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“Well, it’s nice to have a day off to chat and listen to your adventure stories, Traveler. Moreover, I’m glad we can have a bargain about the wine transaction of the Dawn Winery too. To be honest, I’m not the type of person who prefers alcoholic drinks, yet Master Diluc’s devotion to his father’s heritage despite his distaste for alcohol really intrigues me. Not only that but this might be a good way to start the new transaction contract again with other countries so I will look forward to it.” The Shogun smiled slightly as her purple eyes carefully observed her guests.
“Thank you for your accelerant with the contract, Raiden Shogun. The Dawn Winery won’t disappoint you.” Diluc bowed slightly as he answered with the usual emotionless face.
Kaeya would never say it out loud but he did think the Shogun and Diluc would get along really well. He still remembered the traveler used to tell him that they often saw the lady playing with those little birds that came out of nowhere, just like that Diluc’s eagle, Vanessa. They also seemed like the silent and serious type though he wondered if she would be soft-hearted inside like his lover. Kaeya wasn’t the type that liked to stay and listen to boring business conversations, yet he was fine with them if he had a chance to see how mature and professional the redhead was acting through the whole exchange. It was one of Diluc’s charms, so dedicated and smart in convincing people.
He missed this. The tanned man used to follow his love to some meetings when they were still Knight of Favonious’s members, though it was different. He was more mature, more sly, and clever in dealing with people. Even if Diluc did it unconsciously or intentionally, Kaeya always shivered in excitement whenever those burning red orbs glanced at him, just like a way for Diluc to show other people that he was the one in control instead of being manipulated.
“Well, it seems like we have been taking half of your day, Raiden Shogun. Please enjoy the rest of your day off and we will be on our way walking around Inazuma City. I heard that there will be a fireworks show tonight on Amakane Island?” The traveler smiled politely as they stood up and bowed to the lady.
“Yes. If you want, you can also come back to the Tenshukaku to watch the fireworks with us. It will be less crowded and the view isn’t bad either.” She gave them a nod before looking at Sara, who stood beside her the whole meeting.“Sara, escort them out. I hope everyone will have a nice time exploring Inazuma City.”
The four of them walked outside the castle, as the traveler and Paimon had small conversations with General Kujou, Kaeya nudged Diluc lightly when they walked across the Royal Hot Springs. The man smirked at seeing the redhead’s cheeks turn red a little, guess they were thinking the same, however, better not take advantage of the traveler’s relationship with the Shogun or destroy the contract they just exchanged. When they finally reached the Statue of the Omnipresent God, the four waved goodbye to Sara before their little friends decided to separate, his lover blushed slightly while he just laughed happily seeing them off. Those two were actually the ones who convinced them to come here as a way for relaxing. Now that the man thought about it since they got back together, he and Diluc still hadn’t had time to enjoy a day being together. Star-like eyes looked at the other that was lost in thought, surely his firefly had come to this country a few times but he doubted that the redhead would spend time hanging around.
“Do you have anywhere in mind to go first?”
“Diluc?! And is that Kaeya?” Before his lover had a chance to answer, an excited voice suddenly called out to them.
“Thoma?!” Both of them turned back and asked in surprise at seeing their long-lost friend. “So you’re in Inazuma this whole time?”
“Ah, yeah. Something happened to our ship. I had been washed away here and lived with the Kamisato up till now.” The man laughed while ruffling his hair, then wrapped his arms around both of their shoulders, smiling blissfully. “I’m so glad to be able to meet you two again. Well, especially Kaeya since I did meet Diluc a while ago when the lockdown hadn’t happened yet.”
Kaeya suddenly stopped thinking for a few seconds. Did he just say they used to meet? He did hear about the ban in Inazuma that was just announced a year ago and Diluc just came back from home not too long after that. Since his intel stated that the redhead had traveled around seven countries, maybe they had met on his journey.
“Well, what are you two up to? Plan to have a tour around Inazuma City?” Thoma finally unwrapped his arms and backed away to stand before them again, speaking with an excited voice like a puppy. “If so, it’s your lucky day. I’m on a day off and as the ‘fixer’ of Inazuma’s land, I shall give you both a memorable trip around the city.”
