[Thankfully, it appeared that the door wasn’t locked when Kaeya arrived. He had a large water bottle in hand and some painkillers. He stepped inside and despite the lack of a mess or anything of the source, he did catch the scent of wine.
It seems Diluc wasn’t kidding. He rummaged through the cupboards to pour a tall glass of water and pulled out a couple of the pills. He made his way to Diluc bedroom and set both the glass and medicine on the table next to the bed.]
Up and at ‘em, Diluc. You need water and food to help with your hangover.
[He kept his voice low, at least, but he didn’t dare touch Diluc just yet.]
[He had been hoping the door was locked and Kaeya wouldn't follow through on actually breaking it. Funnily enough he can't recall leaving it open, but he hears the other man walking in without any trouble and only half-listens to his footsteps.
It's still very tidy in the apartment but the same can't quite be said for the man himself. He's almost face down in bed with his hair loose and two blue streaks spread untidily through it. When he hears Kaeya's voice he curls one pale arm around his head and makes a sound of protest.]
[Diluc whispers the words in an urgent-sounding tone as he curls his fingers around the pills that were pushed into his hand. He's only been this poorly off after drinking once before and one might have thought he'd learned his lesson then.
And you’ll only get worse if you don’t actually keep yourself hydrated.
[It was alarming that one time too, it’s alarming now. But then Diluc continued and while Kaeya knew a part of it was just that the redhead was just miserable right now but it stung harder to hear it all the same. Because he was certain there was truth to it.]
Who knew you could break a deal so quick, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
[He said it without much emotion, just a sigh. He straightened up.]
If you don’t want to actually do this, then you don’t have to.
[He goes very still, his slim fingers curling half-fretfully into his hair, then with a hissing inhale he pushes himself up on one elbow and finally sits up.]
Excuse me?
[Even with one eye closed and the other struggling to fully focus he still manages to look entirely offended.]
You really must stop this habit of-- putting words into my mouth. It's annoying. [Ugh...
He presses the heel of his hand against his forehead.]
You're not going to get out of not being able to lie to me so easily, Kaeya.
[He hunches his shoulders and rests the glass against his lower lip, taking small sips of the water. The casual touch against his head makes him bristle up for a second, before he huffs out a sigh and closes his eyes.
A moment later he's leaning his head very subtly against the cool sensation.]
I'm still blaming you. [Diluc mutters moodily.] I can't get the blue out of my hair.
[Seriously, Diluc? That’s what this is about? He rolled his eyes, but he stayed where he was. He sat at the edge of the bed to save his back too.]
In case you hadn’t noticed, and I’ll forgive you considering you’re out of commission right now, but I have red in my hair that stubbornly refuses to leave. And what do you know, it matches the same hair color of a certain someone who is being stubborn at this very moment!
[He did noticed that it seemed to only stay when he was home. And knowing that apparently Diluc hadn’t left his apartment the last few days, it was easy to figure out it was proximity related. Proximity to a newly forged bond.
But he’d let Diluc figure that part out on his own.]
I was being serious, by the way. If you don’t want to do this, then just tell me. [His voice quieted a little as his eye shifted to the side.] I’d rather you didn’t get my hopes up.
[Seven have mercy. Sitting up made it worse and now keeping very still is about all he can do while he just... keeps sipping the water. Kaeya keeps talking and Diluc has to wonder how much he really wanted to make amends if he was willing to give up on it so easily.
But piecing too many thoughts together at once is difficult and so he opts to keep things simple instead.]
Don't be stupid.
[Succinct. Nailed it.]
I may not be sure of what I want. But this-- [He manages to find a bit of blue-streaked red.] This is. So stop trying to run away from me when I'm finally holding a hand out to you.
[Diluc winces again, shutting his eyes tight and resting his head on his hand.]
And stop making me think so much. It's exceedingly difficult right now.
