[Kaeya would be found next to an empty building. It was clearly abandoned, but not too long that it had begun to fall apart. He wasn't entirely sure what it was previously, aside from being some kind of restaurant given the few empty chairs and tables inside.
Either way, it seemed perfect for what Diluc had mentioned he thought about doing with his time here. A bit of tender loving care and he was sure Diluc could get something going.
He grinned when Diluc arrived and gestured to the building.]
If you were being serious about your little coffee shop venture, then I may have found a place for you. It's available for purchase and quite cheaply, too.
[Diluc didn't have the slightest inkling of what Kaeya would have brought him here for, even as he comes to a stop in front of the building. He looks up at it while Kaeya speaks, a small frown furrowing a tiny line between his eyebrows, but rather than fold his arms - as is his usual way - he plants one hand against his hip.]
You probably should have asked me before you went scouting out real estate.
[Glance. He doesn't look annoyed despite what he says.]
Though I was serious about it... I'm not sure if I'm ready to give in to settling down here yet.
Don't act like I already bought it. I simply happened across it and inquired, that's all.
[Kaeya knew why Diluc was hesitant in settling down here like this. It was why he didn't join any official police or military or whatever himself. They needed to earn money, but adventuring and fulfilling quests earned them more than enough for a comfortable living.
But Diluc had seemed so happy when figuring out the dark chocolate recipe and when he had mentioned possibly wanting to open a place that served something more laidback, such as a coffeeshop, there was a look on his face.]
[He looks uncomfortable for a moment, penned in by the question, and his arms move from their relaxed position to that customary one loosely folded across his chest. Diluc considers his answer for a moment and then sighs, shaking his head, lifting a hand to rub the side of his thumb against his temple.
Fidgeting. Distracted.]
I'm not willing to just accept being here.
[Not yet. If he could go home tomorrow he would. If he could go home today, right this second, he would. Almost everything about this place sets off every alarm bell he has and he simply can't settle or imagine himself doing so. He's restless, and it shows.]
Finding a home, starting a business, acting like everything is fine and that we haven't been abducted from our homes? I don't know how anyone can do it.
[Kaeya couldn't help but heave a heavy sigh. He had a feeling that this is how Diluc felt but, as usual, he had been keeping it to himself. It wasn't unusual though. It was completely understandable, in fact. Because of that, Kaeya moved in to rest his hands on Diluc's upper arms.]
No one is asking you to be fine with it. I guarantee you that the majority of people here, new and old, are not fine with it. But we do need to deal with the cards that have been handed to us. And right now, that's living in a different world.
[Kaeya honestly didn't like it anymore than Diluc. But, as someone who had been uprooted once before, perhaps it was just easier for him to deal with having a new, if hopefully temporary, home.]
Temporary as we are hoping it is, we still have to deal with living here for now. Why not make the most of it?
[Diluc tenses slightly under Kaeya's hands. His shoulders lift and his jaw twitches, and he looks up at the other man as if - just for a moment - he's going to snap at him. The snap doesn't come, though, and instead he closes his eyes for a moment and exhales the breath he just realised he was holding.
Kaeya, more than anyone, knows the things that Diluc is missing in being here. The duties he had taken upon himself after his return to Mondstadt, both public and private, and how he would be concerned for both of them. It's not an easy thing to let go of and his resentment over being here is probably going to linger for some time.]
... You really think I can do something like this.
[His attention shifts up to the empty store front. He isn't talking about moving on - he's said his piece on that matter.]
I suppose it can't be more difficult than running a bar.
[Kaeya allowed for the change in subject. It wouldn't due to push but at least the redhead seemed a bit more at ease for now. He knew what Diluc was thinking but there really was no getting around it. So, they just had to make do for now.
He tilted his head at the question and gave Diluc a look as though saying, 'Youre really questioning this?']
Of course. And you won't be dealing with drunks, so I should think it would be easier. You might have more kids though, assuming the hot chocolate is a hit.