Diluc probably had an urge to roll his eyes as the blond bowed playfully in a dramatic way, it seemed like their old friend hadn’t changed much.
“It’s okay Thoma. It’s your day off, better spend today relaxing instead of being a tour guide for us.” The redhead politely declined but the other man slapped his back lightly with a laugh.
“No, no. Let me do it. After all, the last time you came here, you were being all depressed that you couldn’t have fun exploring. And I also know a lot of people around here so our trip can be fast enough for both of you to enjoy the fireworks show tonight.” The lovers nodded as they considered his idea.
*****
Their first arrival was at Hanamizaki’s Police Station, three people were standing outside as guards though they just decided to stand outside and observe.
“This is the Police Station of Hanamizaki, there are more small stations like this in other areas too, Ritou for example. Maybe you can see them as a small group of Knight of Favonious.”
“Hm…I heard that the problems here are mostly about the Nobushi and Kairagi instead of monsters in Inazuma, right?” The cavalry captain scratched his chin while thinking, didn’t notice how Diluc’s mouth opened then closed as if wanting to ask something.
Are they also inefficient?
“That’s right. I think most monsters are slain by them to take the place as their bases.” The blond chuckled as he rubbed his neck, sounded a little nervous. “They usually rob the travelers or the citizens on their transport though I’m sure you two won’t have a problem dealing with them right? Now let’s go to the Gen-Netsuke for some souvenirs.”
The owner’s face brightened as he saw Thoma, eyes sparkled when he looked at the other two young men with him. Just taking a look around, Kaeya could see many wooden and ceramic statues of Tanuki and Foxes. There were also some accessories made by colorful gems and stones that attracted his attention, specifically a fox bracelet. Genichirou seemed to notice his interest so he immediately talked to him with a persuasive voice.
“Oh, you have a very keen eye, kind Sir. Fox is known as an animal that charms and attracts people with its beauty. Maybe your lover will like this bracelet, especially since the thin rope doesn’t make their wrist uncomfortable like other orb bracelets. And the bonus beauty is the color red that will stand out perfectly if that person has pale white skin.”
This man knew what he was talking, huh. Kaeya was not the one who was easily swayed, yet like Genichirou said, maybe this would look beautiful on Diluc’s wrist, the red color was just a bonus. The rope could be fixed to any wrist size, unlike other stone or orb bracelets and the style was also not really feminine so people wouldn’t dare to say anything about this. Just as he turned to look at Diluc, he seemed to freeze at the sight when Thoma reached out to put a cherry blossom hairpin on the redhead’s fluffy hair. He let out a silent growl, not only because of the way their blond friend laughed carefreely but also how Diluc’s lips lifted up as a gentle smile. Somehow, his mouth tasted bitter as his fingers clenched on the bracelet before turning around to return the accessory to the shop owner.
“Sorry, I don’t think I will buy this right now. I will consider it then come back later.”
The man’s face fell a bit but then lit up again when Thoma bought the hairpin and gifted it to Diluc, despite the other’s protest. The blond then asked if he wanted anything but Kaeya just let out a forced smile and said he didn’t find anything interesting yet, so they may just come back later. After all, they still stayed here for three days before going back to Mondstadt so there was no need to hurry. Maybe Thoma didn’t realize but Diluc could sense something odd about his lover, yet he decided to take more time to observe.
Thoma then led them to the tailor store, Diluc and Kaeya’s eyes widened from all the colorful fabrics as well as many beautiful kimonos were hung on the rackets. As usual, the blond was chatting cheerfully with the owner while the couple took a look around. Kaeya’s fingers caressed the soft materials, remembered the stories of those drunk he listened to in the tavern, about how alluring the scene of the kimono sliding down a woman’s shoulder was. However, he didn’t think of any women but Diluc, how nice it was to see the clothes slide off the redhead’s skin before he devoured him, just like unwrapping a special present.
“Kaeya, you’re drooling…”
His train of thought was stopped after hearing Diluc’s voice, his cheeks were blushing so maybe his lover could guess what he was thinking. The captain laughed sheepishly before checking out other clothes. When Ogura was done talking with Thoma, her eyes brightened as seeing Kaeya, and immediately approached him with a smile.
