Kaeya Alberich (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
circuitice) wrote2023-01-27 09:39 pm
circuitice) wrote2023-01-27 09:39 pm
Entry tags:
CALL ME OUT
this post for CMO for kaeya. new threads and TLs to go here
[ If Aether is guilty of anything, it's really just that he's a little lonely.
It all started when Lumine got a boyfriend. The feeling of being unwanted — the suspicion that he's always been unloved. On some level, he knows it's all irrational — he knows that he has friends who like him, and that he doesn't need to be tethered to his twin sister, can't realistically be expected to do that anyway — but he can't shake the insecurities off, and he feels, somehow, that he had to change. Maybe what he really needs is a boyfriend so that he can match her, or someone who will understand that he's his own person. Maybe he's just going down a self-destructive path.
But he goes looking. For companionship, in some ways, and for independence, in others. For himself, in a twisted way. At least, that's what he tells himself as he browses hookup apps, trying to find someone who will make him feel different from the person he is now.
Something different takes the form of a handsome stranger named Kaeya, who has posted all the right photos and said all the right things and made Aether feel wanted, and that has sent the blond tumbling dangerously into his arms for the night, in an apartment he doesn't recognize, in a situation where he could very likely wind up disappearing because he hasn't let anyone know where he's gone.
Is Kaeya really 21, like he said he was? He feels older, somehow, older than Aether's own relatively tender 24 — but the real surprise is that Kaeya actually is the same impossibly beautiful man as shown in his photos, and he's real and warm and solid and everything he promised he would be. Aether feels slightly overwhelmed by how handsome he is, and the fact that his hands are on his skin, pushing up his shirt where they've been shamelessly making out on his couch. ]
You really — mm. You move fast, huh?
[ He's been in Kaeya's apartment maybe ten minutes. Maybe this is just how it is with men who are so good-looking, so self-assured, that they can call their hookup for the night straight to their beds without having to think twice about it. ]
It all started when Lumine got a boyfriend. The feeling of being unwanted — the suspicion that he's always been unloved. On some level, he knows it's all irrational — he knows that he has friends who like him, and that he doesn't need to be tethered to his twin sister, can't realistically be expected to do that anyway — but he can't shake the insecurities off, and he feels, somehow, that he had to change. Maybe what he really needs is a boyfriend so that he can match her, or someone who will understand that he's his own person. Maybe he's just going down a self-destructive path.
But he goes looking. For companionship, in some ways, and for independence, in others. For himself, in a twisted way. At least, that's what he tells himself as he browses hookup apps, trying to find someone who will make him feel different from the person he is now.
Something different takes the form of a handsome stranger named Kaeya, who has posted all the right photos and said all the right things and made Aether feel wanted, and that has sent the blond tumbling dangerously into his arms for the night, in an apartment he doesn't recognize, in a situation where he could very likely wind up disappearing because he hasn't let anyone know where he's gone.
Is Kaeya really 21, like he said he was? He feels older, somehow, older than Aether's own relatively tender 24 — but the real surprise is that Kaeya actually is the same impossibly beautiful man as shown in his photos, and he's real and warm and solid and everything he promised he would be. Aether feels slightly overwhelmed by how handsome he is, and the fact that his hands are on his skin, pushing up his shirt where they've been shamelessly making out on his couch. ]
You really — mm. You move fast, huh?
[ He's been in Kaeya's apartment maybe ten minutes. Maybe this is just how it is with men who are so good-looking, so self-assured, that they can call their hookup for the night straight to their beds without having to think twice about it. ]
[ aether was cute. kaeya would never swipe right if he couldn't meet that basic requirement-- but he was surprised in other respects. how quickly the conversation flowed.
maybe a little how easily it did as well. all the little hints of evasiveness, or shyness, it just made him want him more. he liked it when people played hard to get, it provided a challenge. and kaeya did love challenges, people who weren't entirely weak to his charms.
which, if it were anyone else, he didn't think they'd even speak again until it came to pathetic attempts at pillow talk. and so, here he was, pushing Aether down to straddle him on his couch. where they had been making out. and so, he laughs against his skin, and nips him lightly along the line of his neck ]
Wouldn't you say this is the fastest way to get to know someone?
