Chapter Text
Out of all the things Kaeya had expected that night, a vision appearing was not one of them.
Honestly, it somewhat pissed him off. Diluc’s flaming bird was coming at him full force, and the bluenette had already long discarded his weapon; he was ready for the smell of burning flesh and the relief of death he so craved.
And, then, it never came. The burst of Cryo eliminated the scorching bird, taking it out with a single hit. Kaeya had his eyes (yes, eyes) closed, but he opened it after a minute of silence.
Diluc was standing there with his claymore gritting harshly onto the cold shield. A gift from the gods floated above him like an omen of protection, and Kaeya couldn’t help himself from cracking a smile.
That’s too ironic.
Smiling was probably not the best of his moves, however, because Diluc’s face wretched with disgust before his claymore lit up once again. It shattered the weak shield and came down on him with a foul swoop, engraving Kaeya with a sense of pain he never felt before.
He probably screamed before doubling down, facing straight into the dirt. His hands hovered around his face, which felt so damaged.
“You’re no brother of mine. I never want to see your face again.”
Kaeya tried to reach out for Diluc in the direction he heard the voice, but his mind was too clouded by the burning sensation in his eyes.
He probably begged for the man to come back, but then again, Kaeya couldn’t really tell the difference between his thoughts and actions right now.
But, even without looking, he knew that Diluc was gone, and he’d probably never see him again.
++++////++++
Time creates more wounds.
Kaeya didn’t know how he made it to the City Gates that fateful night, let alone have the luck to pass out right outside Jean’s apartment.
He was fortunate that she heard ruckus, or else Kaeya would be a goner. Though, perhaps that fate is better than what he’s subjected to right now.
Waking up in a bed that didn’t feel like his was definitely a shock, but finding that he couldn’t see anything at all was ten times more surprising. At first, he thought that he was confused and simply still closing his eyes, but he knew that the delusion wasn’t true when he heard Jean’s frantic voice beside him.
“Kaeya-! Stay down, let me– I’m just gonna flag down a nun, stay right there,” She said, before her boots were clacking down the hallway.
…his arms felt numb. He felt numb. The sensation of his limbs felt foreign, especially the parts that sat just above his neck.
What the fuck is going on?
Before he could rush into full panic mode, he heard three sets of shoes echoing on the Cathedral floor. Luckily, they announced their presence before he could completely lose his mind.
“Kae,” – he flinched at the nickname – “I’ve brought Barbara and the Deacon. I’ll be right beside you.”
A sweet, quiet voice started speaking. “Hi, Sir Kaeya. It’s Barbara. We’re glad to see you’re awake. Are you feeling any pain–”
“Why–” his voice came out scratchy, like it was just rubbed with a cheese grater – “can’t I see?”
That got the bunch to shut up. Luckily, the silence didn’t last too long, because the foreign voice of the Deacon started.
“Sir Kaeya, we will get to that in a moment's time. Do you feel any pain?”
He nods slightly and answers quietly. “My… face hurts. My left arm too, I guess.”
“Yes, you’ve got some burns on your left arm, stretching down to your hands. Though, we’ve healed as much as we can, and your new Vision seemed to help out as well.” Barbara replied. “About your face…”
“Are my eyes closed? Or is it–” He grunted a bit, wincing from the sudden movement of him trying to get up. A solid hand rested on his shoulder and guided him back to lay down, most likely Jeans.
“Don’t try to get up. Barbara, the Deacon and the other nuns aren’t clearing you yet. Relax, Kae, I got you.”
He nods again, anxiety brewing in his stomach. Though, his questions would have to be answered later, as his body pulls him back into an uncomfortable slumber.
***
Kaeya already knew he was blind the minute he was told that his eyes were open and he could blink, even though everything was a dark slurry of blurred movement to him.
Barbara said the wound was closed, describing the scar to be a white deep line across both his eyes and his nose. Jean added that his irises were white and the burns around them don’t look bad, just like darker, popped-up veins.
He didn’t know whether that made him feel better or worse. Better, because the rest of his face isn’t too fucked – but worse, because he’s reminded that Diluc did that to him.
Kaeya was still on bedrest. As much as he hates it, he needs it. Staying awake for more than an hour at a time is difficult, and his joints scream at him constantly.