“Oh, I haven’t had a chance to see a tanned foreigner like you before. Since my clothes are designed based on the pale skin of Inazuma’s people, do you want to try some of my outfits? You have a great form so you will make a decent model, Sir.”
The captain was surprised by the invitation but after he looked at his lover and saw those red orbs burn, one of his eyebrows twitching in annoyance, he had an urge to tease him a bit more. Kaeya took the lady’s hand, kissed it gently then gave her a charming smile.
“Well, it’s my pleasure to help a beautiful and talented lady in her work. Though, I wonder if I will be a good model like you said.”
“Oh, you are. Even if you aren’t muscular like those ronins and samurais, but your outfit and body structure show that you’re a fighter.”
Well, people usually said you couldn’t hide anything from a tailor’s eyes but this was the first time he talked with a bit pushy and talkative one like this. Most tailors in Mondstadt were calm and quiet, just measured and sometimes complemented their body form and all, but could be understandable since there were a lot of foreigners who came to their city instead of isolated like Inazuma. Just as he turned back to Diluc, the tanned man felt a shiver run down his spine with how murderous the redhead was looking at him and the girl.
“Well, Ogura-san, they are my friends who come here to travel, can’t stay for long so don’t make it hard for the guy okay? We have to hurry for the fireworks show tonight.” Luckily, Thoma placed a hand on her shoulder, and let out a friendly smile that finally saved him from this dangerous situation.
“Oh, my apology, I totally forgot about it!”
“It’s okay Ogura-san. Maybe we will come back to buy yukata as souvenirs tomorrow.”
“Okay, thank you for coming Thoma-san and you two.”
The lady waved happily as the three left, while the blond and Kaeya breathed out a relieved sigh, Diluc just kept his straight face with cross arms, looking at them. Feeling the tense atmosphere, their friend once again spoke up with an excited voice to distract the two.
“Okay, how about we visit the Dango milk stand next? That’s the new drink which the owner invented from the Shogun’s idea.”
Now that piqued Diluc’s interest while Kaeya just silently followed them. Tomoki greeted them with a smile and gave them three bottles of Dango milk. It was just normal milk with extra sweet Dango in it but the way his lover’s cheek budged out like a cute hamster while chewing the soft treats that the captain couldn’t help but poke it teasingly. The bartender glared at him but just continued slipping the milk bottle and letting Kaeya have fun.
“It’s nice, isn’t it? Remember the last time you came here, you chose to drown yourself in alcohol instead.”
Kaeya’s hand stopped as his brain slowly processed the sentence. Diluc came here and got drunk? The redhead never liked alcohol and he may do things he couldn’t remember when sober again. Could it be… The man immediately shook his head to dissipate the bad thought but felt his heart dropped when looking at the way Thoma put an arm around his lover’s shoulder, their cheeks rubbing against each other's, way too intimately for his liking.
“Don’t mention that anymore Thoma.” Diluc blushed slightly while finishing his bottle of milk.
“Aw, no need to be shy. At least everything is better now right?”
He didn’t like it. He didn’t like the feeling of being hidden away from something, especially if it was about Diluc. Who knew what had they done on that night when the redhead was all weak and vulnerable. It wasn’t that Kaeya didn’t trust their friend but with how his lover’s mind was a mess while traveling around the world after that incident, he could be easily taken advantage of. Unconsciously, Kaeya’s hand tightened around the bottle until their chatting stopped as a crack sound was heard. The other three looked at him in surprise then the poor fragile bottle he was holding. They stayed silent for a few seconds until Thoma finally jolted up, apologized repeatedly then paid for the bottle before leaving.
*****
“What’s wrong, Kaeya?” Diluc stopped holding his wrist as they finally found a secured corner, one of his eyebrows raised while asking with a slightly frustrated voice.
“Nothing is wrong, love. You are imagining things.” He looked away, didn’t want to admit or believe that he had been acting like a child this whole time.
“No, I’m not. First, you acted weird at the souvenir store then you flirted with the Ogura tailor and now you just broke a milk bottle while thinking about something that made you angry.” The redhead crossed his arms, head tilted aside a little to look at the other.“If you have something you want to say, tell me, Kaeya. Don’t keep your frustration till the fireworks show tonight.”
