Chapter Text
Kazuha and Heizou had been traveling together for some time now. They started with Liyue once again, since the weather permitted and the colours were magnificent. They wandered and relished in each other’s presence, knowing that this time… there was no need to say goodbye, and they could just be present. No need to save anything for later, since they’d still be together later.
They got used to it slowly, still habitually taking breaks just to sit together and exist in each other’s space. Even once the reality set in, they still did that often. But now, they were on a longer trek. They’d just passed Wangshu Inn and were heading North into Mondstadt, and hopefully into the city before nightfall.
“Do you think we can walk there before dusk?” Heizou asked, not being familiar with the distance.
“Perhaps, if we keep this pace up we should get there with an hour or two to spare.” Kazuha smiled softly, looking around. “But if we start falling behind, we can take our time more, camp for the night… and get there tomorrow.” He smiled over at Heizou, taking his hand and swinging them idly between them as they walked.
Heizou looked at their interlocked fingers and squeezed Kazuha’s hand tightly. “Alright.” He grinned; he couldn’t help it. Though this had been going on for long enough to feel normal, it still put a flutter in his heart and a spring in his step. Usually he’d have much more to say, or idle chat to fill the silence, but he’d grown to appreciate the quiet.
Kazuha found the change in Heizou somewhat jarring at first. The quiet almost bothered him at first when it would settle in for sometimes hours at a time. He’d thought Heizou was upset, and that had been why he wasn’t talking. He’d look over subtly to try to catch him frowning, but each time Heizou would have this serene look on his face; a smile on his lips, a happy spark in his eyes. The first time he’d seen it it melted Kazuha’s heart and made him beyond happy.
They kept good pace, considering that once in a while Heizou would drop Kazuha’s hand and start running for a bit. To a tree off to the side to collect some sunettias he saw, or because he saw something up ahead he wanted to grab and give to Kazuha. One time it was just a rock, and Heizou had turned bright red when Kazuha gave him a quizzical look.
“I don’t know, it… it sparkled, and it reminded me of when you see something new when you’re exploring…” Heizou said softly, scratching the back of his head awkwardly now, scuffing his foot through the dirt of the trail.
Kazuha giggled, taking the rock softly and placing it in his pocket for safe keeping, planting a soft kiss on Heizou’s cheek. “Thank you, ‘Zou.” He mumbled before taking his hand to continue walking along the trail.
Once they got closer to the city, the sky just starting to darken behind them, the clouds turning yellow in anticipation of the sunset, Heizou ran off ahead again. This time it wasn’t to collect anything, though. He climbed up on a rock and looked off ahead, only a few minute’s walk away now; the tall walls of the city of Mondstadt.
“Whoa!” He exclaimed, eyes wide and an even wider grin on his face. “Those are some big walls! Can we go on top, Kae?” He asked as he jumped down from the rock he’d climbed up on to walk next to Kazuha again, an excited giggle escaping him at the mere idea of it. He couldn’t help it! It was a big castle, and he wanted to get on top!
“Maybe,” Kazuha giggled softly as he shook his head a little, “but first we should get into the city and get acquainted with the area, no? We’ll see who’s around, maybe I can introduce you to some of the people I’ve met here before.”
“Oh, good idea!” Heizou said, being reminded of what Kazuha had said before but Heizou had entirely forgotten upon seeing the tall walls. “We can get on the walls another time I suppose.” Heizou said, his tone half-joking, but there was still a longing glance he threw up to the top of the tall towers before they made their way to the front gate.
They walked by the guards, Kazuha explaining their appearance this late at night and where they were from briefly to make sure they weren’t raising suspicion to be suddenly entering the city as the sun was setting.
They had agreed previously, if they were passing through a city for a day or two, they would go to an Inn of some kind for a night or two. Heizou had thought this to be a fair compromise, but hadn’t expected Kazuha to go along with it so easily. Kazuha wasn’t a fan of staying indoors; it felt like being trapped, and disconnected from the wandering he so liked to do… but now, with Heizou, and the permanent promise to continuing wandering to their hearts content… it didn’t feel so isolating to be in a room. He wouldn’t be alone anymore, after all. Just like when he’d visited Heizou in the past, and that faint ache of wanting to be outdoors had left him when he would stay in overnight with Heizou…
He hadn’t known at the time that it was Heizou that did this to him. He thought he had just been due to his exhaustion, or the weather being treacherous outside at the time, even though the weather had never bothered him before.