[ he says with that mischievous lilt in his voice, as his hands press down against his chest, thumbs rubbing against his nipples. and he takes the chance to adjust his weight, to get more comfortable as it were. ]
maybe a little how easily it did as well. all the little hints of evasiveness, or shyness, it just made him want him more. he liked it when people played hard to get, it provided a challenge. and kaeya did love challenges, people who weren't entirely weak to his charms.
which, if it were anyone else, he didn't think they'd even speak again until it came to pathetic attempts at pillow talk. and so, here he was, pushing Aether down to straddle him on his couch. where they had been making out. and so, he laughs against his skin, and nips him lightly along the line of his neck ]
Wouldn't you say this is the fastest way to get to know someone?
[ he says with that mischievous lilt in his voice, as his hands press down against his chest, thumbs rubbing against his nipples. and he takes the chance to adjust his weight, to get more comfortable as it were. ]
[ well.
he's in a bit of a bind, what with the whole... monster thing. and the lack of indulging in his normal inclinations, that it's giving him a bit of a headache. he should-- probably go wander around without a shirt or something.
start a drinking game.
make terrible choices.
But right now, he's just in that ideation phase. ]
he's in a bit of a bind, what with the whole... monster thing. and the lack of indulging in his normal inclinations, that it's giving him a bit of a headache. he should-- probably go wander around without a shirt or something.
start a drinking game.
make terrible choices.
But right now, he's just in that ideation phase. ]
[ the dormitories are quiet this afternoon, and the scent of coffee wafts across the space. tighnari is sitting comfortably on one of the squashy sofas, sipping from a mug, with several books open around him. it's a nice afternoon. you know, for reverie.
he hears kaeya's footfalls before he sees him, and they sound.. agitated, uncomfortable, which is always a little bit alarming in this place, but he has no reason to panic, at the moment. one tall ear twitches toward him when kaeya appears, and tighnari glances up from his reading.
hm. his scent is off, too. ]
Everything all right?
he hears kaeya's footfalls before he sees him, and they sound.. agitated, uncomfortable, which is always a little bit alarming in this place, but he has no reason to panic, at the moment. one tall ear twitches toward him when kaeya appears, and tighnari glances up from his reading.
hm. his scent is off, too. ]
Everything all right?
[ Ah, he looks up when he hears Tighnari call out, and sighs dramatically, hamming up his very real frustration. ]
I'm trying to think of what to do to solve a conundrum. How gauche is it to try to seduce someone after the most recent game pitting us up against each other?
I'm trying to think of what to do to solve a conundrum. How gauche is it to try to seduce someone after the most recent game pitting us up against each other?
[ His duties back in Mondstadt range from... the mildly interesting, to the boring, depending on who was out and about. And while the field work was, unfortunately, a little less compelling than normal, Kaeya had high hopes that maybe Angel's Share would be more interesting.
Maybe he'd learn something new and of interest, plying his chosen companion with alcohol and needless flattery. And if there was nothing else, at least he would get to hear a song, make an appearance, and then disappear to see if he could guess where their illustrious vigilante might show up next.
He had a few guesses for that.
But, imagine his surprise when he sees a somewhat familiar face? First, in Sumeru. And now, in Mondstadt? Wasn't he lucky. He takes a seat next to him, with a genial smile. ]
Well, we meet again. Could I buy you a drink?
Maybe he'd learn something new and of interest, plying his chosen companion with alcohol and needless flattery. And if there was nothing else, at least he would get to hear a song, make an appearance, and then disappear to see if he could guess where their illustrious vigilante might show up next.
He had a few guesses for that.
But, imagine his surprise when he sees a somewhat familiar face? First, in Sumeru. And now, in Mondstadt? Wasn't he lucky. He takes a seat next to him, with a genial smile. ]
Well, we meet again. Could I buy you a drink?
