Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Diluc spots Kaeya walking into Angel’s Share, he can immediately tell that there’s something off.

He can’t put his finger on it. It’s been so long since their fight, no longer in sync as they used to be, that Diluc is incapable of reading him effortlessly anymore. It might be nothing. But there’s something subtle about the look on his face that makes him pause. He knows it’s in his memory, from when everything was alright and he still called Kaeya his little brother, but it just barely eludes him. He can’t stop his brow from furrowing in frustration at that.

Kaeya sits at the bar and smiles — not smirks — as he idly rolls a coin along his knuckles. His eye is missing it’s usual sharp glint, and has been replaced with something… different.

“Good afternoon, Master Diluc! One Death After Noon please.”

No taunts. Words spoken without any hidden motive or prying fingers. If Diluc wasn’t unnerved before, he definitely is now. He quickly mixes the drink and places it in front of Kaeya, as if it was one of the little Spark Knight’s bombs. The quartermaster doesn’t call attention to it, barely even notices the hesitation, and that cements the fact that something is very off.

Diluc almost asks. Almost. The words lay on his tongue, some old reflex supplying the phrase ‘are you alright?’, but… no. No, absolutely not.

He casts it out of his mind instead. He has a bar to tend to and, later in the night, streets to roam in place of the oh-so-efficient Knights of Favonius. He can’t have something so inane distracting him. It’s not his issue if something’s bothering Kaeya, anyways.

He shakes his head, and deigns to ignore the Cavalry Captain for as long as he can.

The rest of the night goes well enough. There’d been a small bar fight at Angel’s Share, but it’d been broken up with little fuss. Kaeya had left with the miscreants, taking care of two problems at once for Diluc, which he was reluctantly grateful for. After the tavern closed, a couple of easily disposed of Abyss Mages were the only thing keeping him from promptly packing up and heading home.

The occurrence in the bar doesn’t resurface until long after Diluc has returned to the Winery, resting on his bed. He’s on the edge of sleep, consciousness blurring peacefully into dreams, when his mind, unbidden, supplies him the meaning of the expression on Kaeya earlier. He sits up so fast at the revelation that his vision goes a bit blurry, and curses on instinct.

Kaeya has a godsforsaken crush.

Diluc would be the first to admit that he wasn’t really into romance.

Not for a lack of trying, of course. He’d had a few relationships when he was younger, and though he’d been nothing but chivalrous to them, they never lasted long. He just wasn’t able to feel that way towards any of them, instead just going through the motions, and he didn’t think it was fair to his partners to lead them on. 

Kaeya, however…

Kaeya is an utterly hopeless romantic. 

He knows that if he were to tell anyone that, he’d probably get told to check his head. Kaeya hid it very well. Even when they were younger, he’d been able to feign calmness and collectedness in the face of sweet gestures from crushes, and that ability must have only gotten better along with his new talent of masking himself like he’ll die if he doesn’t. But, rusty at it as Diluc is, he knows the signs. He grew up with him, after all, and used to know him better than he knew himself.

(At least, he’d thought he did.)

Diluc has seen the exact expression in the bar countless times before. It wasn’t like there’d been any shortage of people with a romantic inclination towards Kaeya, after all; he’s always had a magnetic personality. Diluc saw that look once when he was ten, when a girl who was in Kaeya’s class gave him a calla lily after he’d said that they were his favourite. Kaeya’s eyes had that same brightness when he brought back a box of homemade chocolates after he’d spent a long day out, refusing to tell who he’d been with. He remembers that someone once wrote a poem about Kaeya (not even a particularly good one) that made him smile like that for a whole week. Diluc had thought it was silly, but Crepus just laughed, and told them that he’d been much the same in his youth.

Of course, with romance came heartbreak.

By only the first time Kaeya came home, badly pretending to be fine before holing himself up in his room, Diluc had decided that enough was enough. He took his responsibility as a big brother seriously, and part of that responsibility was making sure that bastards didn’t hurt his little brother. So he made a habit of heavily vetting the people that Kaeya was getting involved with.

(Jean called his methods ‘aggressive’ and ‘overly protective’, but they got very good results, so Diluc paid it no mind.)

But that was then. Him and Kaeya are different people now. Kaeya especially, who dons masks and lies and is cold as ice. He’s no longer that scrawny child who loved easily, instead a guarded adult, and could deal with his heartbreaks on his own. Diluc doesn’t need to worry about it anymore.

The morning sees him standing in front of the Ordo Favonius headquarters, scowling at the knights guarding the doorway so fiercely that they jump away in a hurry. Cowards. Typical Knights of Favonius.

He sighs as he walks through the doors, once again going through the chain of thought that brought him here.

As much as he’d wanted to let it go, his mind was too restless at the revelation that it wouldn’t let him sleep. So instead, he’d gone through a small list of people it could be. Mostly people from the Ordo, though he knew there was a non negligible chance of the person in question being someone from elsewhere that Diluc doesn’t know. The traveller was fond of taking Kaeya along on ventures, after all, though he has no clue how the captain finds the time between work. In fact, they’ve just recently returned from Liyue together. But it never hurts to start local.

Jean was a no. Her and Kaeya have long since established that they’re just friends, and he doesn’t see any reason why that would’ve changed recently. Kaeya has lieutenants that loudly proclaim they know him well while they drink away in Angel’s Share, but Diluc knows from what he hears that they really don’t. There’s the possibility of the other captains, but most of them are new, so Diluc doesn’t know much about them. Besides, hardly any of them are in the city at the moment, and those that are don’t seem the friendly type. He’s fairly certain it isn’t one of them.

(Somewhere above Diluc, in a modest office filled with meticulous notes and sketches, a man pauses in the middle of scratching out a manuscript, and feels the strangest urge to laugh.)

So, out of all the people it could be in the city, the best he could come up with at a moment’s notice was Lisa.

It wasn’t too farfetched. They work together. Lisa holds Kaeya in at least some regard. They’re both a bit similar in their conduct, he supposes, though Kaeya is certainly cagier. He’s also knows from his unwitting drunk informants that they spend a rather considerable amount of time with each other in the library. Diluc hadn’t thought much of it when he’d first heard that, but perhaps it was more serious than he’d assumed.

Thus, Lisa. It feels like a stretch, but if nothing else, she might be able to give him more to go off.

Which is why he’s heading to the Ordo’s library for the first time since he’s returned to the Mond, feeling like an idiot who’s getting suckered by a reflex he’d thought long gone.

He halts just in front of the door, suddenly teetering on the edge of uncertainty, and distinctly struck by the fact that he has no clue how he’s going to go about this. Doubt wars in his mind, but he shakes himself, and reminds himself that he didn’t come all the way to the Ordo headquarters just to back out like a coward at the thought of confronting a librarian.

So he squares his shoulders, and, with the light of dawn illuminating his path, opens the door.

…

It strikes him that the library is both exactly what he remembers and distinctly different.

The nostalgia hits him first. The chandelier, the tall windows letting in the pale rose sky, the towering bookshelves made of dark wood, the matching tables and chairs, and the permeating scent of old paper, vellum, and leather. He’d hardly ever rented books from here, even though back then he read often for leisure, since Crepus had an extensive library at home. But the atmosphere here was always quiet and lent peace and focus. Where his brother had found solace in the noise of Diluc’s office to do his schoolwork, whenever something had stumped Diluc, he came to the library.

But it’s different now, too. There’s somehow more books here, for one. They rest in the shelves like colourful soldiers with their accompanying pages, lined up and in formation. They’re… in the wrong order. Or at least, they’re organized differently. Where this shelf once held ancient philosophy, it now holds modern poetry. Where this one held mythology, it now holds romance. And so on. The candles, while rotated out regularly, used to be stout little things in yellow lanterns. Now, they’re long, white, particularly runed, which is probably the cause of them throwing light further. 

There are a thousand other little things that he’s never thought about in his life, and he’s unduly relieved for the voice that breaks him out of spiralling into that line of thought.

“Well, if it isn’t Master Diluc. Good morning, sweetheart!”

He turns towards it, and there she is, book in hand and teacup steaming next to her. Exactly the person he’s looking for.

“Lisa.”

He strides up to her desk with purpose as she waggles the fingers of her free hand in greeting. She places her novel aside before leaning forwards, peering over the thick list of library rules to meet his gaze.

“I must say, how surprising to see you here! I’d almost convinced myself that you couldn’t read.”

He blinks, somewhat appalled at her teasing. “Is that any way to treat a customer?”

She snorts. “Customer? Do you know how libraries work?” He doesn’t get a chance to defend himself before she waves her hand dismissively. “I’m paid in tax money. So long as people come to read, I do fine. One grumpy tycoon deciding not to take out a book isn’t going to ruin me. That being said, what can I do for you?”

He resists the urge to glower at her (he’s not grumpy), and considers his next words carefully.

(He used to have a whole mental script for this. He would be able to go up to suitors and recite questions and subtle threats off by heart. To his brother’s chagrin, he'd gotten it down to something approaching an art. It’s long since been forgotten, though, and with the state of his and Kaeya’s relationship now… maybe it’s for the better.)

“Anytime now. I do have a library to tend to,”

“What do you think of Kaeya,” He blurts out, brain apparently deciding fuck it, he’s going off the cuff.

“Kaeya?” One of her eyebrows raise minutely, and she has a glint in her eye. “What a strange question. I wonder what brought this on?”

“Just humour me.” He feels a tension headache coming on, and already regrets this trip.

“A wonderful student,” She starts with, and it takes him aback. Before he can question her on that, she continues. “Incredibly intelligent. A bit reckless, but one of the most dependable in the Ordo regardless. Very fun to be around. A real cutie to boot! I’d say I quite like him.”

‘Dependable’ is a strange way to describe Kaeya, who’s a lying liar who lies as if his life depends on it. His thoughts must show on his face, since Lisa laughs. It’s missing the softness of humour, which tells Diluc that oh, she actually means what she said.

“Don’t be like that,” She says, playing at lightheartedness. “He’s supported me ever since I came here. He believed in my abilities enough that he was one of the first to recommend me for captaincy, and helped me get the position I’m at now. I owe him a lot.”

