Chapter Text
Excitement was not something Kaeya felt that often. But for the past few weeks, it seems like that’s all he’s been feeling. He remembered that years ago, after Diluc abandoned him, all he could feel was pure numbness. But every time Jean holds his hands, gives him little butterfly kisses, Klee invites him to one of her adventures, when the Traveler asks him to join her on her trips abroad. All of these little things…make him so happy. Maybe he was growing soft. Who knows?
Kaeya snapped back to reality. He had been appointed Acting Grand Master for the day, and Jean had gone for her weekly patrols around Mondstadt. He should be focusing on doing his paperwork. He groaned in displeasure. Jean, despite trying to hoard him with less work, has dumped an entire truckload full of reports to fill on his desk. Well, he couldn’t exactly refuse her, so he just continued writing on the obnoxiously long report that he had to file for the recent treasure hoarder scandal.
At least after he and Jean had started dating, she had allowed him to sit on her official chair at headquarters. He felt like a little kid breaking a rule and feeling happy he had gotten away with it, but Jean had literally given him permission to sit there. As he was finishing up on his report, the door suddenly burst open. His head snapped up, and to his surprise, he finds Diluc standing by the doorframe. His eyes widened. Diluc too, seemed confused to see him. Kaeya quickly regained his composure.
“Oh, Master Diluc! To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you here today?” He spoke, in his usual sing-song voice. Diluc sighed at his antics, and looked to his right. Kaeya’s eye narrowed and he leaned his head to see what Diluc was looking at. Then, Diluc reached to his side and pulled on a little hand. Kaeya was even more surprised now. He realized it was Klee’s arm, and Klee was hiding behind the wall.
Kaeya analyzed the situation. Most likely, Klee had gotten into some trouble, Diluc had found her, and came to return Klee to the Knights. Klee, probably had been scared, because she thought it would’ve been Master Jean in the office, and was afraid of her punishment.
“Klee? What trouble did you get in today?” Kaeya chuckled and got up from his seat, and walked toward her slowly. Klee lit up in joy as she saw that it was definitely Kaeya and not Jean there, and Kaeya never gets mad at her. Klee sprinted from behind Diluc and into Kaeya’s open arms. Diluc spoke with huff, “I saw her trying to blow up some of the fish in the river next to Dawn Winery. I just ignored her because I thought she wouldn’t do much damage. That was my mistake. Just a couple minutes later Elzer came rushing in with Klee, and he was dripping in water. Apparently, Klee’s bombs had fell on the grass and it caught on fire, and it quickly spread to the houses nearby. Elzer saw this and quickly used a bucket of water to douse it, but Klee just yelled “Stranger Danger” and pushed him into the water. Kaeya, you should really keep her under check, or people might have actually gotten hurt.”
Kaeya smirked and looked down at Klee, who was red in the face from embarrassment. “Klee, I am a little disappointed today. You could’ve gotten those people hurt! But I am proud of you for being able to cause so much trouble at once.” Diluc started with a sigh, “Sir Kaeya…,” Kaeya held his hands up in surrender and looked at Klee. “Alright Klee, now I want you to promise big bro Kaeya that you won’t do anything like this, that could hurt someone again.” Klee seemed to be satisfied with this, and held his hand to confirm that she will follow what he says.
Kaeya peered back at Diluc. He seemed to be lost in thought. He cleared his throat and Diluc’s eyes focused again. “I assume that what happened after is that you brought her here straight from the Winery?” Kaeya’s eyes glittered with amusement and mirth. Diluc nodded curtly. Before he could say anything, Klee blurted out, “Yes, big bro Kaeya! Grumpy red man looked at Klee angrily and Klee got scared so she went with him…” She sniffled. Kaeya’s eyes widened and he wrapped his arms around her and tightened them in a hug.
He stood up and she leaned her little head on his scarf. She always liked lying her head on the fluffy white cape because it was very comfortable, to her. Diluc himself looked surprised by what she had said. Diluc replied quietly, if not a little sadly, “I wasn’t looking at her angrily…I guess my presence just intimidates children.” Kaeya gave him a little smile and said, “Don’t worry about it, Master Diluc, it’s alright. She’ll be fine.” Diluc nodded once again, and turned around to walk out the door.
As soon as he reached for the handle, the door once again swung open and Diluc jumped back quickly, his claymore drawn. Lumine walked in with Paimon, and she saw the three of them in the room, and her eyes brightened with joy. “Perfect! I didn’t expect to see all three of you here, but at least this makes my job easier.” Kaeya spoke, “How can I be of assistance to you, Miss Lumine?” Paimon burst out, “Well, we needed a team because we were going to go to Liyue! We figured we should ask you, Kaeya! We also planned on asking Master Diluc and Klee because Pyro could come in handy while exploring!”
Kaeya spoke slowly, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can join you. I’ve been appointed Acting Grand Master for today and I can’t just abandon my position.” Lumine chuckled. “Well, I was aware of that! I told Jean about it, and she said she’s coming back to headquarters in a few minutes. Get your rations ready, the three of you, We are setting out immediately!” She ordered with a smile and marched out of the room. Everyone was silent. Then Diluc spoke up. “Well, I guess there isn’t much we can do to deter her. We’ll have to go with her anyway.”