[Chuuya sets his elbows on his knees, still listening. He wonders now if the reason Kaeya had been clutching his eye had been a headache, or a phantom ache brought forth by the memories.
Could be either, really. The both of them had been through so much... and yet it's somehow not surprising, not really. They'd accepted him after all.]
That vision probably saved the both of you, in the long run. [And maybe there's an irony there-- that Diluc controlled fire and Kaeya ice, but those opposing elements had been just what was necessary.]
...But you mended fences eventually, right? Pretty sure the proof is self-evident there.
We'd always been close. Like twins. Never far apart from each other. You don't just abandon something like that.
[Even if Diluc had, for a long time... Kaeya had known what he was up to before he had told anyone that he was leaving. Varka would have tried to stop him. Kaeya knew it was useless to try.]
I was away from Mondstadt for four years. We communicated by letter, when we were able to, but I often made myself very difficult to find. I came back to a number of notes that had never made it to me. [He still isn't looking at Chuuya, frowning at the table instead.] When I came back we didn't see each other face to face for weeks, but the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius decided he was going to interfere with that. [He huffs out a soft, dry laugh.]
We've been working together since I got back, but not openly. We still know each other best, after all.
[When Kaeya had told him of how close they'd been as children, Chuuya had honestly thought it was... well, nice. Ideal even, to have someone genuinely by your side through thick and thin. Sure, you could know a person in and out, but that didn't mean they'd truly be... a friend. Or that they'd stick around. He knew from experience.
...It must have been so painful, for the both of them.]
That's when you left the knights, yeah? Or at least I guess as much. Can't imagine you could take hiatus from your job for four years, unless they gave you some sort of mission.
[Which was probably not completely out of the question, but it sounds unlikely.]
I resigned, when the Investigator at the time demanded that I take the credit for my father's actions to save their precious image.
[A faint viciousness does inch its way into his voice at that. The burn of that betrayal has not faded even after the number of years that have passed.]
They couldn't have the reputation of the Knights of Favonius tarnished by the idea that a 'merchant' had given his life to fight off a beast, while they had done nothing. [His brow furrows and he shakes his head.] My father was not just a simple merchant. Mondstadt is what it is because of people like my father. It would have served them better to remember that.
[Maybe he wouldn't have left, if Eroch hadn't done that.]
I knew I had to take it into my own hands. I knew who to look for, just not where to find them. I spend four years trying to hunt them down, and I destroyed anything and anyone that got in my way.
[Oh, the tone of Chuuya's voice makes it clear how he feels about that.] So they rob a man of his accomplishment when he's in his fucking grave? What the hell kinda bastard would do something like that?
[Chuuya tone and dialect is a little rougher when he's angry, and of course he very rarely hides his emotions. Now is not an exception.]
Well screw them. You got the people behind it in the end, right? Bet that showed 'em to sweep shit under the rug.
I destroyed enough of their people and strongholds across Teyvat over four years to draw the attention of their leaders, and they decided to try to deal with me. I was almost killed.
[Finally, Diluc leans back into the couch cushions again. He looks up at the ceiling in silence, then over to the other man.] I'm officially a persona non grata in their home country, and I was never able to directly confront the person who was ultimately behind my father's death. [Another frown, smaller than before.] But I know who he is, and he knows that I do. If he's smart, he'll think twice before approaching Mondstadt again. If I have to burn down the entirety of the Fatui forces and myself with them to protect my country, I will.
[Well damn. Chuuya looks at Diluc as he speaks, both impressed and slightly concerned.... 'impressed' is winning out, though.
What? He's mafia. He can appreciate that kind of destructive power and dedication. Bloody revenge was practically required in the port mafia rulebook.] So you went on a rampage all over the place until they tried to take you out personally. At least you managed to put the fear of death into 'em, from the sound of it.
[...God there is no hiding the tiniest hint of admiration in his voice, is there? He shakes his head, letting out a short, humorless huff of laughter.]
But I'm glad... that you made it back alive.
[He offers Diluc a small, soft smile now.]
...A little disappointed I can't offer to help you burn the fuckers down, though. Laying waste to enemy strongholds is a specialty of mine.
