[It's good to hear him say that it won't be a next time, but he isn't sure just how much he trusts Kaeya when it comes to this kind of thing.
Sigh. Something else to think about.]
At least let me get you something warm to put on.
[Since he walked over here in his pyjamas, obviously feeling terrible if he hadn't stopped to get dressed and even overlooked putting his eyepatch on. It isn't that Diluc wants to leave him on his own but gruffly fussing like this is his way of showing that be cares.]
You can stay here for a bit. I don't have any plans to go anywhere.
His hand tightened a little at the suggestion. This time, he turned his head fully with eyes wide.]
No, stay here.
[Something about this whole thing really had Kaeya on edge, but not necessarily that he was sitting next to Diluc holding his hand. That was the small comfort he was feeling and he didn't want it to stop.
[It's strange to see Kaeya like this. Not because he knows the man as someone calm and cocky, who always seems to have a sly answer for everything and never lets his weaknesses show, but because he still remembers the little boy who used to cling to his hand and follow him everywhere.
Diluc would be lying if he said he didn't sometimes miss it too.
He sighs, and moves his hand from the top of Kaeya's to put his arm around the other man's back instead.]
[Ultimately, Kaeya was still that scared little boy. That part of him was just buried by the mask he always wore. Deep down, he was scared and he did not want to know what fate had in store for him. Especially now that he knew that his own ancestors started the Abyss Order. It felt like time was running out. And now, because he hadn't touched anyone for the last five or so days, he was on his way to turning to stone.
Was time always running out for him? It felt like it.
When Diluc put his arm around him, Kaeya didn't fight it. He leaned into the warmth.]
[Kaeya leans in, and he tucks his arm more securely around him as he rests his chin up on top of the younger man's head.
Strange. It's... very strange, but he doesn't object too strongly. Kaeya is clearly sick and scared and... what kind of human being would Diluc be if he just shoved him off to find someone else to turn to. He chafes his palm against Kaeya's shoulder and gazes at the opposite wall, lapsing into silence.
Diluc does not like it here. Not even one bit. He is suspicious of the motives of the ones who brought them here to begin with and of the mechanics in place to control them, and of just what they are expected to do while they're here. Seeing Kaeya like this does not make him feel any more warmly towards any of it.]
[He nodded against Diluc's shoulder. This felt so nostalgic and it made his chest hurt again. It was strange to him as well, that his former sworn brother would concede to helping him so fast. He thought Diluc would protest a little more, not because Diluc didn't care, but just that he always seemed to do so before finally relenting with anything Kaeya related. Then again, it didn't take much to let him stay for dinner during the Weinlesefest. Even getting Adelinde in on it.
But he was grateful that Diluc hadn't. Because while he could have probably asked Albedo or Fischl for assistance, assuming he had enough time, he wouldn't be comfortable. He wouldn't be able to relax. Diluc was different.
He always would be.]
Yeah.
[He was getting tired, in fact. Kaeya didn't exactly have an easy sleep due to his condition. He slouched a little more against Diluc.]
[Maybe if Kaeya had not looked so terrible, if he hadn't almost collapsed in the doorway, and if he wasn't so urgently holding on to his hand and all but begging him to not go anywhere even within the confines of the apartment, Diluc would have put up more of a fight against helping him instead of giving in so easily. All of it put together is the perfect combination for the redhead to be worried enough to put any misgivings he might have had aside.
Even so, he wasn't sure how this was going to go. Would they just sit here awkwardly until Kaeya started feeling better? It seems like the man has other ideas as he slouches in against Diluc, and Diluc lets out a soft huff of almost fond irritation.
He shifts his weight, leaning back against the back of the couch.]
You're tired. Put your legs over. [And honestly, if Kaeya doesn't, Diluc is just going to move his legs for him.]
[Kaeya made a face, if a tired one, at that. More confused than anything else.]
Pull my legs over what? I'm fine like this.
[Even if Diluc was the one uncomfortable with this position, he wasn't sure what his legs would do to help that. Sorry Diluc, he's tired, as you said.]
[Diluc sighs sharply, makes a face, and tugs Kaeya's legs over his lap so he isn't sitting scrunched up on the couch next to him. That's no way to sleep, and it wouldn't be comfortable for Diluc in the long run if he nods off like that.]
Like that. Are you fine there?