There’s quite a bit to unwrap in that statement, but all of it skews platonic. On the other hand, she could very well be carefully meting her words. He’s long since come to expect a certain amount of reticence from Kaeya’s paramours, and knows when to push. He just needs to figure out the right thing to push with, which has never been his strongest suit. Especially as rusty at this as he is.

But… he doesn’t need a calculated push right now, does he? He’d already known that this trip likely wasn’t for vetting when he’d set out this morning; it’s for information.

Fuck it, his mind reminds him.

“Your relationship sounds quite serious, then,”

“Our… relationship?” She blinks, and they stare at each other for a moment, before her face goes slack.

“Oh,” Her eyes are bright, and a hand comes up to hide her mouth as she laughs. “Oh! You think I’m—!”

Diluc can feel his ears burning, and this time he does glower. “No. I was just checking to make sure.”

“But—! You thought it was me who’s courting—!” She laughs even harder. He wonders how much it would hurt his pride to immediately storm out, smoking like a wood stove, when something she said registers in his mind. He snaps back, ruby eyes intent on her, like a bloodhound who caught the scent, and thinks ‘got you’.

“So, someone is courting him,”

Her eyes widen as she registers her slip. Diluc leans in and keeps the heat on as she catches her breath, not willing to let the lead fall out of his hands.

“And you know who it is.”

“… I may have heard a few rumours,” She says with a coy smile, quickly recovering. “I’m sorry though, sweetie, I can’t tell you more than that. A little birdie has sworn me to secrecy.”

“Jean.” He says without pause, voice flat.

He feels an odd sense of deja vu. This had been a common occurrence in his youth. Nine times out of ten, Jean would band together with Kaeya, and do her best to keep Diluc off the scent, oftentimes leading him on false trails and leads. It had been incredibly frustrating, especially when the both of them would tease him about falling for it. Besides that, there’s few people who could tell Lisa not to gossip who’s edict she would actually listen to. There’s no doubt in his mind that it’s her.

“Ooh, got it in one!” Lisa claps politely and doesn’t seem too shocked. “Such a dear, that one. Anyways, yes, and you know I can’t go against our beloved acting Grand Master’s decree.”

“Right.” Of course this ended up being a near complete waste of time. He’s almost surprised he expected anything else. He huffs out a harsh breath, and starts to walk away without another word.

“Wha — Wait!” Lisa suddenly calls after him, stopping him in his tracks. He turns his head minutely towards her, just enough to tell her he’s listening.

“Why are you doing this, Diluc?” The way she says it gives him pause; it’s not the previous poking or teasing tone, and instead carries a sort of gravitas.

He… can’t give her a proper response. He himself honestly doesn’t even know. It feels like he’s going along with the motions, body on autopilot. He’s not even sure what he means to tell Kaeya’s suitor when he finds them — to stay away for Kaeya’s sake, or their own. Admitting the former feels like a defeat, and admitting the latter feels heavy handed, and far too telling. So instead, he just turns his head away.

“That’s none of your business.”

She sighs, resigned to his curt non-responses. “Alright then, I won’t pry. But if I may offer you some advice; you might make significantly more headway if you just talked to him. And it would be much more respectful to his privacy if you did so, as well! I’ve heard that a real conversation can work wonders.” 

He stops, hand on the doorknob, and entertains it for a moment.

He remembers honest words with his brother, in the halcyon days of their youth, when they trusted each other with nearly everything. When Kaeya came willingly to him with his problems, and when Diluc would do the same. He remembers petty squabbles and easy forgiveness under the warm eyes of their father.

He remembers that he can’t tell where the lies begin and end now, with the stranger who used to harbour in Diluc’s home. Who Diluc sees periodically show up in Angel’s Share and trades short barbs with, who leaves with an empty eye. He remembers a disastrous night of blood and rain, fire and ice, and the smell of charred flesh mixing with new cryo that still hasn’t truly left him.

“I’ll think about it,” He says as he discards the idea from his mind. He pauses before exiting, chewing on his words. His voice is low when he says them, but they carry across the library all the same.

“Don’t tell Kaeya I was here.”

Lisa looks after him as the doors softly click shut, and she sighs.

“Oh, Diluc. I’ve already decided not to tattle,” She murmurs. “It’d hurt him too much to know.”

Kaeya drops by the library just after lunch, a little skip to his step, heavy textbook in hand.

“Lisa!” He calls out, and she waves as he walks behind the counter. “I have a wonderful book to return to you, and the next in the series to take out,”

“Three weeks on the dot, just in time. And how studious of you, Sir Kaeya!” She says, matching his theatrics. He shifts to set the book onto the return cart, and takes out a little slip of paper with the title and information of the new one.

“Might I bother you for the section this is in?”

“I’ll do you one better, cutie,” She says as she plucks it from his fingers. “I’ll get it for you myself. A bit faster that way, no?”

How unexpectedly generous. And out of character. He racks his mind for any recent event that could explain the behaviour and only comes up with a half dozen. There’s also the possibility for this to be a ploy to ease into her asking him a favour, or something of a similar like. Regardless, he won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

“How kind of you, that would be great! I do get so lost within these shelves, as you know,”

She just smiles and pats his shoulder. She steps out and checks the paper, before confidently making her way down the stairs. He watches her until she disappears, then gazes about her workplace.

It’s the usual; stacks of books hidden beneath her desk, of both the romantic and arcane variety, a pot of tea which still steams from when it was brewed at noon, bundles of books being set aside in advance for some customers. His lips quirk up as he spots one of the bundles, which he can tell is still being constructed, sporting titles such as ‘The Art of Socializing’, ‘Resolving Conflicts: A Memoir’, ‘Repression, the Enemy of the Soul’, and many others of the same ilk. Looks like someone is seeking self help. Good for them. He tears his gaze away and paces a bit, idly grabbing his coin and performing a few tricks with it instead of flipping it as he usually does, knowing that the sound annoys the patrons to no end. On a whim, he looks down, and his eye finds something interesting.

There’s a faint pair of footprints on the otherwise pristine welcome carpet Aether had bought for Lisa, and it sets off a little chiming bell in Kaeya’s mind.

He looks around, discreetly, and finds Lisa still off and rifling through shelves. He grabs one of the candleholders on her desk and crouches, taking care to avoid disturbing the prints, and brings the light closer.

Black soot and brown flakes of rich earth, caught by the soft fibres of the rug, sketch out a familiar boot tread. As a matter of fact, they’re the very same ones he’d seen in tracks on his first investigation into the Darknight Hero’s vigilanteism, which had immediately tipped him off to his identity. His erstwhile brother has been using the same pair of custom boots since he was a late teen, after all.

(It's funny how often people forget, or at least miss the implications of, just how observant Kaeya is. It makes his job almost too easy, at times.)

Diluc has been in the library recently, which is surprising, to say the least. Kaeya can’t help but wonder if Diluc had somehow found medication for his allergy to the Ordo. He doesn’t set foot in headquarters if there’s any possible way to avoid it, after all. As of the moment, only confidential and pressing legal matters have had enough pull to summon the Ragnvindr in the flesh. Otherwise, he sends a proxy. Even taking that into consideration, there’s been no calls for him recently.

And he’d been in the library, no less. While he knows Diluc likes to read (or at least used to, he wasn’t sure about that now), the collection of books that Crepus held was more than impressive. The study at the Winery is no stranger to unique tomes that many academics would pay an arm and a leg to buy. And, again, if there truly was something that Diluc needed from here, he would just send a worker to get it for him. The only exception would be getting something from the restricted section, in which case he could imagine Diluc pulling status.

Though, what in the restricted section could he have need for? Magical texts held little use for him, and the delicate historical accounts and texts wouldn’t be of any relevance. Perhaps he needed a book to decode something? He knows a few of the more innocuous Khaenri’ahn works lay upon those shelves, though all of the important ones rest safely in Kaeya's house underneath a few floorboards. 

(They’d found themselves there after the successful heist he’d pulled, an old sense of loyalty driving him, back when the old librarian and Lisa were swapping places. They wouldn’t be the only things to be misplaced in the turnover, after all.)

Speaking of Lisa, she hasn’t mentioned anything about this. She could be waiting until she’s buttered him up with the act of finding his book, which would explain rather nicely why she’s doing it. If she doesn’t though, that’s fine. He’s well prepared to catalogue this for now, and investigate later, once he’s not busy.

His thoughts are interrupted by footsteps on the stairs. He straightens up and places the candle back in the same spot that he took it from, easy smile on his face, just as Lisa returns with the tome in hand.

“‘Introduction to Alchemy: Volume 2’,” She says as she sets it down on her desk with a small thud. “Either you’re joining the alchemy team, or it’s getting pretty serious,” She wiggles her eyebrows and smiles salaciously.

He sighs internally. Of course Lisa knows, not even a week after he’d kissed Albedo. He suspects Jean, but can’t really blame her. She’s always been enthusiastic about supporting him in many matters, including his love life, even if that means bringing in another party for insight.

(She’d nearly blown a gasket when he told her that he’d performed a kiss-and-run in the Ordo’s lab, and had been close to dragging himself back there with her bare hands. Thankfully, she’d been placated when he told her he’d go back in the morning to talk about the matter with Albedo properly, even though Kaeya abhorred the thought. He was sure he would be dealing with a rejection, and had been cursing himself the whole night in Jean’s room for potentially ruining the relationship with the one person who he’s grown to truly trust, even if tentatively.

The earnest look in her eyes when she told him that that wouldn’t happen convinced him to follow through. No matter how much he wants to close off his heart, he can’t stop himself from caring about Jean, and takes her words to heart more than those of others.

He was glad he did, too, because he’d walked into the lab the next morning to see Albedo in the exact same spot he’d left him the day before, hand to his lips, with the closest thing to an uncontrollable smile that Kaeya’s ever seen on him.

They’d talked about it, as dreadful as the thought was, and had come to a mutual decision to take it slow. They’re not calling it dating yet, but they’ve kissed a few times since then. Quick things, in the privacy of either of their offices. Even so, it makes Kaeya a bit giddy every time.)

Neither of them want word of it to spread yet, so Lisa knowing isn’t the most reassuring thing. Thankfully, he knows her well enough to confidently say she wouldn’t gossip about this.

He covers up his thoughts with a laugh as he picks up his book and tucks it under his arm.