Not to mention that his newly acquainted power pulses beside him like a second heart, making Kaeya wish he could decimate the thing and throw it into the abyss. Having a gift from Celestia after revealing his origins is like a sick joke made by the Gods themselves.
He exhales a groan. Jean perks her head up, who was previously engrossed in a rather troublesome report.
“You alright?” She asks.
“Yes,” he replies.
If Kaeya could see, he’d notice the incredibly deadpanned expression on her face.
He knew that if she wanted to, she could ask all the questions running around her head. How did you get a vision? What happened to Diluc? What happened to you?
But, Kaeya knows that Jean is merciful, and would spare him the conversation. Though, his thoughts wonder when it will eventually surface.
How does one answer “where is your brother” when even thinking about his name makes you shackled with fear and guilt?
…–Diluc. Good old Diluc.
It makes Kaeya sick to think about their falling out for too long.
***
Varka came the next day. His regularly excited aura was replaced with a grim one, and Kaeya could feel it from the bed he sat on.
“Grandmaster,” his voice came out all wrong, built off a layer of anxiety. “My apologies for my incapacitation. If this is about my current availability–”
“None of that, Kaeya. I’m not here for formalities, instead I’m here to visit my dear friend’s kid,” he sits down on a chair. “How’re you feeling, son?”
Kaeya doesn’t want to answer, but he gives one anyway. “I will be alright– I am alright.”
“Like Celestia you are. Jean told me that–” he pauses “-you can’t see.”
Obviously, the Bluenette wants to say. He stays silent.
Varka’s voice is muddled. “Oh, my boy, what happened to you?”
Kaeya flinches with the use of ‘my boy’. Crepus used to call them that, whether to convey endearment or a nickname to use – though, he also said my son.
It was inaccurate. I’m no son of his.
“Nothing I didn’t deserve, Sir.” Kaeya smiles at the general direction of his elder. He hears Varka inhale sharply, abruptly even. It was uncharacteristic of the Grandmaster.
“Nothing you said or did should have ended in this drastic outcome,” He says sharply. “Especially not by Diluc.”
Kaeya’s head snaps up, the anxiety rising higher in his chest. He’d been meaning to keep his silence, making sure nobody knew it was his ex-brother. Though, having burns across your face and arms aren’t very easy to cover up with excuses.
“It doesn’t matter,” he practically chokes out. “He’s gone. Diluc is gone, and I’m still here. He should be here instead of me, but he’s not. Just like Fath– Crepus.”
“And good thing you are. Thank Barbatos you’re still around, even without sight. You are perseverant, and even the Gods rewarded you for it. I know you can recover, sonny-boy.”
Gods give Kaeya a reward. Varka may think his vision is a blessing, but it’s just salt in the wound for the bluenette.
Still, he forces himself to respond with gratitude. “Thank you, Grandmaster.”
Varka replies with a relaxed ‘hmph’, ending the conversation.
…-or, atleast, where it should’ve.
“Regarding your current predicament, the Knights are prepared for you to take as much leave as you need. And, when you come back – only if you want to of course – your position will still be there, waiting. In Sumeru, mercenaries have a fighting style that mainly focuses on not being able to see things. Most warriors there battle with eye-covering bandanas, which gives me hope that you’ll still be able to fight after your recovery. Lisa, our new librarian, just studied at the Academia. Luckily, she’s learned a few skills regarding their fighting techniques. I’m sure she’d be delighted to help you out.”
It sounded like good news. Kaeya wasn’t really thinking about his job these past few days, but it’s good to know he could still fight.
Though, he’d have to think about being a Knight. Does he deserve to have such power in a city he doesn’t belong in?
“And, our new Alchemist was recommended by Alice herself. He’s versed in the art of visions and can help you learn to navigate your own. That’s all the news I’ve got.”
Kaeya nods. “Thank you, Grandmaster. I will still require some time to think about my future, but I’ll notify you when I’ve decided.”
“Of course, my boy. Rest, then.” Varka’s chair slides against the tile floor when he stands up, and the bluenette feels his hand patting his leg under the blanket.
His hand was warm. It was the complete opposite to what Kaeya’s been feeling recently, like a void of ice.
Though, like most things, Varka’s hand lifted, and the warmth left.
He’s stuck with the cold.
***
It took Kaeya a week until he convinced all the nuns, Barbara, and the Deacon himself that he could be discharged. When they finally did crack, it was the single ray of sunshine in the bluenette’s life, right up until he realized he had no home to go to.
