Chapter Text
Kaeya escorts Elzer to Diluc’s cafe, ensuring the man does not take the opportunity to make a run for it. Just in case, he had Dain on standby to capture him back if required. He opens the cafe’s door for Elzer, before stepping into the cafe himself and standing beside Elzer.
With everything laid down in the open and Kaeya’s skeptical attitude towards him finally known, Elzer kind of expected this scenario. He’s a man of his word, but his young master’s lover is just so overly cautious. It’s not like he will let this chance slip by to check in his young master.
Well, if he has to be honest, pangs of fear grip him like a predator to a prey. Will his young master still treat him just the same as he did before? It’s too late to ask that question now as there’s no turning back.
“There he is,” Kaeya softly breathes out. Diluc is as angelic as always, and even though he has seen him almost every day, Kaeya is always finding himself mesmerized by Diluc’s mere presence. The merit he gained during his previous life must have been so enormous that it let Diluc lands into his life.
“Let’s not keep him waiting.”
Elzer stops for a moment, trying to keep the tears pooling in the corner of his eyes to drop. It’s only a little more than a year since he last saw him and his young master turned into a beautiful man, befitting the images of beautiful people of the house Raginvndirs.
As Elzer recalls, things haven’t changed. The way his master is so focused on his task that he can’t be bothered is still there, wanting everything to be as perfect as it can be. Elzer can’t muster the courage to disturb him now, thinking how Diluc’s life is as free and peaceful now that he’s not with family anymore.
“... Just, give me a few more seconds to look from afar.” Even though Kaeya assures him that he’ll get protection from the looming war, he can’t help but try to imprint more fresh memories he wants to treasure. “Mhmn, I think I’m good.”
Seeing how Elzer is, Kaeya chuckles, “Don’t worry too much, it’s Diluc after all.”
“You’re right.” Elzer exchanges a soft old laugh, realizing his worries are for naught.
Curious stares are coming from the patrons in the cafe, most of them sneaking glances at the newcomer to the town. Kaeya paid them no mind, walking beside Elzer as they approached the counter.
Kaeya does not call out for Diluc, because calling for him means that Diluc would automatically put his attention on him. He places a finger on his lips, signaling Elzer to be quiet, and waits for Diluc to notice them.
He wants to see that out of the two of them, who would Diluc notice first and who he would first run towards?
‘If Diluc sees us both standing in the same place, he will first come running to me.’
Yes, maybe he is being childish and silly, wanting to win against Elzer in this aspect. It’s not as if the love Diluc has for them is the same, nor does it mean that Diluc loves the other less just because he went running towards the other person. There will always be different aspects and reasons as to why Diluc would choose the person to run to. But Kaeya still wishes to know.
Because when it comes to Diluc, Kaeya has always been more irrational than usual.
After stacking clean glasses he just washed, Diluc wipes his hands clean up until his exposed forearm. The customers are still crowding as usual and he notices the murmurs around the cafe change from silent to audible hushes.
‘It’s Kaeya…’ Diluc smiles a little, but at the same time worried that his lover is dropping by earlier than usual. He wipes off the smile on his face, ready to tell Kaeya not to leave his customers who always want to have their flower arrangements made by him.
“It’s way too early to be dropping by Kae–”
As soon as Diluc set his ruby eyes on where Kaeya was supposed to be standing, his sentence halted midway.
“Elzer…” Diluc whispers, almost can’t believe what his eyes are looking at right now. His head is full of contradictions that it couldn’t be. Elzer may be his father’s servant but business-wise, he’s considered as his right-hand man.
And as Diluc picks up on the reality that one of the people who watched him grow up is nearby, his movements quicken. Without a care, he hastily removes the apron around his waist and chucks it somewhere on his clean counter. He circles his counter and walks steadfast and steady towards the two and without a warning, he opens his arms wide and jumps in between the two taller men in front of him.
Diluc’s arms are hanging on one side of their shoulders, pulling Kaeya and Elzer into Diluc’s embrace. Warmth spreads quickly within the hug’s confines and the pulsing beating of three hearts gets louder and louder as Diluc sinks longer his embrace.
