[Honestly, Kaeya sometimes did wonder how long they would keep pretending on a lot of things. But both of them were likely too stubborn and prideful to actually step up and say something. So, the charade continued.
He let out a deep breath through his nose, relaxing a bit further against Diluc. His eyes eventually drooped shut completely. The warmth the other man gave off was more than just natural human warmth. It was familiar. It was safe.]
...thank you.
[And it was inevitable that it wasn't too much longer after he muttered those words that Kaeya finally let his exhaustion put him to sleep.]
[He knows when Kaeya has fallen asleep when the man becomes a dead weight against him. At least he's getting some rest.
Diluc doesn't move for another twenty minutes or so, then he carefully bundles Kaeya up in his arms and gets up off the couch, putting his unexpected house guest to bed in the unused spare bedroom.
He isn't heartless after all.
Though he does check on him now and then, holding his hand for a minute or two each time, he does mostly just leave Kaeya to get some much needed sleep. In the meantime he stays in the apartment when otherwise he might have chosen to go out, and decides he'll take the day to relax and read a book instead.]
[Kaeya definitely did not know what time it was when he finally woke up from his sudden slumber. He was also very confused and even groggy. He remembered being with Diluc, on his couch, in his lap no less, but he did not remember getting back to his apartment and going to sleep. He frowned, rolling onto his back and scrubbed at his face.
He patted around for his phone but didn't find it so he had no idea what time it was. Finally, he pushed himself up. He squinted sleepily at the open doorway, sensing another presence. He may as well take a chance.]
[He hadn't forgotten that Kaeya was there. The awareness of his presence has been sitting like a small weight in the back of his mind since he laid him on the bed and carefully pulled the door half-closed behind him. Maybe he should have just told him to go home, once it looked like he was doing better. Maybe he should have left him to sleep on the couch and gone to another room himself.
They haven't done something like this for years and he still isn't sure why he acted that way, save for the genuine concern of someone he once cared about so deeply that they were like the other half of him.
Someone he still cares for, as much as he would deny it to anyone who asked.]
[Kaeya was very discombobulated in the mornings, hangover or no. So, despite it not being the morning, he was very much acting like it was. He had bedhead, he was rubbing his eye, and it was only due to the wild hair that his other eye was marginally covered.
There was also the fact that he was not very charismatic in the mornings so realizing that Diluc had put him to bed and let him rest and, apparently, continued to hold his hand if the lack of joint pain was anything to go by, had him feeling awkward and embarrassed.]
Erm... Sorry. [His cheeks flushed lightly and he rubbed the back of his neck, looking to the side.] What... Um, what time is it?
[Diluc gives a small wave of his hand from his spot on the couch and finally half turns to look over to where the other man is emerging from the hallway. He stretches one lightly scarred forearm over the top of the couch cushions, his book hanging loosely in his other hand.]
It's two in the afternoon.
[Clearly, Kaeya had been utterly exhausted. It hasn't been too terrible sitting indoors for a day.]
Are you feeling well? [By now, with the careful attention he's given to the man since he got here and while he was sleeping, Diluc has to assume that the ill effects of a lack of contact have worn off.] And be honest.
[Two in the afternoon? Wow, that was... Okay, he didn't actually remember when he went knocking on Diluc's door. But it had been early, so he like got at least six hours or thereabouts.]
Oh.
[It explained why it was still daytime, too. But screw his sleep schedule for now. When Diluc asked how he felt and to be honest, he felt chastised and didn't answer right away. He was still gathering his wits and used the time spent making his way to the other side of the couch to think of his answer. It also helped him take better stock of his body.]
Better. Nothing hurts, any-
[His stomach growled loudly and his cheeks burned to his ears.]
[Honestly, Kaeya ought to feel chastised because Diluc is definitely chastising him. He keeps his eyes levelled on the younger man as he walks into the room, studying him for any sign at all that he might be downplaying his condition, but all he can see from him is a distinct sense of embarrassment.
Diluc hears the way his stomach growls easily enough, and arches a brow.]
If you like. I should have some lunch myself in any case.
[He sets his book aside and stands, brushing himself off before he starts to move towards the kitchen area.]
Can I assume you have more than a few snacks in your cupboards? I know your eating habits are terrible.
[ He didn't like the eyes on him even after Diluc stood up from the couch. So, instead of answering that question, Kaeya took the opportunity to deflect.]
It's two in the afternoon and you're only just now eating lunch?
