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Kaeya tended to run colder than most. Even before they received their Vision.
In the chilly nights of winter, Diluc would throw quilts upon quilts onto the younger and force warm tea down their throat. He worried his new companion would get sick. Kaeya would complain that being wrapped up like that would make them overheat (which they did), and that the tea was too hot and sweet (Diluc never made tea the way they liked). The two would bicker and, like a good little sibling would do, Kaeya ended the fights by slapping their ice cold hands on Diluc’s neck. Diluc would scream at Kaeya for being a brat, and Crepus would sternly tell them it was past their curfew.
Kaeya chuckled. Now that was a memory they hadn't thought about in a while. Thinking about the past brought up too many emotions they’d rather not feel. Thinking about the future brought up too many questions and uncertainties. No. Kaeya would rather be in the present at all times. Living life was best for them that way. It always went according to plan.
Except now.
Maybe convincing their subordinates to go back to the city when the two were supposed to accompany Kaeya on patrol wasn’t the best idea. To be fair, when Kaeya came across the little camp, there were only a few hilichurls lazing about. The monsters didn’t look agitated or too hard to defeat, so Kaeya went for it.
An ambush took them by surprise, and Kaeya was able to strike down two in one swoop. It was after the third hilichurl fell that they felt water bubble around them. They thrashed until the bubble finally popped and whipped their head around to see a Hydro Abyss Mage giggling to itself. For whatever reason, an Abyss Mage popped up way too close to the city. It was concerning, but answers would have to wait for later.
Luckily for Kaeya though, this was a Hydro Abyss Mage. The takedown would be easy for a Cryo user like themself. Without much fanfare, they struck. The Abyss Mage created more and more bubbles, but Kaeya was agile, quick on their feet. They ducked and weaved through its traps and called upon their Cryo to freeze the monster in place. Kaeya used their sword to quickly finish the job.
“See, not that hard,” Their chest heaved. Even though it was an easy kill, being caught off guard in the beginning didn’t help. Their lungs burned and they were drenched. “Ugh.”
Deciding they needed a new change of clothes, Kaeya started the trek back to Mondstadt. The walk wasn’t long but it became increasingly hard as the cold began to set in. It was at times like these that Kaeya cursed their cold-blooded nature.
“Kaeya?”
Ah, it was Diluc. Or rather, the Darknight Hero. But Diluc knew that Kaeya knew it was him. Their dear brother must’ve been out doing his nightly vigilantism.
“Oh why hello, Mister Darknight Hero,” Diluc glared. “I don’t suppose you’re turning yourself in, hm?”
Diluc rolled his eyes so hard, Kaeya laughed. It was nice to have some level of normalcy with their brother. Gods know they both needed it.
“Why are you wet, idiot?” There was a pinch in Diluc’s brow, almost like he was trying to hide his concern. But, well, Diluc was a terrible liar.
“Hydro Abyss Mage caught me off guard.” It was a simple answer. No reason to try to be coy about it.
There was a flash of worry on his face but it was quickly replaced by confusion. “Aren’t those supposed to be easy for you? How did that happen?”
Kaeya paused but then sighed. Being honest with Diluc was something that was an active battle for them. It wasn’t surprising considering their history, but the two were making great strides in mending their relationship. “I was… reminiscing.”
There was a pause, like Diluc was waiting for an elaboration. When none came, he huffed. “Well, you’re soaked,” He suddenly took off his coat and handed it to Kaeya. Kaeya took it, but not after sending a questioning look to their brother. “And you’re shaking,” Ah, well that was true, wasn’t it? “We can go back to the tavern and get something warm in you.”
“Oh ho! Concerned now, aren’t we?” Kaeya wanted to tease a bit. Like the old times.
“I know you. You’re cold all the time. Being wet doesn’t help.” Just like that, Diluc walked off. Kaeya let themself smile. Just like old times.
The two reached Diluc’s tavern. Luckily it was late and the last of the patrons had slipped out. Charles was wiping down the tables when they came in.
“Ah Diluc! What’re you doing here?”
“We’re just stopping for some tea.” Diluc headed towards the back, probably to heat some water.
“We-?” Charles’ eyes landed on Kaeya. “Oh, Mx Kaeya, you’re shivering!” The man sounded horrified. He came up behind Kaeya, leading them to a clean table. “Are you hungry?”
Kaeya was smirking, amused. “Hello to you as well, Charles. And thank you, but I’ve eaten plenty for the night.”
Charles nodded. “Alright, let me know if you change your mind.” Just as Charles left the main room, Diluc walked in with two cups of tea. He set one down in front of Kaeya and seated himself with his own.
