[Jikan IC Inbox][un: ragnvindr]

[phoenixblessed]

"This is Diluc. Leave a message."

Comments

waves hands vaguely

[dedicatedwinds]

[Nippon is a strange, strange place. The past few days have been hectic and overwhelming, but Jean is certain things can’t get any worse. What other surprises could possibly be in store for her?

She really shouldn’t ask questions like that. At least this surprise isn’t a bad one.

The red hair is what she notices first, dragging Jean out of her reverie and back to the present. She blinks once, twice, before it finally sinks in that yes, she knows that man.]

Master Diluc?

[She’s surprised, yes, but seeing such a familiar face is a relief. Like having a little bit of home with her, as odd as it sounds.]

I- I wasn’t aware you were here as well.

[It’s not like she’s been here long, or been actively looking for people she knows, but. Still.]

<3

[phoenixblessed]

[It would probably be of no surprise to anyone that Diluc Ragnvindr had been quietly keeping to himself for a few days since his sudden arrival here. He had watched Kaeya leave the Angel's Share, the door close, and then it had happened again, and again, and then...

Well, here he was.

With his transport pass in hand and all the details given at the 'orientation' buzzing in his head he had taken some time to ground himself, to settle his mind into this new situation, and to consider how he would proceed. He had, of course, taken the time to look into who else was here and who he might know.

Which is why he doesnt' show as much surprise as he might have when he turns at the sound of his name and sees the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius standing there.]

Jean. [He finds himself feeling... relieved that she's the first one to find him. There were several worse options to choose from.] Yes, I'm here. [And he closes the distance between them in a few long strides, adjusting his glove as he goes.]

For a few days, at least. Forgive me for not getting in touch.

un: alberich

[icepatch]

Did you really think I wouldn’t notice, Diluc?

[phoenixblessed]

[Ugh.]

No. I'm disappointed it took you this long.

action;

[notgrande]

[ Venti knows Diluc won't like the sudden invasion to his apartment, but Venti is suddenly invading his apartment. He had spotted the man not long ago and followed him up to his apartment and -- followed him inside. Yeah, he just walks right in without hesitation. ]

Diluc!

[ Comes a cheerful voice from just inside the doorway. ]

I'm happy to see you here!

[ He sounds like it. ]

[phoenixblessed]

[It's probably a childish thing to keep his presence here so quiet, stretching it out into days, but Diluc has relished the peace while he's been getting himself situated in this strange new world. The small one-bedroom apartment he had been furnished with would do for now, and he'd already managed to resourcefully secure himself some employment.

He'd be out of here soon enough.

He'd felt himself being followed on the way up to the room, and he is more than ready to defend himself, but it's just--]

Venti.

[Sigh. He briefly pinches the bridge of his nose then waves the bard over.]

If you're coming in, close the door.

text; un: bard

[notgrande]

Diluc - I saw you and Kaeya fighting. Are you okay? What's going on?

[phoenixblessed]

[Damn it.]

It was nothing. Just some things that needed to be said.

text; un: bard - a few days later

[notgrande]

I suspect you don't want to hear from me, but I'm messaging you anyway.

I wanted to apologize. I crossed a line into something that wasn't my business, and risking your friendship for that wasn't worth it.

Your wellbeing and happiness means a lot to me, and I'm sorry for violating any trust you may have in me.

[phoenixblessed]

[It takes him a while to reply. The message shows as 'read' almost immediately, but it's a few hours before any kind of response comes.]

It's fine. You meant well.
Just don't do it again.

A few days later…

[icepatch]

Are you alive?

[phoenixblessed]

I wish I wasn't.

Forward-dated to September 30

[brilliantdiamond]

Hey Diluc, are you busy right now?
There's something I need to tell you -- it's good news!
Can I come meet you?

[Tackles on that last bit since "we need to talk" sounds kinda ominous coming off of them fucking the last time they met up.]

[phoenixblessed]

I finish work in an hour. You can meet me in Shinjuku or I'll let you know once I'm at home.

text; un: bard

[notgrande]

(^_<)〜☆

Hey Diluc.

What do you call a fish with a bowtie?

[phoenixblessed]

I'm sure you're going to tell me...

Drunk text incoming

[icepatch]

have i told you lately that i love you

because i do

a lot

[phoenixblessed]

[Just let him check the clock, here...]

Two questions - first, how much have you had to drink. Second, did you lose Kazuha?

Also, I love you too. A lot.