[He could ignore his stomach for a little longer. Even though he actually didn't have snacks in his apartment. Had he not gotten sick, that would have been on his to-do list aside from buying breakfast from somewhere.]
I had been of a mind that you might deign to wake up sooner.
[In short - he was waiting for Kaeya so they could eat something together. Or so Kaeya could get out of his hair and leave him to eat lunch in peace. Either way, it meant that he waited, and before he knew it it was two o'clock and he was just remembering that he was hungry.]
If you have nothing at your place I'll make you something here. It's no trouble.
[Diluc, efficient as always, already has fairly decently stocked cupboards.]
[Are you really blaming him? Kaeya couldn't help but pout a little. It wasn't like he could actually shift the blame though. If he hadn't let himself get sick, then he wouldn't have had to sleep until the afternoon, etc.
He still wasn't going to admit he had no food, though. Instead, he got up to take a seat at the table with a muttered, pouty, "aiyaya"]
So pushy. But I won't say no to free food. What were you thinking of making?
Hmph, don't expect fine dining. I'm just making sandwiches.
[Because he is quite hungry and wants something quickly, and also because if he eats a large meal now then he won't want to eat dinner until late... and that will upset his sleep. It's a very well thought out plan.
He does seem sincere in his offer to make one for Kaeya as well however, and though he fills his own quite heartily he does make a point of keeping the other man's lighter - he knows his eating habits after all.]
If you want to make yourself useful you can make some tea while I do this. You can manage that can't you?
[Everything the place came stocked with is probably in the same cupboards...]
[He isn't going to be picky about lunch. Not after what Diluc did for him. He will behave.]
Of course I can. [A small scoff, what's with the attitude now? Kaeya stood up to put the kettle on the stove. Was he overstaying his welcome?] Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't suggest juice.
[He dug around the cupboards and found the tins of tea. He selected a black tea, pulling it down and opening it. Mm, it was fresh too.]
If you plan to insist on juice I'm sure I can provide it.
[There is a complete lack of anything alcoholic in the apartment, but he does have a supply of tea and coffee (and some juice, in fact) that will not be difficult for Kaeya to find. It's been a while, to his memory, since the two of them last shared a kitchen like this.]
But I didn't think you'd want that.
[Finishing up the sandwiches, he slices both of them from corner to corner.]
[Kaeya couldn't help but give Diluc a somewhat skeptical look as he lit the stove for the kettle. Then, he backtracked to the fridge because he had a feeling just why Diluc didn't suggest it. Sure enough, the bottle was purple with a grape logo on it. He shut the door and went back to making the tea.]
You do know other flavors of juice exist, right?
[He scooped the tea out of the tin and into tea strainer. Once the water began to boil, he put the strainer into the kettle and hooked it to the edge before pulling it off and stove and bringing it over to the counter where the sandwiches were. He grabbed a towel to put the hot kettle on. He handed Diluc his mug before taking a seat.]
[He doesn't start to eat yet, but he stays in his seat while Kaeya moves around the kitchen and puts the tea together. The task had been given to Kaeya after all, Diluc had already done his part for this little meal.]
But I like grape. Why would I buy different ones when I know that's the one I like?
So you're saying you don't like apple juice? Orange juice? Berry juice?
[Kaeya huffed quietly as he poured himself the tea. Diluc had the biggest sweet tooth known to man, Kaeya refused to believe he would only stick to one flavor of juice.]
I know you can be boring when it comes to drinks, but I didn't think you would be that boring. I'm surprised I saw milk in there!
[He then shifted to Diluc's mug to pour the tea in.]
What does it matter to you what juice I buy anyway?
[Sure, he has a sweet tooth - he's not going to deny that... but he likes grape juice and has never understood Kaeya's issue with it. The two of them are never going to agree with regards to how it tastes.
But since they are both now at the table, he decides to make a start on his sandwich.]
I like those others just fine, grape is just my favourite.
[He bit into his own sandwich with a hum and a shrug. It wasn't a hill to die on, so he wasn't going to press about it. Besides, Kaeya was probably overstaying his welcome at this point.
[He bites back the sharp reply that almost makes it out and instead closes his eyes for a moment, slowly exhales through his nose, and says nothing. Adelinde anf Elzer would surely be proud of him for not lashing out.
It's probably one of the nicest meals they've shared together in a while.]
I know it doesn't compare to one of Adelinde's meals, but I haven't had the chance to get much yet.
