Chapter Text
“Oh do you ever let up, Morax?” Pavo taunted, leaping backward to avoid the pillars of rock that sprung up at his feet. Zhongli flew through the zigzag, heading straight for the man conducting the evasive maneuvers, only to be faced with a grin the moment he got within killing distance, as Pavo teleported away once more.
“Why must you do this?” Zhongli demanded, gritting his teeth as he whipped his head around for that hint of ice, that small indication right before Pavo appeared…wherever he would appear.
In the corner of his eye, light blue sparks flinted in the air, and Zhongli struck the ground there, barely missing the teleporting villain, who gave out a wolf whistle.
“Oh don’t you know? After all, I’d think the destruction of a whole state would be quite memorable, especially since you yourself participated in it.” Zhongli smoothly evaded the incoming sword strikes, his face under his mask showing no remorse.
“I did what had to be done. Your revenge means very little in the face of it all.”
Pavo’s face contorted in rage under the mask that covered the upper half of his face for a second before returning to his usual mocking, a sliver of true emotion.
“Of course, it means very little to you, Celestia’s chess piece. You’ve lost nothing.”
The accusation was punctuated with a sudden lunge forward, followed by a sharp slash across his abdomen, the ice blades cutting through his robes and into his skin.
Zhongli let out a gasp of pain, clutching at his chest where the wound started seeping blood. It wasn’t a hit that the villain usually managed to land. Pavo grinned, taking the momentary distraction to rush past the Archon.
Gritting his teeth, Zhongli whisked his weapon away, opting to attempt to follow the other instead, knowing attempting to fight now would only worsen his condition.
The chase led them both out of the warehouse and into the open, the underground sectors of the city where very few live and fewer roam about. The dull throb of the wound became something in the background as Zhongli’s sole focus became the villain in front of him, the flowing blue locks that seemed to evade him every single time.
Pavo turned his head, eye narrowing when it landed on the hero following him, gears turning in his head. He was faster than Morax, and had more stamina too. Not to mention, the only injuries he had were some scrapes from being thrown around a bit. All he had to do was outrun him, as he had done so many times before.
They wove through the alleyways and blocks, trying to end this before they reached a place where they’d be noticed. Zhongli could feel his pace slowing down, the pain finally making itself known. In a sudden burst of speed, he felt himself reaching out to grab something, anything that would mean the end of so many years of frustration.
His fingers caught on the fabric of a cape, and he tugged, aiming to use the hold to pull Pavo back. The villain gave a yelp, and began to pull forward, attempting to use strength he didn’t quite have.
Unfortunately for Zhongli, a ripping sound tore through the air, and the little hold he had became a scrap of fabric in his hand, as Pavo surged forward with a laugh. Cursing, he stumbled, knowing that this was yet another battle he had failed to win.
As he slowed to a stop, hands on his knees and panting hard, chest still radiating pain, all that was left in the air in front of him was a small giggle and an ice-cold breeze.
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Kaeya ran through the city, having stuffed his costume into a bag that now remained at his side. He slowed to a jog in front of a large building, looking around before pushing the two double doors open.
Cold air hit his face in a rush, and he looked around the conditioned lobby to find it pleasantly empty. A crowd always meant trouble, as he had learned over the years. He made a brisk pace to the counter to the reception, leaning on it with a grin.
“Hey Mona, slow day?”
The girl looked up from her astrology magazine, unimpressed.
“You know it’s a bad sign when it isn’t.” She squinted at him, making the hair at the back of his neck prickle. Archons he hated those with predictive powers. They always knew something he didn’t. He hated that, and boy did Mona know it.
“You oughtta be more careful.” She said after a moment. “I don’t like how shady my visions about you are. It’s too secretive for your own good.”
Chuckling, Kaeya set some papers down in front of her. His latest mission. obtain paperwork from an abandoned building in his area. He was one of the only agents stationed in Liyue, and as a result, had to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Really, they were lucky he was good at his job.
“Isn’t that kinda the point, Mona? We’re the bad guys, if my future had good in it I’d be worried. No point in talking morals though, if Lumine doesn’t have anything could you send me up to Albedo? I’ve got some stuff to pick up.”
Mona rolled her eyes before leaning over to press the intercom button for Albedo’s suite.
“Albedo, the annoying one is here to see you. Don’t let him rob you blind with a smile on his face.”
Kaeya flashed her a smile that said ‘mind your business’ before being buzzed up.
On the elevator ride up he pulled out his cape, fingering the torn fabric while cursing his enemy in his head. It was hard work getting his costume repaired, as it was hand sown. Of course, the biggest pain in his ass would make his presence known in the smallest ways possible.
Knocking on Albedo’s door, he only received a soft ‘come in’ before opening the door to the Alchemist, standing carefully in front of his chemistry table, various flasks full of strange liquids strewn around him. Leaning on the doorframe, Kaeya gave a soft whistle.
“Kept yourself busy have you?”