As they walked down the street, dusk set in and lights came on, giving the atmosphere a yellow glow that made Heizou’s eyes light up. “What do you think so far?” Kazuha asked quietly, putting a hand on Heizou’s far shoulder and leaning into his side a bit. Heizou responded with a hand around Kazuha’s waist, soft but confidently there.
“It’s beautiful, I love the lights… I love the city, even though it’s dark and I can’t see it all.” Heizou beamed. As much as exploring was Kazuha’s thing, learning was Heizou’s, as much as he’d hate to admit it. But it’s not like he could hide it, as he looked around, soaking in every visual he could, putting pieces together. “The city of Freedom, and of Wind, huh…” Heizou whispered, almost to himself as he looked around at the small banners hung from light posts, the stone pathways beneath their feet, the flower boxes… the big fountain in the central area, surrounded by small shops and businesses. It felt so welcoming. Which reminded him…
“I know you’re probably wondering where we’re staying,” Kazuha glanced over at Heizou as they walked down an alley, “but don’t worry. We’ll get there, but first… Ah, yes it is still open! I want to introduce you to someone!”
“Oh?” Heizou raised his eyebrows at that. He was surprised Kazuha seemed to know what he was thinking, telling him he’d get to explaining their accommodations for the night… but he was also surprised that they were meeting up with someone tonight. “Do they know we’re coming?” He asked, already knowing the answer.
“No, but that’s okay - we don’t have to stay long if he’s busy.” Kazuha smiled over at Heizou before opening the door to Angel’s Share, walking in with Heizou in tow. It was bright inside the building compared to the building dusk outside, but their eyes adjusted quickly and Kazuha gasped softly before grinning from ear to ear.
“Oh, more than I expected!” He mumbled excitedly under his breath before walking forward, still holding Heizou’s hand. Heizou couldn’t help but smile softly at that, squeezing his hand as he looked at the faces that were turning to look at Kazuha.
“Hello,” Kazuha greeted with a nod to a man behind the bar with bright red hair tied up in a ponytail, “I hope we’re not coming in too close to closing.” He mused, but the man only smiled and nodded his head in greeting.
“Not at all, it’s good to see you again Kaedahara.” The man mused; his voice was deep, and sounded rough… but the way he spoke was gentle and made him feel safe to be around.
“What, not going to greet us too?” Another man spoke from a barstool to the left. Kazuha giggled, waving his hand somewhat dismissively.
“Sorry, hello Cavalry Captain Kaeya, and hello Venti the bard!” Kazuha leaned over to look past the man called Kaeya at a much smaller man sitting next to him at the bar. “Oh! Heizou, this is Kaeya,” Kazuha gestured to the man with dark blue hair and an eyepatch. Heizou stared at it for a moment, unable to help it, before smiling and nodding at him. “And Venti just behind him,” Kazuha giggled as Venti waved excitedly with a large grin on his face and a rosiness in his cheeks. “And this is Master Diluc, he owns the tavern, and the most successful winery in Teyvat!” Kazuha beamed. “And everyone, this is Shikanoin Heizou!”
All three greeted him kindly, though Heizou couldn’t help but stare at Kaeya again. “It’s very nice to meet you all.” He said, eyes flicking to Kaeya’s eyepatch again. It’s not that he hadn’t seen one before, but for some reason Kaeya’s eyepatch bothered Heizou. Like it wasn’t supposed to be there. He pushed the feeling aside and cleared his throat.
“Heizou…” Diluc said softly as he filled a glass and handed it to a waiting patron before returning to look at the man in question. “Kaedahara has spoken very highly of you.” He said, making the understatement of his lifetime.