[He has his reasons for changing the subject and he's well aware that Kaeya would have seen straight through him on that point. Despite his distaste for their situation he does know that they can't get out of it, that they should make the best of it, but it's still difficult for him to settle into the idea of... settling.]
I'll think about it.
[And, more or less without thinking about it, he slips his hand into Kaeya's and runs his thumb across the other man's knuckles.]
There's a lot more that goes into a business than just having a building to run it out of... and I don't have Elzer here to keep the paperwork in order.
[Hey, he's not arguing about it! Kaeya knows when to push and when to not. Now it not the time. Instead, he gaze softened when he felt Diluc take his hand like that. It really was amazing how much their relationship had improved.
Improved and even flourished.
He chuckled softly.]
And who says you need Elzer when you have me? I happen to know a thing or two about keeping paperwork in order, I will have you know!
[Despite what a little fairy believed, Kaeya was not a slacker nor was he lazy about his duties and was often times pulling way too much overtime to keep the Knights of Favonius running smoothly while Varka was away. Often behind the scenes, no less. Severely short staffed as they were, it was tough, but Kaeya made it work as best he could. Jean overworking herself just wouldn't do, after all.]
[Diluc knows Kaeya isn't lazy. He likes to cultivate an air about himself of being carefree and avoiding responsibility, but they were both brought up with a good work ethic. Still, he's surprised to get the offer. It's no secret to Kaeya that Diluc leaves a good deal of the day to day running of the winery and tavern to others - Elzer is the backbone of the vineyard, Charles is almost always behind the bar, and Jean does the winery's taxes (at her own insistence) - mostly due to other responsibilities he's taken upon himself since his return, and he hadn't expected the man to volunteer so readily.
He squeezes his fingers around Kaeya's hand.]
I'm sure you could manage it with a little instruction. [Doing accounts, taxes and stocktaking (amongst other things) isn't the same as what he's used to, but Kaeya has the brains for it.] Just let me mull it over. It's a big decision.
I didn't find this place just for you to run it all by yourself, Diluc.
[He said it with a laugh, but then immediately backtracked a little with a soft cough.]
I-I mean, if you decided to actually go through with the venture. Of course.
[Obviously, he would need to learn how this world does business, taxes and whatnot. Ugh, boring, but Kaeya really didn't mind paperwork as much as he tended to let on.]
Alright, then. Did you still want to look at the place or go home?
[For a long few moments he looks up at the building with half of his concentration on the warm, slightly calloused hand tucked into his. It's nice. Being able to be like this is just...
He smiles faintly to himself.]
I doubt the building is going to evaporate. Did you arrange a viewing of the inside as well?
[How presumptuous, though Diluc does seem more subtly amused than outright annoyed despite his slightly flat tone.
It's a lot harder to sound genuinely irritated when he's still holding Kaeya's hand.]
Next you'll be telling me you already bought the place.
And what if I did? A viewing would be at our whim, after all.
[He did not.
Kaeya wasn't foolish enough to purchase a place for Diluc without actually consulting him first. But he couldn't resist the joke, it was too easy. His grin only made it that much more obvious that he wasn't serious.
He tugged at Diluc's hand.]
Let's go home then, you can check it out another time.
[Diluc knows he has his ways of catching Kaeya off-guard and chooses to employ one of them now, as he tugs firmly on his hand in return and pulls him close enough to steal a kiss. He smiles a little against it and then steps ahead, drawing the other man along with him.
Of course, he's already made a mental note of this building's location and will probably come back to it at a later date. The idea - despite his apparent resistance to it - is one that has already taken root in his mind.]
Then let's go. It sounds like we have a few things to talk about.
[Not least the fact that he's quite sure he heard Kaeya propose going into business together.]