[There really is no hiding it and it's enough to prompt a small, slightly hesitant grin from Diluc in response that softens in response to the smile. He had worried at first that what Chuuya knew now would change his opinion of him, but he really should have known better.]
The person who rescued me back then inducted me into a continent-wide intelligence network. I've been working with them since then, protecting Mondstadt on as many fronts as necessary.
[Just so Chuuya knows he isn't alone now.]
And the Investigator... he was found guilty of treason and expelled from the order, then exiled from Mondstadt. I don't know where he is now. If he's dead in a ditch somewhere it's more than he deserves. [Fussing, unsure of what to do with his hands, he tucks a thick curl of hair behind his ear. It slides free almost immediately.] I couldn't go back to the Knights after what happened. I think the Grand Master understood that, even if he was disappointed. Varka is... an interesting man. I have a lot of respect for him. But not that much.
[Chuuya is very, very far from what people would consider 'normal' in the morals department, a few good traits aside.
That smile of Diluc's warms him through, settling some of the discomfort and guilt he'd felt while seeing Diluc so tense.]
Hah. So I was almost right on the info broker assumption back then. I'm glad you aren't doing this alone, between Kaeya and them.
[Diluc tucks hair behind his ear, only for it to slide free-- and Chuuya's hand is there instead, carefully reaching up to tuck the hair back into place, lingering briefly. He'd kept his hands to himself this entire time, in spite of wanting to offer comfort... precisely because it had been so difficult for Diluc. He didn't want his friend to feel more pressured than he already did.]
I'm also glad that bastard got what was coming to him.
[He tips his head slightly against the soft brush of fingers at the side of his face and sighs. Every time he has to talk about this it's difficult, but it does get a little easier each time.]
Mmn.
[Diluc snags Chuuya's wrist and tugs, pulling the smaller man in close to his side and then wrapping his arm around him. It could have been worse. He can still remember how hard it had been to talk to Kazuha and Venti about it, months ago.]
I said that you see a better version of me here. Maybe you understand that now. I'm... very closed off, in Mondstadt. I keep everyone away. I have my reasons, but being here has... helped. I've had to face up to a lot of things, and I've had more time to move on.
[When Diluc tugs him over, Chuuya goes easily, settling against his side with a soft sigh and a hand tucking around Diluc's waist. His other hand is terribly gentle as it massages Diluc's palm, Chuuya still recalling the tension he'd carried in his arms as he spoke.]
I do understand better. And I also understand why you said you keep people at arm's length.
[And here Chuuya is, far closer than that. He's glad, that he's gotten to know Diluc this much.]
I'm glad. Not that I don't think I wouldn't like you anyway, but you sound like you're happier now.
[He's known that for a while. Though it had been a bumpy route to get there, he is happier now... and he's happy to have met people that he can trust enough to let this close to him. A smile stays on his face as he watches Chuuya gently massaging against his hand and he curls his fingers to lace them together, clasping the other man's hand against his.]
And I've been able to meet some people that have become very important to me. Like you.
[How fast it happened is unusual, but not unheard of. When he clicks with someone, that's that.]
[And that's all that Chuuya cares about, really. Regardless of choices made in the past, Diluc and Kaeya are happy now.
It was true that betrayal was a sore spot for him after so many times on the receiving end. For someone who valued loyalty so highly, who was so painfully loyal himself... there were few things that hurt worse. He understood the weight of it.
So knowing that these things were long settled between Diluc and Kaeya now, Chuuya was glad for it.]
Good.
[His fingers curl together with Diluc's when the other man laces them together, expression oddly soft at the declaration.] Really now... By now, you've got to know the same goes for me.
[He tucks himself a little more firmly against Diluc, squeezing that hand curled together with his.] No, you haven't. The person you are is what matters most. You made amends, and you and Kaeya are happy. It's a good thing.
[He lets his head drop back against the couch cushions for a moment and breathes out a long, slow sigh. His heart is still racing slightly - Chuuya would be able to hear it from where he is - but it's calming slowly.]
We were always close, but never like this. And I think we have the whole of Mondstadt convinced that we still dislike one another. [Diluc's expression twists in brief amusement - a smile, a grin, then a laugh.] If they knew how closely we still worked together they wouldn't believe it.
