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The Calla Lilies by Springvale’s lake would be much prettier if you hadn’t gotten sick of coughing them up.
You glanced at them through the window of Draff’s cottage - you were babysitting Diona once again at Draff’s request, and despite her insistence that she didn’t need a babysitter, she at least seemed to enjoy your company - enough to whip up her special healing brew for you, at least.
“Honestly,” she huffed, pouring the crude mixture into a cup, “I don’t know why you keep coming all this way - especially if you’re sick. I don’t need a babysitter, even if Daddy thinks I do.”
You smiled sheepishly, holding back a giggle at her half-hearted glare as she handed you your drink. “I know you’re very capable, Diona - Draff should really put more faith in you. I’m just trying to do my job as an assistant to the Knights of Favonius; it’s my duty to make sure everyone is safe and satisfied, including your father… even if his worry is unnecessary.”
Diona rolled her eyes, flicking her tail as she walked back to the kitchen. “Ugh, spare me your scripted spiel - you only do it because that drunk excuse of a Cavalry Captain asks you to.”
Diona’s drink nearly found its way out your nose as you choked. “Pardon?”
Diona simply went about her business, passive-aggressively clattering dishes into her sink as she spoke. “Oh please - don’t think I can’t see the way you look at him when you’re in my tavern. You barely even touch the drinks that I actually try to make taste good for you - you’re too busy staring. ”
You blinked in surprise - was your ogling really that obvious? Your cheeks flushed in embarrassment, eyes suddenly finding the contents of your cup very interesting.
Diona huffed in annoyance, apparently not satisfied with her diss session just yet. “Honestly, I don’t even know what you see in that drunkard - he’s a lazy boozehound who does nothing but drink and play mind games. How do you know he isn’t just messing with you, huh?”
Despite the harsh tone of her words, you could see the tears pricking at the edges of her eyes - she was concerned for you, even if she tried to hide it. You sighed, smiling softly as your gaze fell back into your cup.
“To be honest, I don’t - but I do spend quite a bit of time with him, and at the very least if my feelings aren’t reciprocated, I can tell he doesn’t dislike my company. For now, that’s good enough for me.”
“It shouldn’t be,” Diona huffed, ears drooping as she muttered barely above a whisper, “you deserve better than that.”
A mischievous smile curled its way around your lips. “Oh? Is that a hint of concern I hear? Why thank you Diona, so nice of you to worry!”
Immediately her ears pricked back up. “Wh- I, I wasn’t worried! I just… think you’re an idiot is all! Yeah, a hopeless dummy - that’s it!”
You laughed, getting up from your seat and walking towards her. “Yeah, well you’re stuck with this hopeless dummy until your father decides to stop being such a worry wart.” And with that, you reached out and ruffled your hand through her ponytail, to which she immediately recoiled in annoyance.
“AAAGH - ok, ok, enough! Just drink your stupid drink before you get your sick all over me!”
You chuckled, enjoying the familiarity of the playful atmosphere - but it didn’t last for long.
For that chuckle turned into a cough, and that cough turned into a fit; one that made you lean on the table for support as the cursed plant worked its way through your airways. Immediately Diona turned around, walking towards you with concern.
“Woah, uh - that sounds pretty bad… Are you sure you’ll be ok?”
You turned to face her, opening your mouth to answer - but the only response was more coughing as the flower fought its way through your throat, making you keel over in agony. Frantic, Diona kneeled by your side.
“H- Hey, what’s wrong?! Was it something in the drink? Do you need me to get you some water? Is it-“
But before she could finish, the flora finally erupted from your airways - and unfortunately for you, there was no time to hide it.
Diona stared in shock at the sight before her - a bloody clump of Calla Lily, fully bloomed and lying on the hardwood of her kitchen floor.
You could only stare at the ground in sorrow - you’d intended to keep this secret for as long as you could. She may be mature, but Diona was indeed a child - and no child should ever have to bear witness to something like this.
“Diona, I-“
“That… I didn’t put that in my drink…” Diona said, voice trembling. “So that means… this, this is- it’s that disease, isn’t it? The one Daddy warned me about, the one that happens when people’s hearts get broken?”