[Kaeya was certain he wasn't ever going to get used to Diluc's playfulness in their still growing relationship. It wasn't that it was even unheard of, given how Diluc was as a child. But Kaeya supposed after going many years without that affection that he still wasn't expecting it to be returned.
Nevertheless, Kaeya enjoyed the attention even if it flustered him a bit. He was smiling lightly as he was tugged back towards their home.]
We should pick up dinner on the way. I'm pretty sure that the steakhouse is on the way.
[They served dishes not too different from Mondstadt, even.]
[It certainly is and the two of them have sampled it often enough to know that it's a good place to get a good meal. Though, in terms of just picking something up...]
But why don't we dine in this time?
[They're both dressed well enough and it isn't as if they have anything else pressing to do wih their day...]
[It also happened a lot more often than one would think. Kaeya was getting used to it by now. That being said, the steakhouse was as delicious as always. Even more so now that they ate in rather than waiting until they got home.
So, by the time they got home, Kaeya felt pleasantly full and quite content with the change of plans. As usual, Kaeya didn't stop at his place but went on to Diluc's instead. He had been staying there more often as of late and always had a change of clothes there.
Which is why, after changing into some comfortable clothes, Kaeya slid himself easily into Diluc's lap. He grinned down at the man, resting his arms on those broad shoulders. This, too, wasn't unusual these days.]
I don't think I'm in the mood to discuss business tonight. Think we can save it for tomorrow?
[The expression on his face when Kaeya slides onto his lap makes it clear that Diluc was not expecting this to be the way the night went. They're both changed into comfortable clothes by now, which only means it's all the easier to feel every press of firm muscle against his own as the other man's weight settles down against his thighs.]
Hmn...
[Speaking of thighs... He rests both of his hands on the other man's, running them up just a little ways and smiling a faint, curious smile up at him.]
[He smiled down and leaned in for a kiss. The feeling of Diluc's warm palms on his thighs was as comforting as it was spreading a certain heat into his belly. He wiggled his hips playfully.
They really hadn't gotten much further than playing around like this and he was okay with taking it slow. It was nice getting to know Diluc like this as well as they continued to navigate this relationship.]
[It's fine to take things slow between them while they continue to work out everything else that comes with being together like this. It still feels strange at times, still leaves Diluc feeling faintly uneasy as he struggles under what ifs, but all in all...
He's happy. And he thinks Kaeya is happy too.
Diluc slides his hands back to close them around Kaeya's ass and pull him in close, fitting their hips together and exhaling a breathy sigh. He lifts his head up to nudge a kiss against the younger man's lips.]
Are you going to give me more details, or do I have to guess?
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-07-16 10:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-07-16 10:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-07-16 10:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-07-16 10:41 pm (UTC)Either way, it seemed perfect for what Diluc had mentioned he thought about doing with his time here. A bit of tender loving care and he was sure Diluc could get something going.
He grinned when Diluc arrived and gestured to the building.]
If you were being serious about your little coffee shop venture, then I may have found a place for you. It's available for purchase and quite cheaply, too.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-16 10:54 pm (UTC)You probably should have asked me before you went scouting out real estate.
[Glance. He doesn't look annoyed despite what he says.]
Though I was serious about it... I'm not sure if I'm ready to give in to settling down here yet.
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Date: 2023-07-16 11:01 pm (UTC)Don't act like I already bought it. I simply happened across it and inquired, that's all.
[Kaeya knew why Diluc was hesitant in settling down here like this. It was why he didn't join any official police or military or whatever himself. They needed to earn money, but adventuring and fulfilling quests earned them more than enough for a comfortable living.
But Diluc had seemed so happy when figuring out the dark chocolate recipe and when he had mentioned possibly wanting to open a place that served something more laidback, such as a coffeeshop, there was a look on his face.]
And why do you consider it "giving in"?
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Date: 2023-07-17 11:23 pm (UTC)Fidgeting. Distracted.]
I'm not willing to just accept being here.
