, in fact, okay - and then Kaeya's stepping forward, sword pointed towards the assailant who'd had the knife to Diluc's throat moments before.
The temperature had dropped.]
Not so nice being on the receiving end, hm? Ready to surrender or are we going to have some late-night fun?
[His eye glances from one to the other assailant, expression seemingly daring them to try anything. It would give him an excuse to grant them a more fitting treatment, rather than the more boring alternative of taking them in without a scratch. And if they tried to run, he'd ensure that they fail.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rosecarmine
bartender Kaeya
Date: 2021-12-30 01:36 pm (UTC)Tch. [The amusement grows despite his inner sigh, and he regards Kaeya with what he hopes is an incredulous look.]
A sip from the Calvary Captain Sir Kaeya. Now, if I hadn't known any better, I'd have thought you strange. I like keeping alert. The effects... you already know this.
[He's already sighing into his glass. Diluc takes a sip and revels in its sweet taste.]
(no subject)
Date: 2021-12-30 08:00 pm (UTC)I've learnt to... Occasionally look past certain aspects of things I don't like.
[Kaeya takes another, tinier sip.
It's not that bad.
He is lying to himself, as usual.]
Ah well, I've also learnt to indulge and retain my alertness at the same time! It isn't as unrealistic as you think.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-02 04:21 pm (UTC)[He eyes him curiously, watching him sip and noting the way his features tighten by a smidgen. A passing thought reminds Diluc that not everyone can tell the differences, at least in the way Kaeya carries himself.]
Doing it to fool yourself and another is ridiculous.
[Ah, there. Diluc lets out a soft sigh.] I don't doubt your abilities, captain. I simply don't think adding intoxication would maintain your "alertness" consistently.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-05 02:11 pm (UTC)[Kaeya flashes him a too-wide smile. Maybe it was time to spike his own juice.]
Don't worry, I remain alert enough for my needs. Speaking of which, do you still not want to sample any of your own products?
[Diluc may be fine with his juice, but Kaeya very much wasn't and he planned to change that, gesturing to the various options behind him. He raises a brow at Diluc- very much expecting him to decline, but waiting for a response nonetheless.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-17 02:43 am (UTC)You knights are incompetent. Your methods, however unconventional, gets the job done. Don't get it mixed up, Sir Kaeya.
[Then he huffs and turns his head away.]
I don't need to sample my own concoctions. I have others who sample them for me.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-19 02:25 pm (UTC)When Diluc rejects the offer of alcohol, Kaeya sighs lightly, though it was expected. He was already pouring in something for himself, to give the sickening sweetness of the juice at least some kind of edge, as he gives Diluc a polite smile.]
Of course.
[Before he can even have a sip, though, his attention is pulled away by a customer who orders a drink and questions why the cavalry captain is behind the bar. Kaeya takes it in stride, promptly preparing their drink as he gives Diluc a sideways glance before gracing the customer with a charming smirk and a casual shrug.]
I simply thought the tavern could do with someone lightening the mood! Besides, everyone needs a hobby, don't they?
[He slides over the customer's drink, who seems satisfied enough with Kaeya's answer - or more so the prospect of his drink.]
bridal style spontaneity
Date: 2021-12-30 01:48 pm (UTC)Of course not. I'd rather not drag any patron home. You are an exemption for the night. [He's gruff as he speaks, occasionally adjusting his arms so Kaeya is secure in his arms. Diluc finds himself wandering; mind at least, in how his childhood and adolescent memories littered around the street.
Diluc and Kaeya peeking over at the Good Hunter stove, watching the sweet flowers melt into the pot. Participating in their first Windblume festival. Crepus holding them high in his arms to watch a travelling troupe perform in the square. Then, training for the knights, training with Kaeya, doing the tryouts, and shooting to captaincy.
Diluc pauses as he looks up, now facing the housing block where he knows Kaeya lives in. He opens his mouth then.]
Kaeya.
[The short pause he takes unfortunately prolongs. He schools his expression into stoicism, but a longing holds and persists. Many questions formed but not enough to settle in the moment.]
Keys?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-12-30 07:46 pm (UTC)[Kaeya looks back down in front of him, seemingly satisfied with the reply. An exemption, huh? Interesting. He would say more, but Diluc's gaze had seemed to have gone distant, and a nice peace had settled over them. It was like being in a bubble, and the wrong words could pop it, so he chose to keep his lips sealed for once. Just in case Diluc's generosity ran out and his bum hit the ground, hard.
Kaeya exhales softly, willing his mind to think of anything but Diluc's grasp under his back and legs, but now that he was aware of it, it's the only thing his mind holds to. When was the last time Diluc held him like this? A few times when they were kids: Diluc always wanted to prove he was a good- no, the best, older brother, even when Kaeya insisted he was alright. And then in their teens...
Sigh.
Kaeya shuts his eye, absolutely refusing to let his mind go there.
Thankfully, Diluc's voice pulls him out of his thoughts.]
Hmm?
[He watches, expectantly, very aware they'd reached his front door. Diluc has the same expression he's seen on him countless times - one that suggests he wants to say more, but eventually thinks against it. Kaeya has long since stopped hoping that Diluc would surprise him in that aspect.]