[ his return to the nation of freedom is not one dainsleif had expected to happen to soon. there had been, however, recent developments that led him here; at that same tavern from months past, the same table, the same seat.
this time, it is not golden hair that approaches him. at the corner of his eyes, he sees: dark-blue hair, brown skin, eyes much like his while also not. it is not a coincidence or a work of fate that they have come to meet again. for what other reason, after all, would his feet bring him back to mondstadt? ]
... Apple Cider. [ is the answer he gives him, first.
second, next to him? really? ] I doubt you're surprised to see me here.
[ considering what has last happened back in sumeru, at the very least. he might not be entirely familiar with kaeya, but he doubts this is all too surprising. ]
this time, it is not golden hair that approaches him. at the corner of his eyes, he sees: dark-blue hair, brown skin, eyes much like his while also not. it is not a coincidence or a work of fate that they have come to meet again. for what other reason, after all, would his feet bring him back to mondstadt? ]
... Apple Cider. [ is the answer he gives him, first.
second, next to him? really? ] I doubt you're surprised to see me here.
[ considering what has last happened back in sumeru, at the very least. he might not be entirely familiar with kaeya, but he doubts this is all too surprising. ]
[ Kaeya is soaked to the bone. And yet, the chill barely even registers as he looks at the light of the mansion in the distance. He had kept himself away from Diluc, ceding that he needed that precious time with his father. That this was all too raw, and yet all Kaeya could do was obsess over the mess of feelings inside.
The relief that what he must do was that much easier. And the guilt that this was how he felt. The grief over Crepus, and the resignation to what he still had to do.
He couldn’t bear it. It was easier to keep up this charade when all things were in balance, and yet that balance had been broken. He could feel how much easier it was to consider betraying Mondstadt to his home— the figurative noose tightening around his neck.
And yet, the idea still filled him with fear. This wasn’t a choice he could make, it was already chosen for him by fate. But… Diluc was a child of the land of freedom. He surely had the capability to choose. The freedom to do so. Kaeya swallowed heavily.
He had to do this. This was his last chance to make things right, before the choice was fully out of their hands. Out of Diluc’s.
And so… he knocks on the door, as though he is a stranger, and this is not his home.
Because it isn’t. It can’t be. ]
The relief that what he must do was that much easier. And the guilt that this was how he felt. The grief over Crepus, and the resignation to what he still had to do.
He couldn’t bear it. It was easier to keep up this charade when all things were in balance, and yet that balance had been broken. He could feel how much easier it was to consider betraying Mondstadt to his home— the figurative noose tightening around his neck.
And yet, the idea still filled him with fear. This wasn’t a choice he could make, it was already chosen for him by fate. But… Diluc was a child of the land of freedom. He surely had the capability to choose. The freedom to do so. Kaeya swallowed heavily.
He had to do this. This was his last chance to make things right, before the choice was fully out of their hands. Out of Diluc’s.
And so… he knocks on the door, as though he is a stranger, and this is not his home.
Because it isn’t. It can’t be. ]
[ at that, tighnari snorts, his tone dry. leaning away from his book, he props one elbow on the arm of the sofa, and rests his cheek against his knuckles. ]
Not at all, I think, but that's only my opinion. It's a good way to blow off excess steam while reconnecting with what is most important, here - sticking together.
Not at all, I think, but that's only my opinion. It's a good way to blow off excess steam while reconnecting with what is most important, here - sticking together.
[There's little solace to be found in the pouring rain save for the way it keeps the static from ringing in Diluc's ears, the bleak rattling of his father's final breaths. Diluc hasn't moved from where he's sunken into the mattress, knuckles white where his fists interlink, but he stirs when a knock falls upon his door.
Unusual, he thinks. The maids and butlers have all been informed of what transpired today, and so they know better to knock and disturb Diluc at this time. That leaves only one answer, and it's one that already has some ill feeling settling deep in the pit of Diluc's gut. Kaeya never knocks. This is his home, after all. Has been for some time now.
Stiff when he jerks upright, Diluc pulls open the door, eyes puffy and red. Guess who isn't taking daddy's death well? Shocker.]
...You don't have to knock, Kaeya.
[But I don't need to tell you that, do I? Go on, then. Tell him what's going on here.]
