Chapter Text
The bustling streets of Mondstadt were decked in stunning yellow and blue flower wreaths, the big fountain in front of the alchemy stand and good hunter decorated in beautiful blue decor, and the trees filled with paper windwheel aster flowers being spun by the gentle breeze.
Every year, Barbeau had been left breathless as he strolled down the path from the Knights of Favonius towards the city gate, taking in the festive atmosphere of Mondstadt’s Windblume Festival. He loved taking part in this romantic festival, always bringing flowers to those he cherished; the look on their faces as they received flowers and other gifts from him was the most gratifying thing to Barbeau.
Barbeau’s first victim was Kaeya Alberich.
He had been planning for Windblume for a long time coming; this had to be perfect. He prepared a big, luxurious Calla Lily bouquet for him alongside a high-quality mix of his favorite brew, “Death After Noon”, that he knew the blue-haired man loved, and even sewed a custom flower pattern on a gold-trimmed black eye patch.
This year he picked calla lilies as his Windblume offering to Kaeya as he’s seen how the taller man enjoys sitting by the water, quite like a calla lily would. Kaeya’s violet-blue eyes always did remind him of the tranquil waters of Cider Lake.
As he strolled the beautiful streets of Mondstadt City, he made his way over to the Cat’s Tail. He knew that today the blue-haired man would be there, working on his assigned task by Grandmaster Jean. Maybe Barbeau could even get to see his friend Diona!
He cautiously stepped up the small steps on the door, feeling how the wind softly and slowly guided him in, careful not to step on any of the cats, and gave them a little wave, making his way into the bustling tavern.
Once inside, the blonde man greets Prince with a big grin, “Hey Prince! You cute little fella!” He says in a sing-song voice, reaching out to pet the cat’s head, “Having fun with the TCG players?”
Prince gives him a meow of approval as he leans into the touch. “That’s good to hear! Alright, see you in a bit, okay?” Barbeau gives Prince one last pet and waves at the other cats around him, making his way over to Kaeya, who he can see is sitting at the back end of the tavern.
The blonde lynx snakes his arms around Kaeya’s waist and places his head on the other man’s shoulder, leaning in to give him a small and gentle kiss on the cheek.
“Oh? What do we have here?” Kaeya says as he turns around to meet Barbeau’s face, “What’s a cutie like you doing here?” He finishes flirtatiously, kissing the blonde softly as he does so.
“Weeeell…” Barbeau trails off as he giggles, “You know what time of year it is, don’t you?” He raises an eyebrow as he looks into Kaeya’s glistening eyes.
Kaeya looks pleasantly surprised as he picks up on what Barbeau’s trying to imply. “Darling..” He looks up at Barbeau, who’s wearing the biggest grin he could muster, “Hehe, you really didn’t have to..” He chuckles as he takes his partner’s hand.
“I wanted to!” He squeezes Kaeya’s hand, “Go on.. Open it!” Barbeau says giddily, shoving the present he had gotten from his bag into the taller man’s hands.
As he opens the present Barbeau worked hard on, his eyes soften, recognizing every item inside. From his favorite brew to the big calla lily bouquet tied with a deep blue ribbon. “Happy Windblume!!” Barbeau smiles brightly.
“These are so beautiful.. Thank you so much, my darling.” He says sweetly, standing up so that he can wrap the small lynx into a warm embrace, followed by small kisses and gentle head pats.
Barbeau purrs into the act, melting into his lover’s embrace. He pulls back and grabs the gold-trimmed black eye patch, guiding it towards Kaeya's eye.
“May I?” he asks, placing his hand gently behind his lover’s head.
“Why of course.” Kaeya answers, always ready to be vulnerable with Barbeau.
He takes Kaeya’s eye patch off and puts the new one on him; it looks just as beautiful on him as he had envisioned. He smiles at him once it's adjusted, “Is it comfortable?”
“Yes, it feels nice.” He moves his hand on top of his, gently caressing it, “It’s perfect, thank you.”
Barbeau is pleased his gift was to his lover’s liking; he kisses him one last time and whispers how much he loves him before he takes his leave.
However, Kaeya had other plans.
“Wait!” Kaeya grabs onto Barbeau’s wrist, “I have something for you too… It may not be as grand as yours, but…” He looks away shyly.
“Hmm?” The blonde man’s interest piqued, his head tilting to the side slightly, “You got me something..?” A small smile threatening to spill.
“Of course, it is Windblume after all, isn’t it?” The other replies with a smirk, “Here.. Happy Windblume.”
Kaeya hands him a small bouquet of small lamp grass flowers that shine with a soft blue glow. “They remind me of your enchanting blue eyes.”
Barbeau turns a light shade of pink and takes the bouquet graciously, “Thank you, Kaeya… They’re so pretty..” He stares at the blue, glowy flowers in his hand, determined to place them in clay pots in his office.
“But of course.” He leans down and kisses him, a longer kiss this time, “Off you go now.”
As he makes his way out of The Cat’s Tail, he gives his lover a small wave, which is, of course, returned.