Ah, right, of course. Here you go, Master Diluc.
[Conveniently, Kaeya reaches in to produce his keys from under his jacket, holding up the front door key for Diluc. Was Diluc... not going to put him down? How long is he going to deal with me?]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-02 04:29 pm (UTC)Thunk.
Missed by a hair's width, he stares at the small dagger, embedded neatly into the door.
Diluc puts Kaeya down, then immediately turns towards the shadow caught in the corner of his eye, now scurrying into the darker parts of the street.]
Stay here.
[He hops over the railing and rushes out, disappearing in around the corner.
Bastard.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-04 04:00 pm (UTC)You really couldn't have expected me to stay put.
[Kaeya mutters, mostly to himself, but he'd easily caught up to Diluc and didn't mind if the man heard him.
Whatever tiredness he'd felt and what (relatively) little alcohol he'd taken in earlier was long forgotten now as he ran, his senses on high alert. Whoever thought they could attempt to murder Diluc on his literal doorstep was going to get a piece of his mind.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-17 03:04 am (UTC)He takes a cautious step onward.
Rustle.
Diluc lunges forward. The glimpse of a uniform - ragged and camouflaged with muted colours, gives him enough to assume this was not Mondstadt's.
His world turns.
He falls forward.
Weight presses hard onto his back, and he grunts with effort.
Displeasure crawls unpleasantly along his skin as he's yanked up by his hair. Something clamps around his wrists, firm against his back.
He's dragged up to his knees. The gleam of a knife catches his eye.]
Ha. Turning to dirty tricks now? I know not to expect much from you Fatui.
[Diluc spits, but his vision blackens once, and pain erupts at the side of his head. It isn't anything he's not used to, but the throbbing pain along with something suspiciously wet at his head means they meant business.
He hears something about betrayal, and revenge for their now dead-Harbinger.
Diluc scoffs. So he's supposed to be collateral damage. Supposedly a victim to the Fatui's ploy. He shifts his weight once, twice, but is afforded no more with the hand tightening around his hair that his head spun.
His throat throbs against the cold press of the knife. Blood drips from the small cut. He dares not to move.
Dammit.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-17 05:38 am (UTC)Until he isn't.
Kaeya tenses as Diluc lunges forward, his attack immediately cut short by the assailant, who makes quick work of immobilising Diluc. He lets the Fatui say their piece, mind racing through their options as the Fatui spews their nonsense. He has to try not to roll his eyes at their words, considering they had absolutely nothing to do with that Harbinger. For all the excuses they could come up with to kill Diluc, this was a weak one.
Not that it mattered; he wouldn't let that happen.
Finally, Kaeya stalks towards the pair, arms crossed in a manner that appears casual, despite the threateningly icy air around him.]
I wouldn't do that if I were you.
[His uninterested pretense is laced with a warning tone, topping it off with a shrug as he lifts his gaze from Diluc to the Fatui.]
Unless of course, you want to sink Monstadt's allyship with the Fatui at one go.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-20 02:35 pm (UTC)Despite his heart racing, he calms to his presence, gaze meeting once before he watches his face contort into grave, just below the surface icy anger.
Diluc thinks of his own position, and Kaeya's, and concludes that it's only because he's a figurehead at Mondstadt, if only unofficially. He knows it's more than that.
He feels hesitation coming from the assailant with his knife pressed against his throat. One of them whispers, another grits their teeth. Hmm.
"Just kill him! We can take him on!"
Ah.
But the second he yells at the assailant, whose grip loosens around the knife, Diluc tugs back and pushes on his feet with as much strength as he could. The top of his head hits what feels like a chin, followed by a surprised yelp and a stagger. He spins on his feet and kicks at them, the night air swishing coolly to his movements long embedded in his muscles. He watches them fall back, knife disarmed.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-21 06:06 am (UTC)A quick, near unnoticeable glance is cast over Diluc - just to be sure that the man was, in fact, okay - and then Kaeya's stepping forward, sword pointed towards the assailant who'd had the knife to Diluc's throat moments before.
The temperature had dropped.]
Not so nice being on the receiving end, hm? Ready to surrender or are we going to have some late-night fun?
[His eye glances from one to the other assailant, expression seemingly daring them to try anything. It would give him an excuse to grant them a more fitting treatment, rather than the more boring alternative of taking them in without a scratch. And if they tried to run, he'd ensure that they fail.]
@captainalberich
Date: 2023-11-19 11:58 pm (UTC)Hm. Allow me to assist, then. I'm sure it'll be faster with the two of us.
heh u so funny bebi
Date: 2023-11-20 05:11 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2023-11-21 12:07 am (UTC)Hm. I see your attempts at letting her view me in a better light. I'm not so fussed about it, however. It matters that she's in good hands.
I'll be over soon. I know a place for many of these crystalflies.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-11-22 01:12 am (UTC)Oho, do you now? Are you confident I haven’t already swept it clean of crystalflies for the week?
makin up geography as i go. gography
Date: 2023-11-22 01:47 am (UTC)Hmm. There are some secrets I've kept in our shared childhood, you know. Unless perhaps you've stumbled upon it, which I wouldn't be surprised about.
Meet me at the lip of the cave underneath the cliffs.