(He’ll never be an alchemist, he knows; he lacks the passion that he sees Timaeus exude when he teaches students how to use an alchemy table. That drive that prompts Sucrose to do trial after trial on plant after plant. The spark that comprises Albedo’s entire being, which lights up his eyes and makes him so full of life. The want to understand.

Even so, he can appreciate the material. It certainly isn’t uninteresting. Besides, seeing both Albedo and Sucrose light up when he understands what they’re talking about makes the extra study time worth it.)

“Oh yes,” He says, doing his best to make it clear he’s winking. “It’s quite lurid, I’ll tell you that. Ah, but keep that between us, hm?”

“Of course,” The way she’s smiling tells him she doesn’t believe him for a minute. “Anything for my dear pupil! You know I’ll support you if I can,”

“Why, I could’ve sworn I’ve long since graduated,” He grumbles playfully, this particular bit being one that’s been between them for a long while. “But I’m glad to hear that,”

He is, honestly. Lisa isn’t the worst person to have at his back.

He glances to the clock, and hums as he sees the hour. He has recruits to train in about fifteen minutes. “I’m sorry to cut this off, but I’d best be on my way. Duty calls,”

“Of course, Kaeya,” She takes a sip of her tea as she sits back behind her desk. “Busy bees, the both of us! I’ve much work to do as well,”

“Like getting together a self help book bundle?”

“Tsk tsk. Sneaking around a lady’s workspace is poor etiquette, you know,” He smirks a bit, and she chuckles, as this is a familiar game. Her next glance is wry, and her voice betrays the edge of laughter when she continues.

“As for the bundle, well… Let’s just say that I anticipate it'll come into use soon.”

Diluc is halfway to the Winery by the time he notices the small piece of paper tucked into his lapel. He pulls it out, and his expression goes from bewildered to incredibly unamused as he realizes it’s a booklist written in loopy cursive, with the title ‘How to have a conversation; for dummies’ in purple ink.

He curses the librarian’s nosiness, and folds the paper neatly before gently placing it into his pocket.

Chapter Text

Diluc temporarily suspends the hunt after the incident with Lisa.

He has no leads, for one — he doesn’t even have time to go searching, since the Abyss Order have started some new scheme that he’s been spending all his free hours tracking. He can’t push the task of information gathering onto any of his informants, either. He’d have to try and justify it somehow, if he did, and anyone who knew anything about him in his youth would see right through him.

There’s also the issue that, should he ask, Kaeya will know in less than three days’ time. He hates to admit it, but Kaeya’s network, though less wide than Diluc’s, is like a deeply interwoven web. Diluc knows they share informants — he just doesn’t know exactly which ones, and he isn’t willing to take the chance.

That isn’t even mentioning the dip in his enthusiasm; he’d realized how ridiculous the whole thing was after the borderline humiliation at the library. Trying to track down Kaeya’s love interest (who’s been confirmed to exist, even though Diluc has no inkling as to who it is and how they might be treating his once-little-brother, no that doesn’t bother him) was both a waste of time and an obvious impulse decision. Now that his mind is clear, he knows he won’t be caught by old routine again.

That’s what he tells himself when Kaeya walks in one night, taking a quick look around at the tables, before settling at the bar.

“Master Diluc, my second favourite bartender! Fancy seeing you here,”

“Sir Kaeya.” Diluc places his usual starter in front of him, none too gently. Kaeya takes it with a pleasant smile, and sips at it in silence.

There’s a little voice in Diluc’s head that tells him ’he’s still being off’. The ‘second favourite bartender’ remark is nearing normalcy, but by now there’d be some other jab mixed in, and then Kaeya would move off to another table to coax the secrets out of some Treasure Hoarder. Instead, he stays at the bar and looks… contemplative. Now that Diluc has remembered the crush look, he’s almost certain that this has something to do with it.

‘No,’ he tells himself, firmly. He takes a page from his self a week ago, and proceeds to ignore Kaeya.

Which works for all of about three quarters of an hour, as Kaeya continues to sit there alone, in deep thought, slowly making his way through his wine. By the end of that period, he finally orders a second glass, and the length of time between his orders is disquieting enough that he breaks his self imposed vigil to scrutinize the captain.

“Hm?” Kaeya raises a brow at him when he places a full glass in front of him, and blinks as Diluc stares. “What’s with that look? Surely I’ve done nothing yet that warrants your ‘I’m kicking you out after this drink’ glare.”

He’s right, but Diluc can’t admit his actual thoughts. That would be disastrous for more than one reason. Instead, his mind freezes up in a small panic, and he blurts out the first innocuous thing he can think of.

“You’re plotting something,”

“Oh, I see,” He says, carefully neutral. “I can’t think without it being plotting now.”

That’s… Not what he meant to imply. Certainly it wasn’t the innocuous statement he was hoping for, at least. He feels torn between pedalling back on his words or retaining his pride. His indecision on it lasts long enough that Kaeya sighs, takes a long drink, and clarifies.

“A companion of mine is coming to visit from Liyue. I’m simply thinking of ways to stop him from trying to buy out the entirety of Mondstadt’s market. Quite a heinous plot, I know,”

While he does technically register all of it, his brain catches on the words ‘a companion of mine’, and everything after takes a backseat. He has to viciously curb the reflex to immediately press further, and instead feigns disinterest as he pours another drink.

“Nobody unsavoury, I hope,” He says, voice low. Kaeya just smiles strangely, humour and something like — exasperation? Annoyance? Fondness? — Lighting up his eye.

“Have you so little faith in me and my companions, brother?”

“Don’t call me that,” Diluc snaps back. This companion must be someone of interest, considering that Kaeya only calls Diluc that when he’s trying to throw him off. “And yes. I see who you drink with.”

Kaeya laughs and takes another sip of wine. “Come now, Diluc, that’s just business,”

“Show me where you file ‘getting drunk with criminals’ on your work forms and I’ll believe you,”

Kaeya laughs again, this time a real one, even if it’s nothing more than a startled chuckle. Diluc pointedly does not smile, and considers his next words carefully. He still knows how the captain works, years of experience still resting within his head like a curse he can’t dispel, and he’s certain Kaeya’s hoping that the jab and moment of levity made him forget about this companion. He needs to manoeuvre this carefully — getting viable information out of Kaeya is like wringing water from a stone.

Thankfully, he’s learned from the so-called best. Diluc wasn’t the subtlest person, but there was something to be said about misleading someone into giving you the information you want. The Diluc of now, after all, would typically be more interested in threats than the Cavalry Captain’s friends…

(Using Kaeya’s old techniques against him was only an ironic plus.)

“And is this companion of your business too? I’ve heard about the incident in Liyue. I just hope you’re not thinking about bringing it here.”

Kaeya’s brow furrows a bit, not bothering to hide his annoyance about how his deflection didn’t work. He pauses, considering his glass, before sighing — not exaggerated, as is usual, but something a little bit more honest, loosened by alcohol and the presence of one who, even now, knows him better than most.

“Why, I could nearly convince myself you cared,” He sets his drink down, and meets Diluc’s gaze. “There’s no need to concern yourself. He’s a civilian, nothing more. We met while I was travelling with Aether, and he helped us organize the Rite of Parting. I trust that’ll convince you not to spread word to our favourite vigilante and cause a diplomatic incident. Wouldn’t want Jean to have more work on her plate, now would we?”

Diluc deliberately misinterprets his words. “So he’s some sort of diplomat.”

“He works at a funeral parlour, actually, but I understand the confusion. I say, you sure are interested in him! I might as well just set up a meeting,” Kaeya laughs knowingly, obviously having caught on to Diluc, and is visibly amused by it. Still, he continues on, and it puts Diluc on edge. “He’s a real gentleman, but if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll have him swear not to cause any trouble. He’s very much a man of his word,” Kaeya smirks, like that’s a joke. “I had him take up the Bescherming Oath, and he took it on the spot. Hasn’t broken it, either, which I’m sure you consider quite a feat.”

Bescherming Oath… Diluc knows it, if only for it being the reason why Mondstadt can’t kick out the Fatui diplomats that crawl around like parasites. It’s an archaic thing, established back in the aristocracy’s days, and it carries the binding power of Rex Lapis himself. Not many people know of it, obscure and unused as it is. It’s long winded and complicated for what is, essentially, a truce. Or, a ceasefire is perhaps more apt. In any case, the gist is that one party has immunity from being attacked by the other, even if they’re both at war.

Diluc won’t admit that the jab stings, but it does prompt a painful little burn at the base of his throat. He ignores the feeling to instead scoff, and they look away from each other in the same moment, atmosphere suddenly tense. Diluc clicks his tongue and moves away, mixing more drinks for the rest of the patrons, resolutely not watching as Kaeya downs the rest of his wine in one go, before leaving a small pile of mora on the table and walking out.

He discreetly stares at the door as it politely closes, a complicated emotion simmering within him. That… could have gone better. But as it stands, it’s to be expected. At least half of their interactions nowadays end like that.

At least he got something out of it.

He contemplates on the little pieces he’d gotten on this companion as he goes through the motions of pouring liquor and cleaning dishes. He’ll assume, this once, that what Kaeya told him was the truth, though he definitely wracks the facts for discrepancies.

A Liyuean man who works at a funeral parlour. Someone obviously well respected, if he was the one organizing the funeral of a god. Wealthy, if there were to be preventative measures of him buying out the market. Someone that Kaeya, who’s had something of a cynical mindset for his whole life, trusts to keep his word. Someone who Kaeya made recite the Bescherming Oath.

That last bit sticks in his mind. There’s the possibility that he could have made this man take it with the intended party as someone else, such as Aether, but the snipe at Diluc says that it must have been the Cavalry Captain who it was sworn on. And yet, the mysterious man and Kaeya obviously enjoyed some sort of friendly, if not more than friendly, relationship, considering how Kaeya spoke of him.

So, why did Kaeya need him to take the Bescherming.

Kaeya was a respected official in the Knights. No matter what he did, it wouldn’t have been legally necessary, considering that Liyue and Mondstadt were allies. Straining those relations enough to bring the Oath into play would be a horrible misstep on either country’s part. Besides, Diluc would expect something as complicated as that to be between the Knights and the Qixing, not between Kaeya and a funeral home worker. The rigid terms were made more for organizational structures than normal people. Though, he thinks he remembers from his lessons that it’d been taken in the past to keep individuals safe from particularly dangerous forces, especially those that might target them specifically —

Some of the more sober patrons look over as a glass shatters in his hand, when the realization hits him.

