[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.]
[Diluc likes to cook, and when they were teenagers would often take over the kitchen on random afternoons, chasing the staff out as they tried to tidy up after him. He would experiment with things and rarely come up with something that wasn't delicious. Even now he does it, sometimes. An odd quirk that he never grew out of.
And he doesn't doubt Kaeya's cooking ability either. Even with how delicate he's feeling, everything smells great.]
Hmm. Then you can at least sit down.
[If he was going to go to all this trouble, Diluc wasn't going to chase him off.]
[Kaeya was surprised at the request. But after doing a quick clean up and grabbing himself a glass of juice (thank god it wasn't grape), Kaeya did just that. He nursed the cup in his hand.]
So... you never did answer my question. Did the medicine help your headache at all? Seems like you were able to keep it down too.
[He knew it likely wouldn't go away right now. But he had hoped it was manageable. Food and more water should help with the rest, assuming his stomach wasn't going to rebel anymore.]
[He starts with the soup, figuring that if his stomach is actually going to rebel against something then it might as well be something that would come back up easily. Ugh. There's a thought.
But it's good, and he stirs it for a few moments before taking more than an experimental sip. As it turns out... he is pretty hungry.]
It helped. Or the sleep did. Or the water. Or-- [You.] Some combination. [He has a little more soup and then lowers the spoon, looking at the other man quietly.]
[Kaeya leaned his cheek in his hand, still nursing the glass of juice as he listened. He gave a small huff of a laugh.]
You were cranky and I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Hangovers are no joke, it's fine. Glad you're feeling better though.
[He couldn't help himself next.]
I do have to commend you, though. Getting through half of the rice wine is no small feat, I'm surprised. But I did confiscate it like I said I would. Free wine is nice and all but I don't think I want it to be under these circumstances again, if you please.
[At least he sounded more jovial than sassy when he said it. He really wasn't trying to poke the bear but he just couldn't help but at least comment on it.]
[Feeling a little bolder about the food as his body starts to realise it's hungry enough to keep things down with little complaint, he seems very content to dig in.
Conversations with Kaeya have felt like a minefield ever since he came back to Mondstadt. They snipe and snap at each other, prodding at sensitive spots to rile each other up. Kaeya all bright sarcasm and probing observations, and Diluc a sharp contrast in his cold remarks and chilly comebacks.
And now, he isn't sure how to appropriately react. He lets the words sink in for a moment, telling himself that it isn't a barb, then he replies.]
That's bold of you, but I'll only need to buy more. I was using it in cooking. [Why buy cheap stuff when you can afford better? He lets out a soft huff.] And you had a bottle of wine from me already. Don't expect me to make a habit of it.
[Kaeya only laughed merrily, finally taking a sip of the juice.]
Fine, fine, I guess I can't ban wine from the winemaker. I can give it back then, if you like? I still have that bottle you gave me, so it isn't as though I'm going without.
[He was happy to see Diluc eating a bit more now. Seems his stomach wasn't going to rebel, so he was glad in the choices he did make when cooking. It was nice. This was nice. Sure, Kaeya was still making a joke at Diluc's expense but it wasn't really anything more than a fun jab compared to his usual sarcastic barbs.
[He does look a little better in himself as time, and the conversation moves on. What small amount of colour there usually is in his face comes back to it, though there's really nothing to be done about the mop of curls his hair has turned into while he was sleeping. It's a little late for him to be self-conscious about that and besides... it's not as if Kaeya hasn't seen him looking like this before.
It's been a long time, but some things never change. One of those things is how wild Diluc's hair can get.]
Speaking of wine... I'm going to make up a sample of dandelion wine to pitch to some of the bars here. [He hadn't really spoken about this at length to many people, but Kaeya would understand better than most just what doing it would mean to him.]
[His messy hair was always a bit of a fun thing to see whenever he had the chance to. Especially the days when he was allowed to brush and braid it. Those were the days…
Kaeya’s face nearly slipped from his hand at the offer though, he blinked and was speechless for the moment.]
I—wait. Dandelion wine, really? You’re able to find the ingredients here?
Diluc clears his throat softly, prodding at the soup with the tip of his spoon, and a tiny smile pulls at the corners of his lips.]
It's a simple recipe when done on a small scale.
[Diluc may not drink what his winery produces but that doesn't mean he isn't very aware of what goes into it and exactly how he might make it himself. What kind of a businessman would he be if all he ever did was the paperwork?]
I might try to cook up some apple cider, too. Perhaps for the winter.