“The field never did suit me as it did all of you.” Albedo replied, turning towards him and taking off his gloves. “And we all need to keep ourselves useful one way or another.”
Kaeya snorted.
“Fancy way of saying you’re tired of being Lumine’s lapdog.”
“Someone had to give the role to you after all.” He shot back, eyes trained on the man walking into his lab.
“My, has being stuck inside made you jaded? Not that I can argue, the princess has got me running around everywhere, an archon at my heels.”
Albedo gave a mirthless laugh, moving deeper into the room to rummage through a drawer.
“Well, at least you aren’t getting complacent. Married life will do that to you.”
“Me, complacent? Please. I even managed to land a pretty good hit on Morax this time. Hell, I’m pretty sure he’ll be recovering for days. Talk about lucky. Oh, and speaking of married life, how’s the old ball and chain?”
“Sucrose is an angel, undeserving of having her name in your mouth.”
“I’m sure. Give her my regards, and tell her that shyness should be limited to conversation. She keeps dodging my calls and it’s starting to hurt my ego.”
“She’ll talk to you when she’s ready. How’s your husband?”
An incredibly fond look overtook Kaeya’s face.
“As boring as ever. All we do is work, come home, eat and sleep.”
“And somehow you’ve never looked happier.”
Kaeya shrugged and looked away.
“The Kaeya Alberich, party animal whose middle name is ‘wine’, keg chugger extraordinaire, dated and dumped half the college campus, has settled down. Never thought I’d see the day.”
Knocking a hand against Albedo’s arm, Kaeya rolled his eyes.
“More than half of those titles were rumors and you know it. Zhongli’s good. I’m good. Can I have those files now, before we both grow old?”
Albedo slapped a heavy folder into Kaeya’a waiting hand, quirking up a brow.
“Here. Everything there is to know about Morax, except, of course, his real identity. In here are attack pattern analyses, public reputation and opinions, and potential weaknesses. Use it wisely, Mr. Pavo Ocellus.”
Giving a mock two-fingered salute, Kaeya stuffed the file into his bag with his costume.
“I owe you one, Kreideprinz. Next time you need a hit on someone, its free of charge.”
Albedo put a finger on his chin, pretending to think hard.
“Well, I do have this one annoying coworker…”
Flipping him off, Kaeya pushed the doors open and took the stairs down, giving only a nod to Mona before leaving.
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“Li, I’m home!”
Kaeya shoved the door open with his foot, casually holding a bag of groceries in one hand and extremely incriminating evidence of villainy in the other.
“Welcome home…” Came a rather gravelly voice from within, making Kaeya frown. The man sounded more and more tired each day.
“Let me just drop some papers off in my room and then I’ll unpack the groceries, ‘kay?” Kaeya said, going about his work and not expecting a response, as Zhongli often tended to nod while forgetting the other person couldn't see him.
He dumped the bag of vegetables on the kitchen table before going over to sit down next to his husband on the sofa.
“Tough day at work?” Kaeya said softly, caressing Zhongli’s arm.
The man looked on the verge of passing out, but nodded, smiling warmly.
“Well,” Kaeya started, pushing aside his bangs to press a soft kiss to his forehead. “I’m gonna reheat some leftovers and put on a movie, all you have to do is sit here, alright? Li, you know I love you, but you really do take it too far sometimes. Work isn’t life or death, make some time for your husband too.” He sighed, pressing a finger to his nose before getting up to plate the food he had cooked yesterday.
When he came back with the plates, Zhongli seemed to be doing marginally better, smiling up at him and taking his hand.
“Thank you, darling. You are truly an angel sometimes, you know? I’m sorry for not making time for you, but…you know work…” He trailed off, rubbing his thumb in circles on Kaeya’s skin.
Kaeya gave a fond, if a bit of a sad smile before leaning on Zhongli’s shoulder.
“It’s okay. I understand Li. Just… be a bit more careful, for me.”
They began eating, Zhongli clicking on some hallmark movie mid-shovel.
The mindlessness of it all began to affect Kaeya, and eventually, a blanket of tranquility was laid upon the two.
“Baby, please, just tell me the truth… don’t you love me?”
Kaeya jolted at the words before realizing they were said by the characters on screen. The sudden movement made Zhongli beside him shoot an odd look.
Kaeya smiled reassuringly before returning his attention to the movie. Yet at the same time, the guilt that had been eating away at him for years reared his head yet again.
Zhongli was so loving, so kind, yet all Kaeya was doing was taking advantage of it. What Kaeya had said earlier, ‘no point in talking morals’, was it really true? Sure he didn’t think the Abyss Order was completely wrong. Their goals were right, Celestia was wrong, and while Kaeya tried his best not to hurt people, they were still villains in the scenario, taking what wasn’t theirs. What would Zhongli think of such a person, someone who showed up on their television as a mugshot rather than as a hero?
He hated hiding a part of himself from the one he loved so dearly, and yet he had no choice. The last time he decided to let someone in, they fought him till they were both bloody and then left on a four-year journey to the cold depths of Snezhnaya. Kaeya couldn’t take the chance of that same rejection happening again, he simply couldn’t.