Kaeya would only ever do something as desperate as that if he knew there was no other way to protect himself.

Something about this man absolutely terrified Kaeya.

Something about this man made his little brother fear deeply for his life.

He curses, both from the sudden understanding and the shards slipping through his gloved fingers onto the floor. He grabs a nearby broom and begins to aggressively sweep them up, mind racing.

There’s not many things that scare Kaeya. Now, at least. He used to be skittish when he was very young, but grew out of it with time and love. For him to be scared of just some guy… it doesn’t add up. He bites his lip in frustration, and resists the urge to drop everything and run out the door, to track Kaeya down and shake the rest of his thoughts out of his head, to head to Liyue himself to intercept this man with flame and steel.

It registers again to him, accompanied by a sickening sinking feeling, that this might be the person who’s courting Kaeya.

(Kaeya’s grown reckless since he left. He’s heard it from Jean, from the knights in his cohort, from the whispers that’d reached the Winery one evening when he’d been brought back from Dragonspine in a cart.

This recklessness extending to his personal relationships hasn’t occurred to Diluc before, and now that it has, it disquiets him immensely.)

He catches himself, just as he’s about to fall back into old habits in a panic. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and keeps his composure, all while trying to remember his resolution from earlier. It’s not like it used to be. Kaeya is an adult now, he doesn’t need Diluc to threaten suitors, even the potentially dangerous ones.

He repeats it to himself for the rest of the night until it feels like the truth. It doesn’t bother him at all by the time he closes shop. Honestly.

He allows himself a moment to bask in his victory against his lingering protective nature, and knows his resolve won’t falter again.

The next morning, Charles unlocks the door to the Angel’s Share to prepare for opening, and is met with the sight of Diluc already wiping down the tables.

“Boss!” He says, obviously surprised. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be at the Winery until Wednesday,”

“There was a change of plans,” He faces Charles as he straightens up. Diluc knows how he looks; somewhat disheveled, hair more ruffled than usual, faint bruises painted under his eyes, as though he’d been tossing and turning all night instead of sleeping. Charles’ brow furrows, and Diluc continues before he can ask any questions.

“The Order’s actions are encroaching on Mondstadt itself. I’ll be staying here for the next week or so to keep an eye on it. In the meantime, I’ll take any shifts you don’t want.”

Diluc hopes that he hallucinates the knowing look Charles gives him, before he simply nods and heads to the back.

Once again alone, he groans and buries his face in his hands. He curses his idiot brain, as well as the lingering ghost of his Father’s voice, which has been whispering ‘take care of your little brother for me, Diluc, please’ all night.

Diluc watches the market when he’s not working.

He takes care to stay out of sight, of course. It’s not hard; there’s plenty of little alleyways that he can duck into, and there’s even the option of observing through the windows on the third floor of the Angel’s Share, where his so called ‘Mondstadt home’ is set up. The market is right outside, after all, farmers’ stalls, jewellers, florists, and other local stands proudly lining the main stretch.

Besides, no one knows to look for him. He doesn’t frequent the market, usually only beginning his shifts far past the time it’s closed. It’s been crowded besides that, especially with the migration of merchants from the Drunkard’s Gorge, and he’s become far less of a people person with age. If he does need something from there, he just sends someone from the Winery to fetch it for him. So nobody expects to see the Master of the Dawn Winery himself wandering within.

He has an easy disguise, too. Though Mondstadt is a land of fair weather, they still are in the middle of winter. There’s a nip in the air that justifies warmer clothes, and no one seems to recognize him if he trades his black coat for a plain brown one, tucks his hair beneath a woolen hat and his hood, and wraps a scarf around his head to hide the set of his jaw.

His younger self would have an aneurysm, to see him sneaking about his own city, like a thief and a coward. But to the man who’s travelled across Teyvat, waged an individual’s war against the Fatui, and hid in plain sight in Snezhnaya for months, it feels refreshingly familiar. He won’t make a habit of it, but he’ll do what the situation calls for.

It’s almost nostalgic, the watching and waiting, making idle notes of particular purchases and faces that stand out to pass time. On Monday, a woman picks up a lovely ring from the jeweller, blushing and smiling freely. On Tuesday, that Adventurer’s Guild girl with a massive raven perched on her shoulders, speaks confusing circles around a baker while sampling his wares like she’s a noble. Wednesday morning sees Diluc shuffling behind a stall as he catches a glimpse of blue hair in front of a popup produce shop. The evening is busy, the market a bustle of activity. He judiciously avoids the gaze of a librarian cloaked in purple as she picks up a ceramic tea set. Diluc sees the Spark Knight and that alchemist captain standing in front of a tanner, comparing bolts of leather and varying shades of dye. Venti scrambles around the streets, lyre in hand, the jauntiest tune he’s sung in weeks pouring out from him as children follow his joy. He winks every time he passes by Diluc. He just scowls back.

Thursday morning finds him drinking coffee at a table in the emptiness of his still closed tavern, before opening the window a crack, only to hear hints of gossip about the man that the Cavalry Captain had greeted at the gate at the first hint of dawn.

He freezes, and listens to the two knights that have situated theirselves on the chairs of the outdoor seating with their breakfasts.

“… Did you hear about how he was with the captain?”

“I saw, actually. I was on morning patrol,” This one pauses, likely taking a bite of her food. “It’s basically what you heard from Athos. He must be something special if Sir Kaeya let him do that.”

“Why do you always assume I’m talking to Athos? I heard from Swan, thank you very much. I know where to get insider info,” A momentary interlude followed, which consisted of some bickering between the two, before he gets back on track. “He said Kaeya looked like he was going to die from embarrassment, which I can’t even begin to imagine. Is it bad that I wish he’d gotten a picture?” The knight snickers, before Diluc hears a small thwap and an ‘ow’.

“Shhh, not so loud! If the Acting Grand Master hears that we were talking disrespectfully about our superiors, we’ll get the worst duties all week.”

“Yeah yeah,” Diluc leans a bit to catch sight of the two through a small gap in the window’s shutters, and watches as the young man closest to the street rubs his arm. “Spoilsport. And hypocrite. It’s not like anyone’s listening.”

Diluc resists the urge to snort.

“Oh hey, wait, is it true that the guy had a Vision? I’m halfway convinced Vision users have like, a network or something. They all seem to know each other,”

“Right? It’s so weird. And yeah, a geo one, I saw it glowing on his coat.” The woman in the other seat pauses, before giving her companion a wry smile. “I’d bet he’s pretty strong too,”

Both of them titter, like they’re in on some joke, before she audibly sighs. “Anyways, I think the captain’s taking a few days off, so we can probably convince Greta and Jo to join us on that scouting mission,”

“Aww, why not Emmy? They’re one of the best bowmen in the cavalry, that’d make our job way easier.”

“Yeah, but Emmy’s incapable of shutting up about themself, and I don’t want to spend five hours wandering around listening to that.”

Diluc quickly checks out of the conversation as it devolves into squabbling and mundane knight matters, and stews on the new information.

He’d suspected that the man was a Vision user after his conversation with Kaeya, but to have the confirmation was nice. And a geo user… interesting. He can see why the knights just outside may think that all Vision users know each other, but the reality is that people with Visions are rather rare, and it’s easy to keep track of the more notable ones, even across borders. Though, the only Geo user from Liyue he can think of off the top of his head is the Tianquan…

(He tries not to linger too hard on the fact that this man did something already, that’s caused the knights to go into a stir. Was it really embarrassment they’d read on Kaeya, or was it something closer to panic, to fear?

He tries to ignore the dread that the thought that ‘his little brother could be in danger’ brings, and reminds himself I don’t know yet, it could be a lie, it could be an exaggeration, he’s not my little brother anyways.

It doesn’t quite work.)

He sets down his cup, and eyes the brown coat on the rack next to the back door.

Once again, he’s on the hunt.

It’s just before midday by the time he catches sight of his target.

He’s wandered out closer to the mouth of the market, where he can just about see the Adventurer’s Guild kiosk. He takes special care not to draw attention to himself today, lingering at the sides of the crowd, intermittently rotating his position, browsing wares to seem less suspicious.

He’s just bought himself a small pastry to tide over his appetite, when his attention is drawn by seeing multiple peoples’ heads turn. He glances over, discreetly, and sees first Kaeya, who’s gesturing grandiosely at a particular stand, standing a small distance away. He’s not able to read Kaeya as he once used to, but if Diluc had to say… He almost looks like he’s genuinely enjoying himself.

Diluc stands up straight, at attention. His eyes snap a bit to the left, caught by the person at the captain’s side, nearly a week of anticipation making him hold his breath.

The first thing he registers is that he’s tall.

It may be a silly thing to focus on, but it honestly takes Diluc aback. He has nearly a head on Kaeya, and the Cavalry Captain isn’t short by any means, having a few inches on Diluc himself. That makes the consultant at least Varka’s height, if not more. It draws eyes to him, like moths to a light, as he walks beside the knight. It also makes it very easy for Diluc to follow along with his movements. He towers over the crowd like a beacon.

That being said, otherwise he looks… rather normal. Or, perhaps understated is the word. He’s dressed in a manner befitting of a gentleman, coat obviously expensive, entire ensemble underneath tied together with formal dress. All of it is in muted, tasteful colours. He looks exactly the part of a man who works at a respected funeral parlour, refined and elegant. Out of the two of them, Kaeya is by far the more ostentatious.

Still, he does have a sort of presence about him. It’s in the way he carries himself, the way he walks, how he inclines his head as he observes the stalls. It’s subtle, incredibly so, but since Diluc is of the knowledge that this man is potentially a threat, he knows to look. It causes tension to come to his shoulders, and he moves to hide himself better, slipping back into a side street to follow along with them.

The both of them don’t go much further, though. They stop at Flora’s stand and part ways with a few words, Kaeya heading back towards the main city. The man watches after him for a few moments, before turning and heading deeper into the market.

Diluc tails him closely, which turns out to be slow going. He stops at each stall, meticulously observing their wares and asking the sellers about their product. He listens to them, sometimes for long enough that Diluc’s legs get a bit sore, before he consults a list he keeps tucked away in his coat, hums, and either buys and checks something off on the paper, or moves on.