[Diluc wasn't wrong. A lot of things were easier when done at a small scale and he knew that Diluc could easily replicate a lot of the wines that his winery created without really having to taste it himself, given his lack of tolerance. But still, the fact that he was offering... he couldn't help but smile a bit in return and he nodded.]
Just let me know when, I'll be here.
[His smile couldn't help but widen a little into a smirk, though.]
Think I could get you to try and make Dead After Noon as well?
[He wasn't being serious, but it was a ripe moment for asking. He laughed quietly.]
Apple cider in the winter would be wonderful, though.
[He shakes his head, understanding very well why Kaeya decides to make that jibe. Nothing taken personally, though, and while he doesn't laugh he doesn't look too irritated by the prodding either.]
I didn't learn that one, so I'll leave it to you.
[Diluc could, in truth, probably make that drink here if he had such an inclination... but the rice wine had been enough of a lesson. He won't be drinking anything so strong for a while.
The redhead smiles faintly to himself.]
Apple cider, I can do. With a touch of cinnamon perhaps.
Unfortunately, I only know how to drink it, not make it. A shame, really.
[It was certainly his favorite of the bunch but with how often he and Venti bar hop, he's certain to find something that can hopefully match it. Dandelion Wine was definitely going to be up there once Diluc makes it too.]
Oho~ Getting fancy, are we? I'm definitely calling first dibs on it.
[Diluc lets out a soft breath through his nose. He sits back and pushes a hand through his hair, making a face as his fingers catch on a snag and pull through it, and then he softly clears his throat.]
I could teach you.
[He doesn't look up at Kaeya as he makes that offer, not quite sure he wants to see his response written across his face, and instead sets to finishing off the soup.]
[It took him a moment to realize what Diluc was saying. He had just said he didn't know how to make Dead After Noon but there was still Dandelion Wine. He wasn't sure how to answer. It was... incredibly forward and thoughtful of Diluc to offer so soon after agreeing to try again with... well, whatever would become of them.]
Are you sure? Not that I wouldn't want to know just...
[Some things he was still having trouble believing right now. Helping Diluc through his hangover was one thing but this? It was surreal, still.]
[He knows as soon as he says it that it's a lot. And maybe he's just...
He's not sure.
Diluc closes his eyes just for a moment and gives his head a tentative little shake.]
Am I sure? No, Kaeya, I'm still not sure about any of this. [Since he'd extracted that promise to tell him the truth from Kaeya, he feels it only... fair that he do the same in kind. It would only make things worse later on if he didn't.]
I'm sure you think I've forgotten how things used to be between us, when father was alive. [His voice stays low and level as he says this, and he looks up.]
I haven't. And as much as I've disliked you since, I remember many more years when--
[When I loved you.
He gives another little shake of his head.]
When things were different. That's what you want, isn't it? And I think-- I suppose I want that too. [Softly, he clears his throat.] If you don't want to learn the process I won't be offended. It was just an offer.
[Kaeya listened and he wasn't sure how he really felt as he did. Diluc was at least being a bit more forthcoming with how he felt about all this, but he still just... wasn't sure. It was really a lot in such a short time. It's what he had wanted and yet...
Especially because it still hurt to be told Diluc disliked him. It was hardly a secret, of course. But it wasn't like Diluc went around saying it to his face a lot. But he couldn't help but look up at the mention of their past, how Diluc had felt about him then. He was pretty sure his eye showed his hope and surprise because Diluc had been somewhat correct, he really had hoped that Diluc hadn't just thrown away their past. That was perhaps what had hurt the most about all this. That it felt like Diluc had thrown away a decade's worth of love because Kaeya wanted to clear the air and come clean.]
...is there a time limit on the offer?
[He didn't want to say yes or no right away. But just because Kaeya was getting what he wanted didn't mean he wanted to rush either. This was an incredibly delicate and fragile time now.]
[He looks across the table at Kaeya for a few long moments, then a short chuckle bubbles up out of him and he shakes his head again.
Maybe it's the sheer surreality of it that makes it so easy. Diluc can barely believe they had managed to talk, to air out those things that had needed saying, and that they had been able to agree to at least try to rebuild those burned bridges between them both.
Or maybe it's that he realises he'd never really been fair to Kaeya to begin with. The other man had been hurting too, and Diluc's rejection of him could have only caused him pain when they used to be so close.]
No, there's no time limit. Consider it open-ended.
[And finally, he manages to finish the last of the soup. Not bad at all.]
I'll need to source the ingredients to begin with, in any case.