[Comfortable? Not fretting he's going to run off? His tone is a little sharp, but there's caring under it.]
[Kaeya couldn't help the warmth that spread over his cheeks. He kept his head down, however, to hide the blush. He wasn't completely in Diluc's lap, but he may as well be with the way he was cradled.]
...y-yes, I'm fine.
[What was Diluc thinking? Kaeya didn't understand what the other man's motivations. Helping him out was one thing, but this? He wanted to ask, but he found the words lodged in his throat.]
[It isn't as if they have never been this close before! Diluc's face is a little warm too, but with Kaeya trying to hide his own blushing they both managed to escape notice.
As far as he's concerned, if it helps Kaeya to feel better faster, then it's fine.]
Good. So am I.
[Embarrassing.]
Just relax and try to get some rest. If you're not feeling more like yourself soon I'll have to ask around how else you can be helped.
I would rather you didn't announce this to the world...
[It's been like four years! And those four years were full of tension and grief!
Either way, Kaeya was a little more awake now if only because his heart was racing. He stared at his feet, willing himself to relax. Honestly, it felt too big to be in Diluc's lap and not because of his age. He was a good few inches taller than Diluc, after all.
He couldn't help it. He laughed softly. Their father used to say he was just all legs and now he certainly felt it.]
[It's a boundary pushed to breaking point and then beyond it. Diluc isn't really sure what he's doing except that it's like pushing a boulder down a hill and then running after it as if it can be stopped. He feels foolish, in a way, but they're here now and if Kaeya really minded then he would move.]
... What's so funny?
[He knows what's funny. There's a thread of clear amusement in his own voice as well, though it doesn't quite break into a laugh.]
A few minutes ago you were acting like you were dying.
[An amused scoff, but his hand tightened in Diluc's grasp again. He didn't want the other man to let go still.]
I'm tired, I feel like an old man whose bones are telling him it's going to rain sooner. But... [He let out a breath and allowed himself to lean against the redhead's chest again. His head dropped onto his shoulder.] I am too tall for your lap. As f-...As I am just all arms and legs.
[He almost said 'father' and that would have killed what little good mood they were in. He did not want that.]
[Of course he did. In hindsight he should have known this would be comical and perhaps on some subconscious level that is why he did it. It feels like a layer of tension has been broken, and not in a way that he minds. For the most part he is just... truly glad that the other man is feeling better, even if he claims he feels terrible.
He gives Kaeya's back an idle pat.]
You've been too tall since we were sixteen. I don't know who you think gave you permission to get taller than me.
[His fingertips dig lightly against Kaeya's ribs, just for a moment. Getting too bold there, Alberich, and he won't stand for it.]
You wouldn't dare. [For... several reasons, probably though one of them is currently being very muddied by the fact that he basically has Kaeya in his lap right now - that one being, it's just too hard to get that close to him anymore.]
[He didn't say he was going to! Just that he could. Geez, Diluc, give him a break here.
He huffed and rolled his eyes.]
Who said I was going to? Taking a joke so seriously, goodness.
[Like he would really attempt it even if he wasn't sick. There was no reason to. He just remembered Diluc getting hilariously huffy when they were younger whenever he did it. It was a fond memory, but perhaps it wasn't for Diluc, after all.]
[It's... not an unfond memory, but Diluc does try not to linger in the past too much when it comes to how things used to be with he and Kaeya. Once the younger man had outstripped him in height he remembers holding out hope that he would some day catch up, but silly thoughts like that hardly seem to matter now.
Right now things are... confusing. It isn't as if he had let Kaeya in here with the purpose of this being how things would end up, and he's sure that Kaeya didn't come here with that intention either.]
You were expecting something else?
[He's obviously not feeling too serious about it, or Kaeya would not still be on his lap.]
Is this your way of telling me to shut up and go to sleep?
[That probably came out with a little more bite than he had intended. But perhaps he was a little hurt by all this still. He was really, sincerely, missing this sort of thing with Diluc and he felt like he was just making it worse.
Being sick notwithstanding, anyway. Because he obviously didn't intend to end up in Diluc's lap of all places, which only confused him further. He sighed and lowered his head in defeat.
Maybe he ought to just quiet down and let this touch magic work through him. The sooner he could feel better the sooner he would be out of Diluc's hair.]