[Kaeya wasn’t sure why Diluc was insisting he was trying to run away from this. He just didn’t want to be the one that drove Diluc to drink and potentially hurt himself because of him. And he didn’t even really understand why Diluc drank in the first place.]
You’re infuriating, I hope you know that.
[He moved his hand from Diluc temple to his forehead, gently prying his hand away. His other hand slid under the now slightly two-toned hair to press another cool hand to the back of his head and neck.]
I’m not running away, you’re just being an ass. Stop blaming me and let me help you, then.
[Part of him still isn't sure he likes Kaeya touching him so casually, but the cool touch of his hand is a blessed thing and he lets out a soft sigh as he tilts his head back just slightly into the hold. Diluc always runs hot anyway and right now is no different, but with the headache he has he can't bring himself to really complain.
And besides... nothing of what they're trying to do is going to work if he doesn't at least attempt to let the other man get closer. Even if it's just like this.]
And I can do both. [He slants his bright gaze to Kaeya for a moment and then shuts his eyes again, and the edge of the glass knocks lightly against his teeth as he takes another sip.]
... I was thinking. [As he's wont to do.] About father, and... everything. And one thing led to another, I suppose.
[Kaeya only met that slanted gaze with one of his own, suitably not impressed. But he kept quiet and was silently thankful that Diluc was at least amenable to the cryo magic even if it meant getting into his personal space.
Ah. Well, he supposed he could understand that. It wouldn’t be the first time Kaeya drank to numb his emotions. He shook his head lightly.]
Heh, didn’t think I’d be such a bad influence on you. But I think I’ll take the rest your wine so you don’t have try this again, hm?
[Diluc was worse than a lightweight.
He nodded to the pills still in Diluc’s hand.]
Seems like you can handle the water, try taking the medicine. The cryo is only going to help for so long and I need my hands if I’m going to help you through the hangover.
[Definitely not any time soon. He knew going into it that he had no tolerance for alcohol and that it would knock him flat on his ass, and to be honest at the time that had been what he wanted. After a quiet and - admittedly - enjoyable dinner with Kaeya he had gone back to his own living space with his mind in chaos.
What had happened between them that day had been more than just ripping a band-aid off. It had been like breaking a dam as far as Diluc was concerned, and he'd been weighted under thoughts of his father, the Knights, those years spent relentlessly hunting the Fatui (and for what?).
Drinking had been a... poor choice, really, but short of going to find something to swing his sword at it was the only option he had to hand outside of just sinking into it.]
Mm. Pity. [He mutters. The cryo is actually kind of nice. He takes the pills and swallows them with a mouthful of water and a pointed grimace.] Ugh. Thank you.
[He couldn’t help the quiet chuckle, but he made no move to remove his hands for now. It was actually really nice to do something for Diluc and not have it have some kind of ulterior motive or something. He chanced a small massage just at the base of his skull.]
I’ll stay here if you want but you will need to eat something eventually. And you’ll run out of water. I can wait until the medicine kicks in though.
[He really wasn’t in much of hurry. He would do as much as Diluc allowed, although Kaeya wasn’t known for being subservient either so depending on how stubborn Diluc got, Kaeya would do his best to not push too much.]
[He makes a sound in the back of his throat and it's hard to tell in the moment if it's because of the movement of Kaeya's hand against the back of his head or the idea of having to eat something. A vague, half-hearted 'mnfh' as he keeps his eyes shut.]
Didn't think you'd believe me if I said nothing was wrong. [He sighs. Kaeya keeps an eye on him, he knows that, so he knows that Kaeya is aware he's not left the apartment for three days.] So I thought I'd just...
[Diluc waves a hand vaguely. He thought he'd just tell him. In his own particular, passive-aggressive way.]
[He counted it as a small victory that Diluc had yet to shove his hand away. The sound he made drew another laugh though. At least it was working.]
Doesn’t take a genius to figure out something was wrong, Diluc. I’m sure no one would have believed you, let alone me.