[Kaeya saw all that. He was curious as to what Diluc wanted to say but he was also in silent agreement as it had been awhile since they've shared a meal together, especially one that was nice.]
I don't think many of us have had a chance to get much. This is just fine, Diluc.
[He almost retorted that he doesn't get to have Adelinde's meals very often anyway, but he refrained. Honestly, this all reminded him that he probably should at least get sandwich making items. They were easy like skewers. Ooh, he should get those too. Hm, mental shopping list time.]
[He's right, and Diluc doesn't even show a hint of looking like he's going to argue with that assertion. Considering how abruptly they had all been thrown into this it's a wonder everyone is settling in as well as they are... if he had seen riots and widespread arson in protest of it all he would not have been surprised.
And he isn't sure that he would have tried to stop any of it, if that had happened.
Diluc tries to tell himself that absolutely nothing about this is normal. He can't afford to get complacent. But... sitting down for a simple meal with Kaeya like this is comforting on a level that he could not have anticipated.
He glances up at the other man, lingering for a moment at where his hair is so carefully covering his eye.]
I have a proposition for you. [It's clear he's choosing his words carefully, here.] ... A truce.
[Kaeya was a little more focused in his food this time around, being hungrier than he expected, so he didn't know all the thoughts going on in Diluc's head. Not that they were things he hadn't thought himself at one point or another, but he had largely stopped dwelling on it and focused more on the present.
So, when Diluc proposed a truce, Kaeya wasn't sure he heard correctly and ended up looking at Diluc with a wide eye and the last of his sandwich bulging from his cheek as he let out a muffled 'hm??'.
He chewed a bit more and washed it down with the tea.]
Pardon? A truce? What for?
[Kaeya wasn't stupid, he understood the proposition. But he was under the impression it wasn't really needed after the last several days. Was he wrong? It wasn't like they were at each other's throats anymore. He went for the other half of the sandwich, biting off a corner as he waited for the explanation.]
[Bickering with each other the way they do back home is going to get very tiring here very quickly, Diluc thinks. He's not stupid. They have always worked well together even when they were only speaking via letter and they both know it.
Yet, he knows how awkward things are between them even if it has been getting better. They might not be drawing weapons on each other but that doesn't mean things are... easy.]
You'll stop unnecessarily needling at me to get a reaction. [Not about everything. Kaeya has always poked at him that way and once it was an endearing trait, but the things Kaeya often chooses to bring up these days are often just a little too barbed.
He picks at the remaining half of his sandwich, lifting a corner of the bread as if he'd forgotten what he put on it. A distraction.]
And I'll stop... acting like I don't want you around. [Picking up his cup, he takes a small sip.] Sound good?
[Ah. Well, it wasn't like he could refute that. Kaeya took another bite of the sandwich, mostly to stall and get his thoughts in order than outright reject the proposal. Because he wasn't going to, this could be a good thing for them. Probably something they needed. But, Kaeya felt anxiety twist in his chest as well.
He needled and deflected because while he actually wanted to have some semblance of a relationship with Diluc again, he was also very scared to do so. Because it meant opening his heart back up to the other man who already taught him once that telling the truth would only get him hurt. However, it wasn't like Diluc didn't know the truth now. There wasn't much else to reveal. No else to tell his story to.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-03-18 12:49 am (UTC)[Honestly, Kaeya sometimes did wonder how long they would keep pretending on a lot of things. But both of them were likely too stubborn and prideful to actually step up and say something. So, the charade continued.
He let out a deep breath through his nose, relaxing a bit further against Diluc. His eyes eventually drooped shut completely. The warmth the other man gave off was more than just natural human warmth. It was familiar. It was safe.]
...thank you.
[And it was inevitable that it wasn't too much longer after he muttered those words that Kaeya finally let his exhaustion put him to sleep.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-18 02:06 am (UTC)[He knows when Kaeya has fallen asleep when the man becomes a dead weight against him. At least he's getting some rest.
Diluc doesn't move for another twenty minutes or so, then he carefully bundles Kaeya up in his arms and gets up off the couch, putting his unexpected house guest to bed in the unused spare bedroom.
He isn't heartless after all.