[text] un: ilqaras

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim isn't sure why he keeps subjecting himself to the network; at least this time he's not getting an onslaught of people making jabs at his drunken state this time. however, the questionable nature of some business advice he'd gotten is somewhat left to be desired.

but it also served to remind him of someone who actually mentioned they were a businessman. maybe he should have gone to Diluc in the first place]

I hope I am not imposing, but I have a question for you.

[phoenixblessed]

I couldn't say if you're imposing or not until you ask the question.

[He had noticed Dohalim's post but tends not to use the public network himself, so had refrained from answering. By now it's all but forgotten.]

voice | un: matsukaze

[leafwhistle]

Diluc? When you have the time, could you call me back? There's no rush.

[phoenixblessed]

[The return message is in the form of a text at around one in the morning.]

Are you still awake?

[Text] ; un: starlights ; after 2am after meeting up with everyone

[openheartedly]

Diluc? I'm sorry to ask so late but do you know anywhere that sells wine at this hour?

[phoenixblessed]

[The reply comes almost immediately, but it's anyone's guess of whether Diluc was still awake or if she woke him.]

Why would you be looking for wine at this hour?

you know when

[acutabove]

only sometimes, huh?

yells

[phoenixblessed]

I'm sorry?

[icepatch]

Someone snores in their sleep and it's not me.

[Incoming video of Addy sleeping on Kaeya's chest, snoring rather politely but audibly.]

[phoenixblessed]

Funny, sounds like you <3

[Cute.]

Vague hand gestures

[geocash]

[Zhongli has always had a fine sense of direction, really. It makes these moments of quiet contemplation all too short - as the sound of his footsteps rises to his ears, the consultant can admit to his own... unease in this situation. A man ever defined by his reticence and vaguery, he can't fathom why things have turned out the way they are.

Keeping his identity under wraps isn't always easy, but finding time and time again that it is known - and more still that its reality was given by his own lips - had left him lost in thoughts. A man who had decided to live as a human had no need for the history that lay behind him, save in the measure of his shared knowledge. In a place like this, rife with excuses...

Of course, he can't blame his former self, knowing nothing of his own circumstances. Mayhap things were simply... unavoidable, like the steady, slow erosion of rock under the innocent drip of a single water droplet. And indeed, perhaps his circumstances will come to that place, too. Time will tell... but, as the house comes into view, the Liyue native decides perhaps this is not so bad. Ultimately, it is no different from any other who knows his reality. Perhaps better, with a man likely kept to silence as easily as one of his own contract holders.

In any case, it's with confidence that he lifts a hand to knock on the door, the sharp rap of his knuckles sounding out loud against wood. A small parcel inscribed with a handful of words rests in his other hand, held easily at his waist as the brunette waits for the door to open.

... and really, he hadn't missed the faint flirtation in their last meeting. He'd even indulged it. So how would today proceed? Time will tell. That's good enough.]

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc does not keep Zhongli waiting at the door.

In hindsight he could have chosen a better time to reveal that he knew so much about the man, though he had not told him even half of what he is actually aware of when it comes to the former Geo Archon. Step by step, he thinks, and part of the reason for the meeting today was to come clean about everything as well as try to put the other man's mind at rest.

Kizuna could be a powerful thing and he doesn't doubt its influence in how open Zhongli had been during his previous time here.]

Zhongli, good to see you. How have you been? [He greets the man with a smile tinged with warmth, pulling the door open wide to invite him in.] You're just in time, the water in the kettle just started getting hot.

Random super warm night

[icepatch]

[If Kaeya were honest, and he wasn't always, he would have to admit that sleeping next to a pyro user in the summer time was not the most ideal. Like, at all. Kaeya could only keep himself cool for so long so he ended up always wiggling away from Diluc to escape some of his natural heat in bed. Well, as far as one could without falling off the bed completely and that had certainly happened once already.

But that also meant that when there was suddenly a distinct lack of heat despite knowing the night was warm enough that he barely even kept the sheet over his body, Kaeya noticed. He rolled over sleepily and found the space next to him cool to the touch which meant Diluc had snuck away more than just a few minutes ago. He frowned and lifted his head from the pillows to try and listen for the other man but the house was frustratingly silent. So, with a sleepy grumble, Kaeya pulled himself from the bed and wandered the house for a few minutes. He eventually found Diluc by sheer happenstance of seeing a pale foot on the engawa illuminated by the moonlight and after panicking for a hot second that Diluc had fallen and was hurt, Kaeya realized just what was up with his partner.