[Not yet. If he could go home tomorrow he would. If he could go home today, right this second, he would. Almost everything about this place sets off every alarm bell he has and he simply can't settle or imagine himself doing so. He's restless, and it shows.]
Finding a home, starting a business, acting like everything is fine and that we haven't been abducted from our homes? I don't know how anyone can do it.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-17 11:48 pm (UTC)No one is asking you to be fine with it. I guarantee you that the majority of people here, new and old, are not fine with it. But we do need to deal with the cards that have been handed to us. And right now, that's living in a different world.
[Kaeya honestly didn't like it anymore than Diluc. But, as someone who had been uprooted once before, perhaps it was just easier for him to deal with having a new, if hopefully temporary, home.]
Temporary as we are hoping it is, we still have to deal with living here for now. Why not make the most of it?
no subject
Date: 2023-07-18 12:12 am (UTC)Kaeya, more than anyone, knows the things that Diluc is missing in being here. The duties he had taken upon himself after his return to Mondstadt, both public and private, and how he would be concerned for both of them. It's not an easy thing to let go of and his resentment over being here is probably going to linger for some time.]
... You really think I can do something like this.
[His attention shifts up to the empty store front. He isn't talking about moving on - he's said his piece on that matter.]
I suppose it can't be more difficult than running a bar.
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Date: 2023-07-18 12:43 am (UTC)He tilted his head at the question and gave Diluc a look as though saying, 'Youre really questioning this?']
Of course. And you won't be dealing with drunks, so I should think it would be easier. You might have more kids though, assuming the hot chocolate is a hit.
And I'm pretty sure it will be.
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Date: 2023-07-20 10:15 pm (UTC)I'll think about it.
[And, more or less without thinking about it, he slips his hand into Kaeya's and runs his thumb across the other man's knuckles.]
There's a lot more that goes into a business than just having a building to run it out of... and I don't have Elzer here to keep the paperwork in order.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-20 11:58 pm (UTC)Improved and even flourished.
He chuckled softly.]
And who says you need Elzer when you have me? I happen to know a thing or two about keeping paperwork in order, I will have you know!
[Despite what a little fairy believed, Kaeya was not a slacker nor was he lazy about his duties and was often times pulling way too much overtime to keep the Knights of Favonius running smoothly while Varka was away. Often behind the scenes, no less. Severely short staffed as they were, it was tough, but Kaeya made it work as best he could. Jean overworking herself just wouldn't do, after all.]
no subject
Date: 2023-07-21 12:11 am (UTC)[Diluc knows Kaeya isn't lazy. He likes to cultivate an air about himself of being carefree and avoiding responsibility, but they were both brought up with a good work ethic. Still, he's surprised to get the offer. It's no secret to Kaeya that Diluc leaves a good deal of the day to day running of the winery and tavern to others - Elzer is the backbone of the vineyard, Charles is almost always behind the bar, and Jean does the winery's taxes (at her own insistence) - mostly due to other responsibilities he's taken upon himself since his return, and he hadn't expected the man to volunteer so readily.
He squeezes his fingers around Kaeya's hand.]
I'm sure you could manage it with a little instruction. [Doing accounts, taxes and stocktaking (amongst other things) isn't the same as what he's used to, but Kaeya has the brains for it.] Just let me mull it over. It's a big decision.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-21 12:23 am (UTC)[He said it with a laugh, but then immediately backtracked a little with a soft cough.]
I-I mean, if you decided to actually go through with the venture. Of course.
[Obviously, he would need to learn how this world does business, taxes and whatnot. Ugh, boring, but Kaeya really didn't mind paperwork as much as he tended to let on.]
Alright, then. Did you still want to look at the place or go home?
[He doubted it was going anywhere.]
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Date: 2023-07-21 12:45 am (UTC)He smiles faintly to himself.]
I doubt the building is going to evaporate. Did you arrange a viewing of the inside as well?