Unusual, he thinks. The maids and butlers have all been informed of what transpired today, and so they know better to knock and disturb Diluc at this time. That leaves only one answer, and it's one that already has some ill feeling settling deep in the pit of Diluc's gut. Kaeya never knocks. This is his home, after all. Has been for some time now.
Stiff when he jerks upright, Diluc pulls open the door, eyes puffy and red. Guess who isn't taking daddy's death well? Shocker.]
...You don't have to knock, Kaeya.
[But I don't need to tell you that, do I? Go on, then. Tell him what's going on here.]
Apple cider it is, then. I'll give Charles my best regards.
[ he says easily, preferring to not address the second statement. Is he surprised? Not entirely-- but in the sense that he wasn't expecting today of all days... ]
And we can discuss how surprised I am over those drinks, hm?
[ he says easily, preferring to not address the second statement. Is he surprised? Not entirely-- but in the sense that he wasn't expecting today of all days... ]
And we can discuss how surprised I am over those drinks, hm?
[ he laughs and slides next to him, not really thinking. only reacting to the openness he's being shown-- while his monster urges him on, to sate this thirst he's feeling. just one kiss. ]
How libertine. Physical pain and physical pleasure can go together, after all.
How libertine. Physical pain and physical pleasure can go together, after all.
...
[ he wants to stop the next thing that comes out of his mouth. Wants nothing better than to extend a hand and comfort Diluc, as a brother should.
but he owes him the truth.
he owes him the chance to stop this before it happens. And if he doesn't... then it was as fate designed. He hates it, so much. If only he could have actually been a child of freedom, but there was no way Barbatos would ever extend his grace to him. ]
I've been lying to you, Diluc.
[ he chooses to be harsh, chooses to disregard Diluc's feelings entirely, to make this easier. ]
[ he wants to stop the next thing that comes out of his mouth. Wants nothing better than to extend a hand and comfort Diluc, as a brother should.
but he owes him the truth.
he owes him the chance to stop this before it happens. And if he doesn't... then it was as fate designed. He hates it, so much. If only he could have actually been a child of freedom, but there was no way Barbatos would ever extend his grace to him. ]
I've been lying to you, Diluc.
[ he chooses to be harsh, chooses to disregard Diluc's feelings entirely, to make this easier. ]
[ kaeya slinks over to sit beside him, and tighnari arches a brow, his smile curving. that his own monster resonates quite well with the conversation is.. irrelevant, all right. ]
They can, and often do. Many people appreciate both at once. Are you one of them?
[ a beat. ]
Forgive me, it's an inappropriate question.
They can, and often do. Many people appreciate both at once. Are you one of them?
[ a beat. ]
Forgive me, it's an inappropriate question.
[...Why now, Kaeya? Diluc can't simply dismiss this as some sort of awful joke when it isn't the sort of joke Kaeya would make. And as much as it alarms him to hear Kaeya speaking in such a severe monotone, perfectly serious, he can't afford not to take him at his word.
His skin prickles beneath his shirt, unable to stop staring, seeking out answers in Kaeya's eyes. Naturally, he turns up nothing. He has to ask. Speak.
The words are rusty on Diluc's tongue.]
...About what?
His skin prickles beneath his shirt, unable to stop staring, seeking out answers in Kaeya's eyes. Naturally, he turns up nothing. He has to ask. Speak.
The words are rusty on Diluc's tongue.]
...About what?
Who I am.
Where I'm from.
[ he wants to stop, but he forces himself to keep going. Diluc can choose, he needs him to choose. to save them all from this. ]
Where my loyalties lie.
Where I'm from.
[ he wants to stop, but he forces himself to keep going. Diluc can choose, he needs him to choose. to save them all from this. ]
Where my loyalties lie.
No, it's an instructive question.
And the answer is yes.
[ he leans in close, ]
An edge of pain only helps to heighten the pleasure, in my experience.
And the answer is yes.
[ he leans in close, ]
An edge of pain only helps to heighten the pleasure, in my experience.
[Why this? Why is this happening? The timing no longer matters, and awful as he feels, Diluc's attention is on nothing and no one but Kaeya. Right now, he can't afford to mind anything else.]