Even if it meant selfishly taking Zhongli’s love for himself.
Just as his thoughts took a deprecating turn, a grunt from his husband stole his attention.
“You ok, Li? You’re looking really pale.” Kaeya put a hand on the older man’s forehead, all dread-filled thoughts replaced with concern for his love.
“Ah… yes… I simply need to lay down…” Zhongli grunted, breaths turning into panting. Kaeya felt his heart jump, his mind desperately trying to figure out what was plaguing him.
With Kaeya hovering worriedly at his shoulder, Zhongli carefully made his way to the bedroom, leaning on the hallway wall on the walk there. Easing himself into bed, he carefully used Kaeya’s arm as support, before sighing and settling in.
“Kaeya, could you…” The hesitation was visible on Zhongli’s face, and it only served to worry Kaeya even more. Had something happened? Was there something going on that Li couldn’t tell him about?
“Could you please grab the med kit? The big one from the bathroom.”
Nodding, Kaeya went over to grab it, only to return to a shirtless Zhongli, cradling his abdomen as a wound ran from his shoulder to his midsection.
Kaeya almost dropped the kit.
A thousand worried thoughts raced through his head. What had happened? Usually Zhongli came back with bruises, but never wounds like this one. Had someone hurt him? Was someone still trying to hurt him, at this very moment? Was Li safe?
Hurrying over to his bedside, Kaeya took note of the bloodied bandages discarded near Zhongli’s right, a clear attempt at dressing the wound.
“Zhongli, what is this? What’s going on?” His voice was small, even to his own ears, with tears threatening to fall.
Zhongli closed his eyes, now clearly breathing easier, yet still in pain. Up close to the wound, Kaeya could make out the fact that it was stitched up, with blood still somehow coming through.
“Kae, my apologies for deceiving you.” Zhongli finally spoke, guilt flooding his words. “I didn’t want to worry you, but the truth is I was hurt.”
“Hurt how? Li, a wound like this-”
“A mugging.” Zhongli interrupted him.
“...A mugging?”
“Mhm, a mugging. A…child. Came up to me with a knife. I was unwilling to give him my personals, and as a result, he cut me like this.”
Kaeya attempted to process the explanation. A child? A child had attempted to steal Li’s valuables and had done…all this damage?
“Ah, by child I mean a relatively young adult. He was surely in his early 20s.”
“Well, still, Li we have to find him and press charges or get him to-”
“No need, Kae. He didn’t even mean to hurt me, he simply made a mistake. No need to ruin a future over this.”
Kaeya felt his mouth fall open, left speechless in the search for words. Someone had hurt Zhongli to the point where he needed stitches, and he refused to pursue them? This was ridiculous! They deserved to face the consequences of their actions.
Just as Kaeya was about to press him, Zhongli let out another slight grunt of pain, and pointed toward the needle and thread in the kit.
“My love, I’m sorry to even ask, but could you please redo where my stitches have come undone? I don’t think another doctor's visit is warranted. It’s only one or two, I promise.”
Kaeya gulped, looking at the blood surrounding the torn area, and nodded. His hands shook as he disinfected the area, but he managed to control them before moving on to the stitches.
“That -ah -emergency treatment experience of yours has surely become helpful, no?” Zhongli said with a light tone, as if to diffuse the tension that had built up between them. It didn’t help.
Tersely yet silently, Kaeya finished up the stitches before once again disinfecting the area and bandaging it.
Returning the supplies to the med kit, he turned to put it away before being stopped.
Zhongli took Kaeya’s shaky, cold hands into his own.
“I’m sorry, Kaeya.” he spoke, voice apologetic. “I didn’t mean to hide this from you. I just didn’t want to worry you.” His voice was sincere, yet it failed to ground Kaeya the way it had done so many times in the past.
“So what, you simply wanted me to sit quietly while you suffered in pain, all without me knowing? Li, I-”
Kaeya sniffled, reaching up to wipe at tears he hadn’t even known had fallen.
“I’m sorry, I really am. It’s just, I knew this would concern you and you simply don’t need-”
“Don’t decide what I need by yourself.” Kaeya snapped, before wincing internally at how terse his voice had come out. He made sure to make his voice softer before continuing. “I need to know what’s troubling you, Li. Even if you don’t want me to help. I need to be there for you.”
He looked into those warm brown eyes, the same ones he had fallen for a couple of years ago.
“Won’t you allow me even that?”
Li lowered his head, unable to meet Kaeya’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Kae. I…I won’t let it happen again. I’ll be sure to tell you when I’m hurt like this.”
Kaeya sighed, neither accepting nor rejecting the apology. He sat back down, caressing the back of Zhongli’s hand.
“We can talk when you wake. For now, rest. Please.”
Zhongli nodded, easing into the blankets.
Kaeya looked out the window across from him, one thing about the whole exchange still eating away at his mind.
There was no mugging. The story simply didn’t line up.
Li was hiding something from him.