He’d heard that Diluc sold the manor and left the Winery in Adelinde’s care. Jean said that the redhead stood in front of the manor and burned some of his items, including every photo and painting that had his picture. It was essentially a public display of disownment towards Kaeya, and it got to him plummeting straight for the abyss.
So, not only is he homeless, but he’s family-less too.
And, standing at the Cathedral doorway while hiding from the pouring rain didn’t relieve the pain.
He could have stayed there the whole night, to be honest. It wasn’t like he knew how to get to the Favonius Headquarters, being blind and all. Kaeya was most likely just gonna be beside the Cathedral doorway for the rest of his life (or what's left of it). Though, after an hour or so, he was interrupted.
“Kaeya!” Jean’s voice echoed. It was barely audible amongst the sound of the pouring rain, but it gained his attention well enough. His head snapped up to the direction of the voice, before a hand came to touch his back.
“Gods, I’m sorry I’m late. I was going to get you the instant you were discharged, but I got run over by a truck of paperwork. By the time I finished, I realized I was extremely over time.”
“Jean, you’re too kind. What are you here for, even?”
“You, silly– you,” She sighs. “I know you’ve got nowhere else to go. Not to mention that your whole situation is new, and it’ll be nearly impossible for you to navigate the city like this. Of course I came. Of course I’m here.”
Kaeya’s heart clenches. She shouldn’t be doing this for him – especially not for him. He had opened his mouth to retort, but Jean shut him down.
“You’re staying with me until you’re on your feet again, and that’s final. Understood?”
He nods, silently agreeing to this one thing. In his position, what else could he do?
“Yes, Jeanie. Thanks.”
She helps him up, keeping one hand on his back and another on an umbrella as they start to walk. “Don’t mention it,” she concludes.
***
Kaeya was alone most of the day. Jean was typically at work for the majority of the day, which left the bluenette to his thoughts much too often.
He’d decided that he’ll stay with the Knights. It feels like the only way to repent for his sin of lying his whole life, not only to his friends but to his brother. Ex-Brother.
Kaeya would spend his days the same. He’d get up periodically, learn his surroundings and try to wield his vision, before taking a moment to sleep or sit. The rest of his time was spent thinking and mourning, which led to cursing and crying. By the time Jean would get back, however, he would be completely fine, and ready to eat his only meal of the day.
This went on for four days before a visitor came to see him. Jean had taken the day off and was lounging in the sitting room, up until a knock on the door was heard. Kaeya heard the sounds of greetings at the doorway and sat more professionally on the couch, looking in the direction of the door.
“Kaeya,” Jean starts. “Grandmaster Varka is here with Sir Albedo and Ms. Lisa. They’ll be sitting on the couch in front of you,” she warns, graciously. Jean had started that habit with him, making sure to announce the presence of things and where they were to make life easier.
The bluenette plasters a smile on his face. He probably looks like shit, though.
“Good morning, Grandmaster. I’m assuming you received the letter of my post return, then?” The couch dips beside him, where Jean sits comfortably.
“Indeed I did, Sir Kaeya. I’m so glad to hear that you’re still willing to be on the Knight’s task force. Though, I wanted to remind you that we’re taking the process slow. That’s actually why I brought Sir Albedo and Ms. Lisa along today.”
A soft, male voice spoke up, which caught Kaeya a slight bit off guard. “Greetings. I am Albedo,” he says. Kaeya nods. “Plesure to meet you.”
The woman chuckles, gleaning a soft presence around her. It brought a light smile to Kaeya’s lips.
Varka shifts in his seat. “Albedo here will teach you many things that will ease your return to work. Firstly, he’ll teach you how to use your vision. He’ll also help you grow accustomed to your life without sight, as we all will be doing.”
“Ms. Lisa is here to teach you about fighting without seeing, as the art of Sumeru’s style. She’s also going to be one of the people overseeing your general health after you re-integrate.”
Kaeya follows along with the rest of Varka’s instructions with diligence. He held a few conversations with them, mainly simple questions about each other and their backstories. Kaeya learned that Lisa has an electro vision while Albedo has a Geo one, hence why they’re the backbone of his support team.
Varka set for them to meet in six days time, enough for the bluenette to recover a bit more before he officially returns to office. The plan is for him to do mostly paperwork and management while he trains with Albedo and Lisa, then slowly return to field work when he’s entirely ready.