“When did you and Thoma meet?” The tanned man kept silent for a while before asking.
“Ah…It was when I was still chasing after the Fatui. I met him and stayed here for a while then left for another country.”
“And the alcohol night he mentioned?”
“It was… I just wanted to stop thinking for a night. Long trip and it was a while since I last saw him. Thoma is also a friend so I put my trust in him.”
“Really, Luc? You put your trust in a man you haven’t seen for a while just because he is our friend? You don’t know how easy it is for people to take advantage of your drunken state, Love.”
“I was already a grown-up, I can take care of myself, Kaeya.” Diluc’s eye twitched a little before he lifted his hand to massage his temple.“Are you seriously jealous of Thoma?”
“Can you blame me?” The man let out a bitter smile as he slowly approached while Diluc backed away until he completely caged his lover against a wall that he finally looked straight into those red orbs with frustration. “Are you really so dense that you don’t realize you attract people? Your flushed cheeks, dazed eyes, whining needily while trying to take off your stuffy coat from the heat, reveal your sweaty white skin before collapsing to dreamland, and don’t even react when I devour your lips or leave marks on your nape.”
“Kaeya, I…” Diluc’s face and ears were bright red, yet a hand gripped his chin tightly before he could answer.
“Did master Crepus not teach his son to be aware of the dangers around him?” The tanned man’s eyes darkened while hissing silently to his lover, who had stopped blushing and felt like his heart just dropped.“Or you have gotten used to being watched by those hungry wolves and being around them? I didn’t know master Diluc can be this naïve-”
The cavalry captain was suddenly slammed against a wall violently, only when he saw tears roll down his lover’s cheeks that Kaeya finally realized what he had said. The tanned hand lifted up, wanting to wipe those droplets away but Diluc quickly withdrew.
“So you think I’m that kind of person huh? Yes, I was naïve. That’s why I trusted those rotten scums in The Knights of Favonius when we were young. But I’m not that easy to let random people have their way with me because I’m lonely. You’re the only one. Yes, I let my guard down around Thoma, who I hadn’t met for years. However, do you know why? It’s because he was more trustworthy than SOMEONE at that time.”
The redhead’s words were just like a knife that stabbed through his heart but Kaeya knew he deserved it for mentioning that person. The surrounding was filled with nothing but the sound of Diluc’s heavy breathing and the chatting of Inazuma’s citizens.
“Sorry…I shouldn’t have said it…” The tanned man finally opened his mouth, slowly approached with open arms, hoping to hug his beloved to comfort him, but the other quickly wiped his tears and turned away.
“I’m also sorry for saying that. However… I need some time alone. Let’s meet again later at Amakane Island.”
“Okay. I will catch up. Be careful, Luc.”
Even if he didn’t want to let Diluc go, Kaeya could only stand still and watch him disappear in the crowd. A hand suddenly patted him on the shoulder which made him jolt up, turned back to see Thoma’s bright smile.
“Mind going to Komore Teahouse to have a drink with me, Kaeya?”
*****
Right when they just stepped foot inside the teahouse, a Shiba dog that sat on the counter immediately barked then waved its tail in a friendly way as Thoma petted its head.
“Good boy, Taroumaru. This is my friend, Kaeya. We actually have one more person but he can’t attend today so I will introduce him to you tomorrow okay?” The captain raised one of his eyebrows in curiosity when it barked again as if understanding.
The blond then led him to one private room and they then sat down on the cushions. Just a few minutes later, a waiter brought in a tea set for them.
“Well, even if I asked you to have a drink, but I don’t really like alcohol, and guess you also want to be sober for tonight’s event right?” He gave the other a friendly smile while pouring a cup of hot tea for him, the smell helped Kaeya calm down a little as Thoma began to explain.
---
“C’mon, Luc. You have drunk a lot tonight already. You don’t do well with alcohol either so stop drinking or your head will feel like hell tomorrow.” He let out a sigh, held a bottle of sake far away from Diluc’s reach, who was whining and growling at him.