[He supposed he could appreciate that Diluc didn’t try to deflect, as passive-aggressive as it was. With a soft sound of his own, he gently urged Diluc to lay back against the pillows.]
I’ll get some ice, you try and sleep a little more and hopefully I’ll have a meal ready for you when the medicine has helped. Sounds okay?
[Well, Venti hadn't believed him either a few days previously. He hadn't started on the wine at that point but he had been close to it. He should probably... try to talk to the bard again at some point, but he had definitely ruffled Diluc's proverbial feathers with his badgering.
He looks up at Kaeya, eyes half lidded and slightly dulled, and he only resists a little at being pushed back. There's not much fight left in him at the moment, it seems.]
Mm. Sounds fine.
[The pillow is very soft, comfortable, and he exhales quietly as he settles down against it. With his temples throbbing dully he doesn't expect to be able to sleep, but he dozes off quickly.
When he wakes up it's with the disorienting sensation of not knowing how much time has passed, but he feels far less fragile as he carefully sits up and begins to piece things together.
Ah--...]
... Kaeya?
[He tries it out carefully. Would he still be here?]
[Kaeya was only mildly surprised that Diluc fell asleep so quickly after that. But once it seemed Diluc was going to be out at least for a little bit, Kaeya decided to make due on his word and make something that would hopefully be easy enough on Diluc’s stomach. After finding a towel and wrapping up some cryo made ice into it, he carefully tucked it between Diluc’s neck at the pillow. It’ll only last so long with the redhead’s pyro Vision but it should be enough to allow him to rest and give the medicine a head start.
By the time Diluc woke up, the impromptu ice pack was gone but there were traces of cold. Kaeya, much like when figuring out dinner the other day, couldn’t decide what to make. At least the list of choices was small so he settled on making a few things. Miso soup was kept heated in a pot on the stove, there was the sizzle of a pan as he rolled some eggs in the square pan, and he had some white rice on another part of the stove.
It really didn’t take much than a few inquiries from the vendors nearby and even less to make these particular dishes.]
Diluc isn't sure what he wants to hear when he calls out Kaeya's name. Would silence or a reply have been more comfortable? When he gets the latter, he twists the bedsheet up in his fingers for a moment and almost wills his headache to come back so he can excuse lying down again.]
M.. mm.
[Stop being such an idiot, Diluc.
He closes his eyes for a moment, then pushes himself up out of bed. Standing up makes his head throb briefly, and he waits for a moment for the dizziness to subside. Then he grabs a robe, pulling it on as he leaves the room.
Finding Kaeya casually using his kitchen is a... surreal experience. Enough to make him pause mid-step as he walks out. Up and walking, Diluc doesn't look quite as pathetic as he did, though his hair is a wild mess of curls and there's a distinct lack of colour in his face going beyond even his usual paleness.]
[Kaeya was plating the eggs when Diluc finally came into the kitchen. He looked like a mess, and Kaeya almost pointed this out but managed to bite his lip just in time. Now wasn’t the time to provoke.
As much as he really wanted to.
Instead, he simply gave a slight grin and nodded to the kitchen table.]
Hey. You should take a seat before you keel over. How’s the headache?
[This was incredibly surreal and still a bit mind boggling. He was cooking for Diluc again, this time in Diluc’s kitchen, and he was taking care of the poor guy. Again. He really hoped this wasn’t going to be a habit.
Nonetheless, he grabbed a few small bowls and plates and set the food down in small portions.]
You’ve got good timing. Wasn’t sure what you could handle so I made a few things for you to pick at.
[Diluc is expecting it and is surprised when it doesn't happen, though he manages to keep it from showing on his face. He picks his way silently to the table and slides himself onto a chair, resting his forearms against the table and just... watching.
It's strange. It's very strange, but he doesn't think he hates it.
But really, he needs to stop putting himself in positions where Kaeya needs to take care of him like this. It's already happened twice too often.
He rests his chin against one hand, only to lower it again when Kaeya starts putting plates down. He hadn't expected... this level of attentiveness.]