Perhaps he could regain a sense of normality. That much would be a blessing.
***
Kaeya wakes up in a cold sweat and a cut-off sound of agony escaping the confines of his choked-up throat.
Diluc’s flaming claymore, his face of utter dejection, and the downpour of rain around him felt all too real.
Even the sound of Crepus’s voice calling out to him in the darkness, reminding him of all the things that he can’t take back sounded true, and it lead him back here–
Still in the darkness of the room he can’t see.
Kaeya quickly covered his hyperventilating mouth so as to not make sound, trying to avoid waking Jean up – she’s done so much for him already, the last thing he wants is to burden her with this.
Though Barbatos cursed him, the bluenette’s cries were louder than he initially thought.
“Kae?” The light flickers on, which makes the color of darkness switch to a softer one in Kaeya’s eyes. He tries to look at the sound of the voice, but his joints are hurting just as much as his heart, and he can’t bring himself to.
Jean sits down on the bed beside him and gently puts an arm around his back. Kaeya lets out another small cry, which makes him feel vulnerable, and stupid.
“Hey, I’ve got you, Kaeya. You can hear me right?”
“...-let’s try breathing. In for 4, out for 4. Like the strategy all the Captain’s teach us when the aftermath of a battle plows through.”
He tries. It’s shaky, but Kaeya’s doing his best.
“Alright. Yeah, that's good. Are you…-”
Her voice muddled out in his head. The only thing he can think about is his breathing, which leads him to the thought that he shouldn’t deserve to. Not after lying his whole life and taking Diluc’s rightful spot in Mondstadt. Kaeya’s just constantly reminded that it should be Diluc here, not him; it’s cruel and ironic and hurts just the same.
Things would be better if the redhead had just ended him straight up, right then and there.
At least he’d still have his sight.
At least he wouldn’t be cursed with a God’s vision.
At least the pain would be done.
…but, it’s not too late.
“Jean,” he smiles, but it's unstable and unfit for his face. “Don’t you want to know why dear Diluc left? Why I’m still here, for Archon's sake? Why I’m alive in the first place?”
“Yes, but, I’m fine with waiting until you’re ready–”
Kaeya got up from the bed quickly, probably resulting in his blankets being strewn about. “You’re best friend’s a snake!” He tries to laugh cruelly to better sell the image. “I’ve been sent here to destroy Mondstadt, the very home you’re so desperate to protect. I’m a Khaenri’ahn scum, Jeanie. Hm, how does it feel to be so gullible at the face of the enemy?”
The room was covered in silence, apart from his heavy breathing that got more weighted every second. His thoughts spiraled into paranoia without his sight and it twisted inside him like a mulberry bush growing in his stomach.
Kaeya couldn’t take the wait anymore.
“Well? Kill me! That’s your purpose, your job! Hurry up and do it in my moment of weakness, it’s how we were trained. Go on!”
When nothing came, he opened his mouth to retort– but he was quickly shut down by Jean flying into him, almost gently slamming him down to the ground. In the thought that this would be it, Kaeya smiled to revel in his victory and let his arms be clammed down without a fight.
“Shut up, Kaeya. You think I didn’t know, idiot? Your eyes, your hair, the color of your skin? You didn’t bother to think I didn’t already research, huh?” Her voice scratched with anger and sadness. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m not gonna kill you. Because, guess what? I don’t care that you’re Khaenri’ahn. I don’t care at all, because all I do care about is you, Kaeya. You!”
“But–”
“If you really wanted to betray Mondstadt, you would have done it by now. If you really wanted to betray Mondstadt, that would mean you didn’t care about any of us in the past 13 years you’ve been here – and, frankly, I refuse to believe it. So I’ll give you a chance. If you’re truly still on Khaenri'ah's side, use the vision clipped to your waist and kill me instead!”
Kaeya panted with effort, trying to get his brain to force himself to use it, even just for a second:
But he couldn’t. His heart already knew the answer.
I’m loyal to Mondstadt.
“See?” Jean says, her voice shaky. Kaeya feels something wet drip onto his face, most likely her tears. “I knew it.”
The bluenette can't help his own tears from falling. It’s honestly quite a surprise that he could still cry, considering that his eyes were sliced open and burns litter the sides of them. But, he still tears up and lets a sob freely escape him.