“... Let me just stay like this for a while,” Diluc whispers, but as the two are close enough to Diluc, the instruction is loud and clear to them.
“Of course, young master. Take your time. I won’t be going anywhere– for now.” Elzer gently taps on Diluc’s back, reassuring Diluc. It has been a while since he gave his young master some sense of comfort. And being like this feels just like yesterday to him– the same old but different. The young man in his hold has a tighter grip, confident strides, and firmer words. Diluc grew into a fine adult, away from home, and he missed this development– a development that can only happen beneath the confines of his home. Time really waits for no one.
As always, Kaeya has completely lost to Diluc. Here he is, wanting to childishly compete against Elzer who would get Diluc’s hug first when Diluc himself had single-handedly nullified the whole competition. It’s useless to fight for Diluc’s affections because they are always freely given away. Every day, Kaeya just finds himself falling deeper in love with Diluc
“Anything you want, buttercup,” Kaeya whispers soothingly, planting a kiss on the side of Diluc’s head and returning the hug. He will give Diluc whatever he wants and more.
A little sniffle can be heard, an attempt to stop foreboding tears from dropping. As much as Diluc wants to elude everything that is connected to him being an honorable Ragnvindr, seeing Elzer right now is a breath of relief to him.
Diluc still misses home– his first home. Mondstadt is a home he created himself and as much as he wants to merge the two countries, he would rather stay in the home that he created from this faraway land.
“Elzer, you’ve become thinner…” Diluc nuzzles on Elzer’s shoulder like a kid to his favorite caretaker. Oh! How he misses the scent of home that Elzer brought with him to Mondstadt. The strong scent of fermented grapes, the smoke from the brewery, and the sweetness of apples – it’s the scent of the manor he grew up with. Tears are getting harder to control on Diluc’s part.
With pure determination and one last sniffle to get his bearings, Diluc finally loosens his hug and looks at the two gentlemen. His eyes soften, giving the impression of a gentle fire in the fireplace, warm and enticing to watch.
“Kaeya, thank you for bringing Elzer here to see me.” Diluc reaches out for Kaeya’s face, gently holding him with care.
Kaeya nuzzles against Diluc's palms, chuckling “You know me, I have a way with words.” After all, threatening is always a good tool to use if one knows how.
Elzer is just watching the show on the side, watching the two lovebirds being so gentle and careful of each other. Even if he has no knowledge of what they are to each other, it’s rather obvious that the two are lovers.
“A-ah!” Diluc immediately removes his hand from Kaeya’s face, bashfully keeping it on his side. Being in contact with Kaeya as soon as he’s with him is synonymous with Diluc's second nature. It’s inevitable.
With a small smile, Elzer taps on Diluc’s shoulder gently letting out the words, “I know.” And that’s when Diluc’s face exploded with colors similar to his redhead.
“That's the whole reason why he came to find me first,” Kaeya explains to Diluc, grinning from ear-to-ear as he shamelessly tattletales on Elzer, “He didn't want us to get married because apparently, you are too good for me. I agree to the second part but I’m still going to marry you.” And he is not revealing the part about the stolen picture.
Elzer throws a sharp glance towards Kaeya before clearing his throat. “W-well, in the first place, we know nothing about this lover of yours and what kind of danger he can bring to our little dawn. This old me can’t can’t bear to witness you falling prey to their sweet traps and little antics!”
After huffing and puffing some air of frustration, Elzer relaxes, “But I will trust your decision, young master. If being with him is a decision that makes you happy, who am I– or your father– to come between it.” He smiles gently at Diluc to show sincerity in his words.
“Thank you, Elzer. I know you’ll support my decision, just like how I decided to leave the manor.” Diluc returns the same gentle smile. If it’s possible, their exchange could have emitted a glow of light, it warms the heart.
Well… running a background check, interview, and screening processes on Kaeya is not a big deal. No. It didn’t happen. Not at all. Elzer coughs, clearing his throat, “We have a lot to talk about but I guess you two require a visit to the manor.” Before anything else, this is his top priority. Diluc is everyone’s darling in the manor and it’s only a small requirement for the couple to at least say hi to Adelinde and the other maids that tended to Diluc.