“Please, let me just-“
“It’s because of him, isn’t it?”
You stopped. There was no point in denying it. You were indeed in love with Kaeya Alberich, and unfortunately the results of your affections were lying in a pool of blood and mucus across the hardwood - plain as day and undeniable. Diona’s expression filled with resentment.
“That- that idiot, that good-for-nothing drunk, I knew it! He’s just as awful sober as he is three drinks in - all talk and no substance! Well, if he thinks he’s messing with you again, he’s got another thing coming!”
And with that, she took your hand between her own two and tugged in an effort to get you to stand up, much to your surprise.
“What are you doing?”
Diona huffed. “Taking care of you, what does it look like? Now come on, you’re coming with me to the spare room where you can get some rest. I’ll do everything I can to help you get better - and once I’m done, I’ll make sure that drunkard never gets near you again.”
Panic etched its way into your features - surely she couldn’t think -
“Diona, this isn’t his-“
But she was already busy shoving another cup into your hands, walking you to the guest room as she spoke.
“Here, drink this - it should help with the coughing. Now get some rest, ok? I’ll have one of the neighbors take a letter to Mondstadt, we’ll tell them you’re taking a sick day or two. Just… please, try to get some rest?”
You sighed heavily, eyes dropping to the contents of your cup. There was no convincing her, not even if you tried - she was far too stubborn for that. Wordlessly you nodded, and Diona immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me - I’ve got healing tonic to make.”
And with that, the door to the guest room closed, leaving you to wonder if you’d see your beloved captain again before fate had its way with you.
—————
Tossing another unfinished document aside, Kaeya groaned; his patience was wearing thin with each passing day.
Oh sure, he’d been understanding when Brooke delivered a message saying you were sick - but that was four days ago, and no one had seen or heard any news since. The letters to your home went unanswered, and you never seemed to be present when he went to visit - meaning you could only be in Springvale, but he didn’t exactly have time to just walk out on his duties to check on you.
But Gods, that didn’t stop him from wanting to.
Kaeya Alberich wasn’t one to miss people, per say; he did, however, grow used to the company of certain individuals, and should a day arise when they were suddenly absent, it didn’t go unnoticed - and one such individual was you.
Which led him to where he was now - wistfully staring out the window of his office, leaving a pile of papers yet to be signed.
He wanted nothing more than to escape the confines of his stuffy office and head right to the nearest tavern - he was in desperate need of some kind of distraction. That way it’d be easier not to notice the gaping hole in the atmosphere that you left when you were gone. He knew it was only sickness, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss - it wasn’t like you to go this long with no update, so why the sudden silence?
He got so lost in his train of thought, pondering the possibilities, that the knocking on his door startled him - truly, genuinely startled him. His eyes darted to the doorway, faint hope that you’d be there bubbling in his chest - only to be met with Lisa’s tall figure and purple hat.
“My, and I thought you weren’t one to startle easily - must be some pretty interesting paperwork, huh?”
Kaeya’s expression faltered for a moment, but only for a moment - before he eased into his usual nonchalant attitude like a bird smoothing out ruffled feathers.
“Well, it’s certainly easy to get work done when you’re looking forward to the end of the day.”
“Another date with the local tavern, I presume?”
“Why not? It makes for a mighty fine distraction.”
“Oh? A distraction from what?”
“From-“ He paused.
Oh.
He’d let it slip.
Lisa’s smile slid into a catlike grin. “Hmm… could it be that you miss our little assistant? Or maybe…”
The clacking of heels was far too loud for Kaeya’s taste as she walked over to his desk, leaning coyly over the edge as she spoke.
“…they’re a little more to you than just an assistant, hm?”
Kaeya’s lips sealed as he averted his gaze everywhere, anywhere but Lisa’s cheshire grin - Kaeya Alberich wasn’t one to get startled, wasn’t one to lose face, wasn’t one to miss people-
-at least, not until you.
Kaeya was used to being the charmer, the smooth talker, flitting about Mondstadt like a songbird in search of its next audience. Most people he simply gave a passing glance and a smile to, nothing more. At first you were no different, but then you did something that most hadn’t done before: you showed concern.