[Kaeya nodded at that. Well, as long as he had some time to think about it.]
I'm sure you can ask any of the natives where to find dandelions, at the very least. I haven't been here long enough to know if the climate here is suitable for them but it'll be easy enough to figure out.
[He drained the last of his juice, standing up to go and rinse the glass. He looked over his shoulder to nod at the empty bowl.]
[It's the weight of them that he needs that will be the tricky part. Diluc doesn't really want to have to collect several pounds of dandelion heads by himself, but if he has to... well, it's going to be a few sunny days out in nature for him.
And then--]
Ah? [Oh. He looks down mildly, then picks up the bowl and holds it out.] Please.
[It was good soup. When the bowl is out of his hands though, he does go for one of the egg rolls. Because... why not.]
You didn't have to go to so much effort. I, um... appreciate it.
Then I'd say look for a florist and see if you can buy some in bulk. Gathering will take awhile.
[He set the glass upside down in the sink and reached out to take the bowl, going back to the pot to ladle some more in after giving it a stir.]
You're welcome. I didn't know what you would be able to stomach so...
[Shrug. He didn't mind. Besides, now Diluc had leftovers that would be easy on him for the day. He set the bowl back down since Diluc went for the egg rolls.]
I didn't put any seasoning in those since I wasn't sure about your stomach. So it'll be a bit bland.
[It's... nice. Despite the still-shaky feeling he has overall, he does feel better and just spending time casually with Kaeya like this is... nice.
He doesn't realise he's watching the other man until the bowl is being put down again and he abruptly finds he had been quietly, almost fondly observing him with his chin resting on his hand while they idly talked shop about dandelions.
Diluc straightens up and blinks, and gives a little nod.]
No, that's for the best. [Thoughtful. He tries one, and though it is bland it still tastes good.] I'll need to be careful for a couple of days, I expect.
[Kaeya took a seat again, this time taking a roll for himself. He wasn't hungry but watching Diluc eat gave him the urge to at least munch on something and he made quite a bit. Eggs were always easy.]
I think you're over the worst of it. But it wouldn't be bad idea to be cautious.
[Diluc was a bit of a special case when it came to hangovers.
It was... really nice to be so casual about all this though, Diluc being sick aside. Just talking over breakfast, discussing wine and dandelions. It felt familiar and nostalgic.
He looked down at his food abruptly, stealing a bite to give himself another distraction.]
[The only thing that would have made it complete was their father being there, Diluc realises with a pang of sadness. He wonders what Crepus would have thought of what became of his two sons after his death.
Would he even recognise them now.]
You're thinking about something.
[He doesn't look up and states the observation casually while in the middle of neatly snipping an egg roll in half with his chopsticks.]
Nothing for you to worry your frizzy little head over.
[Deflecting was just habit at this point. Habitual and easy. But while he probably should be more forthcoming, Kaeya wasn't totally ready to. He was thinking and his thoughts were everywhere right now.]
Besides, I'm not the only with their gears turning.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
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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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Date: 2021-09-17 10:49 pm (UTC)And he doesn't doubt Kaeya's cooking ability either. Even with how delicate he's feeling, everything smells great.]
Hmm. Then you can at least sit down.
[If he was going to go to all this trouble, Diluc wasn't going to chase him off.]
I insist.
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:02 pm (UTC)So... you never did answer my question. Did the medicine help your headache at all? Seems like you were able to keep it down too.
[He knew it likely wouldn't go away right now. But he had hoped it was manageable. Food and more water should help with the rest, assuming his stomach wasn't going to rebel anymore.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:07 pm (UTC)[He starts with the soup, figuring that if his stomach is actually going to rebel against something then it might as well be something that would come back up easily. Ugh. There's a thought.
But it's good, and he stirs it for a few moments before taking more than an experimental sip. As it turns out... he is pretty hungry.]
It helped. Or the sleep did. Or the water. Or-- [You.] Some combination. [He has a little more soup and then lowers the spoon, looking at the other man quietly.]
I blamed you. That wasn't fair of me.
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:16 pm (UTC)You were cranky and I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Hangovers are no joke, it's fine. Glad you're feeling better though.
[He couldn't help himself next.]
I do have to commend you, though. Getting through half of the rice wine is no small feat, I'm surprised. But I did confiscate it like I said I would. Free wine is nice and all but I don't think I want it to be under these circumstances again, if you please.