Another five minutes later and Kaeya was stepping out onto the engawa and placing a cold glass of iced tea next to Diluc's body, mindful of the limbs in starfish formation, and stepped around so he could sit and unfold a fan. He rested an elbow on his knee and his other arm went to work, the fan already frosting so the air circulating over the other was chilled.]

You could warn a guy next time.

[phoenixblessed]

[He can cope with the heat on a normal night but it's the humidity that gets to him. Sometimes he can ignore it, or he grabs one of Kaeya's hands and holds it against his chest in a half-awake effort to get his cryo ability to trigger in his sleep, but tonight it's so warm and sticky that he peels himself out of bed almost thoughtlessly to wander through the house and outside, where he promptly lays down on the relatively cool wood of the rear engawa. The faint breeze outdoors is a blessing and he would have fallen asleep immediately had he been more comfortable... but Kaeya misses him, of course, and it doesn't seem like long before he hears the light pad of familiar steps.]

I'm going to combust. [Diluc mutters, huffing under his breath as the cooled air starts wafting over him.] This is torture.

[He opens his eyes, tinted blue by Kaeya's proximity, and glances over at him.]

Did I wake you up?

UN: Chuuya, You Know When

[darkdisgrace]

Hey Diluc, you wanna meet up later?

[Just totally casual. A perfectly normal text.

Or it would be, if he hadn't finally seen Kaeya off with a bunch of snacks and in a hopefully better headspace than he was in after that Kimono had shown more than Kaeya had wanted about his shared past with Diluc.]

[phoenixblessed]

Sure.
Where do you want to meet?

Picture Time

[icepatch]

[Insert picture here of a selfie Kaeya had taken with the toothy grin that he knows 'does things' to Diluc only this time, there's no pillow nearby! Ha.

The picture may not be the best quality but it's time for revenge!! And also experimentation on if he can truly fluster Diluc at random in public via text message. Enjoy.]

[phoenixblessed]

Damn it Kaeya!

I'm not wearing the right clothes to be dealing with a tail right now!

action, hope this works!

[darkdisgrace]

[It's yet another night Chuuya ends up coming home with Diluc from the bar, but tonight he's not even that tipsy. Rather well behaved for Chuuya, really.

But that had kind of been the plan, from the start. He needed a little bit of an alcoholic boost for what he wanted to tell Diluc tonight, but not so much that he was wasted.

Frankly, he never talked about his past. It was over and done with-- something he chose not to dwell on as he continued to live his life, certain in his own identity. But at this point? Diluc deserved to know. No, if this was something serious between them, then... he wanted Diluc to know.

So Chuuya flops himself down on the familiar couch with a sigh, stretching languidly as he does.] Thanks, Diluc.

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc knows Chuuya isn't drunk enough to not be able to get himself home. He knows because by now he feels like he's aware enough of the other man's behaviour when inebriated to see the difference, and right now he appears to have the majority of his wits about him.

Also, he'd got here on his own two feet instead of slumped against Diluc's back and playing with his hair.

But Diluc doesn't mind. Chuuya's presence in the house has become a familiar thing and sharing breakfast with him while he shakes off a hangover feels all but routine. He knows he's always welcome, the redhead thinks, or at least hopes he knows. If he wants to be here for the night then neither he or Kaeya would have an issue with it.]

Heh, sure. [He replies, his tone light and fond as he sits on the edge of the couch beside the smaller man and watches as he stretches. There's a certain gentleness in his expression, one that had crept in once all trace of careful wariness had been broken down by his growing affection for Chuuya, and he lightly chafes his palm against the other man's knee for a moment.]

You're welcome to the spare bed, you know. You don't have to sleep on the couch.

sept 28, morning

[mistsplitter]

[ Diluc will receive a nice and intricate midnight blue box with gold ribbons delivered to him in the morning. Inside are snacks, but prior to opening the box, he will find a card.

In neat and beautiful handwriting, the card reads:

Dearest Diluc,

This day passes by every year as something my fellow Inazumans consider a special day. I consider it a very special day as well, as it is my day of birth.

During this day, colleagues and my fellow Inazumans would send me presents and well-wishes. However, there is nothing more I wish for today than to spend with friends and loved ones.

You have made my dream come true, in that I have been able to taste various kinds of food from Mondstadt. Perhaps it was a small gesture to you, but it has been something I have yearned for for so long. I am so very grateful for the time and effort you have put for me.

I hope you will accept this present, my own variation of sakura mochi, to remember me on this day. It is a popular snack from my home.

Thank you for being my friend.

Ever yours,
Kamisato Ayaka ]

Action

[icepatch]

Well, good morning, sleepyhead.

