circuitice | CALL ME OUT

[ like the reluctance of a scalded cat. diluc, however, is pleased to let go. he returns kaeya's personal space to him with the grace of a single step backward. the distance between the opens up ince more like an inexorable chasm -

the shore on the other side no longer seems so far. ]

Rinse out your glass, then, Sir Kaeya. We can then go.

[ he glances at him, and then exhales softly, mentally preparing himself. home... a concept that he has inexplicable mixed feelings about. he struggles with it, struggles against it.

but the pettiness of Diluc's next move gives him something else to latch onto, other than the churning in his stomach, ]

Is that the cost of a free drink, then? I should propose it to Charles next time.

[ as he picks up the glass, and travels behind the bar, further out of Diluc's immediate reach ]

Charles would be happy to have you rinse your own glass and pay for it. If you would prefer that, I can make the arrangements.

[ in turn, diluc's gaze tracks kaeya's circuitous amble - before he, too, focuses on what needs to be done. the last few chairs are hoisted onto the counter. the floor is checked, the shutters on the windows closed. the angel's share is finally at rest in the dim shadow of the final lit lamp. diluc douses that too on their way out.

mondstadt's night air is crisp, the sweetness of autumn's first apples. the darkness unveils stars. diluc looks, and waits for kaeya to emerge before he locks the door behind them. ]

Was Sumeru everything you thought it would be?

Haaah...

[ he exhales, and glances back at Diluc easily as he performs the last bits of locking up on the tavern. Mulls over that question, before he realizes: he doesn't want to talk about sumeru anymore.

he doesn't want to talk about khaenri'ah anymore. it's a sour subject, one he prefers to mull on his own. one that he doesn't expect anyone to understand. ]

The drinks were nice, but the atmosphere was stuffy. Probably an improvement over the past.

But is that really all you want to talk about? To worry about my attraction to another land?

Surely, even you can come up with more interesting topics, Master Diluc.

[ kaeya's logic rounds. diluc looks, and walks past him. ]

Is that your way of saying that you don't want to approach this topic anymore?

Yes. Unless you want to get to the heart of why you're so curious.

[ he watches him pass, and then takes up space beside him. he wishes he felt a little less mixed emotions. should he back out? should he pretend all is well?

he wishes Diluc was a simple matter for him.

he's not. maybe he never will be again.

no, he definitely will not be again. ]

After all, you're far more well traveled than I. Shouldn't I be the one interrogating you?

I was clear as to why I am curious. And no matter where I have travelled, I cannot answer my own questions.

[ but kaeya's reticence is clear. diluc looks to the stars, and continues to walk. the night is long. ]

Fine. Change the subject, then.

Hahaha, very well.

[ small mercies. he would be okay with silence, or he would have once. but now, silence is a quick way to invoke darker thoughts, and he'd lose his will to keep side by side with Diluc if he allowed that.

and so, he brings up the actual topic of discussion that he'd... ostensibly wanted to tease Diluc with. ]

I did have a contact from Sumeru I wanted to give to you. But given your hard negotiations, perhaps I should extract more of a price, hm~?

[ kaeya's voice lilts. diluc prickles up with a hunting look, eyes narrowed - on guard, but not quite sure why he needs to be. the reason becomes clear soon enough. ]

This is about the spiced wine again.

It is. You're a businessman, and this is a business opportunity.

Don't look so serious, I wouldn't ask for something that might wound your pride.

[ probably ]

And yet you seem all too happy just thinking about it. And? Is this Sumeru contact one that I can't find on my own?

Hahaha. I just want a bottle of the finished product.

But, you're welcome to try, and to start negotiations all over again, if my help is that anathema.

You help is typically suspect. Is a bottle all you want?

[ really. ]

Master Diluc, I'm hurt!

I only have the best in mind for you and Dawn Winery!

[ he places his hand over his heart, in a mock wound. how much is an act? how much is truth? it doesn't matter. ]

Surely, repairing the relationship between yourself and the Knights is enough?

[ kaeya's hand shifts. diluc allows his eyes to roll. dramatics. ]

Is that so? My relationship with the knights seem passable tonight.

[ after all, are they not walking side by side? ]

Ah... Is that how it is...?

[ he laughs softly, lowering his hand, and with it, his dramatics. ]

I had always considered 'our' relationship different. But, I see.

Kaeya.

Hmm~? Yes, Master Diluc?

[ a mulish beat. is he going to say this? ... apparently he's going to say this.

scaldingly: ]

I had my tongue down your throat less than ten minutes ago.

[ did this need to be said, says he. and if his ears seem red - well, who can say beneath red hair. ]

[ ah

he really did say it. there's a moment of sincere surprise that Diluc, someone he had pegged as so reticent, would actually try to defeat his teasing with that bluntness, and yet... ]

[ and then he laughs, sincerely, and openly. definitely at least a little at Diluc's expense, and still, he had never thought Diluc would go there. ]

How difficult was that for you to say, Diluc? Even after everything--

[ another laugh, and then he calms himself. ]

I was teasing.

[ the look on diluc's face can only be described as someone having eaten an entire barrel of unripe apples. but the look he gives kaeya is exasperation-made-form, lines of it trailing along the contours of diluc's lips like a river returning to its primordial bed.

diluc slowly shakes his head. ]

You're incorrigible.

And you're easily embarrassed.

But, I suppose that's how it is for someone who prefers innuendo to saying what they mean.

[ he glances over at him, takes in the view of that exasperated look, and forgets himself for a moment. A thaw in the ice surrounding his mask. ]

[ there's a exhale-made-scoff there somewhere. but diluc lets himself look. ]

I thought I was being clear. Were you not the one who prefers teasing to honesty?

I tease out of consideration for your feelings.

Sometimes, at least. Other times, because it's fun.

[ he glances at Diluc, debating, a little too visibly, how crude he wants to be in this moment. but, it's nice to be this open with him. less guarded, while his mind is distracted. ]

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