“Sir Kaeya, do you want some help with that?”
“Sir Kaeya, you really shouldn’t be at the office so late…“
“Sir Kaeya, you’re injured! Hold on, I’ll grab the first aid-“
Sighing, Kaeya rested his forehead against folded hands - an extremely uncharacteristic move of him that Lisa wasted no time in giggling at. He’d glare at her but frankly, he simply didn’t care enough to right now. Besides, sifting through the memories of you was much easier than remembering that you weren’t really there.
He recalled the first time he’d invited you out for a drink - it was a rare occasion that he went with other people, and you knew as much, so the invitation was a bit of a shock.
“Me? Are you sure, Sir Kaeya?”
“I am the one who asked you, aren’t I? I’m quite certain of my decision, thank you. Unless, of course, you don’t want to-“
“No!! Not at all! It’d be my pleasure, Sir Kaeya.”
He remembered that evening with better clarity than most; the banter about absolutely nothing and absolutely everything, the stories you shared, the tales he spun that put the most dazzling grin on your face - and the somber tone he dipped into as he shared something with you that for whatever odd reason, he couldn’t shake off himself.
“Y’know, you’re a strange one.”
“Strange? How so?”
“Well, not that I’m complaining, but you’re the first to offer me assistance rather than ask for it - and to me, that’s a bit strange.”
The concern that stitched its way into your brow was nothing less than adorable - it took every ounce of restraint not to break out a smile at the sight.
“Sir Kaeya, do people not help you very often?”
“I’m afraid not, my dear. The tale of a Cavalry Captain is that you’re supposed to lead the people, know what to do and what to say - not the other way around.”
“…Kaeya, that’s not right.”
Kaeya.
It was the first time you’d simply called him Kaeya.
Even now, his heart jumped at the memory - the way his name rolled off your tongue far too effortlessly to be human. The expression he made must’ve been something, because immediately you panicked, sputtering out apologies.
“Apologies for the lack of formality, Sir Kaeya - I mean no disrespect! I’m so sorry, it just slipped and-“
“Kaeya’s fine,” he said, eyes still wide in surprise for a split second before easing into his usual grin, “ After all, there’s hardly anything formal in inviting you to a drink as a friend. We’re off the clock anyway - no need for such titles.”
If concern was cute on you, then surprise was downright adorable - the way your eyes widened, cheeks flushing ever so slightly was truly a sight to behold in his eyes. You blinked before looking at him with an emotion he couldn’t quite place.
“Friend..? You think of me as your friend?”
“I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t.”
You blinked once. Twice. The tension in your shoulders eased ever so slightly before-
All he could remember was the soft fondness in your eyes, the warmth radiating from you as you smiled at him with such sincerity. Forget butterflies, he swore his heart stopped as a tornado ripped through his torso, pounding in his chest as he desperately tried to contain whatever emotions beneath his cool facade.
“Friends, huh… I think I like the sound of that, Kaeya.”
Barbatos help him, this friendship was going to be the death of him.
But he said nothing, only grinned a little wider as the two of you talked and drank the evening away. Gods, how he’d give anything to relive even a few moments of that night…
“Wow, that really must be some daydream if you’re ignoring my advice to sneak out.”
Lisa’s voice was like a bucket of cold water, a harsh break from the lovely warmth of the memory of you - but her words were a welcome change.
“Really? I don’t suppose I’ll owe you a favor in exchange?”
“Hmm, perhaps - just let me know if anything interesting happens, ok? In the meantime, I’m sure I can find something to distract our dear Acting Grand Master…”
A genuine grin found its way to the captain’s face as he nearly bolted out of his seat, almost tripping in eagerness as he briskly strode towards the door.
“Once again Lisa, your skill knows no bounds - I’ll be sure to update you soon!”
Lisa simply smiled one of her signature all-knowing smiles, giggling as she waved him out the door. When it finally shut with a click, she released a heavy sigh, crossing her arms as her smile dropped.
Truly, she hadn’t meant to intercept the letter for him earlier - but she just didn’t have the heart to tell him. Not when he looked so excited at the prospect of seeing you again.