That's... [Thoughtful. His expression subtly softens.] You should enjoy this too.
[He knew he might be overdoing it. But while it had been a long time since Kaeya had ever gotten so hungover he was genuinely sick like Diluc felt, he also knew that having someone to look after him would have been nice. As it stands, Kaeya usually had no one but himself. He wasn't sure why he even felt like he should go this far, it wasn't like Diluc also didn't have the staff back home but he was also certain Diluc wouldn't be drinking back home because this wouldn't have happened.
Maybe it was partially his fault then, that Diluc was like this. So, why not help him out? He seemed willing to accept it still.]
I already ate, so don't worry about it. Besides, you'll have leftovers which makes it easier for when you get hungry later.
[He hadn't actually eaten, but he also wasn't hungry. So, he was fine with this.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:24 am (UTC)Karma?]Your door better be unlocked, otherwise I’m breaking it.
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-17 12:35 am (UTC)[Thankfully, it appeared that the door wasn’t locked when Kaeya arrived. He had a large water bottle in hand and some painkillers. He stepped inside and despite the lack of a mess or anything of the source, he did catch the scent of wine.
It seems Diluc wasn’t kidding. He rummaged through the cupboards to pour a tall glass of water and pulled out a couple of the pills. He made his way to Diluc bedroom and set both the glass and medicine on the table next to the bed.]
Up and at ‘em, Diluc. You need water and food to help with your hangover.
[He kept his voice low, at least, but he didn’t dare touch Diluc just yet.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:40 am (UTC)It's still very tidy in the apartment but the same can't quite be said for the man himself. He's almost face down in bed with his hair loose and two blue streaks spread untidily through it. When he hears Kaeya's voice he curls one pale arm around his head and makes a sound of protest.]
I'm not moving.
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:43 am (UTC)Drink up.
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:47 am (UTC)[Diluc whispers the words in an urgent-sounding tone as he curls his fingers around the pills that were pushed into his hand. He's only been this poorly off after drinking once before and one might have thought he'd learned his lesson then.
Evidently not well enough.]
This is your fault anyway.
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:53 am (UTC)[It was alarming that one time too, it’s alarming now. But then Diluc continued and while Kaeya knew a part of it was just that the redhead was just miserable right now but it stung harder to hear it all the same. Because he was certain there was truth to it.]
Who knew you could break a deal so quick, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
[He said it without much emotion, just a sigh. He straightened up.]
If you don’t want to actually do this, then you don’t have to.
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Date: 2021-09-17 12:59 am (UTC)Excuse me?
[Even with one eye closed and the other struggling to fully focus he still manages to look entirely offended.]
You really must stop this habit of-- putting words into my mouth. It's annoying. [Ugh...
He presses the heel of his hand against his forehead.]
You're not going to get out of not being able to lie to me so easily, Kaeya.
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Date: 2021-09-17 01:05 am (UTC)You’re blaming me for something you did to yourself. This has nothing to do with trying to get out anything.
[His other hand pressed against Diluc’s temple, fingers pressing coldness against the skin to help with the pain.]
Drink the water. Small sips.
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Date: 2021-09-17 01:10 am (UTC)A moment later he's leaning his head very subtly against the cool sensation.]
I'm still blaming you. [Diluc mutters moodily.] I can't get the blue out of my hair.
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Date: 2021-09-17 01:19 am (UTC)In case you hadn’t noticed, and I’ll forgive you considering you’re out of commission right now, but I have red in my hair that stubbornly refuses to leave. And what do you know, it matches the same hair color of a certain someone who is being stubborn at this very moment!
[He did noticed that it seemed to only stay when he was home. And knowing that apparently Diluc hadn’t left his apartment the last few days, it was easy to figure out it was proximity related. Proximity to a newly forged bond.
But he’d let Diluc figure that part out on his own.]
I was being serious, by the way. If you don’t want to do this, then just tell me. [His voice quieted a little as his eye shifted to the side.] I’d rather you didn’t get my hopes up.