Needless to say, it’s slow going. Diluc is considering ditching him and coming back in another hour when he spends over thirty minutes buying two scarves, but then he marks something off on his list with finality, looks up, and begins to stride further in. Diluc has to jog to keep up — the man is walking with undeniable purpose now, and his legs are long.

It doesn’t take long for them to reach their destination. Diluc is horribly suspicious of his luck, since the man walks up to the door of the Angel’s Share and looks pensive as he finds it closed.

It could be a trap. At the same time, it’s a perfect opportunity that he can’t afford give up.

The only thing he can do is control the situation as best as he can.

He crosses the road posthaste, which is graciously empty of much foot traffic, and grabs the man’s arm, just as he’s about to walk away. Diluc is tugged along for a moment, which nearly causes him to falter; he’s, physically, one of the strongest people in Mondstadt, strength he’s earned from years of wielding claymores that have been, in some cases, as big as himself. Yet this man feels like a totem carved in stone.

He turns to Diluc, and this close, he can tell that he’s older than Diluc had initially presumed, perhaps in his 30’s. Funny enough, he doesn’t seem to be at all mad about Diluc stopping him, instead only confused.

“Do you want to get into the tavern?” He says, before the other can say anything or move away.

He blinks, and suddenly Diluc notices his bright amber eyes. They remind him of something, but he can’t put his finger on exactly what. “… I do, yes.”

“Follow me, then.”

The man falls into stride next to him as Diluc rounds the tavern, fishing his key out of his pocket and unlocking the back door. He ushers the consultant in, watching like a hawk as he ducks through the doorway, before following and carefully shutting the door behind him. Diluc sheds his coat, scarf, and hat as he does, drawing himself back up to his full height, relieved from the weight of anonymity once more. He turns to Kaeya’s companion, who’s silently observing the tavern, and feels his eyes narrow.

“Before anything,” He says, situating himself behind the bar. “Who are you.”

The man regards him cooly for a moment, perhaps surprised at his brusqueness, but answers anyways. “You may call me Zhongli. I’m a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. May I ask who you are?”

“Diluc Ragnvindr,” Diluc makes at being busy, swiftly setting up the bar top for when they open, setting some bottles of Dandelion Wine onto the counter and arranging wine glasses to the side. He won’t admit it, but it’s nice to finally have a name to go along with the man’s face.

“Ragnvindr…” Zhongli’s tone is considering, and he puts a hand to his chin in thought. “Of the Dawn Winery?”

“Yes,” He growls, biting back the remark asking if he knew some other Ragnvindrs gallivanting around.

“How fortunate, then, to have come across you. I fear I don’t know where I would’ve gone if not for the Angel’s Share. Your wares are lauded as the highest of qualities,”

“Right.” It was certainly fortune and nothing else that led them to cross paths. He sets up the last wine glass and looks to Zhongli again, squaring his shoulders to combat the man’s unintentional looming.

“What’s your business here?” Diluc says, getting to the chase. The consultant blinks and tilts his head a fraction.

“In Mondstadt or the Angel’s Share?”

“Both.”

Zhongli hums and sets his bags down on the floor, perhaps sensing that he’ll be in the tavern for longer than he expected. He clasps his arms behind his back, and when he speaks, his voice is fond.

“I am visiting a… friend of mine, as well as my grandson.”

He doesn’t miss the pause before he says friend, undoubtedly referring to Kaeya. Undoubtedly referring to something more than just a friend. It convinces him, just a little more, that his suspicions are correct.

Then, he hits upon the final part of the statement, and stops, dumbstruck.

“Grandson?” He rasps.

Zhongli nods, and his pride is visible in how he holds himself.

“Yes. It’s a rather recent development, but one I hold dear, and that gladdens me greatly.”

“… Congratulations,” He manages, while his mind is still stuck in the fact that this man looks fantastic for his age, since he’s apparently old enough to not only have a child, but a grandchild as well.

And he might be courting Kaeya.

Who’s 21.

His hand curls around the hilt of his claymore, which is hidden under the bar top.

“As for why I’m at your tavern,” He continues, oblivious to Diluc’s thoughts. “I’m here for a bottle of wine. ‘Death After Noon’, if I remember correctly. Could I peruse your stock of it?”

“No,” Call him petty, but he wouldn’t be giving anything to this potential suitor. Besides, he was able to read into the action. Death After Noon was Kaeya’s favourite drink, considering it’s his go to whenever he shows up. As such, this is either a suggestion from him, or a gift to him.

Not to mention the fact that his request is impossible to fulfill. Death After Noon isn’t sold in bottles, since it’s a cocktail.

The consultant raises an eyebrow at his rudeness, and the little voice in his head that sounds like Crepus bemoans his terrible display of etiquette. Diluc huffs to himself, and grabs some of the dishes that were meant to be dried before the tavern opened proper, to have something to do with his hands other than be possessed by the impulsive temptation of heavy steel.

“We don’t have it,” He says, deciding on a half truth. The man softly ‘ah’s and nods.

“I… apologize for the presumption, then.”

“It’s fine.”

They fall into an awkward silence, and Diluc ponders on how to continue. He’s once again struck by the thought that he’s horribly out of practice. He thinks back to the previous week, at the library, hoping for inspiration.

Fuck it, he remembers.

“So,” Diluc says, placing the glass he was drying to the side. “You’re involved with Kaeya.”

He holds his breath. It’s a generous leap, but at least, if he’s wrong, it’ll be over quick.

“Hmm… I hadn’t known word had spread so fast.”

Diluc nearly does a double take. He… admitted it. Just like that. Even when before, he was so coy. In another time, Diluc would’ve found the upfront nature of it appreciable, but now he feels like a circle has been run around him, and it frustrates the hell out of him. He shakes himself of it, though, and refocuses on questioning Zhongli.

“It’s not common knowledge. I was… informed by a colleague of Kaeya’s. Disregarding that. You’re here for him, aren’t you.”

“Yes,” He nods, a soft smile resting on his face. “Apologies for being vague earlier, but he’s still adjusting to our arrangement, and I know he wants to keep it quiet. Had I known you were aware, I would have been more upfront,”

It’s a direct admission if he’s ever heard one, and it brings Diluc a vindicated sense of satisfaction. Contrary to the embarrassment with Lisa, he finally feels like he’s found a stride.

“I see,” He says, masking his thoughts, then picks up another glass to dry. “I have a few questions then.”

Zhongli regards him with curiosity, but gestures for him to continue.

Diluc takes a deep breath, and tries to remember his words, and what to use against a man like this consultant.

“How did you two meet?” If Kaeya was telling the truth, then he already knows the answer. Even so, it’s a good thing to lead with, despite it feeling like a pointless icebreaker.

“Ah… You’ve heard of the Rite of Parting, yes?”

He nods. “At this point, I think everyone does. An awful thing, the death of a god. I hope Rex Lapis finds peace in the afterlife,”

Diluc isn’t particularly pious, but he knows that the people of Liyue hold their Archon very dear, and tries to find the words to respect that. Strangely, Zhongli coughs into his hand and looks a bit sheepish, before quickly recovering.

“I believe that we all do. Thank you for your kind words. Now, where was I… Yes, the Rite of Parting. He, along with the rest of Aether’s adventuring party, were highly involved in helping me prepare all of the affairs. He wasn’t too fond of me at first, I’ll admit, but we came to an… agreement. We’ve only grown closer since then.”

This ‘agreement’ was almost certainly the Oath. Diluc prickles as he remembers, having nearly forgotten that Zhongli could very well be dangerous in the wake of his soft words.

Outwardly, he just says “I see.”

He wracks his mind for the another question on his list, and finds this one coming easier, the memories of this whole ordeal slowly coming back to him.

“Do you cherish him?”

“Of course,” Zhongli says without hesitation, and his expression turns fond and faraway. “Sir Kaeya is… Something of a miracle. I’m very glad I met him. He’s put a long turbulent part of my heart at ease.”

Diluc isn’t sure what to make of that, because clearly there’s history behind it. Instead, he catalogues it. He’s only two questions in, and it already feels like he’s been at this for too long, dancing around the point. 

“Listen. I know we both must have things to do, so I’ll be upfront with you,” Diluc’s voice is falsely calm, hiding the fact that he’s itching to grab his claymore again. “I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for now, but I have my eye on you. You’ve most likely not heard of what I do to suitors when they misstep, no matter who they are. That in mind, I have one more question for you,”

Diluc nonchalantly looks down at his stock again, grabbing a checklist and making a quick inventory, completely missing the way that Zhongli mouths ‘suitors’, and how his eyes light up in a dawning realization.

“You said you work at a funeral parlour?”

“Yes,” There’s a sort of strain to his tone, and Diluc viciously thinks good, maybe he’s finally understanding the position he’s in.

“I wonder,” He says, letting the air heat up a bit around him, just enough to be apparent. “If they offer employees their services for free.”

It’s cheesy, as far as veiled threats go, but it gets his point across well enough. He glares up at the man, who stares back down at him with wide eyes.

Zhongli looks away, as though to compose himself, and says “I’ll do well to keep that in mind.”

His voice is shaking somewhat. It’s strange; though the situation says it’s from fear, Diluc almost swears it’s as if he’s holding back laughter.

“Good,” He says, crossing his arms, casting his previous thought away. He’s going to believe that the consultant knows he’s being entirely serious about this.

Zhongli brings himself back under control, much too quickly for Diluc’s liking, once again the picture of composure.

“Do you have any other wisdom to impart on me?”

He mulls it over.

“Don’t get tricked,” He warns. “He’s not who you think he is.”

It’s as much a warning as it is a deterrent. He won’t reveal Kaeya’s identity, not unless he thinks he’s a true danger to the Mond, but he’s not against stating the obvious. Anyone who claims to know him should know that his nature is that of a liar.

He meets the man’s gaze in challenge, expecting to find indignance, anger, maybe even fear, but is only met by amber eyes that seem as if they’ve seen eons, heavy with understanding.

“Not to worry, Master Ragnvindr. I know. I will keep him safe.”

And with that, he grabs one of the bottles of wine that’s on the counter, says his polite goodbye, and turns to leave. Diluc is too shaken by that simple admission to stop him, instead just watching as he opens the door and heads out into the cool air.