[Except maybe Adelinde and Elzer. Neither of them would find it hard to believe and Diluc is quite sure they both know anyway. It's difficult to imagine them not realising with as well as they both know the two young men.]
I'll admit... you coming here with it was a shock, but I suppose we would have ended up having this conversation one way or another. Was Kaeya... all right, afterwards? I think he dislikes having his past put on display even more than I do.
[Chuuya listens quietly as Diluc's heart calms, and he wonders exactly how worried Diluc was about his regard for him changing. He'd made it clear once before that it was hard to shake him from caring about a person, but.... considering what had happened, he thinks it's probably understandable.
Still, seeing his smile, hearing his laugh feels good after such a heavy discussion, and it settles something in Chuuya that's been too tight since he arrived at his door.] Huh... do they just not notice, or do you both keep that tidbit quiet? Not that you necessarily have to like someone to work with them, but still.
[He lets out a sigh though, glancing away briefly.] I didn't quite think this through enough, I guess. I thought coming here as soon as possible so you'd know would hopefully head off any worry, but... maybe I should have let Kaeya tell you, first.
[He slumps slightly against Diluc, now.] I don't know if I'd say he's fine, but I made sure he knew I wasn't going to tell anyone else and tried to reassure him. That's why we went to the fair-- leaving him alone after all that just didn't seem right to me, and distractions and food both tend to help after things like this.
[He runs fingers over the back of Diluc's hand, pensive.]
Maybe it's a little easier, telling someone who's not from his world. I don't know why something that happened 500 years ago makes him a 'sinner', but I can't exactly argue with him about it either. I still think this Celestia place is full of bastards, though.
[There's a reason he and Kaeya don't talk about it to other people, even now. No one would really understand how Diluc's temper had flared or why without knowing things that Kaeya would not be willing to tell, and neither of them wants to damage the reputation of the other with half a story. Even if the dislike is not entirely real, the relationship between the two of them has never quite been the same since that night... and it's too much to explain.
Chuuya slumps against him and Diluc chuckles, rubbing his hand up and down the smaller man's arm. He turns the other hand over while Chuuya runs his fingers over it, letting him explore the myriad of small cuts and burns marking his fingers, then he sighs and shakes his head.]
Khaenri'ah drew the attention of Celestia because one of their alchemists released a hoard of monsters out across Teyvat. I don't know if it was deliberate or not, but it was enough for a godless nation that had until then been tolerated to draw the ire of the gods themselves. It wasn't an unprovoked attack, Chuuya. I'd call it a war, if there was ever any hope of Khaenri'ah winning it. [So much of the truth of what happened back then has been lost... and so few people now study it to piece the fragments together.
It's a lesson on man's hubris.]
Kaeya himself... his feelings on it are complicated. I don't think seeing himself as a sinner comes from his bloodline alone. [Diluc gives a faint smile.] But you'd be better asking him about that.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 08:30 am (UTC)Could be either, really. The both of them had been through so much... and yet it's somehow not surprising, not really. They'd accepted him after all.]
That vision probably saved the both of you, in the long run. [And maybe there's an irony there-- that Diluc controlled fire and Kaeya ice, but those opposing elements had been just what was necessary.]
...But you mended fences eventually, right? Pretty sure the proof is self-evident there.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 08:36 am (UTC)[Even if Diluc had, for a long time... Kaeya had known what he was up to before he had told anyone that he was leaving. Varka would have tried to stop him. Kaeya knew it was useless to try.]
I was away from Mondstadt for four years. We communicated by letter, when we were able to, but I often made myself very difficult to find. I came back to a number of notes that had never made it to me. [He still isn't looking at Chuuya, frowning at the table instead.] When I came back we didn't see each other face to face for weeks, but the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius decided he was going to interfere with that. [He huffs out a soft, dry laugh.]
We've been working together since I got back, but not openly. We still know each other best, after all.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:02 am (UTC)...It must have been so painful, for the both of them.]
That's when you left the knights, yeah? Or at least I guess as much. Can't imagine you could take hiatus from your job for four years, unless they gave you some sort of mission.