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Date: 2021-09-17 01:29 am (UTC)[Seven have mercy. Sitting up made it worse and now keeping very still is about all he can do while he just... keeps sipping the water. Kaeya keeps talking and Diluc has to wonder how much he really wanted to make amends if he was willing to give up on it so easily.
But piecing too many thoughts together at once is difficult and so he opts to keep things simple instead.]
Don't be stupid.
[Succinct. Nailed it.]
I may not be sure of what I want. But this-- [He manages to find a bit of blue-streaked red.] This is. So stop trying to run away from me when I'm finally holding a hand out to you.
[Diluc winces again, shutting his eyes tight and resting his head on his hand.]
And stop making me think so much. It's exceedingly difficult right now.
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Date: 2021-09-17 01:45 am (UTC)You’re infuriating, I hope you know that.
[He moved his hand from Diluc temple to his forehead, gently prying his hand away. His other hand slid under the now slightly two-toned hair to press another cool hand to the back of his head and neck.]
I’m not running away, you’re just being an ass. Stop blaming me and let me help you, then.
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Date: 2021-09-17 08:35 am (UTC)[Part of him still isn't sure he likes Kaeya touching him so casually, but the cool touch of his hand is a blessed thing and he lets out a soft sigh as he tilts his head back just slightly into the hold. Diluc always runs hot anyway and right now is no different, but with the headache he has he can't bring himself to really complain.
And besides... nothing of what they're trying to do is going to work if he doesn't at least attempt to let the other man get closer. Even if it's just like this.]
And I can do both. [He slants his bright gaze to Kaeya for a moment and then shuts his eyes again, and the edge of the glass knocks lightly against his teeth as he takes another sip.]
... I was thinking. [As he's wont to do.] About father, and... everything. And one thing led to another, I suppose.
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Date: 2021-09-17 03:09 pm (UTC)Ah. Well, he supposed he could understand that. It wouldn’t be the first time Kaeya drank to numb his emotions. He shook his head lightly.]
Heh, didn’t think I’d be such a bad influence on you. But I think I’ll take the rest your wine so you don’t have try this again, hm?
[Diluc was worse than a lightweight.
He nodded to the pills still in Diluc’s hand.]
Seems like you can handle the water, try taking the medicine. The cryo is only going to help for so long and I need my hands if I’m going to help you through the hangover.
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Date: 2021-09-17 03:23 pm (UTC)[Definitely not any time soon. He knew going into it that he had no tolerance for alcohol and that it would knock him flat on his ass, and to be honest at the time that had been what he wanted. After a quiet and - admittedly - enjoyable dinner with Kaeya he had gone back to his own living space with his mind in chaos.
What had happened between them that day had been more than just ripping a band-aid off. It had been like breaking a dam as far as Diluc was concerned, and he'd been weighted under thoughts of his father, the Knights, those years spent relentlessly hunting the Fatui (and for what?).
Drinking had been a... poor choice, really, but short of going to find something to swing his sword at it was the only option he had to hand outside of just sinking into it.]
Mm. Pity. [He mutters. The cryo is actually kind of nice. He takes the pills and swallows them with a mouthful of water and a pointed grimace.] Ugh. Thank you.
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Date: 2021-09-17 03:55 pm (UTC)I’ll stay here if you want but you will need to eat something eventually. And you’ll run out of water. I can wait until the medicine kicks in though.
[He really wasn’t in much of hurry. He would do as much as Diluc allowed, although Kaeya wasn’t known for being subservient either so depending on how stubborn Diluc got, Kaeya would do his best to not push too much.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 04:11 pm (UTC)Didn't think you'd believe me if I said nothing was wrong. [He sighs. Kaeya keeps an eye on him, he knows that, so he knows that Kaeya is aware he's not left the apartment for three days.] So I thought I'd just...