However, Diluc had half the heart to say yes to that request.
“... Diluc,” Elzer gains Diluc's divided attention with a gentle voice. “I don’t have much time to be in Mondstadt, but it’s not like what it seems.” Elzer sighs, he knows that his request will be misunderstood. He’s aware that there will be repercussions from diverting from his initial goal and letting Diluc in the loop of what’s happening and going to happen in the whole of Teyvat.
Kaeya claps his hands loudly once to interrupt the conversation, before hugging Diluc to his chest, nuzzling against his lover, perfectly acting out the part of the clingy boyfriend. “Diluc needs to rest his feet and I need to pamper him from working hard all day today,” Kaeya takes one of Diluc’s hands and massages his dainty fingers, “We can continue the conversation at a better location.”
“Uh– well yes, you’re right. This is not the ideal location for this purpose.” Elzer agrees but he can’t help but squint his eyes at the bare display of affection flashing right in front of him.
“K-kae…” Diluc is flustered and almost lost every word he can create with his mouth. It’s too early to show to people closest to him what he is like, in love. But it’s Kaeya that he’s talking about here, he’s supposed to be ready to receive his unfiltered show of affection when he wants to. “But yes, you’re right. I will be leaving Charles to take care of Angel’s Share in the meantime.”
They are in a poor place to speak about such matters. Gossip travels far and wide and Diluc’s cafe is a popular gathering for such a past time. If Kaeya and Elzer's arrival did not attract all of the patrons’ attention, Diluc’s reaction upon seeing the both of them surely did. Secrets should not be revealed in such public establishments.
Before Kaeya lets go of Diluc’s fingers, he slips a small ring made of red baby’s breath flowers onto Diluc’s little finger. He had carefully picked out the reddest out of the whole bunch and made the ring to match Diluc’s fiery hair.
Pleased with himself, Kaeya intertwined their fingers together, “Shall we head to the back room? Or do you prefer your cottage?”
Diluc is looking intently at the dainty flowers wrapped around his finger, finding it pretty and the gesture adorable. He can’t help but wear a cute little smile that makes the whole cafe quiet for a good few seconds. It’s as if time had stopped for everyone in the room.
It’s not every day they can see their local barista smiling and that in itself is a blessing from Barbatos.
Kaeya’s smile didn’t change, but his heart was riddled with holes from the numerous arrows shot by cupid. If only they were alone, he would have doted on Diluc just to see that smile again. But alas, there are too many eyes upon them now.
“Thank you, Kae…” Diluc mutters, “Back room’s walls have ears, I’m afraid. There are more people here and I don’t want to interrupt their solace. Shall we head back to my place?”
“A wise choice,” Kaeya agrees, “Let me go and prepare a carriage so that we can get to your cottage quicker. I will be quick, wait for me to come back.”
“Alright. Please take care on your way.” Diluc presses his hand on Kaeya’s, before separating their intertwined hands.
Kaeya lets their pinkies curl for the last few moments before reluctantly pulling away. “I will,” He promises before turning away and heading towards the exit.
The two watched Kaeya’s back exiting the cafe and Elzer couldn’t help but quote, “That wide back is not just for show huh? You find yourself a dependable man, young master Diluc.”
“I– have a little skepticism before. You should have met him the first time I met him.” Diluc’s expression is unchanging and Elzer can’t get anything out of it. Is it negative? Is it positive? Elzer guesses that he would never know. But assuming from Diluc’s implication, it must be something.
“Tell me about it.”
Diluc gets a piece of paper and a pen on the counter, the old box where it is filled with contact information from admirers, and is now filled by various advertising agencies. He writes a note to Kaeya that they will be staying in the back rooms while waiting for him to arrive, and another one for Charles that are still outside running restocking errands for the cafe to take over.
And onto the backroom, Diluc closes the door behind them and drops a fact casually, “He comes unexpectedly.” He goes to a soft velvety couch and sits comfortably, offering the seat across him to Elzer. “Please make yourself comfortable”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Elzer sits properly, letting his shoulders relax. “You can tell me the summary of how that man managed to catch your affection, Master Diluc. He didn’t strike me as one of your types if I have to be honest.”