The grip around his wrists let go and gets replaced by a softer touch. Jean hugs him as they both sob into each other's arms on the bedroom floor like crazy people.
“I… I m-miss Diluc–” Kaeya cries out. “I miss him. I miss h-him, and he hates me.”
Jean’s hold tightens around him. “I know, Kae. I know.”
***
The first day of his return was a tough one. His uniform felt wrong on him and learning his surroundings at headquarters was rather new and confusing. Luckily, he was stationed to work at Jean’s office during his time in recovery, which was a small closet-like space in the corner of the library.
He met with Albedo in the morning and with Lisa after lunch. At three, he returned to Jean and started on paperwork until 6, which is when everyone’s shift ends.
It almost felt normal. Keyword almost.
After a few days, he started to understand how to properly call upon his vision. Albedo was a good teacher, after all. With Lisa, he was allowed to practice with a proper sword once again, after understanding the art of maneuvering without sight.
“Stop,” Albedo says, calling for Kaeya to reign in his vision. “Good job today.”
“Thank you,” He replies quickly, dusting off his shoulder guards. “Then, if this is it–”
“Not quite yet, actually. I wanted to ask you a few questions over lunch together– only if you don’t mind, of course.” Albedo states, sitting down in his seat and fiddling with an object on his desk. Probably a lunch, Kaeya presumes.
“Oh, then sure. May I sit?”
“Go ahead.”
Kaeya feels around for a chair and sits facing the direction of Albedo’s aura and hopes he’s sitting in front of the man's desk.
“No lunch today, Sir Kaeya?” Albedo chews. “Unfortunately not, Sir. What are you having?”
“My adoptive mother’s daughter, Klee, made a sandwich for me. Alice recently left on another large project, so I’ve been caring for the little one. Have you met her yet?”
Kaeya smiles. “Well, if she’s Alice’s, I’m sure I will.”
The geo-wielder humps a brief response.
“So, you were adopted?” The bluenette starts small talk.
“Yes, I was. I understand that you were, too, right?”
“That’s correct,” Kaeya sighs out before changing the topic. “So, Alchemy. An interesting field of study, of course. I’m presuming it's a lot of work.”
“Indeed. Though, being inhuman like me makes it easier.”
Kaeya pauses. “...-Inhuman?”
“Ah. Forgive my slip up,” something in his tone told the bluenette that it was not a mistake; “-You see, if you had met me earlier, you would have noticed a star engraved on my neck. Would you like to feel it?”
Kaeya hesitantly reached his hand out, not knowing if the question was really an order. Albedo guided his palm to the correct position and gently laid it upon the engraving.
Almost instantly, he recognized it.
Ah, so Albedo is one of Gold’s.
“How did you know that I’m–”
“Let's refrain from using that word. I just thought I’d bring it up, seeing as I could teach you some techniques to help you sense your surroundings now that you can’t see.”
Kaeya tries not to frown. So we’re using codes for Khaenri’ah now? He would be more stressed that Albedo was trying to get him to turn back to his roots, but seeing as he’s one of Golds, that wouldn’t make all that much sense.
Rhinedottir was a traitor after all.
So, sceptical as he is, the bluenette let the ‘machine’ continue.
“You’re a halfbreed, hence why you aren’t cursed. Luckily for you, there’s more than just your vision you can wield. I sensed it in your left eye.”
“Hm,” Kaeya huffs, urging Albedo to continue.
“Lets take it by code again,” referring to the abyss this time, the bluenette concludes after the geo-wielders pause. “Teyvat lives on leylines which sprout from every corner of the world. These contain more than one power source, however, and use both Vision energy, Celestial energy, and our (abyssal) energy.”
Kaeya crosses his legs. “So what you're trying to tell me is that I can tap into the leyline power because of my origins, per se. Would this assumption be correct?”
“Indeed. By borrowing these particles from the sprouts, you can elementally detect the structures around you. Example, for a few seconds at a time, you can locate where the table, chairs, stairs and bookcases are around this room. After lots of practice you can even sense where objects are.”
“And what about humans and living organisms?”
“Unfortunately you won't be able to sense details like hair, expression or clothing, but you can outline the presence of people. And, because of our energy source, you can also differentiate the power other people tap into.”
“Tell me what I could do in this room, right now, after mastering.”