[Kaeya couldn't help but grin teasingly as he stepped into their bedroom with a cup of coffee. The air smelled of breakfast: eggs, bacon, and pancakes, to be precise. He limped his way over to their bed, holding the cup out for his amusingly groggy boyfriend who also sported wolf ears between the sleep-ruffled hair.

It wasn't actually that late in the morning. But Diluc clearly needed the extra sleep and Kaeya was loathe to wake him so he had carefully climbed out of bed (sporting fox ears and tail) and gingerly made his way to the living room to let Diluc sleep a little longer and get started on breakfast. He didn't have much appetite in the mornings but his lover certainly did and after the drama from the island, he decided to go the extra mile. Hence, the hearty breakfast the redhead would no doubt smell.]

Up for something to eat? I think I made too much.

[phoenixblessed]

Mmn.

[It's been happening more often lately. Waking up with a pair of wolf ears and a bushy tail, or even having them show up before he falls asleep at all. Thankfully it only happens with Kaeya, but Diluc would be lying if he said he wasn't concerned it might end up permanent at some point.

Though, he is finding he minds that thought less and less.

He's just sitting up when Kaeya walks back into the room, and is stretching his arms up over his head as he yawns and then rubs the back of his sleep-mussed hair.]

You should have let me make it... [He grumbles softly, but he takes the cup and gives the coffee a small sip.] I'll get up, you can sit while I finish everything.

[actinggrandmaster]

Diluc...

I've been out shopping and I want your opinion.

What do you think of this outfit?

Attachment

[phoenixblessed]

[Oh.

That's.

Well, it's--...

He does spend a few minutes appreciating the picture before he replies.]

It's lovely, Jean. The colours suit you very well.

[darkdisgrace]

[That day Chuuya had been out shopping for a few things, among them some warmer clothes for winter and some dried fruit snacks for Kaeya, as well as some non-alcoholic amezake he was curious to see if Diluc would enjoy. The sundry vendor he'd purchased the foodstuffs from had thrown in a small bouquet of flowers for free. The scent was strangely unique and oddly soothing, so Chuuya certainly hadn't complained. They'd be a nice decoration for the house.

Given the scent, his first thought had been to tuck them in the bedroom near the bed. Maybe the scent would inspire some pleasant dreams, for Diluc and Kaeya.

He really wasn't expecting to gain anything himself from them.]

[phoenixblessed]

[It's funny, how easily Chuuya had simply slotted into their lives. How his visits had extended until he simply stopped really leaving at all. How belongings began to find their places in Kaeya and Diluc's home until it reached a point where Diluc realised that they had become a trio.

Natural. He does not mind it.

When he walks into the room to find the flowers by the bed he knows immediately who they are from. Both men have distinctive tastes, and this one is certainly Chuuya. He smiles, giving them a sniff before he starts to get ready for bed, and as he hears soft footsteps making their way past the door he pokes his head out and snags the smaller man by the arm.]

Hey, where do you think you're going?

[icepatch]

Come into the kitchen, please.

Got something for you to try.

[phoenixblessed]

Really? What is it?

[THIS IS WHY HE ASKED YOU TO GO TO THE KITCHEN DILUC WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.]

[Action] - Eventual NSFW

[icepatch]

[It was a quiet evening, all chores completed and dinner had been eaten. He wasn't sure what Diluc and Chuuya were planning for their evenings. All he knew was that Chuuya was out and was likely going to be staying out late. So, Kaeya had gotten himself comfortable on bed with a book. The bedside lamp cast a lovely orange glow, and he had changed into cozy bed clothes. His hair was braided and tied with a well-worn but cared for ribbon. A steaming cup of tea was also next to the lamp, along with his eyepatch.

He was in for a cozy night, he reckoned. May as well relax until it was time to turn in completely.]

[phoenixblessed]

[Meanwhile, Diluc has been enjoying a bath. While Kaeya gets himself comfortable and settles in for the evening Diluc takes the opportunity to have some uninterrupted time to get clean and warm... and to indulge in something else as well.

He finds his way to the other man once he's done. The heating in the house had been repaired since the strange blue flower's defeat and he's wearing nothing but a robe as he heads into the bedroom, his hair bundled up in a messy bun at the back of his head and a faint flush still on his face from the warm water of the bath.]

Hey.

[Oh, he doesn't waste any time. The redhead braces one knee against the side of the bed and slings himself up across Kaeya's lap with a soft exhale of breath, pressing the tip of one finger to the top of the book's spine. The fabric of his robe parts across one pale thigh.]

I think that's enough reading.