[At least he sounded more jovial than sassy when he said it. He really wasn't trying to poke the bear but he just couldn't help but at least comment on it.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:23 pm (UTC)Conversations with Kaeya have felt like a minefield ever since he came back to Mondstadt. They snipe and snap at each other, prodding at sensitive spots to rile each other up. Kaeya all bright sarcasm and probing observations, and Diluc a sharp contrast in his cold remarks and chilly comebacks.
And now, he isn't sure how to appropriately react. He lets the words sink in for a moment, telling himself that it isn't a barb, then he replies.]
That's bold of you, but I'll only need to buy more. I was using it in cooking. [Why buy cheap stuff when you can afford better? He lets out a soft huff.] And you had a bottle of wine from me already. Don't expect me to make a habit of it.
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:28 pm (UTC)Fine, fine, I guess I can't ban wine from the winemaker. I can give it back then, if you like? I still have that bottle you gave me, so it isn't as though I'm going without.
[He was happy to see Diluc eating a bit more now. Seems his stomach wasn't going to rebel, so he was glad in the choices he did make when cooking. It was nice. This was nice. Sure, Kaeya was still making a joke at Diluc's expense but it wasn't really anything more than a fun jab compared to his usual sarcastic barbs.
This was nice.]
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Date: 2021-09-17 11:38 pm (UTC)It's been a long time, but some things never change. One of those things is how wild Diluc's hair can get.]
Speaking of wine... I'm going to make up a sample of dandelion wine to pitch to some of the bars here. [He hadn't really spoken about this at length to many people, but Kaeya would understand better than most just what doing it would mean to him.]
If you'd like, you can taste-test it for me.
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Date: 2021-09-18 01:31 am (UTC)Kaeya’s face nearly slipped from his hand at the offer though, he blinked and was speechless for the moment.]
I—wait. Dandelion wine, really? You’re able to find the ingredients here?
[And he was going to let Kaeya taste-test?]
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Date: 2021-09-18 10:47 am (UTC)Diluc clears his throat softly, prodding at the soup with the tip of his spoon, and a tiny smile pulls at the corners of his lips.]
It's a simple recipe when done on a small scale.
[Diluc may not drink what his winery produces but that doesn't mean he isn't very aware of what goes into it and exactly how he might make it himself. What kind of a businessman would he be if all he ever did was the paperwork?]
I might try to cook up some apple cider, too. Perhaps for the winter.
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Date: 2021-09-18 03:35 pm (UTC)Just let me know when, I'll be here.
[His smile couldn't help but widen a little into a smirk, though.]
Think I could get you to try and make Dead After Noon as well?
[He wasn't being serious, but it was a ripe moment for asking. He laughed quietly.]
Apple cider in the winter would be wonderful, though.
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Date: 2021-09-18 03:45 pm (UTC)[He shakes his head, understanding very well why Kaeya decides to make that jibe. Nothing taken personally, though, and while he doesn't laugh he doesn't look too irritated by the prodding either.]
I didn't learn that one, so I'll leave it to you.
[Diluc could, in truth, probably make that drink here if he had such an inclination... but the rice wine had been enough of a lesson. He won't be drinking anything so strong for a while.
The redhead smiles faintly to himself.]
Apple cider, I can do. With a touch of cinnamon perhaps.
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Date: 2021-09-18 04:18 pm (UTC)[It was certainly his favorite of the bunch but with how often he and Venti bar hop, he's certain to find something that can hopefully match it. Dandelion Wine was definitely going to be up there once Diluc makes it too.]
Oho~ Getting fancy, are we? I'm definitely calling first dibs on it.
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Date: 2021-09-18 04:24 pm (UTC)I could teach you.
[He doesn't look up at Kaeya as he makes that offer, not quite sure he wants to see his response written across his face, and instead sets to finishing off the soup.]
How to make it, that is.
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Date: 2021-09-18 10:27 pm (UTC)Are you sure? Not that I wouldn't want to know just...
[Some things he was still having trouble believing right now. Helping Diluc through his hangover was one thing but this? It was surreal, still.]
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Date: 2021-09-18 10:42 pm (UTC)He's not sure.
Diluc closes his eyes just for a moment and gives his head a tentative little shake.]
Am I sure? No, Kaeya, I'm still not sure about any of this. [Since he'd extracted that promise to tell him the truth from Kaeya, he feels it only... fair that he do the same in kind. It would only make things worse later on if he didn't.]
I'm sure you think I've forgotten how things used to be between us, when father was alive. [His voice stays low and level as he says this, and he looks up.]