“Give it back, Thoma. I’m not drunk yet.” The redhead hiccuped, gripped his arm weakly.
“No can do. What happened Diluc? Suddenly you appeared out of nowhere while I was doing errands, all beaten up and worn out, then decided to drown yourself in alcohol.” The blond cradled Diluc’s face, eyebrows furrowed while the other chuckled bitterly.
“All gone… They’re gone, Thoma… My friends, my comrades in the Knights of Favonious, my father, his properties, The Dawn Winery… They’re all gone.” Tears started to pour out and rolled down his cheeks as he told his friend about what happened to his father and the betrayal of the Knights of Favonious.
“And what about Kaeya? He should be there for you, right? You two always stuck together like glue.” Thoma rubbed the other’s back gently to comfort him but his question only broke Diluc’s heart more.
“He had done something…very terrible. Something that I don’t think I can easily forgive him.”
“But don’t you miss him?”
It wasn’t like he didn’t notice their relationship before, the way Kaeya held onto Diluc’s hand possessively when they were together, how lively and carefree Diluc was whenever he was with Kaeya,…Taking a deep breath, Thoma whispered a question into the redhead’s hair, who nuzzled into his chest like a cat seeking warmth.
“Do you love him, Luc?”
“…I do. Archons, Thoma, I miss him so much but whenever I remember the truth he confessed to me, I just can’t.”
“Give you and him some time, Luc. I don’t know how serious is this matter between you two but if he had already chosen to tell you, as well as how your feelings still remain for him, I think you know what you want.”
“Maybe it’s already too late Thoma…”
“No, it isn’t. Like I said, time will tell and if he loves you, I think he can wait for eternity just to hold your hands again Luc.”
---
“And after that, he just fell asleep. I had to carry him all the way back to the Kamisato clan and pay for the expensive sake. Of course, the next day he barely managed to crawl out of bed because of the headache.” The blond laughed out loud after finishing his cup of tea along with the story.
He then looked at Kaeya with a smile, who was deep in thought the whole time. The cavalry captain felt as if something was squeezing his heart, it hurt but in a satisfying way. The thumping sounds of Thoma’s fingers on the table broke his chain of thought, Kaeya lifted his head, a little surprised with the other’s serious expression.
“That’s why you should trust him, Kaeya. Trust his ability to take care of himself and believe him when he said you were the only one that he loved.” He then let out a comforting smile. “And now I think you should hurry up to Amakane island. The show will be in an hour, don’t want to miss watching it with Diluc right?”
Just hearing that was enough to make Kaeya gasp out loud and jump up, rushing to the door, he didn’t forget to wave goodbye as well as thank Thoma on his way out. The blond man sighed tiredly, followed behind his friend until reaching the counter then leaned on it while petting Taroumaru’s head.
“Seems like being too friendly is not a very good option in some situations huh, buddy?” The pup just barked and wagged his tail innocently. “Well, I forgot to tell them the festival actually takes place in three days so there is no need to rush.”
*****
The owner of the Gen-Netsuke felt his soul almost leave his body as Kaeya suddenly appeared out of nowhere and slammed money on the counter while breathing heavily from all the running.
“Ah, finally decide to buy that bracelet, kind Sir?”
“Yes, I need to join the fireworks festival at Amakane island tonight so please hurry up.”
“You are lucky. Lady Guuji almost bought this one if she didn’t take interest in the same one with pink color.” Genichirou packed the accessories into a small gift box before handing it to the other with a smile.“Hope your lover will like this. Have a wonderful evening!”
The tanned man nodded then quickly on his way to the faraway island. There were only a few people left on the street since they probably went to the festival as well. The sun slowly disappeared down the horizon making Kaeya’s heartbeat louder and faster, hoping that he would arrive on time. The lanterns were lit when he finally reached the place, yet seeing a crowd of people, Kaeya felt like having a migraine. The cavalry captain tried to slip through while searching for his lover, as his eye caught sight of a familiar redhead, he called out but once again was obscured by others.
“Excuse me… Sorry…Diluc!”
