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“Kaeya! Kae— Stop, where are you going?!”
Diluc glanced back at the other knights before running after his brother. It was fine to leave them, he told himself, they were all older anyway, they’d know how to fend for themselves.
His brother, meanwhile…
“What are you doing!” Diluc gasped out once he finally caught up. He looked around them—they were a fair distance away from the path, separated by scattered trees. A part of him was nervous, he didn’t love being separated from their company, especially when he was meant to be in charge.
Kaeya simply held his hand out. When Diluc took it, his entire world shifted. Kaeya had pulled him close and sat them both down on the grass, leaning against one of the broad tree trunks. Diluc tried to fight it, more to be annoying than because he didn’t enjoy the touch, but Kaeya’s hold was unrelenting.
When Diluc finally sighed and relaxed, Kaeya let out a chuckle. He kissed the back of Diluc’s head, then shuffled around so he could kiss Diluc’s cheek.
“Please don’t tell me you dragged us out here just to canoodle.”
“Canoodle,” Kaeya repeated with a giggle. “You’re so funny, Luc.”
Diluc huffed and tried not to feel embarrassed. Kaeya seemed to sense it, and hugged him tighter.
“You work too hard,” he told Diluc. “I’ve missed you. I haven’t had a chance to kiss you.”
It was true that they hadn’t kissed in what felt like months. They were on a reconnaissance mission, which meant being around a lot of people for all hours of the day. Even at night they all slept in tents close to one another. And although Diluc and Kaeya shared a sleeping space, they couldn’t exactly do anything for fear of getting caught.
Some of the older and more experienced knights were already chagrined at the fact two teenagers were leading them—Diluc had a reputation to build and uphold. Kaeya… seemed to just be having fun with it, which annoyed Diluc as much as it made him glad. At least one of them was having a good time.
Diluc sighed again and leant back against Kaeya, letting his head fall on the blue-haired boy’s shoulder. “I suppose I can enjoy this for a moment.” He then took Kaeya’s gloved hands in his own and held them in his lap.
“Precisely. Can’t I ask for some alone time with my dear brother?”
This made Diluc scoff. “I don’t think brothers should be doing this.”
They certainly shouldn’t be doing everything that he and Kaeya got up to when they had some real privacy, the thoughts and memories of which made Diluc’s face heat up.
Kaeya hummed. “Mm? And who’re you gonna report me to, the Cavalry Captain? I’ve got some bad news for you then, I’m afraid I’ve already got him wrapped around my little finger.”
And then, with absolutely no warning at all, Kaeya began to tickle Diluc. Diluc let out a shriek, and then he couldn’t stop laughing, and then he accidentally elbowed Kaeya in the gut.
“Hey, you kinda deserved that,” Diluc said once Kaeya finally stopped grimacing. He already apologised, so he was allowed to say this now.
Kaeya glared up at him, still clutching his side, but Diluc was unphased. He turned around and knelt on one knee, ready to stand up and head back. Before he could do so, Kaeya clasped his wrist.
“Kiss me.”
“What?!” Diluc looked around them frantically to make sure no one was there and could’ve heard.
“You elbowed me, you gotta make up for it. Kiss me.”
“We’re—” Diluc dropped his voice to a low whisper, hissing, “We’re outside! Someone might see!”
Kaeya just crossed his arms. “Kiss me, or I’m not leaving. You can drag me around everywhere if you please.”
Diluc actually considered it. It would definitely be doable, but he didn’t think he would last more than a day. And no doubt Kaeya would try to rile him up while being carried, perhaps doing things worse than kissing in public.
Fine, then. Diluc had no other choice. With one last check to confirm they were alone, Diluc closed his eyes and leant in to capture his brother’s lips.
Kaeya’s hands came up around him immediately, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Diluc was entranced—it had truly been too long, and now that they’d started, he didn’t want to stop.
Eventually, they heard shouts of their names coming through the trees. They broke apart, breathless, lips red and swollen.
Kaeya gave Diluc a big grin, and Diluc smiled back sheepishly.
“Alright then,” Kaeya said, “let’s head back.”
He stood up, brushed off his pants, and made to leave. Diluc, however, couldn’t help pulling him back for one last peck on the lips.
“There. Now we can go.” Diluc considered for a moment, then added, “And if you should ever need to take another break, I would gladly join you. For your… protection, of course.”
With a sparkle in his eye, Kaeya bowed and responded, “How lucky I am to have the Cavalry Captain personally accompany me. I will certainly take you up on the offer.”
The two boys grinned at each other one final time before walking back towards the group, returning to their duties.