“Haha…” Diluc let out an awkward laugh. Of course, he totally agrees with Elzer. He didn’t fall in love with him at first glance, in fact, he’s already thrown off the first time he met him. The air of bravado surrounding that tall, dark, and handsome is too much to take. And it’s not a lie he had to struggle with how Kaeya smothers him with pet names and affection.
“To make the long story short, I can’t really remember when and why. All I know is that he’s always there for me and he’s relentless in showing how he’s serious about me. We should work towards his compliments on me… it’s going overboard…”
Elzer laughs at the last point Diluc highlighted. He witnessed it first hand and sure enough, you’ll get secondhand embarrassment from Kaeya’s shamelessness. “Oh my, to be honest, it’s not what I thought he’d be like. For such a man, feats like that are on a case-by-case basis, and you got his interest.” Elzes huffs out, with a smug expression. That’s how it should be. His young master should be adored!
“However, your interaction with him surprised me,” Elzer adds on, quite amused.
“Really?” Diluc’s eyes widen, knowing more things about his lover.
“Yes, we can assume that he’s only that love-struck puppy when you’re around.” Elzer wears a solemn smile. That’s right, that’s how it’s supposed to be if you’re his young master’s lover. Kaeya checked those criteria.
“Young Master Diluc,” Elzer pauses, making Diluc suck in a breath in anticipation, “are you happy?”
Diluc didn’t even have a second thought. He answers with a gentle smile on his face, it’s literally beaming.
“Yes, yes Elzer. I am. His presence in my life proved to me that I can be happier.”
“That’s all. That’s all I needed to hear.” Elzer is satisfied. That look on his young master’s face? Brilliant.
“Thank you.” Diluc pauses for a moment, “About Master Crep– I mean.. F-father.”
“Mhmn? What about him, young master?” Elzer tilts his head to the side, watching how the redhead in front of him gets flustered. It seems it’s been a while since he acknowledged the Master of the household as his ‘Father’.
“Can I trust you to put in some good words on your report when you get back to Natlan?” Diluc turns his head away, his hands fidgety on his lap. “About Kaeya, and about my relationship with him. I.. I know that there’s no way the news didn’t get to him as quickly as it happened. I may be anxious about him forcing me to get back. I was even wary of any person he might have hired to come after me. But days, months… even more than a year, there’s no one from the Ragnvindrs faction that forced me home.”
Elzer just bobs his head slowly as he listens to his young master’s rambling, a small smile forming on his face. His young master may be innocent, too precious for the woes of this world, but he is not completely clueless.
“I will try my best, young master. I and Adelinde can somehow rest at ease now that my own eyes witness what one should have least expected of your lover. I can… put in a few good words about him.” There was a tinge of hesitation right there but Diluc paid it no heed.
“My utmost gratitude, Elzer. You’re always there when I need you the most, but also careful not to make me too reliant on you. Not like some old men with complex histories that I don’t know of.” Diluc frowns, thinking about his father and Eroch. He thinks that they should have got even a sliver of how Elzer carries himself as a properly functioning adult.
A series of knocks on the door interrupts Diluc and Elzer's conversations. The door opens and Kaeya pops in his head before stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. “The carriage is here and Charles is back at the cafe as well.” He walks to Diluc and extends a hand to him. “Shall we head out now?”
“Yes please, thank you Kae.” Diluc naturally extends his hand towards Kaeya, pleased to see his lover again. Kaeya holds onto Diluc’s hand, pulling him to his feet. He intertwines their fingers, pressing a sweet kiss to Diluc’s knuckle before letting their hands fall in between them.
Elzer intently observes and smiles. He finally settled in his heart that there was no way he would have a heart to separate the two. It’s like they’ve made for each other. Now he’s twice as decisive to help end all of the insanity brewing to happen. He needs to see the future in store for these two.
“Well then, lead the way, you two. I'll follow behind.”