“Wait,” He calls out, and Zhongli stops, turning back just enough to see Diluc.

“Don’t tell him about this.”

He stares at Diluc for a long moment, and it feels as though he’s being judged before an executioner.

“You care for him a great deal, don’t you?”

Diluc stays silent, for that’s something he doesn’t want to answer, not even to himself.

The stalemate feels like it takes hours, but then Zhongli smiles in a way that Diluc can’t explain, bobs his head, and closes the door softly behind him.

It’s only minutes after, when Venti takes advantage of the prematurely unlocked door, that Diluc realizes he didn’t pay for the bottle, and curses aloud.

Venti pays it no attention, instead sitting at the bar with a bemused smile.

“Wow, what’s with blockhead? I didn’t think he was a big fan of wine,”

Diluc finds himself desperately welcoming the distraction. “You know him?”

“Eh,” The bard waves his hand in a so-so motion, a mischievous lilt to his voice. “Kinda,”

It doesn’t surprise Diluc, really, that they’d be acquainted. He doesn’t doubt that their archon had met many people after gallivanting off to who-knows-where, and Zhongli seems the type to appreciate the arts.

Diluc huffs, and tells a portion of the truth. “He was here to ask for a bottle of Death After Noon,”

“What, really?” The bard laughs, reaching around to grab an open bottle of dandelion wine from behind the counter. “Doesn’t he know it’s a cocktail?” He takes a sip, and Diluc resists the opportunity to throttle a god. “Haha, what a man! But there’s gotta be something else, hm? I can tell that it’s on your mind, Master Diluc.”

How perceptive. Diluc debates on what to tell him.

On the one hand, he’s Barbatos, who claimed the land of Mondstadt as that of the free, and has left gentle winds in his wake for thousands of years. The very same man who stepped up in their time of need, against the Abyss Order, and who’s shown resilience by fighting alongside Diluc against a dragon, one of the Four Winds, Barbatos’ own. Diluc has to admit that he does trust him. 

On the other hand, he’s Venti.

That being said, Kaeya avoids the bard like the plague. With the right incentive, in the form of being barred from every tavern in the Mond, the bard won’t spread the fact that Diluc is asking around. And Diluc is so wired from talking to the man that if he doesn’t say something, he’ll probably go mad.

“That man,” He says through gritted teeth, “Is courting Kaeya.”

Venti does an impressive spit take, getting wine all over Diluc’s nice, clean bar top. He frowns and slaps a towel over the mess as Venti coughs and gains his bearings, before he manages to wheeze like an anemograna is trying to escape from his chest.

“Are you quite done?” Diluc asks, preparing to grab Venti by the scruff and drag him out before he can cause any more borderline property damage, anemo Archon be damned.

Evidently not, since Venti hacks one more time, before yelling “You think Morax is dating your brother!?”

“He’s not my brother,” Diluc grumbles, before both his and Venti’s minds catch up to the bard’s mouth. Their eyes lock, and their expressions simultaneously morph into twin looks of pale, shocked horror.

“Uh,” Venti says, suddenly looking like he wishes he was anywhere else. “Don’t tell Zhongli I told you that.”

Diluc blinks a few times, and grabs Venti by his stupid sleeves to stop his escape. The air heats up by a few degrees, causing the bard to nervously chuckle, and Diluc’s voice raises to a hysterical decibel that causes the nearest loose glasses to vibrate against the wood of the bar.

“Beg your pardon, fucking WHO —“

Kaeya wanders back to the lower city a couple of hours after dropping Zhongli off, having finally finished the last minute paperwork of an incident from the morning. He’s half expecting the man to have a pile of craftily billed trinkets, but is pleasantly surprised to find him sitting at their agreed upon meeting spot with only a few things lined up on the table in front of him. He shouldn’t be, though. They’d expressly made a contract for this, after all, and if he can trust anything, it would be the geo Archon keeping his word.

“Mr. Zhongli!” He waves to Sara as he walks up to the table at the Good Hunter, not bothering to sit down. “The new look suits you well,”

“Thank you,” He says, patting the brown and orange knitted scarf he’s meticulously wrapped around his neck, somehow managing to make it work with his outfit. “It’s a wonderful piece of craftsmanship. Miss. Schäfer — the seller — dyes the skeins herself, while her son knits. They’re both done beautifully. I can guess the ingredients required for the dye —“

Kaeya smiles as Zhongli continues on, relaying what he knows, from both his old knowledge and the words of Schäfer herself. It’s been but a few weeks since he’d last seen the man, but Kaeya has to admit that he’s missed listening to Zhongli. He’s an absolute wealth of information, and it’s fascinating to think that his recounts of ancient concepts and happenings are firsthand.

“— It would’ve been a shame not to have bought it. Ah, speaking of,”

Zhongli plucks something from one of the bags, and produces a scarf in the same style as his, this one in powder blue and white.

“I got you one as well. I felt the colours suited you,”

Kaeya takes it from his hands and wraps it over his shoulders, letting it rest between the fluff of his cape and the nape of his neck. Burdened as Kaeya is by the Vision at his hip, it does grant him resistance from the cold. Even so, he can still feel the nip in the air, and he has to admit — the scarf is a very soft and effective way of combating it. A thoughtful present indeed.

“You truly are too kind, Mr. Zhongli,”

“Of course,” Zhongli gets up from the table to adjust the scarf properly, and Kaeya lets him, pleasantly bewildered. “It’s my responsibility as your ‘grandfather’ to get you gifts, is it not?”

He quickly grows incredibly unamused as Zhongli gives him a beatific smile, and once again mentally curses Xingqiu and Sucrose. Enablers, the lot of them, for planting the idea in the adeptus’ head.

He sighs and lets it go, instead observing the rest of the Archon’s purchases. They’re mostly small things, though high quality. A little bowl that could hold jewelry, a dried bouquet of windwheel asters, a bag of dice carved from bone, as well as one bottle of wine with a distinctly familiar label.

“Strange,” He says, feigning ignorance as he picks up the bottle by the neck. “The Angel’s Share usually wouldn’t open until sundown.”

“I suppose you could say I ran into a fortunate happenstance,” Is all Zhongli says.

Kaeya barely keeps his face from screwing up in displeasure. It’s not hard to guess what happened.

Diluc.

He has no one to blame but himself for this, really.

Feeding information to Diluc is, usually, quite easy. He knows how his brother works, after all. If Kaeya had clammed up and said nothing about Zhongli, the Ragnvindr would’ve promptly gone insane. Sending out informants, setting up stakeouts, stealing diplomatic documents from the Ordo, more of the like. While at times it could be funny, in this case it would’ve been an absolute disaster. Better to give him just enough to properly guide his actions; be it to investigate or, as he’d been trying to get him to do this time, leave it well enough alone. 

(If Diluc found out he’d been ‘adopted’ again… Kaeya honestly doesn’t even want to know his reaction. Part of him is convinced he would personally seek out Zhongli, just to tell him all the reasons why he was a fool for it.

Gods forbid the thought of Diluc finding out he was an Archon. He’d probably convince himself that Kaeya was the reason Morax was no longer in possession of his gnosis. Good thing that fact was well hidden. Unlike the anemo Archon, Zhongli knew the art of subtlety. Not even Diluc’s network would be able to suss it out for him. So long as their very limited ring of insiders stay quiet, he’ll be none the wiser.)

It had been going well. He’d carefully held back in a token effort, then, once pushed, laid out cherrypicked facts that were just accurate enough to satisfy. It was a tried and true method, and doubled as an opportunity to discreetly mess with Diluc, which was always fun. Especially this time. Seeing one of his own techniques being inexpertly applied onto Kaeya definitely would’ve made him chuckle the entire way home, if not for his mistake.

He huffs as he thinks about it. The remark about the Bescherming Oath. A ridiculous mistake that he’d beat himself about up for days afterwards. Unplanned, easily read into, and definitely the cause of Diluc’s recent bout of haunting the streets in the daylight hours.

He knows why it slipped, of course. He has at least a modicum of self awareness, unlike some other people he won’t name.

He was always just a bit freer in word around Diluc, for one. His childhood still looms heavy in his mind, and Diluc is one of the few people who know some of his more important secrets. He doesn’t know all of them, of course; Kaeya will forever keep some cards close to his chest. Even Albedo, who now knows the most, isn’t privy to it all.

(Between the two of them, the two so-called princes in this windswept land, never has a secret actually been spoken. It’s always discovered, put together like a puzzle, one piece at a time. Their relationship is an oddly wordless one, what with how loquacious they’re both seen as.

The weight of their communication comes from gestures, increasingly tender things that carry more meaning than anything either of them speak aloud, bare and truthful in a way that can’t be hidden. It ruins Kaeya. Every time a hand brushes a lock of hair behind his ear, every time he wakes up with a blanket and pillow on a horribly uncomfortable chaise, every time the alchemist leans in as he familiarizes himself with an old tongue that tastes of stars and memories, another shard of his armour falls apart.

It’s terrifying. He doesn’t think that he minds.)

He’s also still a bit raw from the trip to Liyue. Travelling with Aether, who genuinely enjoyed his company and had been ecstatic when he’d agreed to come along, bonding with Sucrose and rekindling their childhood friendship, having Xingqiu and Chongyun treat him like an older brother who they trusted implicitly. He knows the people of Mondstadt like him, he’s earned his knights’ respect, and has the well worn fabric of Jean’s friendship, but something about adventuring with people he barely knew, having them see some of the less charming parts of himself, and coming out of the experience closer, still liking him… It struck a chord.

Not to mention Zhongli, who, by all rights, should’ve smote him where he stood when he’d seen the star in Kaeya’s eye, had instead held him close in sturdy arms. He’d taken the deal that Kaeya had offered in his panic, when he’d realized just who the man actually was, only gently negotiating the terms. Hell, even the Harbinger had taken him out for drinks, still a bit frostbitten, all while loudly proclaiming him an ‘esteemed friend’.

Something about returning from all of that, just to have Diluc, the last of his family, throw suspicion and subtle venom towards him… It was like salting a wound. The sting of it was enough for him to start throwing barbs back out of hurt, his emotions lashing out.

It had, predictably, bit him in the ass, in the form of Diluc stalking the market every day. He was a bit better disguised than usual. A change of colour and winter clothes made for a completely different look, rather than just throwing up his hood, donning a half mask, and calling it a day. It certainly made the impression that the lookout for Zhongli was something he took seriously.