Meanwhile, Diluc hung his prayer plaque on the wooden stall, unconsciously smiling at the silly action. Since when did he start to believe in these? The winery owner then wondered what his lover would wish for to come true, but when he realized that Kaeya hadn’t come yet, his heart started to feel heavy. Was he too harsh? What if Kaeya didn’t want to come at all? Diluc shook his head gently, decided to go to the highest peak for a greater view and for the other to find him easier. Fixing the white kitsune mask on his hair, the redhead took another few steps before hearing someone call his name, the voice sounded like Kaeya. However, as he turned around, there was no blue-haired man in sight. Thinking that he was imagining things, Diluc sighed softly then continued moving forward, calmly walking through the old Tori gate.
“The show's almost begun, where are you, Kaeya”
“I’m sorry, please let me through. Excuse me, I need to pass.”
On the other hand, the cavalry captain was still trying his best to get past the crowd with some annoyed grunts of people, yet he didn’t care. He had seen the workers prepare the fireworks and were going to light them up any moment now. Even if Diluc didn’t mind, he knew his beloved would still feel sad and lonely to witness the beautiful scene on his own. Kaeya let out a frustrated growl as Murakami at the food stall tried to offer him a Sakura mochi, the tanned man almost knocked the poor thing back into the guy’s chest while fastening his speed.
“Archons, why does this small island seem so big all of a sudden?”
The redhead looked at the night sky filled with stars, hearing the workers get in their position before letting out another sigh. Was he hoping too much? It wasn’t like Diluc hadn’t seen fireworks before, he had come across plenty of them, yet right there he wished Kaeya was with him, watching the first spark light up the world. Just as the sound of a firework flew up, a hand caught his own, and instead of drawing back, the young man slowly turned around to look at his lover in surprise while the sparking made the other even more handsome despite the sweat running down his face and the labored breathing. His star-like eye shone when looking straight into his red orbs, deep tired voice filled with jubilation that almost made Diluc’s legs turn into jelly.
“Found you.”
“For a moment I thought you were going to be late.” The redhead caressed his lover’s face gently as Kaeya could see a little fear in his eyes.
“I’m here. I'll still find you even amidst a sea of people so please don’t worry.” The tanned man kissed one of the hands that were placed on his cheeks. “I’m sorry for everything I had said.”
“Me too. I know we shouldn’t mention that, yet I let my emotions get ahead of me.” Diluc whispered with his eyes closed, feeling Kaeya place a light kiss on his forehead.
“‘We don’t have to be together, just being able to see you every day has already been enough.’ I used to think like that but in the end, I can’t wish you to have a happy life without me in it. And yet, you still decided to love a selfish person like me. Sometimes I wonder, what did I do to deserve someone like you.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You are the one that always made me smile when we were kids, you had my back when we joined the Knights together, always believed in me, and stayed beside me no matter what happened. You’re more than enough, Kae.” Diluc smiled at him with eyes full of love and Kaeya’s heart felt like melting just hearing that.
“I love you, Firefly.” The tanned man leaned in closer, asking for a kiss.
“I love you too, Starlight.”
At that moment, the sky was filled with countless fireworks' sparks and people’s cheers. No one noticed the couple that was lost in their own world, enjoying the sweet taste of each other as their lips met. When their kiss broke, Kaeya pulled out the gift box and took out the bracelet to wrap around Diluc’s thin wrist.
“A fox bracelet?”
“Yes, it helps the owner to become more attractive and charming when talking to people. You probably need it since everyone thinks master Diluc seems cold and unapproachable.” He immediately raised his hands in defense as seeing the other’s hand quickly turn into a fist. “Joking! I’m joking!”
Kaeya chuckled when Diluc huffed and looked up to take a look at the last wave of fireworks. The wind blew, carried some pink petals along with it from the nearby cherry blossom trees then fell on their heads. The cavalry captain gently patted them away, causing his lover to raise his eyebrows in curiosity. He just shook his head, placed a hand on the other’s waist to pull him closer, and enjoyed the pretty scenery. Not far from them, Diluc’s prayer plaque swung gently on the wooden stall with another blue plaque beside it as the wind carried their wishes to the sky.
Please let us be together forever. – Diluc.
Please let me stay by his side till the end of our lives. – Kaeya.
----- The end -----