[Which was probably not completely out of the question, but it sounds unlikely.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:07 am (UTC)[A faint viciousness does inch its way into his voice at that. The burn of that betrayal has not faded even after the number of years that have passed.]
They couldn't have the reputation of the Knights of Favonius tarnished by the idea that a 'merchant' had given his life to fight off a beast, while they had done nothing. [His brow furrows and he shakes his head.] My father was not just a simple merchant. Mondstadt is what it is because of people like my father. It would have served them better to remember that.
[Maybe he wouldn't have left, if Eroch hadn't done that.]
I knew I had to take it into my own hands. I knew who to look for, just not where to find them. I spend four years trying to hunt them down, and I destroyed anything and anyone that got in my way.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:20 am (UTC)[Oh, the tone of Chuuya's voice makes it clear how he feels about that.] So they rob a man of his accomplishment when he's in his fucking grave? What the hell kinda bastard would do something like that?
[Chuuya tone and dialect is a little rougher when he's angry, and of course he very rarely hides his emotions. Now is not an exception.]
Well screw them. You got the people behind it in the end, right? Bet that showed 'em to sweep shit under the rug.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:26 am (UTC)No.
[In a manner of speaking..? Well.]
I destroyed enough of their people and strongholds across Teyvat over four years to draw the attention of their leaders, and they decided to try to deal with me. I was almost killed.
[Finally, Diluc leans back into the couch cushions again. He looks up at the ceiling in silence, then over to the other man.] I'm officially a persona non grata in their home country, and I was never able to directly confront the person who was ultimately behind my father's death. [Another frown, smaller than before.] But I know who he is, and he knows that I do. If he's smart, he'll think twice before approaching Mondstadt again. If I have to burn down the entirety of the Fatui forces and myself with them to protect my country, I will.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:45 am (UTC)What? He's mafia. He can appreciate that kind of destructive power and dedication. Bloody revenge was practically required in the port mafia rulebook.] So you went on a rampage all over the place until they tried to take you out personally. At least you managed to put the fear of death into 'em, from the sound of it.
[...God there is no hiding the tiniest hint of admiration in his voice, is there? He shakes his head, letting out a short, humorless huff of laughter.]
But I'm glad... that you made it back alive.
[He offers Diluc a small, soft smile now.]
...A little disappointed I can't offer to help you burn the fuckers down, though. Laying waste to enemy strongholds is a specialty of mine.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 09:54 am (UTC)The person who rescued me back then inducted me into a continent-wide intelligence network. I've been working with them since then, protecting Mondstadt on as many fronts as necessary.
[Just so Chuuya knows he isn't alone now.]
And the Investigator... he was found guilty of treason and expelled from the order, then exiled from Mondstadt. I don't know where he is now. If he's dead in a ditch somewhere it's more than he deserves. [Fussing, unsure of what to do with his hands, he tucks a thick curl of hair behind his ear. It slides free almost immediately.] I couldn't go back to the Knights after what happened. I think the Grand Master understood that, even if he was disappointed. Varka is... an interesting man. I have a lot of respect for him. But not that much.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 10:04 am (UTC)That smile of Diluc's warms him through, settling some of the discomfort and guilt he'd felt while seeing Diluc so tense.]
Hah. So I was almost right on the info broker assumption back then. I'm glad you aren't doing this alone, between Kaeya and them.
[Diluc tucks hair behind his ear, only for it to slide free-- and Chuuya's hand is there instead, carefully reaching up to tuck the hair back into place, lingering briefly. He'd kept his hands to himself this entire time, in spite of wanting to offer comfort... precisely because it had been so difficult for Diluc. He didn't want his friend to feel more pressured than he already did.]
I'm also glad that bastard got what was coming to him.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 10:11 am (UTC)Mmn.
[Diluc snags Chuuya's wrist and tugs, pulling the smaller man in close to his side and then wrapping his arm around him. It could have been worse. He can still remember how hard it had been to talk to Kazuha and Venti about it, months ago.]
I said that you see a better version of me here. Maybe you understand that now. I'm... very closed off, in Mondstadt. I keep everyone away. I have my reasons, but being here has... helped. I've had to face up to a lot of things, and I've had more time to move on.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 10:25 am (UTC)I do understand better. And I also understand why you said you keep people at arm's length.