After all, how could she ever break it to him that your illness was because of him? And such a deadly one at that… she knew that the Cavalry Captain would never forgive himself if he knew.
But as she stared out into the sunset through the window, she held onto the faint hope that he’d finally, finally muster the courage to tell you before he learned of this affliction of yours - she’d already set the pieces in place. Now all that was left to do is wait.
—————
By the time he’d knocked on Diona’s front door, the sun was well past setting and had settled just below the horizon. He hadn’t meant to take so long, but he had to admit that the fresh Calla Lillies he’d picked for you did look beautiful beneath the fading twilight - and the thought of seeing your face light up at his gift was simply too hard to resist.
Before he could get too giddy, the door creaked open, and sure enough Diona’s tiny frame stood below him, pink ponytail a bit more frazzled than usual. He went to greet her, but she seemed to have not noticed he was there as she shouted to someone back inside the house.
“I told you, it’s probably just Brooke or something, now stay in there and-“
Her figure stiffened as she realized who was at her door. Slowly, she lifted her head to face none other than the Cavalry Captain himself, with a handful of flowers and a fairly nervous smile plastered on his face. Her ears dropped against her head, pupils slit as she balled her hands into fists.
“ You, ” she said, the word seeming to slither from her throat, “what are you doing here?”
Kaeya let out a small sigh; it was a little more hostile than usual, but to a certain extent, this type of greeting was expected. He knew Diona wasn’t particularly fond of him or his drinking habits, so the hostility wasn’t much of a surprise. Before he could answer, though, the young bartender decided to continue her tirade.
“And what are these ?!” She shouted, gesturing towards the lilies. “Honestly, how inconsiderate do you have to be - are you trying to make it worse?!”
Ok, now that stung just a bit. But still, he was perplexed. “Make what worse?”
Those three words seemed to be the worst possible question he could’ve asked, because within seconds Diona went from visually angry to eerily still.
Uh oh.
At least with screaming, he had an idea of just how upset she was - with this, he knew he’d made her more upset then she could convey. He gulped, bracing for the impact of whatever he’d unintentionally released.
“You mean you don’t know..?” She asked, but he knew she wasn’t looking for an answer. “You honestly don’t have any idea what could possibly be wrong? Archons, I knew you were an idiot, but this is just plain ridiculous!”
Kaeya let out an offended scoff. “Hey, listen-“
“No you listen,” she growled, and immediately he shut his mouth once again. “You’ve had your fun playing your little mind games - but this time you’ve gone too far, you hear me?! There is someone in there who cares about you more than you’d ever know, but you’re too busy thinking of yourself to care, or even notice! I’ve seen the way you act in my tavern - you couldn’t care less, even when they look at you like you built Mondstadt from the ground up!”
That statement made him flush - but truly, he was completely lost, and somewhat hurt; did Diona truly think so little of him? And what did any of this have to do with your illness? Nevertheless, Diona continued.
“And now you stand here, acting like those stupid flowers are going to fix anything - well guess what? They’re sick of them, can’t stand to even look at them anymore! And it’s all your fault!”
Kaeya’s head spun. “Diona, what-“
“NO! No more excuses! I’M NOT LETTING YOU BREAK THEIR HEART AGAIN! ”
“Diona, that’s enough.”
Both figures whipped their heads around - only to find your thin, pale frame leaning against the door. Kaeya’s heart sank at the sight; the emerging moonlight framed you beautifully, but it made you look almost ghostly - he had no idea you’d gotten this bad. Diona was likely more shocked that she didn’t hear you coming, but nevertheless, she spoke.
“What- you- you’re supposed to be in bed! You need to get rest, somewhere away from-“
“Oh, are those for me? They’re lovely Kaeya, thank you.”
Blinking in surprise, Kaeya had nearly forgotten the blooms in his hand. As he extended them to you, Diona looked almost horrified at the sight.
“You… you can’t be serious? Even after-“
“Diona, stop it.” You pushed past the door, taking a step towards Kaeya.
“But you’ve been- you can’t seriously-“
“Diona, just drop it.” You said, almost grasping the small bouquet.