Kaeya let their hands warm up, the steam rising in their face. It made their nose run. After a moment, they took a sip. And immediately regretted it. Too sweet and too hot.
“I should arrest you, you know?” Diluc looked at them, a hint of betrayal and confusion in his eyes. Kaeya gestured to the tea. “This tea is terrible.”
Diluc visibly relaxed. It was Kaeya’s turn to roll their eyes. “Your secret is safe with me.” The ‘and yours is too’ was left unsaid. The two knew it well. They’ve had their differences, but in the end, one’s secrets are kept safe with the other.
The two sat in silence, sipping on the tea (even though Kaeya would rather be drinking anything else at that moment). Suddenly Diluc cleared his throat.
“That Fatui man you like so much came looking for you.”
Kaeya almost choked. “He’s here? In Mondstadt? Why?”
If Diluc was annoyed by Kaeya’s eagerness, he didn’t show it. Diluc’s opinion on the Fatui never changed, even after he learned of his sibling’s relationship with one of the Harbingers. He just begrudgingly let the two lovers be.
“I don’t know why. But he came by the Winery for some reason. Wouldn’t leave until I almost chopped his head off.”
“Please don’t kill each other,” They lightly berated. It was weird that Ajax was in Mondstadt. He wasn’t supposed to be there. Not that Kaeya knew of.
Diluc sighed, breaking Kaeya’s train of thought. “Knowing him, he probably broke into your apartment just to see you.” He looked pointedly at Kaeya. There was a hidden message in his look. Almost like- “He probably is still waiting for you.”
Oh.
Kaeya chuckled. “Ah ‘Luc.” They stood up, sliding off Diluc’s coat and placing it neatly on the table. They walked up to Diluc’s side and kissed his temple. “Thank you.” They whispered.
Diluc grumbled. “Don’t mention it.”
Kaeya skipped out of the Angel’s Share, heading home.
Ajax was in fact waiting for Kaeya, but seemed to have gotten tired and fell asleep on their couch. The fireplace was still going and there were fresh Calla Lilies in a cute, new vase on the coffee table. Kaeya couldn’t stop smiling.
Quietly, they began to undress. Their shoes were definitely ruined and made gross sounds as they fell to the floor. Kaeya winced. Almost mindlessly, they wandered around their apartment, taking off layers of clothes until they reached their bedroom. They rummaged through the closet and found a pair of sleeping pants and shirt to put on. Kaeya also reached all the way in the back to get sleepwear fit for Ajax.
Since their relationship started when the Harbinger was stationed in Mondstadt, he would often stay at Kaeya’s place most nights. Ajax would always bring sleeping clothes with him from the Goth Grand Hotel, but after a while Kaeya just bought him pajamas to keep in their home.
It was domestic and made Kaeya’s face warm just thinking about it.
They soon made their way out to the living area where Ajax was snoring slightly. Kaeya stood over him, taking in their lover’s form. Ajax was always tense. It wasn’t noticeable to most, but he carried himself like there was someone out to get him at all times. Kaeya could relate. But when he was sleeping, all that tension slipped away from his body and face. He looked so young but so tired. To the freckles splattered across his nose and the purple under his eyes, Kaeya thought he was breathtaking.
With a sigh, Kaeya shook Ajax awake.
The man groaned, voice gravelly and dry. “Kaeya?”
The first thing on his mind was his lover. Sweet.
“Yes, dear. I’m home,” Ajax smiled instinctually at the pet name. “I don’t want you sleeping on the couch, so come change and get into bed, alright?”
“I’m comfortable though. Your couch is comfy.” Ajax retorted, still groggy and a little dazed.
Kaeya snorted. “I’m sure it is. The bed is better though. And warmer.”
Ajax made grabby hands towards Kaeya. They laced their own hand with one of them, thumb rubbing over the veins and scars. “Come lie down with me. I don’t think I could get up if I tried.”
Kaeya sighed. “Dear, I’m cold as ice right now.”
Ajax grinned lazily. He brought Kaeya’s hand up to his face and leaned into their touch. “You’re not cold. You feel like home.”
Kaeya’s face heated up. Gods, Ajax could be such a smooth talker when he wanted to. They wanted to tease him for being a sap but no words came out. They were left with nothing. And that’s what scared Kaeya. Loving Ajax meant they could lose. They already lost everything twice over. Kaeya came accustomed to winning after that. Afterall, one has everything to gain if they have nothing to lose. But Ajax wormed his way into Kaeya’s life and made losing a possibility again.
Fuck.
Kaeya swallowed. “Alright. Just change first, please.”
Ajax groaned. And Kaeya felt a little less frozen.