Though he does check on him now and then, holding his hand for a minute or two each time, he does mostly just leave Kaeya to get some much needed sleep. In the meantime he stays in the apartment when otherwise he might have chosen to go out, and decides he'll take the day to relax and read a book instead.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-18 03:25 pm (UTC)He patted around for his phone but didn't find it so he had no idea what time it was. Finally, he pushed himself up. He squinted sleepily at the open doorway, sensing another presence. He may as well take a chance.]
Diluc?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 05:05 pm (UTC)[He hadn't forgotten that Kaeya was there. The awareness of his presence has been sitting like a small weight in the back of his mind since he laid him on the bed and carefully pulled the door half-closed behind him. Maybe he should have just told him to go home, once it looked like he was doing better. Maybe he should have left him to sleep on the couch and gone to another room himself.
They haven't done something like this for years and he still isn't sure why he acted that way, save for the genuine concern of someone he once cared about so deeply that they were like the other half of him.
Someone he still cares for, as much as he would deny it to anyone who asked.]
It's about time you woke up.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 05:51 pm (UTC)There was also the fact that he was not very charismatic in the mornings so realizing that Diluc had put him to bed and let him rest and, apparently, continued to hold his hand if the lack of joint pain was anything to go by, had him feeling awkward and embarrassed.]
Erm... Sorry. [His cheeks flushed lightly and he rubbed the back of his neck, looking to the side.] What... Um, what time is it?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 07:37 pm (UTC)It's two in the afternoon.
[Clearly, Kaeya had been utterly exhausted. It hasn't been too terrible sitting indoors for a day.]
Are you feeling well? [By now, with the careful attention he's given to the man since he got here and while he was sleeping, Diluc has to assume that the ill effects of a lack of contact have worn off.] And be honest.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 07:51 pm (UTC)Oh.
[It explained why it was still daytime, too. But screw his sleep schedule for now. When Diluc asked how he felt and to be honest, he felt chastised and didn't answer right away. He was still gathering his wits and used the time spent making his way to the other side of the couch to think of his answer. It also helped him take better stock of his body.]
Better. Nothing hurts, any-
[His stomach growled loudly and his cheeks burned to his ears.]
...ahaha... I suppose that's a sign to get going.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 08:05 pm (UTC)Diluc hears the way his stomach growls easily enough, and arches a brow.]
If you like. I should have some lunch myself in any case.
[He sets his book aside and stands, brushing himself off before he starts to move towards the kitchen area.]
Can I assume you have more than a few snacks in your cupboards? I know your eating habits are terrible.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 08:23 pm (UTC)It's two in the afternoon and you're only just now eating lunch?
[He could ignore his stomach for a little longer. Even though he actually didn't have snacks in his apartment. Had he not gotten sick, that would have been on his to-do list aside from buying breakfast from somewhere.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 08:58 pm (UTC)I had been of a mind that you might deign to wake up sooner.
[In short - he was waiting for Kaeya so they could eat something together. Or so Kaeya could get out of his hair and leave him to eat lunch in peace. Either way, it meant that he waited, and before he knew it it was two o'clock and he was just remembering that he was hungry.]
If you have nothing at your place I'll make you something here. It's no trouble.
[Diluc, efficient as always, already has fairly decently stocked cupboards.]
Have a seat.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 10:54 pm (UTC)He still wasn't going to admit he had no food, though. Instead, he got up to take a seat at the table with a muttered, pouty, "aiyaya"]
So pushy. But I won't say no to free food. What were you thinking of making?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-22 08:52 pm (UTC)[Because he is quite hungry and wants something quickly, and also because if he eats a large meal now then he won't want to eat dinner until late... and that will upset his sleep. It's a very well thought out plan.
He does seem sincere in his offer to make one for Kaeya as well however, and though he fills his own quite heartily he does make a point of keeping the other man's lighter - he knows his eating habits after all.]
If you want to make yourself useful you can make some tea while I do this. You can manage that can't you?
[Everything the place came stocked with is probably in the same cupboards...]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-22 09:39 pm (UTC)[He isn't going to be picky about lunch. Not after what Diluc did for him. He will behave.]
Of course I can. [A small scoff, what's with the attitude now? Kaeya stood up to put the kettle on the stove. Was he overstaying his welcome?] Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't suggest juice.
[He dug around the cupboards and found the tins of tea. He selected a black tea, pulling it down and opening it. Mm, it was fresh too.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 01:48 pm (UTC)[There is a complete lack of anything alcoholic in the apartment, but he does have a supply of tea and coffee (and some juice, in fact) that will not be difficult for Kaeya to find. It's been a while, to his memory, since the two of them last shared a kitchen like this.]