“NO, I’m not dropping it! Not after you’ve been coughing up those same flowers for days because of him!”
You froze where you stood, fingertips barely brushing the stems before they fell to the ground in a heap. Sheepishly, you looked up to face Kaeya-
-before deeply wishing you hadn’t even come out of your room.
The horror etched into his features was something that would burn itself into your brain. For him, the pieces all finally clicked, and the picture they made was one he’d never recover from.
Suddenly your weary figure and frailty made such sickening sense. And now that you were up close, he could see the sunken nature your face had taken on - eyes dark from lack of sleep, and your cheeks that were once so rosy in his memory were hollow and pale. It made him sick to his stomach.
And all of this was.. because of him? Because you’d thought his affections were- oh Gods.
What had he done?
Whatever remnants of a smile graced your features before were gone now. Without even turning behind you, you spoke one more time:
“Diona, could you give us a moment?”
Immediately, the young girl was defensive. “No, nuh-uh, no way - I’m not leaving you alone with-“
“Diona, please. ”
Maybe it was the crack in your voice, or maybe it was the newfound tears glistening in the corners of your eyes - but whatever it was compelled her to nod, closing the door behind her as she left the two of you standing in front of the house.
The atmosphere was heavy as stone. Neither spoke for a few seconds before you shakily drew breath. “Kaeya, I-“
But you couldn’t even explain - the Captain had wrapped his arms so tightly around your torso, it was hard to focus on anything else. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, and to your surprise, you could feel tears dripping to your shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he rasped, hugging you tightly against him, as if you’d vaporize the second he let you go. “Oh Gods, I’m so sorry - I never meant for this to happen. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but please know that this- this wasn’t-“
Your arms found their way around his abdomen, which only made him sob harder - truly a rare sight from Kaeya Alberich. You inhaled deeply - well, as deep as you could manage - before attempting to rub soothing circles into his back.
“It’s alright,” you cooed, “If anything, I’m sorry about Diona. She says such things because she’s worried for me, but truthfully, no one is to blame but myself. You’re not responsible for my emotions - it’s not your fault, Kaeya.”
At that, Kaeya turned his tear-stained gaze towards you, removing his head from your shoulder. “What do you mean?”
You smiled sadly, melancholy gaze fixating on the ground beneath you. “You’re a dangerously charming man, Kaeya Alberich - and I’m afraid I fell for those charms quite easily. A sentiment that… clearly isn’t reciprocated. Honestly, I should’ve picked it up sooner, but I kept hoping that maybe someday…”
It took every ounce of restraint not to pinch himself - this couldn’t be a dream, right? Had he fallen asleep at his desk? Was this some weird, hellish nightmare turning into possibly the best dream of his life? Did you truly-
“Well, nevermind what I’d hoped. Clearly if my body is reacting like this, then I doubt it was meant to be.”
And just like that, the warmth of your body was ripped from his arms as you stepped away, solemnly sauntering back towards the door. He blinked once, twice, staring in stunned silence before the gravity of the situation set in - no, surely you couldn’t be-
Before your hand glossed the cool metal of the doorknob, you turned to face him with a bittersweet grin.
“I suppose this is farewell, Sir Kaeya. Perhaps in another life, we could still be friends?”
Sir.
It felt like he’d been gutted.
He didn’t know what came over him, but lightning couldn’t have struck faster than the speed at which he strode towards you, gripping your wrist and pulling you away from the door, forcing you to face him. Heart thudding wildly in his chest, he brought his other hand up to caress your cheek, thumb carefully tracing the edge of your bottom lip. His eyes traced your mouth with a longing and hunger like you’d never seen, before finally rising to meet your own gaze with intensity.
“And just what makes you so sure that your feelings are unreciprocated?”
That was the last thing he uttered before kissing you, crashing into you the way he’d wanted to for countless moons.
The kiss was just like the captain himself - dangerously charming, and downright intoxicating. He kissed you deep and slow, but with the fervor of a starving man - it made your head spin more than the drinks you shared at countless taverns before, but this buzz was incomparable to even the finest liquor. His hands slid free of your face and wrist, only to pull you flush against him by the waist - a gesture that left little, if any room between the two of you. It made you sigh shakily, gripping the front of his vest for support, only for him to chase your mouth once more; and this time he left you no escape route.