Forget it, I'm sure it isn't much longer now. The aches are starting to feel less intense.
[Despite the strangeness of it all, Diluc isn't tense. He glances at the top of Kaeya's head as he lowers it down, then at their hands still clasped together on the younger man's lap, and his fingers twitch in a light motion against the ones curled around his. He sighs quietly, almost as if he meant to say something but the words didn't make it out.]
If anything like this happens again, just come straight here. [He does know that Kaeya said it wouldn't, he heard him, but they still don't know what to expect of this place.
Diluc shifts, propping his chin against the top of Kaeya's head.]
... I don't want to have to worry about you like that again.
[Kaeya did not know what to do with this information, or the feeling of Diluc's head on his. He certainly wasn't of the mind to actually believe it. They were working on their relationship, sure, but he doubted that Diluc actually worried for him these days.]
Tch, telling tall tales is my job, remember? You stopped doing that a long time ago.
[He tries not to. He tries to keep Kaeya as much out of his mind as possible. The distance enforced by communicating via letter has been something he has needed to work out how he feels about the other man without the problem of having him close by all the time.
Slowly but surely, however... Kaeya has been working his way back into Diluc's life, and Diluc has been letting him. It isn't as easy as that to just erase ten years of close friendship, regardless of the things he might say about Kaeya when he's asked directly.]
Do you think I would have let you in here, or any of this would be happening right now if I wasn't concerned about you? [Sure, he could have left the man to struggle, to find someone else... He chose not to do that. But this level of closeness? He wouldn't do that for just anybody.]
Use your head, Kaeya. I don't actually want to see you suffer.
[It was odd, the way Kaeya tried to keep himself relevant yet at the mere hint of Diluc returning that affection he would instantly clam up and try to push the other man away. His heart hoped, but did not want to dare believe.]
No, I suppose you would not be so heartless.
[Diluc always did have a sense of justice. But Kaeya being in his lap was different and not at all what he would have expected Diluc would let happen. No, he was pretty sure not even the Traveler would end up in his lap like this.
But all that did was confuse Kaeya further. He was too tired to think on it. Instead, he allowed himself to lean fully against Diluc's chest and close his eyes.]
Fine. I will come knocking if something like this happens again. But you have to promise to do the same.
[When he feels Kaeya relax and lean against him he relaxes as well, letting most of the tension ease out of him as he settles himself against the couch cushions. He exhales a soft chuff of almost-amusement.]
I'll think about it.
[It isn't a 'no' and maybe as close to an actual promise as the prickly redhead is likely to get right now. Diluc is not intending to allow this to happen to him, but if it did then he has to admit that Kaeya would probably be one of the first people he would think to go to for help if only for the sense of familiarity.]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-03-11 01:32 pm (UTC)Sigh. Something else to think about.]
At least let me get you something warm to put on.
[Since he walked over here in his pyjamas, obviously feeling terrible if he hadn't stopped to get dressed and even overlooked putting his eyepatch on. It isn't that Diluc wants to leave him on his own but gruffly fussing like this is his way of showing that be cares.]
You can stay here for a bit. I don't have any plans to go anywhere.
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Date: 2023-03-11 03:34 pm (UTC)His hand tightened a little at the suggestion. This time, he turned his head fully with eyes wide.]
No, stay here.
[Something about this whole thing really had Kaeya on edge, but not necessarily that he was sitting next to Diluc holding his hand. That was the small comfort he was feeling and he didn't want it to stop.
He hid his face again in is knees.]
Please?
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Date: 2023-03-11 03:44 pm (UTC)[It's strange to see Kaeya like this. Not because he knows the man as someone calm and cocky, who always seems to have a sly answer for everything and never lets his weaknesses show, but because he still remembers the little boy who used to cling to his hand and follow him everywhere.
Diluc would be lying if he said he didn't sometimes miss it too.
He sighs, and moves his hand from the top of Kaeya's to put his arm around the other man's back instead.]
All right, all right. Just... come here, then.
[Really... what is he going to do with him.]
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Date: 2023-03-11 03:55 pm (UTC)Was time always running out for him? It felt like it.
When Diluc put his arm around him, Kaeya didn't fight it. He leaned into the warmth.]
...thank you.
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Date: 2023-03-11 04:05 pm (UTC)[Kaeya leans in, and he tucks his arm more securely around him as he rests his chin up on top of the younger man's head.