“Let’s go,” Kaeya leads the way out, each time they approach a door, he opens and holds the door for Diluc only. No other man will get to enjoy his chivalrous side except for Diluc, not even someone who is Diluc’s family.
As they reach the exit of the cafe, Elzer immediately grabs the closing door right in front of him as soon as the two walk out. Nowadays, he can’t grasp how youngsters in love behave– or perhaps he’s already way past it to understand. “How nice of you.” He smiles a little slyly after murmuring those words and walks out of the cafe tailing the two lovers.
What awaits them is not a simple wooden carriage. The red carriage shimmers from its gold craving and any onlookers walking past would stop and stare at it. The white horses stand tall and proud, their mane silky from being cared for. Their reins are being held by a coachman, dressed in the finest outfit.
“Ha– you’re overdoing it, Mr, Prince.” Elzer can’t help but slip a little teasing commentary, quite appalled at their ride. It’s too much– but that’s only for him, knowing about Kaeya, he knows that this grandiose display is normal for them. He side glances at the two and can’t help but imagine a proud peacock flashing all that’s regal about him to impress a mate– which is not really far from the truth.
While it may not be exquisite enough to be for royalty, it is fit for nobility and that is what Kaeya wants to achieve.
The coachman, Dainsleif, who is disguised as Hagen gives Diluc a nod as a greeting. His eye tracks back to Kaeya and one could almost see the light disappearing in that single eye. It speaks of the torture he had to go through all because of Kaeya’s whims. He turns his head back to the front, determined to not look at Kaeya more than necessary. Out of sight, out of mind.
“Hagen!” Diluc strides closer to where the coachman sits, pulling Kaeya with him along the way. “It’s been a while since I last saw you. Is Kaeya treating you alright?”
Hagen mock whispers to Diluc, “His Highness has never treated me well. I’m overworked and underpaid from trying to fulfill his unreasonable requests as usual. I’m still waiting for the day when you will beat him up, Mister Diluc.”
“Why are you putting such thoughts into Diluc’s head!?” Kaeya huffs, “What if I got heavily injured?”
“You are sturdy, you will be fine.” Hagen shrugs.
Diluc huffs a little in disbelief at the two. But more than anything, that feeling is fleeting as it changes to a gentle fondness for the two. “The both of you… are great friends. Hagen should just drop the honorific and address Kaeya directly by name instead.” Diluc stifles a laugh, finding it amusing. For sure, Hagen will abuse the pass and take this opportunity to get back at all of his Highness’ unreasonable requests.
Kaeya nods but Hagen lifts an eyebrow up and Kaeya knows it's a lost cause. Even with Diluc’s persuasion, Hagen would not be changing the way he addresses him any time soon.
“And as for your suggestion, I will keep that in mind–” Diluc languidly directed his gaze at Kaeya, “for when he tries to make the mistake of slighting and betraying me.” He looks back at Hagen and motions his free hand, “Which will never happen.”
Meanwhile, Elzer on the side, keeps nodding his head in agreement to everything. His young master is strong. A stark contrast to his beautiful and gentle frame.
Kaeya grins happily, not minding that he had basically been threatened by Diluc, and agrees easily, “It will never happen, why would I betray the best boyfriend in the world? It won’t happen even if I turn crazy.”
Hagen turns away from Kaeya, determined not to look at the idiotic man any longer. He could feel himself growing stupid the longer he looked at Kaeya. He asks Diluc, “How did you stand him?”
“... the same way you’re still at his beck and call.” It’s just that, Diluc loves Kaeya so much that he does not mind mind Kaeya’s antics unlike before. And he knows that’s how Hagen can tolerate Kaeya as well. He loves him too.
Hagen could not rebut that. Instead, he narrows his eye at Kaeya and makes a shooing motion at Kaeya, “You can stop strutting your feathers now and get out of here.”
Kaeya huffs, “I can feel the difference in treatment here.” He tugs Diluc’s hand to get his attention, “Let’s ignore Hagen and enter the carriage now.”