[How presumptuous, though Diluc does seem more subtly amused than outright annoyed despite his slightly flat tone.
It's a lot harder to sound genuinely irritated when he's still holding Kaeya's hand.]
Next you'll be telling me you already bought the place.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-21 12:50 am (UTC)[He did not.
Kaeya wasn't foolish enough to purchase a place for Diluc without actually consulting him first. But he couldn't resist the joke, it was too easy. His grin only made it that much more obvious that he wasn't serious.
He tugged at Diluc's hand.]
Let's go home then, you can check it out another time.
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Date: 2023-07-21 11:59 pm (UTC)[Diluc knows he has his ways of catching Kaeya off-guard and chooses to employ one of them now, as he tugs firmly on his hand in return and pulls him close enough to steal a kiss. He smiles a little against it and then steps ahead, drawing the other man along with him.
Of course, he's already made a mental note of this building's location and will probably come back to it at a later date. The idea - despite his apparent resistance to it - is one that has already taken root in his mind.]
Then let's go. It sounds like we have a few things to talk about.
[Not least the fact that he's quite sure he heard Kaeya propose going into business together.]
no subject
Date: 2023-07-27 08:20 pm (UTC)Nevertheless, Kaeya enjoyed the attention even if it flustered him a bit. He was smiling lightly as he was tugged back towards their home.]
We should pick up dinner on the way. I'm pretty sure that the steakhouse is on the way.
[They served dishes not too different from Mondstadt, even.]
no subject
Date: 2023-07-30 06:32 pm (UTC)[It certainly is and the two of them have sampled it often enough to know that it's a good place to get a good meal. Though, in terms of just picking something up...]
But why don't we dine in this time?
[They're both dressed well enough and it isn't as if they have anything else pressing to do wih their day...]
My treat.
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Date: 2023-07-30 11:15 pm (UTC)[Kaeya was certainly excited to hear that. He smiled wider at that.]
Alright, then. Your treat. I'll treat next time.
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Date: 2023-08-04 11:25 am (UTC)[Did he ask Kaeya on a date without actually asking Kaeya on a date? More likely than you think! He lightly squeezes the hand in his.]
Did you find any other buildings, or was this the first you looked at?
no subject
Date: 2023-08-10 08:03 pm (UTC)So, by the time they got home, Kaeya felt pleasantly full and quite content with the change of plans. As usual, Kaeya didn't stop at his place but went on to Diluc's instead. He had been staying there more often as of late and always had a change of clothes there.
Which is why, after changing into some comfortable clothes, Kaeya slid himself easily into Diluc's lap. He grinned down at the man, resting his arms on those broad shoulders. This, too, wasn't unusual these days.]
I don't think I'm in the mood to discuss business tonight. Think we can save it for tomorrow?
no subject
Date: 2023-08-12 12:14 pm (UTC)Hmn...
[Speaking of thighs... He rests both of his hands on the other man's, running them up just a little ways and smiling a faint, curious smile up at him.]
Seem you're in the mood for something else.
no subject
Date: 2023-08-12 08:03 pm (UTC)[He smiled down and leaned in for a kiss. The feeling of Diluc's warm palms on his thighs was as comforting as it was spreading a certain heat into his belly. He wiggled his hips playfully.
They really hadn't gotten much further than playing around like this and he was okay with taking it slow. It was nice getting to know Diluc like this as well as they continued to navigate this relationship.]
no subject
Date: 2023-08-13 01:55 pm (UTC)[It's fine to take things slow between them while they continue to work out everything else that comes with being together like this. It still feels strange at times, still leaves Diluc feeling faintly uneasy as he struggles under what ifs, but all in all...
He's happy. And he thinks Kaeya is happy too.
Diluc slides his hands back to close them around Kaeya's ass and pull him in close, fitting their hips together and exhaling a breathy sigh. He lifts his head up to nudge a kiss against the younger man's lips.]
Are you going to give me more details, or do I have to guess?
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