But I didn't think you'd want that.
[Finishing up the sandwiches, he slices both of them from corner to corner.]
Here.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 08:29 pm (UTC)You do know other flavors of juice exist, right?
[He scooped the tea out of the tin and into tea strainer. Once the water began to boil, he put the strainer into the kettle and hooked it to the edge before pulling it off and stove and bringing it over to the counter where the sandwiches were. He grabbed a towel to put the hot kettle on. He handed Diluc his mug before taking a seat.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 09:29 pm (UTC)[He doesn't start to eat yet, but he stays in his seat while Kaeya moves around the kitchen and puts the tea together. The task had been given to Kaeya after all, Diluc had already done his part for this little meal.]
But I like grape. Why would I buy different ones when I know that's the one I like?
[Give him a good reason!]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 09:40 pm (UTC)[Kaeya huffed quietly as he poured himself the tea. Diluc had the biggest sweet tooth known to man, Kaeya refused to believe he would only stick to one flavor of juice.]
I know you can be boring when it comes to drinks, but I didn't think you would be that boring. I'm surprised I saw milk in there!
[He then shifted to Diluc's mug to pour the tea in.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 09:47 pm (UTC)[Sure, he has a sweet tooth - he's not going to deny that... but he likes grape juice and has never understood Kaeya's issue with it. The two of them are never going to agree with regards to how it tastes.
But since they are both now at the table, he decides to make a start on his sandwich.]
I like those others just fine, grape is just my favourite.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 09:56 pm (UTC)[He bit into his own sandwich with a hum and a shrug. It wasn't a hill to die on, so he wasn't going to press about it. Besides, Kaeya was probably overstaying his welcome at this point.
The sandwich was good, though.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 11:23 pm (UTC)It's probably one of the nicest meals they've shared together in a while.]
I know it doesn't compare to one of Adelinde's meals, but I haven't had the chance to get much yet.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-24 11:34 pm (UTC)I don't think many of us have had a chance to get much. This is just fine, Diluc.
[He almost retorted that he doesn't get to have Adelinde's meals very often anyway, but he refrained. Honestly, this all reminded him that he probably should at least get sandwich making items. They were easy like skewers. Ooh, he should get those too. Hm, mental shopping list time.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-27 08:51 pm (UTC)And he isn't sure that he would have tried to stop any of it, if that had happened.
Diluc tries to tell himself that absolutely nothing about this is normal. He can't afford to get complacent. But... sitting down for a simple meal with Kaeya like this is comforting on a level that he could not have anticipated.
He glances up at the other man, lingering for a moment at where his hair is so carefully covering his eye.]
I have a proposition for you. [It's clear he's choosing his words carefully, here.] ... A truce.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-27 09:15 pm (UTC)So, when Diluc proposed a truce, Kaeya wasn't sure he heard correctly and ended up looking at Diluc with a wide eye and the last of his sandwich bulging from his cheek as he let out a muffled 'hm??'.
He chewed a bit more and washed it down with the tea.]
Pardon? A truce? What for?
[Kaeya wasn't stupid, he understood the proposition. But he was under the impression it wasn't really needed after the last several days. Was he wrong? It wasn't like they were at each other's throats anymore. He went for the other half of the sandwich, biting off a corner as he waited for the explanation.]
no subject
Date: 2023-03-27 10:29 pm (UTC)Yet, he knows how awkward things are between them even if it has been getting better. They might not be drawing weapons on each other but that doesn't mean things are... easy.]
You'll stop unnecessarily needling at me to get a reaction. [Not about everything. Kaeya has always poked at him that way and once it was an endearing trait, but the things Kaeya often chooses to bring up these days are often just a little too barbed.
He picks at the remaining half of his sandwich, lifting a corner of the bread as if he'd forgotten what he put on it. A distraction.]
And I'll stop... acting like I don't want you around. [Picking up his cup, he takes a small sip.] Sound good?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-28 02:34 pm (UTC)He needled and deflected because while he actually wanted to have some semblance of a relationship with Diluc again, he was also very scared to do so. Because it meant opening his heart back up to the other man who already taught him once that telling the truth would only get him hurt. However, it wasn't like Diluc didn't know the truth now. There wasn't much else to reveal. No else to tell his story to.
He sighed through his nose and nodded.]
Sounds good.
[Kaeya just hoped it didn't come to regret this.]