I haven't. And as much as I've disliked you since, I remember many more years when--
[When I loved you.
He gives another little shake of his head.]
When things were different. That's what you want, isn't it? And I think-- I suppose I want that too. [Softly, he clears his throat.] If you don't want to learn the process I won't be offended. It was just an offer.
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Date: 2021-09-18 10:54 pm (UTC)Especially because it still hurt to be told Diluc disliked him. It was hardly a secret, of course. But it wasn't like Diluc went around saying it to his face a lot. But he couldn't help but look up at the mention of their past, how Diluc had felt about him then. He was pretty sure his eye showed his hope and surprise because Diluc had been somewhat correct, he really had hoped that Diluc hadn't just thrown away their past. That was perhaps what had hurt the most about all this. That it felt like Diluc had thrown away a decade's worth of love because Kaeya wanted to clear the air and come clean.]
...is there a time limit on the offer?
[He didn't want to say yes or no right away. But just because Kaeya was getting what he wanted didn't mean he wanted to rush either. This was an incredibly delicate and fragile time now.]
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Date: 2021-09-18 11:02 pm (UTC)Maybe it's the sheer surreality of it that makes it so easy. Diluc can barely believe they had managed to talk, to air out those things that had needed saying, and that they had been able to agree to at least try to rebuild those burned bridges between them both.
Or maybe it's that he realises he'd never really been fair to Kaeya to begin with. The other man had been hurting too, and Diluc's rejection of him could have only caused him pain when they used to be so close.]
No, there's no time limit. Consider it open-ended.
[And finally, he manages to finish the last of the soup. Not bad at all.]
I'll need to source the ingredients to begin with, in any case.
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Date: 2021-09-18 11:56 pm (UTC)I'm sure you can ask any of the natives where to find dandelions, at the very least. I haven't been here long enough to know if the climate here is suitable for them but it'll be easy enough to figure out.
[He drained the last of his juice, standing up to go and rinse the glass. He looked over his shoulder to nod at the empty bowl.]
Want some more or do you want to try the others?
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Date: 2021-09-19 10:39 pm (UTC)[It's the weight of them that he needs that will be the tricky part. Diluc doesn't really want to have to collect several pounds of dandelion heads by himself, but if he has to... well, it's going to be a few sunny days out in nature for him.
And then--]
Ah? [Oh. He looks down mildly, then picks up the bowl and holds it out.] Please.
[It was good soup. When the bowl is out of his hands though, he does go for one of the egg rolls. Because... why not.]
You didn't have to go to so much effort. I, um... appreciate it.
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Date: 2021-09-20 12:44 am (UTC)[He set the glass upside down in the sink and reached out to take the bowl, going back to the pot to ladle some more in after giving it a stir.]
You're welcome. I didn't know what you would be able to stomach so...
[Shrug. He didn't mind. Besides, now Diluc had leftovers that would be easy on him for the day. He set the bowl back down since Diluc went for the egg rolls.]
I didn't put any seasoning in those since I wasn't sure about your stomach. So it'll be a bit bland.
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Date: 2021-09-20 01:13 am (UTC)[It's... nice. Despite the still-shaky feeling he has overall, he does feel better and just spending time casually with Kaeya like this is... nice.
He doesn't realise he's watching the other man until the bowl is being put down again and he abruptly finds he had been quietly, almost fondly observing him with his chin resting on his hand while they idly talked shop about dandelions.
Diluc straightens up and blinks, and gives a little nod.]
No, that's for the best. [Thoughtful. He tries one, and though it is bland it still tastes good.] I'll need to be careful for a couple of days, I expect.
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Date: 2021-09-20 01:33 am (UTC)I think you're over the worst of it. But it wouldn't be bad idea to be cautious.
[Diluc was a bit of a special case when it came to hangovers.
It was... really nice to be so casual about all this though, Diluc being sick aside. Just talking over breakfast, discussing wine and dandelions. It felt familiar and nostalgic.
He looked down at his food abruptly, stealing a bite to give himself another distraction.]
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Date: 2021-09-20 11:10 pm (UTC)Would he even recognise them now.]
You're thinking about something.
[He doesn't look up and states the observation casually while in the middle of neatly snipping an egg roll in half with his chopsticks.]
What's on your mind?
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Date: 2021-09-21 12:06 am (UTC)[Deflecting was just habit at this point. Habitual and easy. But while he probably should be more forthcoming, Kaeya wasn't totally ready to. He was thinking and his thoughts were everywhere right now.]
Besides, I'm not the only with their gears turning.
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