(Strange that Diluc was scouting himself. When his informants had told him about it, he wasn’t sure whether it boded well or ill. It’s either that Diluc thought it unimportant enough to send someone to do it for him, instead keeping an eye out in his free time, or he decided it was too important, too dangerous, for anyone else. At the moment, it’s looking depressingly like the latter.)

Evidently, it had at least somewhat paid off, seeing as to how he’d managed to corner the Archon in his tavern.

He shakes himself out of his rambling thoughts, back to the present. His smile is thin when he turns it towards his companion.

“Did he give you any trouble?”

“Not at all,” Zhongli gathers up the rest of his things into a bag that he slings over his shoulder, pausing to pluck the bottle of wine from Kaeya’s fingers. “He spotted me as I approached the Angel’s Share, and was kind enough to allow me in,”

“What a coincidence, then, that he caught you at that exact moment,”

The knowing look that the other gives him is all Kaeya needs to know that Zhongli had definitely noticed his tail this morning, and he chuckles.

“I hope he gave the wine to you gratis, then! I believe you deserve it, after him following you for however long. Such a suspicious man, that one,”

Zhongli pauses, then, after a moment, looks horribly bashful. “… He may have.”

Kaeya can infer what happened, and laughs. Diluc must have found the consultant agreeable if he let him get away with forgetting to pay.

Zhongli takes it with grace, and tucks the bottle away in his bag. He looks to Kaeya, suddenly contemplative, and the captain makes an inquiring noise.

“Now, what’s with that look?”

“If I may ask… what’s your relationship with Master Ragnvindr?”

His relationship with Diluc… What a complicated question. How would one explain the limbo they’re in? Brothers for years, disowned now. If Diluc could, he was sure that he’d cut any and every mention of his ties with the Ragnvindr family from the face of Teyvat. But then, Diluc periodically switching between hating him and tolerating him, harsh words followed by veiled concern about his drinking habits. The fact that he knows about Kaeya, but hasn’t said anything to anyone.

“We used to know each other when we were young,” Kaeya says, giving a charming smirk. “We’re a bit at odds. He doesn’t like the knights, you see.”

“Ah,” Zhongli says. He looks like he wants to add something else, before a recollection hits him.

“I’d nearly forgotten, but I heard a rumour about you while I was out,”

“Oh?” He’s glad for the change of subject. But, a rumour? To be fair, he’s heard many today, what with Zhongli’s arrival. However, they’re mostly conjectures taken wildly out of context. It must have been intriguing to catch the Archon’s attention. “What was it?”

Zhongli answers his question with another question.

“Do you, perhaps, have a suitor?”

Kaeya, foolishly, pauses a fraction of a second too long, debating on whether to tell the truth or not. He knows he’s caught when Zhongli’s pupils turn to slits. Still, he tries to save face.

“Where did you hear that?”

“I’ve been told that I’m a very good listener,”

Well then.

He’ll have to find whichever overly observant knight that’s begun to gossip and deal with them accordingly later. For now, though, he decides to not dance around the issue. He’ll have to know about Albedo sooner or later, after all.

“Do you know of our Chief Alchemist?”

Zhongli’s brow furrows as he tries to recall. “Sucrose’s mentor?”

“The very same,” Kaeya says. “Albedo, the Kreideprinz. It’s… a recent thing. Honestly, I feel honoured that he returns my affections! He’s an incredible man.”

There’s an expression on Zhongli’s face that’s distinctly familiar in a way he can’t place, and he pushes himself away from the table, readying himself to leave.

“This alchemist,” He asks, and there’s something just a bit too soft about his tone. “Is he within the city? And tell the truth, please,”

“He is,” Though he’s slated to leave tomorrow. How fortunate. He already knows where this is going, but all the same he says “Why do you ask?”

“I believe,” Zhongli says. “I’d like to pay him a visit.”

At last, Kaeya is able to place his expression, and he nearly groans. Memories of teenage years plague him like a curse, and he remembers his ridiculous overprotective brother, out for blood.

Gods be damned.

He’s found another Diluc.

They make good time to the Ordo, neither of them deigning to speak as they settle into a brisk walk. The most trouble they run into are the guards at the entrance of Headquarters, who look at the pair with wide eyes. Kaeya directs a pointedly polite smile at them, daring them to say anything, makes an offhanded remark about their gossiping habits, and watches as they flush red and stammer.

(Kaeya knows that word had spread quickly about the incident on the bridge this morning, propagating like dandelion seeds on the wind.

Truthfully, the hug had been nice. Having the hug being used as leverage to pick him up like a cat in front of at least four knights had been much less so.)

When they reach the common lab, they find it empty. Which is unfortunate, since Sucrose would’ve provided a fantastic distraction. He isn’t particularly surprised though. Ever since they went travelling, she’s gotten more confident in her combat and exploration skills, and has been doing more field experiments since she’s gotten back. He’s glad to see it, even though it would’ve been nice to have her here now.

Especially since the door to Albedo’s lab is open a crack, and from the clinking of glass and shifting of shadows, it’s obvious that it’s occupied by the very person they came to see.

“Allow me,” Kaeya says, taking the lead. He nonchalantly walks up to the door, covering up his strange sense of nervousness, and opens it with barely a push.

He steps into Albedo’s portion of the lab and involuntarily relaxes, it’s walls and chaos and brilliantly cluttered organization now nearly as familiar to him as his own office. Beakers, pipettes, and test tubes litter the room haphazardly, on tables and shelves, some of them even hung up on a rack that’s strung to the ceiling, which Sucrose claims aerates them. That’s not even mentioning the ingredients and samples shoved under tables and in boxes, even under the couch, as Kaeya’s witnessed before in the nights where he’s slept there.

It’s not a place many would call homey. But there, at a table in the middle of the room in the midst of some experiment, stands Albedo, who goes from stony at the intrusion to soft when he meets Kaeya’s eye.

“Hi,” Kaeya says, somehow managing to lose all his words in the span of a second.

“Kaeya,” He says, smile faint but fond, before he focuses on the man over the Cavalry Captain’s shoulder and closes off. “And guest.”

Ah, right. He’s here for a reason. He smiles benignly and welcomes Zhongli into the room, who has to duck under the doorway to get in.

“Right! Introductions are in order. Mr. Zhongli, this is Albedo, the Captain of our Investigation Team. Albedo, meet Mr. Zhongli. I believe I’ve told you about him before? He wanted to meet you,”

He puts particular emphasis on the word meet, and sees Albedo take note, watching his actions take a deliberate edge.

“Yes, I’ve heard much about you. What an honour,” Albedo looks up from the table just long enough to be polite before returning to his work, scratching out notes and speaking at the same time. “I never would have imagined having the fortune to meet an Archon.”

Kaeya and the aforementioned Archon freeze, and when Zhongli glances over to him, Kaeya only has to fake the innocent part of his surprise.

Albedo, what the hell.

“Kaeya,” Zhongli says, and his sad disappointment is worse than the fury he’d expected.

“He didn’t tell me,” Albedo lies, sparing Kaeya from having to save face. As grateful as he is, it puts Kaeya on his guard, since Albedo very seldom tells an untruth as blatant as this. “Not in so many words, at least.”

“Oh?” Kaeya says, performative challenge in his tone, playing along.

“It’s in the things you don’t say,” Albedo picks up a beaker full of clear liquid, squinting at it. “Sucrose as well. I formed my suspicion last week.”

“You sound very sure of yourself for only having a suspicion.” Zhongli says, tilting his head. He sounds more fascinated than upset, which is, admittedly, a relief.

Albedo just shrugs. “You’re a geo user, correct?”

“I am, yes.” The consultant summons a bit of energy to play about his fingers in demonstration, before letting it dissipate.

“Thank you for the verification. Your Vision is fake,” Albedo gestures to a large sheet of reflective metal that’s coincidentally placed right near the door, in the perfect position to glimpse the square of glass on the back of the Archon’s coat. “There’s an experiment of mine with elemental energy on the table next to you. It would have resonated as my Vision does if it were real,”

Oh, Kaeya thinks. Oh, you planned this.

While it was true Kaeya had told him of the Archon’s arrival a week in advance, he hadn’t expected a scheme like this to hatch from the warning. Catching Zhongli off guard by knowing his identity, essentially forcing the truth from him, and revealing that he’s ‘pieced it together’ through offhanded remarks from him and Sucrose, as well as a glance at a mirror and an experiment placed just so. All while the visit was entirely spontaneous. It’s absolutely a power play.

That he’s pulled against a 6000 year old god.

From the now warier way Zhongli holds himself, as well as the subtle smirk on Albedo’s lips, it’s a power play that’s worked.

(He knows Albedo has it in him to do this. Kaeya’s been on the receiving end of it himself, even. It still catches him off guard.

(He can’t deny that it’s kinda hot.))

“You certainly are perceptive,” The adeptus says, slowly.

Albedo just sighs, and continues with his experiment. “So I’ve been told. Do you have business with me?”

“I do, yes.” Zhongli moves to stand in front of the alchemist, regarding him with a cool and searching look. “You are courting Kaeya.”

They all freeze at the flat statement, and Kaeya recognizes the inflection from the few times he’s used it against Childe when he was causing trouble. The one that carries a subtle warning, like the shifting of stone before an earthquake. The tension in the room literally becomes tangible as the two stare each other down, as he notices small white and amber shards starting to flaking off the walls, shaken loose by the passive geo sinking into the room.

He moves to mediate, but Albedo makes a quick but small gesture of his hand, just barely looking at Kaeya, and he stops.

I can handle this alone, it says.

Kaeya makes a gesture back, working through the confines of field signals. ’Do you need backup?’ is the closest he can get to ’Are you sure?’

The final sign Albedo gives him is curt and confident. Negative.

Despite how much it feels like a bad idea, to keep out of it… He trusts Albedo’s judgement. So he steps back, just barely leaning against the wall, and the alchemist does a little half blink — one of the nonverbal ways Kaeya’s noticed he uses to convey a quick thank you — and refocuses his attention on Zhongli, who thankfully hasn’t noticed their quick exchange. 

“I am.”