Albedo stands from his chair, as heard from the rustling. “Well, you could outline where I am in this room. You can do the same thing for these chairs and the table, and be able to tell me how many couches there are. And lastly, you can tell me;
–what does my power come from?”
Kaeya thinks carefully.
If I learn this, then fighting would be easier. So will my everyday tasks, though it means lots of work. Not to mention that I’ll be tapping into Abyssal sight.
…-but the benefits outweigh the cons.
He sighs, flicking his wrist. “And you would be willing to teach me?”
“Yes.”
“...-Then I accept.”
“Wonderful.”
***
It’s cold. Even though the sun is shining, the wind blows icy air from Dragonspine.
Jean and the electro-witch were having lunch together when they invited him over, which he accepted graciously. It was difficult eating with them however, as he couldn’t quite eat on his own, in his situation.
Still, they let him sit there and listen to their chit-chat. Most of it was randomized topics which he did appreciate. He added to the conversations periodically and smiled when he should.
“Valberries are ever so popular these days. I’ve collected some the other day and made pies out of them,” Lisa laughs. “I really did forget their taste while I was studying in Sumeru, but they are definitely one of a kind.”
“Hm, yes, local specialties are always nostalgic to me. I still pick dandelion seeds in my free time.” Jean shyly admits before turning to the bluenette. “Do you have any favourite Mondstadt items, Kaeya?”
He nods slightly. “Ah, yes, I do indeed. I quite like Calla Lilies. Sometimes I get Cecilia bouquets–”
The wind blows harsh, cold air into his face, which makes him stop talking completely in his tracks. Being inside in the warmth then changing to a frigid temperature makes the scars on his face hurt like a bruise that’s being compressed too hard.
His silence didn’t go unnoticed. Jean’s hand pressed against his back when Kaeya reached for his eyes in obvious pain.
“Hey, Kaeya? Are you in pain?”
Lisa’s voice chimes in. “Jean, Dear, perhaps we should bring him inside.”
Warm, feminine hands help him stand up and lead him down the pathway. Kaeya attempts to tell them he’s fine, but nothing notable comes out except for a choked whisper.
“Alright, alright,” Lisa says, sitting him down in a chair. “Settle down, now. Jean, would you mind fetching a nun?”
“No, I’m fine–”
“None of that,” Jean scolds. “Yes, I’ll be back right away.” Her footsteps echo in the library hallways as she leaves.
…-Kaeya has half a mind to scold himself for ruining their perfectly fine meal by being in pain, but also has another half that recognizes he wouldn’t see it as a problem if it was his friend. Still, he forces himself to talk.
“Apologies. Truly, I’m alright. I’m sorry for the disturbance.” Another ring of pain passes through his forehead but he ignores it.
Lisa pulls up a chair in front of Kaeya. “Sweetie, you’re silly. This is hardly a disturbance, hon. It was because of the temperature change, right? That’s why your eyes hurt?”
He nods, holding back a groan. “Yes, yes I suppose so. Please excuse this display of vulnerability – I promise I am not usually like this.” he chuckles.
“No worries dear. I’ve heard many great things about you before the incident, both from Jean and Varka themselves… I completely understand that this new situation makes things harder. I hardly expect you to be completely invulnerable."
Kaeya smiles. “Thank you, Ms. Lisa. I’ll be sure to get you a new blend of tea when this is all over for my gratitude.”
“Hah, well, I wouldn’t say no to free tea.” She places a hand on his back.
The door swings open right afterward, two pairs of shoes being heard entering. Jean’s sweet (but worried) voice treads lightly in the room while Lisa backs up from her chair.
“Hello, Sir Kaeya. It’s Barbara. I heard you’re in a little pain, yes?” The hydro-healer’s light tone practically radiates a calming aura, one that the bluenette finds comfort in. “Ah, yes. Just temperature, I’m sure.”
He feels a bit of hydro power around his face for a second. “Hm, I’m inclined to agree. There doesn’t seem to be an opening in the scaring. Still, this pain must be troublesome…”
“May I suggest using something that shields from the wind?” Lisa says to Barbara, to which the nun allows for her to continue. “A cloth covering would be our best bet. Not only is it stylish, but practical for Kaeya’s use in the long run.”
“I like that idea. Glory uses that method to prevent pain.” Jean interrupts. “What do you think, Kaeya?”