“Spoken highly…” Kaeya almost snorted, shaking his head. “Heizou, you were all he talked about when we met him. He started with his travels, but quickly he’d always bring you up.” He smirked as he saw Kazuha’s cheeks and ears turn red and Heizou’s expression turn shocked.
“I quite like his poems about you!” Venti blurted, almost spilling his drink as he wobbled slightly. “He’s very good and writing them, and rhyming, and…” Venti trailed off, sipping from his mug. “Oh! And he loves you, totally. Wait- should I have said that?” Venti babbled on and on. Kaeya glanced at Venti with raised eyebrows, then at Kazuha who giggled softly and held up his hand that was interlocked with Heizou’s.
“It’s okay, he knows.” Kazuha mused, and wasn’t necessarily one for public displays of affection, but he planted a quick kiss on Heizou’s cheek that caused the poor boy’s face to burn hot. “But I thought I’d introduce you guys before we turn in! And… Kaeya, since you’re here… Heizou really wants to go on top of the walls…” Kazuha mumbled sheepishly.
“Of course, of course! I can take you two up there tomorrow.” Kaeya nodded.
Heizou beamed from ear to ear. “Really? We can go on top?” He gasped, clearly beyond excited. Kaeya chuckled and nodded once again, surprised to see a grown man so excited about going on top of a wall. “Oh wow, I wonder how far we can see from up there… no branches and leaves to block the view, and…” He trailed off, clearing his throat as he realized he perhaps shouldn’t say all of this out loud.
“A heights enthusiast! I like it!” Kaeya grinned.
“Are you two going to have anything before you set off?” Diluc asked as he returned from cleaning glasses and serving other patrons again. “No hurt feelings if not,” He winked cheekily, “I’m sure my business will be fine without your financial support.”
Kazuha snickered and looked at Heizou briefly. “Want anything? Or we can head to where we’re staying.” He smiled, “We can meet up with Kaeya tomorrow and see who else we run into!”
“I think I’m okay for the night, my apologies Master Diluc.” Heizou bowed his head slightly. “Another time I’m sure we can come back and I can try your famous wine.” He nodded.
“If you’d like.” Diluc nodded.
The door to the tavern suddenly burst open behind them, making Kazuha jump slightly and his grip on Heizou’s hand tighten. Heizou turned to look, pulling Kazuha into his side slightly as he saw the figure walking in.
He was tall, taller than himself anyway. And, as he glanced back at Diluc; the man who walked in was taller than even Diluc. Heizou looked up at him as the door shut behind him and he could see him more clearly without being backlit by the streetlights outside.
He had freckles, and as he grinned Heizou could see his charmingly crooked teeth. And he had messy, wavy orange hair.
“Ajax, I’ve told you before… try not to knock the door off it’s hinges when you come in.” Diluc grumbled, looking beyond irritated with the man. But much to Heizou’s surprise, he walked right up and leaned over the counter, taking Diluc’s chin in his hand and planting a chaste kiss on his lips.
“Sorry, sorry… I’ll try to remember next time, firefly.”
“That’s Childe, Diluc’s partner.” Kazuha said softly to Heizou, who only nodded as he looked at the man. He didn’t feel hostile, but he was clearly affiliated with the Fatui, which made him tense.
“Aren’t you going to greet our friend from out of town?” Kaeya asked toward the newcomer, nudging him and nodding in Kazuha and Heizou’s direction.
The man called Childe turned to face them, a curious glint in his eye before he grinned once again, showing off his pointed teeth that angled outward slightly and the narrow gap between his two front teeth. “Kazuha!” He grinned, “Haven’t seen you in a while. Who’s this?”
“This is Shikanoin Heizou.” Kazuha nodded, “He’s my partner.”
Heizou’s chest swelled at that, his cheeks turning pink once again as he pursed his lips to keep from giggling in delight.
“Nice to meet you, Heizou!” Childe reached out a hand for Heizou to take and shake. He did, at which point Childe continued; “Number eleven of the Fatui Harbingers, code name Childe. But I also go by Tartaglia.” He nodded.
