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It was kind of incredible how oblivious you were when it came to romantic cues and gestures
It was almost like a special power as if your skin was made of bird feathers, any hints of attraction thrown your way just roll off of you and into oblivion
So it wasn’t a surprise that you weren’t very good at relationships - maybe it was because you just liked most everyone, maybe it was how you couldn’t imagine someone liking you that way, or maybe it was because you really weren’t interested - this reason remained a mystery to the dozens of suitors you shrugged off through your life
That was until you met Kaeya
The definition of determination and adaptability
--
“Hey, Y/N.” Kaeya entered your line of sight as you sat on a bench, a book in your hands. He elegantly glided into the spot next to you and placed his arm over your shoulders.
“Hi, Kaeya.” you pull your eyes from your book and look at the captain. His leg is resting on his knee and he’s giving you a kind smile.
“What are you reading,” he leans forward and enters your space. His hair spilling over his shoulder and rubbing against your arm. You can smell him and find the scent rather enjoyable.
“Oh, just some storybook.”
“What’s it about?” he turns his head to look at you and your faces are dangerously close. Instead of noticing, or having any reaction, you just answer his question.
--
Kaeya starts to wonder if his skills are starting to fade, is he really as suave as he believes he is? He might go and flirt with some of the other ladies in town to test his hunch
He’s been flirting with you for weeks and it seems you just aren’t really understanding him - so he just keeps trying, one of these times it’ll work out
Kaeya notices you making your way down the large stairs below the main courtyard. He makes his way toward you, and as if Barbados himself was giving him a chance, you slip on something, your flailing hands reaching to steady yourself.
--
You find yourself falling, but into the arms of Kaeya instead of down the stone steps.
“Ah!” you exclaim, gripping tightly onto his arms, his sturdy body slowing your momentum.
“Careful now,” his voice sounds in your ear and you wonder why your face is so much hotter than it was a few seconds ago. I almost died, you think, and disregard the reaction. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you purposely did that so you could fall into my arms.” He laughs as he helps you down the remaining steps.
“Oh, no,” you turn to point at the place where you fell, “Something must have tripped me. How wild.”
Undeterred, Kaeya tries again. He holds your hand in his and pulls it to his lips, “No matter, I will be here to catch you any time.”
“That’s sweet of you; you knights are so kind.” You smile and continue on your way, leaving Kaeya staring at his hand in disbelief.
--
This thick-headedness of yours was driving Kaeya up a wall, he just … didn’t get it? So after attempt after attempt and none of them hitting their mark, he dropped all the hints and just gave it one last shot
--
One morning you woke up to a bouquet of flowers at your door, a small package next to it. Inside was a book, one you’d been searching for for years. There was a note inside which said, “Come to the large windmill in the garden - Kaeya.”
When you finally got to the designated spot, you find Kaeya already waiting for you there.
“Hey!” you greet him, the note and book in your hands.
“Afternoon.” Kaeya makes his way toward you.
“Did you leave those flowers and this book outside my door today?”
“Yup,” once he approaches you, he runs his fingers down your arm. You find the action strange but don’t shoo him away.
“Did you know, I used to have this book when I was younger but it fell into a river and was ruined. I’ve never been able to find one since.” When you look at Kaeya he is smiling.
“I knew.” He takes your hand in his and leads you to one of the benches under the windmill.
“Are you okay? You’re acting strange …” you take a seat on the bench and watch him take the spot next to you.
“I have something to tell you, will you listen to me.” He holds your hand in his and looks at you before speaking again, “I like you.”
“Ha, Kaeya, I like you too!” a huge grin spreads over his face and there is so much joy in his eyes.
“You do??”
“Yeah! Of course, I do, you’re like my best friend.”
He drops his head before standing up. “No … hmm.” he’s pacing back and forth, his hand wrapped around his mouth.
“Kaeya?”
He rushes back to where you are sitting and places his hands on either side of you, one against the armrest and the other on the back of the bench.
“Y/N. I like you.”
“I like you … too?”
“Barbados help me, I LOVE YOU.” You’re stunned, absolutely dumbfounded.
“You … love me?”
“YES.” His gaze is piercing. You realize how close he is, and the blood rises in your face.
“Seriously? You’ve never shown any signs that you … like me that way.”
“Are you …” he’s so flabbergasted he can barely get a response out. “For week’s I’ve been flirting with you”
“That’s what you were doing!? I thought you were just being nice.”
“Ugh.” His confidence is shattered, he bends his knees and rests on the balls of his feet, absolutely defeated.
There is so much emotion building inside of you that you can’t help but burst into laughter. He looks at you, slightly irritated.
“I’m sorry.” you put your hand over his. “I’ve never been good at reading those kinds of messages. You must have worked so hard.”
His face perks up a bit, does this mean? “I did, and you ignored me every time.”
“I’m sorry. I’m listening now.”
“And?” You cock your head, not sure what he means. “Do you … feel the same?”
“Yes!” The smile that takes over Kaeya’s expression could demolish buildings. It stabs your heart and you can’t help but smile back at him. He pulls you up from the bench and into a deep kiss, his hands cupped around your face.
When you pull away for a breath both of you are radiating joy.
“Sorry, for being so oblivious.”
“It’s okay, we’ll work on that.” He pledges before returning his lips to your own.