[Diluc waves a hand vaguely. He thought he'd just tell him. In his own particular, passive-aggressive way.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 06:17 pm (UTC)Doesn’t take a genius to figure out something was wrong, Diluc. I’m sure no one would have believed you, let alone me.
[He supposed he could appreciate that Diluc didn’t try to deflect, as passive-aggressive as it was. With a soft sound of his own, he gently urged Diluc to lay back against the pillows.]
I’ll get some ice, you try and sleep a little more and hopefully I’ll have a meal ready for you when the medicine has helped. Sounds okay?
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Date: 2021-09-17 06:31 pm (UTC)He looks up at Kaeya, eyes half lidded and slightly dulled, and he only resists a little at being pushed back. There's not much fight left in him at the moment, it seems.]
Mm. Sounds fine.
[The pillow is very soft, comfortable, and he exhales quietly as he settles down against it. With his temples throbbing dully he doesn't expect to be able to sleep, but he dozes off quickly.
When he wakes up it's with the disorienting sensation of not knowing how much time has passed, but he feels far less fragile as he carefully sits up and begins to piece things together.
Ah--...]
... Kaeya?
[He tries it out carefully. Would he still be here?]
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Date: 2021-09-17 08:31 pm (UTC)By the time Diluc woke up, the impromptu ice pack was gone but there were traces of cold. Kaeya, much like when figuring out dinner the other day, couldn’t decide what to make. At least the list of choices was small so he settled on making a few things. Miso soup was kept heated in a pot on the stove, there was the sizzle of a pan as he rolled some eggs in the square pan, and he had some white rice on another part of the stove.
It really didn’t take much than a few inquiries from the vendors nearby and even less to make these particular dishes.]
In the kitchen, think you can make it out here?
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Date: 2021-09-17 08:56 pm (UTC)Diluc isn't sure what he wants to hear when he calls out Kaeya's name. Would silence or a reply have been more comfortable? When he gets the latter, he twists the bedsheet up in his fingers for a moment and almost wills his headache to come back so he can excuse lying down again.]
M.. mm.
[Stop being such an idiot, Diluc.
He closes his eyes for a moment, then pushes himself up out of bed. Standing up makes his head throb briefly, and he waits for a moment for the dizziness to subside. Then he grabs a robe, pulling it on as he leaves the room.
Finding Kaeya casually using his kitchen is a... surreal experience. Enough to make him pause mid-step as he walks out. Up and walking, Diluc doesn't look quite as pathetic as he did, though his hair is a wild mess of curls and there's a distinct lack of colour in his face going beyond even his usual paleness.]
... Hi.
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Date: 2021-09-17 09:42 pm (UTC)As much as he really wanted to.
Instead, he simply gave a slight grin and nodded to the kitchen table.]
Hey. You should take a seat before you keel over. How’s the headache?
[This was incredibly surreal and still a bit mind boggling. He was cooking for Diluc again, this time in Diluc’s kitchen, and he was taking care of the poor guy. Again. He really hoped this wasn’t going to be a habit.
Nonetheless, he grabbed a few small bowls and plates and set the food down in small portions.]
You’ve got good timing. Wasn’t sure what you could handle so I made a few things for you to pick at.
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Date: 2021-09-17 09:54 pm (UTC)It's strange. It's very strange, but he doesn't think he hates it.
But really, he needs to stop putting himself in positions where Kaeya needs to take care of him like this. It's already happened twice too often.
He rests his chin against one hand, only to lower it again when Kaeya starts putting plates down. He hadn't expected... this level of attentiveness.]
That's... [Thoughtful. His expression subtly softens.] You should enjoy this too.
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Date: 2021-09-17 10:39 pm (UTC)Maybe it was partially his fault then, that Diluc was like this. So, why not help him out? He seemed willing to accept it still.]
I already ate, so don't worry about it. Besides, you'll have leftovers which makes it easier for when you get hungry later.
[He hadn't actually eaten, but he also wasn't hungry. So, he was fine with this.]
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