“That’s not nice, Kaeya. Be nice to Hagen.” He huffs a fond breath out of his nose before smiling softly at his lover, “But you’re right, let’s not keep Elzer waiting.” Diluc throws his gaze at the middle-aged man, who is looking fondly at them like looking at his kids playing in the backyard.
“Oh– don’t mind me, young master. You can bid your time.” And he can bid his time absorbing the energy surrounding his young master. This peaceful atmosphere– he doesn’t want to lose it.
Kaeya opens the carriage door and bows slightly to Diluc, a corner of his lips lifting up, “Please watch your steps, Your Highness.”
“That… Kaeya, don’t tease me…” Diluc shyly squeezes Kaeya’s hand in his, before lifting his foot to step on an equally exquisite stool of the carriage. He enters the carriage and makes himself comfortable on the soft cushion of the seat.
Kaeya snickers and climbs in after Diluc, immediately choosing to sit beside him and sticking close to Diluc. If not for the fact that they have to share the carriage with Elzer, he would have wanted to hug Diluc in his arms for the whole trip and give him many kisses. He slips his hand in Diluc’s and intertwines their fingers together, he figures that he could at least have this.
Elzer follows suit and chooses the seat across from the lovers, well, he might stand witness in a front-row seat to how Kaeya smothers his young master with love.
Once Hagen sees that everyone has sat down, he picks up the reins and flicks his hands, encouraging the horses to start moving forward.
When the carriage jolts as it gets pulled by the horses, Kaeya sneakily uses the chance to press closer to Diluc, interlocking their arms together.
In the end, he cannot keep himself away from Diluc for long when his lover is right beside him and out of public view. They may have seen each other in the morning but that's already been hours ago. Kaeya sighs and leans his head against Diluc’s head.
He wants to kiss Diluc.
“Ehem.” Elzer clears his throat. Happy and all, and for all that it’s worth, he’s still not used to this view. And it’s not that long ago that he started to accept Kaeya as his young master’s lover. But he won’t take this against them. First love is still first love after all. “Is the young master’s abode far away from the city proper?”
Small talk, just to break some dead air. He already knows that it’s just around the corner of Mondstadt.
Kaeya lets out a small laugh at the attempt but decides to play along, “We will reach in no time, especially with a carriage.” Which is a pity, because his snuggle with Diluc would only last for a short while. But he could make use of the short time to better understand Diluc. He grins, “Since we have some time, would you care to humor me and tell me some stories about Diluc when he was younger?”
“If the ride is that quick, then, it’s such a shame that the time to talk about his young master’s childhood days would not be enough.” Elzer’s smile turns into a melancholic one while tracing back the fond memories he has when Diluc’s young.
“That’s why we have to start now, a short and quick story would be the perfect appetizer to the start of an exquisite meal.” Kaeya turns his head slightly to kiss the side of Diluc’s head before going back to snuggling.
“E-Elzer,” Diluc interjects, trying to influence the flow of the conversation. “You’re right, it’s not the time and place to have this kind of reminiscent story about me. H-how about… Do you tell us about your journey to Mondstadt? Right?”
Kaeya pouts at being denied learning about Diluc’s childhood. Next time, he will pry every single young Diluc’s story out of Elzer’s hands.
“Hmnn…” Elzer looks at Diluc inquisitively, “I can’t think of anything remarkable on top of my head…” It’s a fairly easy trip for someone who used to be around places. But that pleading look of Diluc, it says a lot. He should yield and try not to embarrass him in front of his lover. If he has to be honest, there’s nothing embarrassing at all. In fact, cute little Diluc is adorable.
And this resurfaces his annoyance that a baby picture of his young master was stolen from their safe hands. Alright. The thief need not to get more than he deserves.
“Well, can I hear how the young master made his way to Mondstadt instead? My story will be boring since going places is part of my job. I liaise with different branches of the family business after all.”
In fact, the Ragnvindrs have business in Mondstadt as well. They can’t let the lush fields and great cultivation weather pass by and miss a great venture.
“That’s sly, Elzer…” Diluc protests a little but relaxes on his seat anyway, leaning closely to Kaeya’s shoulder. “It’s something I can talk about rather quickly during this trip.”