[And here Chuuya is, far closer than that. He's glad, that he's gotten to know Diluc this much.]
I'm glad. Not that I don't think I wouldn't like you anyway, but you sound like you're happier now.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 10:31 am (UTC)[He's known that for a while. Though it had been a bumpy route to get there, he is happier now... and he's happy to have met people that he can trust enough to let this close to him. A smile stays on his face as he watches Chuuya gently massaging against his hand and he curls his fingers to lace them together, clasping the other man's hand against his.]
And I've been able to meet some people that have become very important to me. Like you.
[How fast it happened is unusual, but not unheard of. When he clicks with someone, that's that.]
So I hope I haven't damaged your opinion of me.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-05 08:46 pm (UTC)It was true that betrayal was a sore spot for him after so many times on the receiving end. For someone who valued loyalty so highly, who was so painfully loyal himself... there were few things that hurt worse. He understood the weight of it.
So knowing that these things were long settled between Diluc and Kaeya now, Chuuya was glad for it.]
Good.
[His fingers curl together with Diluc's when the other man laces them together, expression oddly soft at the declaration.] Really now... By now, you've got to know the same goes for me.
[He tucks himself a little more firmly against Diluc, squeezing that hand curled together with his.] No, you haven't. The person you are is what matters most. You made amends, and you and Kaeya are happy. It's a good thing.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-08 06:37 pm (UTC)[He lets his head drop back against the couch cushions for a moment and breathes out a long, slow sigh. His heart is still racing slightly - Chuuya would be able to hear it from where he is - but it's calming slowly.]
We were always close, but never like this. And I think we have the whole of Mondstadt convinced that we still dislike one another. [Diluc's expression twists in brief amusement - a smile, a grin, then a laugh.] If they knew how closely we still worked together they wouldn't believe it.
[Except maybe Adelinde and Elzer. Neither of them would find it hard to believe and Diluc is quite sure they both know anyway. It's difficult to imagine them not realising with as well as they both know the two young men.]
I'll admit... you coming here with it was a shock, but I suppose we would have ended up having this conversation one way or another. Was Kaeya... all right, afterwards? I think he dislikes having his past put on display even more than I do.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-08 11:06 pm (UTC)Still, seeing his smile, hearing his laugh feels good after such a heavy discussion, and it settles something in Chuuya that's been too tight since he arrived at his door.] Huh... do they just not notice, or do you both keep that tidbit quiet? Not that you necessarily have to like someone to work with them, but still.
[He lets out a sigh though, glancing away briefly.] I didn't quite think this through enough, I guess. I thought coming here as soon as possible so you'd know would hopefully head off any worry, but... maybe I should have let Kaeya tell you, first.
[He slumps slightly against Diluc, now.] I don't know if I'd say he's fine, but I made sure he knew I wasn't going to tell anyone else and tried to reassure him. That's why we went to the fair-- leaving him alone after all that just didn't seem right to me, and distractions and food both tend to help after things like this.
[He runs fingers over the back of Diluc's hand, pensive.]
Maybe it's a little easier, telling someone who's not from his world. I don't know why something that happened 500 years ago makes him a 'sinner', but I can't exactly argue with him about it either. I still think this Celestia place is full of bastards, though.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-13 03:30 pm (UTC)Chuuya slumps against him and Diluc chuckles, rubbing his hand up and down the smaller man's arm. He turns the other hand over while Chuuya runs his fingers over it, letting him explore the myriad of small cuts and burns marking his fingers, then he sighs and shakes his head.]
Khaenri'ah drew the attention of Celestia because one of their alchemists released a hoard of monsters out across Teyvat. I don't know if it was deliberate or not, but it was enough for a godless nation that had until then been tolerated to draw the ire of the gods themselves. It wasn't an unprovoked attack, Chuuya. I'd call it a war, if there was ever any hope of Khaenri'ah winning it. [So much of the truth of what happened back then has been lost... and so few people now study it to piece the fragments together.
It's a lesson on man's hubris.]
Kaeya himself... his feelings on it are complicated. I don't think seeing himself as a sinner comes from his bloodline alone. [Diluc gives a faint smile.] But you'd be better asking him about that.