“As long as it’ll prevent incidents like this from happening all the time, then yes.”
Barbara nods. “Then it’s decided. I’ll have one with a pattern woven by the nuns and send it to Jean later. Hopefully that’ll help later on. For now, I’ll get you a little heated pack to place on your eyes.”
***
Getting adjusted with the new cloth covering his eyes was new, but beneficial in the end (not to mention, it stops people from commenting from his “morbidly abused” upper face). It stopped the pain from resurfacing to that level, even though the constant thrum of strain still underlies it.
Lisa and him have gotten more acquainted since that lunch those few weeks ago. He’s learned many things with the new sumerian fighting style and managed to blend it in well with the Knight’s sword technique.
Varka says that he'll be cleared for field duty on Monday, even if he’s only allowed to go on patrols with Senior members for now. Having that small and almost insignificant normality is good enough for him, in his situation.
A burst of cryo energy shot out from the tip of his sword, lacing with icicles. He’s been practicing that trick while harnessing abyssal sight to locate his targets. Luckily, Albedo is there to teach him.
“Did you see the dummy’s outline?” The geo-wielder asks while watching Kaeya’s stride. The bluenette catches his breath.
“For a few seconds. It was still blurry. Though, I did sense the direction of my cryo-energy. I know it hit something, I just don’t know what.”
“That would be a wall, Sir Kaeya,” Albedo smiles. “But good job. Even just seeing an outline of the world around you for a second is good progress. Additionally, you were able to locate the direction of your icicles. I think that’s great.”
Albedo ended their practice early. He’d run off to go babysit Klee and left him to finish the paperwork that still sat on his desk.
Kaeya finished it all by 5 o'clock and left work early without telling Jean. He’d see her at home, in any case, so running off wasn’t that unscripted. She was on an expedition today, so Jean would most likely be home at 9.
The bluenette left the Favonius Library with careful footsteps and navigated the stairs with ease. His steps were moving smoothly with memory, after taking this route for so long. He could probably recognize every tile of the marble floors beneath him and name every blemish and chip.
His body moved him across the upper sanctum and through the multiple staff rooms without failure and landed him right in front of a familiar, bittersweet door.
Diluc’s office door. Well, at least, what used to be his.
Kaeya feels nausea bubbling within his stomach and he almost chickens out and turns back. But the curiosity and need to open the door was all too prevalent, and the bluenette couldn’t stop his heart from yearning for just a small portion of Diluc he left behind.
Even if it was just a cloth or a box he touched. Whatever it was, Kaeya needed to know. He needed to see what was left.
So, he opened the door. The air was stuffy and rather musty, collecting dust on the shelftops in the past two months the place has been untouched.
Kaeya closed the door and didn’t bother turning on the lights. He was blind, anyway, and abyssal sight works in the dark. It took the bluenette a few moments to compose himself before even attempting to activate it, knowing whatever he sees can’t be changed or undone.
What if there's nothing? What if everything's gone?
That would be too painful to accept.
His breath came out in short huffs and he tried to take deep breaths. Kaeya internally slapped himself and decided to get the hard part over with, and activate his sight.
He almost gasps.
Kaeya memorized the environment in a matter of seconds and psychologically recognized what was missing. A few jackets, some photos and several pens. Items were strewn about across the floor from being taken or destroyed in a hurry, most likely Diluc’s doing in the immediate aftermath of their fight.
However, just as tempting as it was to pick up all of these torn apart memories, a light in the middle of the room has Kaeya stunned.
He can sense it, gripping at his abyssal sight and his cryo vision with ease. Sitting there, on the desk in Diluc’s old room, is his pyro vision.
The bluenette practically lunges for the thing, holding the glass tight in his hands and piercing his skin with its metallic wings. The vision is warm to the touch, a stark opposite of his own – it mocks him with irony as he touches the orb with so much yearning.
His tears mix with the blood that flows from his hands, as per the wounds he’s made. Although it’s nothing Kaeya doesn’t deserve after driving Diluc out from his rightful place here in Mondstadt.
It should’ve been me who left, not him.
Everything that happened, all the years they’ve lived together and grown up as brothers, he was naive to think that things would stay the same.
And after all, one thing seems to stay constant with Kaeya. It was foolish of him to think that would change when he told Diluc his past and origin. The fact of the matter is;
Blood runs thicker than water,
And it always, always will.