Strange. It's... very strange, but he doesn't object too strongly. Kaeya is clearly sick and scared and... what kind of human being would Diluc be if he just shoved him off to find someone else to turn to. He chafes his palm against Kaeya's shoulder and gazes at the opposite wall, lapsing into silence.
Diluc does not like it here. Not even one bit. He is suspicious of the motives of the ones who brought them here to begin with and of the mechanics in place to control them, and of just what they are expected to do while they're here. Seeing Kaeya like this does not make him feel any more warmly towards any of it.]
Comfortable?
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Date: 2023-03-11 04:32 pm (UTC)[He nodded against Diluc's shoulder. This felt so nostalgic and it made his chest hurt again. It was strange to him as well, that his former sworn brother would concede to helping him so fast. He thought Diluc would protest a little more, not because Diluc didn't care, but just that he always seemed to do so before finally relenting with anything Kaeya related. Then again, it didn't take much to let him stay for dinner during the Weinlesefest. Even getting Adelinde in on it.
But he was grateful that Diluc hadn't. Because while he could have probably asked Albedo or Fischl for assistance, assuming he had enough time, he wouldn't be comfortable. He wouldn't be able to relax. Diluc was different.
He always would be.]
Yeah.
[He was getting tired, in fact. Kaeya didn't exactly have an easy sleep due to his condition. He slouched a little more against Diluc.]
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Date: 2023-03-11 11:46 pm (UTC)Even so, he wasn't sure how this was going to go. Would they just sit here awkwardly until Kaeya started feeling better? It seems like the man has other ideas as he slouches in against Diluc, and Diluc lets out a soft huff of almost fond irritation.
He shifts his weight, leaning back against the back of the couch.]
You're tired. Put your legs over. [And honestly, if Kaeya doesn't, Diluc is just going to move his legs for him.]
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Date: 2023-03-11 11:57 pm (UTC)Pull my legs over what? I'm fine like this.
[Even if Diluc was the one uncomfortable with this position, he wasn't sure what his legs would do to help that. Sorry Diluc, he's tired, as you said.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 01:58 am (UTC)[Diluc sighs sharply, makes a face, and tugs Kaeya's legs over his lap so he isn't sitting scrunched up on the couch next to him. That's no way to sleep, and it wouldn't be comfortable for Diluc in the long run if he nods off like that.]
Like that. Are you fine there?
[Comfortable? Not fretting he's going to run off? His tone is a little sharp, but there's caring under it.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:10 am (UTC)[Kaeya couldn't help the warmth that spread over his cheeks. He kept his head down, however, to hide the blush. He wasn't completely in Diluc's lap, but he may as well be with the way he was cradled.]
...y-yes, I'm fine.
[What was Diluc thinking? Kaeya didn't understand what the other man's motivations. Helping him out was one thing, but this? He wanted to ask, but he found the words lodged in his throat.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:17 am (UTC)As far as he's concerned, if it helps Kaeya to feel better faster, then it's fine.]
Good. So am I.
[Embarrassing.]
Just relax and try to get some rest. If you're not feeling more like yourself soon I'll have to ask around how else you can be helped.
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:26 am (UTC)[It's been like four years! And those four years were full of tension and grief!
Either way, Kaeya was a little more awake now if only because his heart was racing. He stared at his feet, willing himself to relax. Honestly, it felt too big to be in Diluc's lap and not because of his age. He was a good few inches taller than Diluc, after all.
He couldn't help it. He laughed softly. Their father used to say he was just all legs and now he certainly felt it.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:30 am (UTC)... What's so funny?
[He knows what's funny. There's a thread of clear amusement in his own voice as well, though it doesn't quite break into a laugh.]
A few minutes ago you were acting like you were dying.
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:43 am (UTC)[An amused scoff, but his hand tightened in Diluc's grasp again. He didn't want the other man to let go still.]
I'm tired, I feel like an old man whose bones are telling him it's going to rain sooner. But... [He let out a breath and allowed himself to lean against the redhead's chest again. His head dropped onto his shoulder.] I am too tall for your lap. As f-...As I am just all arms and legs.
[He almost said 'father' and that would have killed what little good mood they were in. He did not want that.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 02:59 am (UTC)[Of course he did. In hindsight he should have known this would be comical and perhaps on some subconscious level that is why he did it. It feels like a layer of tension has been broken, and not in a way that he minds. For the most part he is just... truly glad that the other man is feeling better, even if he claims he feels terrible.