The confession makes something flutter in the Cavalry Captain’s chest, and he quickly hides his smile. They still haven’t formally defined their relationship, despite it being two weeks, still opting to take it slow and adjust. So hearing him admit that they’re courting, even if it may not be the perfect word for how they’re gradually falling into orbit around each other… It’s difficult to tamp down on the joy.

Albedo puts the vial he was poking around with on a burner, nonchalantly adjusting the flame, before turning to face the consultant directly. In any other situation, it would be silly; Zhongli is more than a foot taller than the knight, and Albedo has to crane his head to meet his gaze. Somehow, impressively, he makes it work.

“What of it?”

“Hmm.” Zhongli crosses his arms, and seems to think for a moment. “Would you mind if asked you a few questions?”

“Not at all.”

“… How did you two meet?”

Albedo quirks his head at the surprisingly benign question. “Three years ago, when I joined the knights. There’s nothing else to it. It’s not a very exciting story.”

It’s the honest truth. Kaeya didn’t take to pestering Albedo, what with all of his tantalizing unknowns, until a few weeks after he met the man. Everything interesting had happened after that.

Zhongli seems satisfied with it, though, since he doesn’t press, instead continuing on.

“Do you cherish him?”

“I don’t mean to question your process,” Albedo says, looking distinctly unamused. “But the correct answer to that is implicit within the context of this situation.”

“Ah… It is, isn’t it. I hadn’t considered that,” He brings his hand up to his chin in thought. “I suppose I’ll need to go off the cuff. May I ask you something more personal?”

Kaeya blinks as part of that statement catches up to him. He has pre-prepared questions for interrogating love interests? This is growing more strange by the moment. Zhongli is still adjusting to mortal life, and though he’s been acclimating very well, it’s apparent sometimes. He wouldn’t have expected this to be something that he’s put so much thought into. Though, perhaps for Hu Tao…?

Albedo watches him for a moment. “I suppose so.”

Zhongli draws himself up, and suddenly he’s less funeral parlour consultant, more God of Contracts.

“Are you loyal to Khaenri’ah?”

The air seems to still a bit in the room, and despite himself, Kaeya stiffens. Of course he would notice. If Zhongli could spare one look into Kaeya’s eye and know, it’s no surprise that he noticed the golden mark of claim on Albedo’s throat, and saw it for what it is.

Albedo spares a quick glance to Kaeya, before returning his gaze to the Archon. “… I owe it many things,”

“Is that an answer?”

“No,” Albedo doesn’t even flinch. “I suppose it isn’t.” 

The ensuing silence chokes up the air like dust. Their presences clash, like two dragons circling around each other, and Kaeya can’t help but wonder if this is what it would feel like to see Rex Lapis and Durin at war.

Just as the captain is about to interfere, it resolves itself. Zhongli must be able to read something further from Albedo’s words, since his posture relaxes and his arms drift down to rest at his sides. The tension in the room dissipates, just like that, and it takes both knights off kilter. Zhongli steps forward, and Albedo remains still as stone.

“May I ask you to make me a promise, Sir Albedo?”

“That depends,” Albedo says, still on edge, but slowly unwinding now that the scrutiny he was facing has stopped. “I’m certain that it’s good manners to tell the terms of a contract before forcing a party into agreeing,”

“Of course,” The former Archon tips his head in a nod. “Though, this is not a formal contract, per se. It may be selfish, since you get nothing in return save for my blessing, but it would put me at ease to know,”

He rests his hands on Albedo’s shoulders, and his tone is heavy again.

“Promise me,” He says. “Swear to me that you won’t hurt Kaeya. That you will do well by him.”

Kaeya nearly groans. Diluc the second indeed.

“I can’t promise that in good faith,” Albedo says. Despite himself, Kaeya blinks in surprise. He sees Zhongli tense out of the corner of his eye, and curses to himself, hoping that he isn’t going to have to stop him from dragging Kaeya away and insisting they no longer ‘fraternize’, like what his brother used to do when he didn’t like Kaeya’s current sweetheart.

The alchemist continues on, heedless of the thoughts in Kaeya’s head. “I’ve observed enough to know that relationships are messy. I may very well hurt him, even if I don’t mean to. That is simply life. But what I can promise is that I won’t do it on purpose. If I ever misstep, I’ll do my best to make it right. I know he’d do the same, as well,”

Albedo looks again to Kaeya, who, while somewhat taken off guard, still manages to nod. It’s… an Albedo response, to the core. Trust him to look at the easy route of simply agreeing, and using his genius brain to make things harder on himself. While Kaeya is much the same in terms of overthinking, he’s also well prepared to breezily smile and acquiesce to people’s wants and expectations. It’s a lesson he’s long since learnt; people love a lie.

Albedo, on the other hand, is truthful to nearly a fault. However, he’s so good at manipulating honesty, at withholding facts and using misleading statements, that he far more than makes up for it. It’s fascinating to watch in action. Seeing people fall for it so completely — the image he’s constructed and leverages without a second thought — it caught his eye from very early on. It was familiar, after all. Kaeya and Albedo are so different, and yet more alike than anyone would ever realize.

Zhongli, to his credit, gets over his surprise quickly. He hums as he considers, something appraising in his eyes.

“Very wise of you.” He releases Albedo and steps back, but keeps an arm outstretched in offering. “I accept your terms. If I recall correctly, it’s customary to seal a contract with a handshake in Mondstadt, no?”

“I thought you said this wasn’t a contract,” Albedo says, deadpan and dry. Zhongli has the decency to look a bit sheepish, but smiles as the alchemist grasps his hand and gives it a firm shake.

“Thank you, Sir Albedo.” He says. Albedo just blinks and releases his hand, already slipping back to his specimen table as he senses the end of the conversation. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I do hope to see you again during my stay,”

The alchemist sighs, briefly glancing back at the adeptus, before picking up one of the beakers he’d been working on, swirling around the liquid in it. “I’ll delay my return to Dragonspine by another day, then. We can all get together tomorrow, if that works for everyone,”

Kaeya finally pipes up, hopelessly bemused. “It took Jean five hours to convince you to stay for an extra week, yet Zhongli says a few words, and you change your schedule just like that?”

“Of course,” He knows Albedo well enough by now that he hears the hidden sliver of humour in his tone, and thinks oh no. “I need to make a good impression on your grandfather, after all.”

Zhongli laughs without warning, looking pleased, just as Kaeya adds Albedo onto his ‘enablers to curse’ list. “I’m touched you’d make such an allowance for me. I’m already looking forward to it. I apologize again for taking up your time. We should be on our way,”

“Yes,” Kaeya says, getting up and brushing off invisible dust from his clothes. “We do have a tour to finish, after all. Oh, but Zhongli, you go on ahead. I have to talk to Albedo about something quickly. I won’t be long,”

The consultant raises an eyebrow, but nods his head in acquiescence. He walks out of the lab, closing the door softly behind him. Kaeya listens to his fading steps to make sure he’s definitely out of hearing range, before rounding on Albedo, stalking towards him with purpose.

“You,” He pokes Albedo in the chest, who’s lips quirk into a little smile. “Are a menace.”

“Coming from you, that’s practically a compliment,”

Kaeya dramatically feigns hurt, hand coming up to clench over his heart. “Why, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m concerned! Poking at an Archon, making deals, teasing me… When did you get so cheeky, I wonder?”

Albedo huffs and turns back to his beaker, grabbing some sort of faintly purple gel to pour into it, though his smile remains. “You should get back to him. It would reflect poorly on you if you made a guest wait.” He says, completely dodging the question.

Kaeya is the one that huffs this time, unbearably fond. He waits until Albedo’s put the beaker back down and begun writing notes, before leisurely reaching out and grabbing Albedo’s chin, turning the blonde’s face to him.

Albedo’s eyes narrow in the way they always do when he’s confused. “… Is there something —“

Kaeya leans forward to kiss him before he can finish.

The alchemist stills for a split second, before he leans in and kisses back. It’s slow and sweet, letting the both of them briefly untense, surrounded by the comfort of each other. As soon as Albedo’s hand wanders to gently rest at his waist, though, Kaeya pulls away, leaving with nothing other than one more lingering peck.

“Sorry, Sir Alchemist,” He says, grin etched with the unspoken words of ‘I can be a menace, too’. “I have a grandfather to entertain.”

He exits the room with a flourish and a skip to his step, delighting in the cut off noise that Albedo makes, in equal measures indignant and enamoured.

He joins Zhongli just outside the Favonius headquarters, standing prim and proper, overlooking the lower level of the city.

“A bit bigger than when you were last here, I’d imagine,”

“Yes,” He turns his gaze to Kaeya as the captain pulls himself up to sit on the wall beside the Archon, basking in the slowly waning daylight. “Very much so. It seems like… it’s changed so quickly.”

His voice is thick with memories, amber eyes far away. Kaeya turns back to the city to give him privacy, trying to think of words that would comfort a god older than him by magnitudes, and coming up with nothing that doesn’t seem paltry. Still, the silence is strangely comfortable.

“I’m glad,” Zhongli says, suddenly. Kaeya perks up, attention caught, and gives him a questioning look.

“Oh?”

“I’m glad,” He repeats, and genuinely looks it, eyes soft and smile authentic. “That you’ve found someone who appreciates you, and will treat you well. Who you can feel at ease with.”

Though he did expect something like that admission when he brought Zhongli here, he wasn’t actually prepared for it. It sparks something warm in him, faintly nostalgic, like — like when he was young and Crepus was alive. When his father had smiled as Kaeya came home with gifts and tokens, before promising to keep it confidential. When Kaeya had asked why he’d agreed to secrecy so easily, his father just told him ‘it gladdens me greatly to see you full of joy.’

He viciously ignores the bitter, and tries to focus on the sweet. It’s easier than it used to be, able to remember without shutting out the rest of his emotions, but it still causes his voice to go a bit raspier than usual.

“Well, isn’t that a coincidence… I’m quite happy too,” He says, and smiles back. They return to their comfortable silence, watching as the sky is slowly painted by winter’s early orange, cold wind playing with the strands of their hair and matching scarves, tour forgotten.

“I’m also glad,” Zhongli says after a long moment, and Kaeya can already hear the mischief colouring what he’s going to say. “That you found someone cute. With a geo Vision no less!”

Kaeya covers his face with his hand, only half overdramatic performance, and remembers how embarrassing Crepus had been about this too.