Heizou stared for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Wait, you’re a Fatui Harbinger? And you just…” He trailed off, processing for a moment, glancing across the faces he’d only just met, eventually landing on Diluc who looked amused. “Nevermind. Nice to meet you, Childe, I’m sure we’ll get along great.” He gripped the hand he was shaking tighter, which made Childe raise his eyebrows.
“You’re strong… say, you interested in sparring some time?” Childe asked, his gaze darkening slightly, which made Heizou shiver. But he wasn’t deterred.
“I’d love to.” He grinned in response, which shocked Childe into laughing.
“Fantastic! Glad to make your acquaintance, comrade!”
Kaeya stood up just as a clock chimed. “As much as I’d love to stick around, I do have to go now. ‘Bedo is waiting for me, I promised I’d be back earlier tonight.” He sighed. “A pleasant evening to all of you. Nice to see you again Kazuha, and wonderful to meet you Heizou. After hearing so much about you, I feel like I already knew you, and now only have a face to put to the name.” He smirked as Kazuha blushed and covered his face with his free hand. “See you two tomorrow.” He nodded before walking out.
“We should go too,” Kazuha hummed, “It was nice to see you here, however briefly!” He smiled at Diluc, who nodded at him as Childe was standing at the bar, leaning over it and talking Diluc’s ear off. “And a wonderful surprise to see you too, Venti!”
Heizou looked at Venti again, now in full view rather than hidden behind Kaeya, and his jaw dropped.
Venti looked at Heizou, and seemed to immediately understand what was happening, and waved his hands in front of him and giggled; “You two must be tired, maybe I’ll see you again while you’re in the city!” He started to slur his words at the end of his sentence.
Heizou blinked a few times, still staring. Was he really looking at… the Anemo Archon Barbatos ? He shut his mouth finally as Kazuha tugged on his arm to head toward the door. “Goodnight!” Kazuha called over his shoulder, and Venti waved enthusiastically until the door shut between them and the growing chill of the air bit at Heizou’s arms.
Heizou was in shock, lips parting again until he was brought back to reality by Kazuha pulling him along as they made their way up the street. “The hotel isn’t too far, don’t worry.” He said, and Heizou nodded, but then spaced out again.
Had he really just come face to face with an archon? He’d never felt such a strong power and presence coming from such a small vessel… And his vision… there was something off about it, which made him even more suspicious.
As he pondered whether or not his hunch was correct Kazuha got them checked in and a key to their room. They walked inside, and Kazuha patted Heizou’s cheeks, grounding him once again. “Hey! We’re here, hello?” Kazuha giggled “What are you thinking so hard about?”
“How did you meet Venti?” Heizou asked, unable to help it.
“Venti? Um… just in passing, I think. He’s a… sort of famous bard in Mondstadt I think? At first I thought he must be really important or strong because he felt so intense, but after getting to know him, he really is just a traveling bard trying to make some Mora.”
Heizou stared at him for a moment before nodding. “I see.”
“Why? We barely spoke to him tonight, did something feel off?” Kazuha asked, recognizing the deep pondering expression on his face. They sat on the edge of the bed in the middle of the room, Kazuha leaning into Heizou’s side and holding his hand warmly still.
“Well… I just got the strangest feeling that… he is, or at least was … Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.” Heizou said softly, glancing at Kazuha, waiting to be shut down or told his ideas were too broad and large and far-fetched. But Kazuha only stared into his eyes, his gaze aglow with adoration and interest and curiosity.
“You really think so?” Kazuha asked, fully seeming to believe him. “That’s amazing… to think we met an archon…”
“Well, I’m not sure about that-”
“Well, we’re not sure he’s not . Plus, you’re really good at this kind of thing… right?”
Heizou paused, looking at the floor for a moment.
“It’s what you do, it’s what you love! I’d bet you’re right, ‘Zou.” Kazuha yawned softly, moving to stand up and remove his outer clothing and tuck himself beneath the covers of the bed. Heizou did the same after a moment, lying next to Kazuha who looked very tired now. The day must have caught up to him.
“Goodnight, Kae.” Heizou said softly, kissing him softly before just leaning their foreheads together.
“Goodnight.” Kazuha breathed as his eyes fell shut and he fell asleep in moments.