You'll tell me the truth... won't you?
[When has Kaeya ever lied to him? No... Maybe he's been lying to him all along. Diluc can't even fathom it.]
Like always.
[Please let it end. Let this be some awful, painful nightmare. Diluc can't stand to lose both of the people he loves dearly in a single day.]
You'll tell me the truth... won't you?
[When has Kaeya ever lied to him? No... Maybe he's been lying to him all along. Diluc can't even fathom it.]
Like always.
[Please let it end. Let this be some awful, painful nightmare. Diluc can't stand to lose both of the people he loves dearly in a single day.]
... Diluc.
One day, I will betray Mondstadt for Khaenri'ah. I was always placed here, to be a pawn in a greater struggle.
I thought I could ignore it, but today made it clear that it isn't possible.
[ a small, broken smile appears on his face, as he tries to drag back all of the feelings from this afternoon. ]
I felt relieved when I saw our father die, Diluc.
One day, I will betray Mondstadt for Khaenri'ah. I was always placed here, to be a pawn in a greater struggle.
I thought I could ignore it, but today made it clear that it isn't possible.
[ a small, broken smile appears on his face, as he tries to drag back all of the feelings from this afternoon. ]
I felt relieved when I saw our father die, Diluc.
[He feels as if he'll go deaf, the rush of blood in his ears deafening in the wake of Kaeya's confession. There's simply no way, no logical way, that the boy he grew up alongside and shared so many firsts with would have harbored such a deep, dark secret for this long.
Right?
The look on Diluc's face betrays every bit of his anger, his pain, but the rest of him hasn't quite caught up. The rest of him clings to the idea that this is a bad dream, a misunderstanding, a stupid, stupid joke... until Kaeya mentions Father.]
...Excuse me? Relieved?
[Tell him he misheard.]
Right?
The look on Diluc's face betrays every bit of his anger, his pain, but the rest of him hasn't quite caught up. The rest of him clings to the idea that this is a bad dream, a misunderstanding, a stupid, stupid joke... until Kaeya mentions Father.]
...Excuse me? Relieved?
[Tell him he misheard.]
Yes.
You deserve to know the truth, of the kind of person I really am.
And that the weapon that killed him came from Khaenri'ah.
You deserve to know the truth, of the kind of person I really am.
And that the weapon that killed him came from Khaenri'ah.
[ he hesitates, his resolve wavering. he didn't think it would hurt so much to have Diluc's anger directed at him. To watch his desperation for anything that would let them go back... back to the status quo.
he wishes he could apologize. He wishes he could stop. but he can't. he wants out of this prison as much as Diluc deserves the truth. He won't give him soft lies anymore to comfort him.
He's so sorry. ]
This is the only time I've told you the truth.
he wishes he could apologize. He wishes he could stop. but he can't. he wants out of this prison as much as Diluc deserves the truth. He won't give him soft lies anymore to comfort him.
He's so sorry. ]
This is the only time I've told you the truth.
[ first assessment: kaeya is one of those people. the kind of person who does not answer questions, and paints a picture according to their own will and whims. dainsleif, here, is simply one of the many colors being used.
he doesn't entirely mind it. there is a bigger picture to be seen. ]
Are you more likely to run your mouth under the influence of alcohol, or keep quiet?
[ it is, despite the wording, not shade, but mere curiosity. ]
he doesn't entirely mind it. there is a bigger picture to be seen. ]
Are you more likely to run your mouth under the influence of alcohol, or keep quiet?
[ it is, despite the wording, not shade, but mere curiosity. ]
Much more likely to run my mouth.
Ahhh, but I don't need any help with that, of course.
[ he'll go get the drinks, low key grateful that it isn't the owner bartending today. Charles is much easier to deal with, in terms of simple exchange of money for alcohol.
he returns, with two glasses. ]
As thanks, in advance.
Ahhh, but I don't need any help with that, of course.
[ he'll go get the drinks, low key grateful that it isn't the owner bartending today. Charles is much easier to deal with, in terms of simple exchange of money for alcohol.
he returns, with two glasses. ]
As thanks, in advance.
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