Your back met the hardwood of the door with a soft thud, and Kaeya wasted no time in reconnecting your lips once you were back between his arms. He ignored the slight tang of blood he could taste on your lips, ignored the stinging sensation building in his eyes - he needed to convey his feelings if it killed him, and he’d kiss you into oblivion if it meant kissing the “Sir” right out of your mouth. Hearing that formality after knowing how wonderful the warm familiarity of his name alone sounded rolling off your tongue - it felt like a cold slap in the face. So he pulled you closer, kissed you deeper, because Gods help him, he’d do anything to get it back - to convince you of this raging storm in his chest, to feel the warmth once again.
Your hands tremblingly traveled from his vest to his face, cupping his jaw before realizing something was amiss. Reluctantly, you pulled away, much to the Cavalry Captain’s dismay. But before he could lock lips with you a third time, you stroked his cheek with your thumb.
“Kaeya, why are you crying?”
Ah.
There it was.
Kaeya released a heavy sigh of relief, once again resting his head in the crook of your neck. Your arms immediately wrapped around his torso in a hug, and his hands, still resting in your waist, traced soothing circles with their thumbs.
“Nothing, love - just got worried, that’s all.”
You giggled softly. “About what?”
“That I’d never be able to do that. To kiss you, to hold you like this - I thought…”
The silence that hung between you was heavy and thick - there was still one question left unanswered.
“You’ll be ok, right?”
“…I’m not sure.”
You felt Kaeya tense at the response, but before anything more was said, there was a loud banging on the door - and strangely, it was coming from inside the house. That could only mean-
“Diona!” You exclaimed, and quickly turned around to open the door. “Diona, we’re so sorry, we didn’t mean to-“
But Diona said nothing - only wrapped her arms around you as tight as she possibly could, practically becoming a corset as she squeezed your stomach. You were perplexed, but hugged her back regardless; she was trembling quite a bit.
“Diona, is everything ok? Did something happen?”
Diona nodded, sniffling before looking up to face you. “The flowers, they- they all just shriveled up and… I-I wasn’t sure if it meant you were better or if something happened to you and I… I wanted to come and check on you. Um, so, how do you feel?”
You paused for a moment. In all the commotion, you hadn’t noticed any distinct changes in how you felt, but now that you thought about it - your chest was completely clear of any pain or constriction, and it finally felt like you could breathe. For the first time that night, a genuine grin found its way to your face.
“I feel.. I feel great! Fantastic!! Diona, I think I’m better now!”
Her ears pricked up at that, and she let out a small gasp before smiling ear to ear, once again squeezing the living daylights out of your ribcage. You squeezed back just as eagerly for a few moments before feeling a tapping on your shoulder. You turned to see Kaeya, moonlight framing his face as he extended a hand towards you.
“May I?”
You smiled softly, but before you could grab his hand, a small gloved kitty paw beat you to it, effectively yanking him into a group hug. Both you and the Cavalry Captain were surprised, but Diona simply huffed while burying her head into both of your shirts.
“Listen, I… shouldn’t have screamed at you like that. I’m sorry. You’re still a boozehound, but you make them happy… and clearly you’re not as much of an idiot as I thought you were. Just… take care of them for me, ok?”
Kaeya blinked before smiling fondly, fully joining the hug. “Don’t worry, I will. You have my word.” And with that, he reached to try and pet her ears, to which his hand was given a prompt smack.
“Hey, HEY- ears are still off limits!! Watch it, mister - I’ve still got my eye on you!”
You both laughed at the sentiment, and even Diona let out a small giggle. Later, an apology note would be drafted to the Knights of Favonius for your extensive absence, as well as Kaeya’s sneaking off - Diona would be tucked away in her bed while you and Kaeya crashed on the couch of the living room - and a peaceful night would be spent in the house nestled in the heart of Springvale.
But for now, you simply stood crouched in a warm embrace - smiles lit by the light of the moon as the worries were carried away with the winds.