He gives Kaeya's back an idle pat.]
You've been too tall since we were sixteen. I don't know who you think gave you permission to get taller than me.
[Beanpole.]
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Date: 2023-03-12 03:10 am (UTC)[Aiyaya... Diluc, please. He huffed and shook his head. He filled out his beanpole-ness eventually! Don't start.]
What? Still mad I can put my chin on your head?
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Date: 2023-03-12 04:36 pm (UTC)[His fingertips dig lightly against Kaeya's ribs, just for a moment. Getting too bold there, Alberich, and he won't stand for it.]
You wouldn't dare. [For... several reasons, probably though one of them is currently being very muddied by the fact that he basically has Kaeya in his lap right now - that one being, it's just too hard to get that close to him anymore.]
I can't see you thinking it worth the risk.
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Date: 2023-03-12 04:48 pm (UTC)He huffed and rolled his eyes.]
Who said I was going to? Taking a joke so seriously, goodness.
[Like he would really attempt it even if he wasn't sick. There was no reason to. He just remembered Diluc getting hilariously huffy when they were younger whenever he did it. It was a fond memory, but perhaps it wasn't for Diluc, after all.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-12 09:22 pm (UTC)Right now things are... confusing. It isn't as if he had let Kaeya in here with the purpose of this being how things would end up, and he's sure that Kaeya didn't come here with that intention either.]
You were expecting something else?
[He's obviously not feeling too serious about it, or Kaeya would not still be on his lap.]
I thought you were tired.
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Date: 2023-03-14 01:27 am (UTC)[That probably came out with a little more bite than he had intended. But perhaps he was a little hurt by all this still. He was really, sincerely, missing this sort of thing with Diluc and he felt like he was just making it worse.
Being sick notwithstanding, anyway. Because he obviously didn't intend to end up in Diluc's lap of all places, which only confused him further. He sighed and lowered his head in defeat.
Maybe he ought to just quiet down and let this touch magic work through him. The sooner he could feel better the sooner he would be out of Diluc's hair.]
Forget it, I'm sure it isn't much longer now. The aches are starting to feel less intense.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-14 01:34 am (UTC)[Despite the strangeness of it all, Diluc isn't tense. He glances at the top of Kaeya's head as he lowers it down, then at their hands still clasped together on the younger man's lap, and his fingers twitch in a light motion against the ones curled around his. He sighs quietly, almost as if he meant to say something but the words didn't make it out.]
If anything like this happens again, just come straight here. [He does know that Kaeya said it wouldn't, he heard him, but they still don't know what to expect of this place.
Diluc shifts, propping his chin against the top of Kaeya's head.]
... I don't want to have to worry about you like that again.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-14 02:04 am (UTC)Tch, telling tall tales is my job, remember? You stopped doing that a long time ago.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-14 02:15 am (UTC)Slowly but surely, however... Kaeya has been working his way back into Diluc's life, and Diluc has been letting him. It isn't as easy as that to just erase ten years of close friendship, regardless of the things he might say about Kaeya when he's asked directly.]
Do you think I would have let you in here, or any of this would be happening right now if I wasn't concerned about you? [Sure, he could have left the man to struggle, to find someone else... He chose not to do that. But this level of closeness? He wouldn't do that for just anybody.]
Use your head, Kaeya. I don't actually want to see you suffer.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-14 02:52 am (UTC)No, I suppose you would not be so heartless.
[Diluc always did have a sense of justice. But Kaeya being in his lap was different and not at all what he would have expected Diluc would let happen. No, he was pretty sure not even the Traveler would end up in his lap like this.
But all that did was confuse Kaeya further. He was too tired to think on it. Instead, he allowed himself to lean fully against Diluc's chest and close his eyes.]
Fine. I will come knocking if something like this happens again. But you have to promise to do the same.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-16 01:41 pm (UTC)I'll think about it.
[It isn't a 'no' and maybe as close to an actual promise as the prickly redhead is likely to get right now. Diluc is not intending to allow this to happen to him, but if it did then he has to admit that Kaeya would probably be one of the first people he would think to go to for help if only for the sense of familiarity.]
Did you get any sleep last night?
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