[ the amulets are a double edged sword. he had assumed the conversation might be done without the instant feedback of some joke or another from Kaeya. but no, it's not. and he responds, keeping his tone even. ]
[near the marketplace, diluc says, and kaeya knows the marketplace of which diluc speaks. should he be grateful, for diluc to cross such a distance? should he be concerned? hmm.
...hmm. he shouldn't be, really—but he still finds his way to the bar, paying his tab even as he keeps his medallion close to his lips.]
I see. [kind of.] And are you finding everything you need?
[mostly means not really—which is why, as kaeya turns about, kaeya isn't that surprised to spy a head of bright-red hair peeking into this particular establishment. sir. it's annoying to be found so easily?? kaeya's pride is smarting, to be sure, but as this is only a bar as opposed to the place he returns to night after night...
well, you know. while kaeya is, of course, curious as to why diluc is here, kaeya still manages a slight (strained?) smile.]
They do serve juice, [he says, perfectly conversational, as he watches diluc glance about.] If you're thirsty.
[hey, hi, he's here by (re: leaning against) the bar.]
and thus, he gets a smug look in response. even with Kaeya not standing out nearly as much as he does, there is a certain pride in being able to track him all the same.
and a good chance for Kaeya to notice the cloak he's gotten himself, to stand out slightly less. ]
[kaeya is as prepared for that look as he can possibly be—and yet it stings all the same? like, slightly. it isn't as though kaeya wishes to be predictable? but it isn't as though kaeya wishes to be impossible for diluc to find. warring emotions, honestly, as kaeya turns back to the bartender, calling for a glass of straight juice. pineapple-y juice, maybe... something for babies...
...anyway. he can be as unkind as he'd like to be, in the safety of his own mind; outwardly, at least, he maintains his smile, turning it up a notch as diluc approaches.]
[sir?? give him the deets??? or: of course diluc chooses to play his cards close to his chest. kaeya, at the very least, can't fault him for it, though he'd very much like to.]
Is it to your liking? [just curious, you see, because as he lifts his own drink to his lips, toasting diluc's presence:] I can always order something different, though this tavern is somewhat new to me.
[or: he's here every other day, but like hell diluc needs to know this—unless diluc does know this. hmm!]
[ he might have done a little bit of digging, and have become annoyed at how much he was struggling. but that was water under the bridge now. and thus, he doesn't have to answer anything because Kaeya has dropped it.
which, to be honest, was his preferred course of action anyway. ]
Oh, is that so?
[ he glances at the bartender, and the looks he places, though it's too early to tell if Kaeya is lying.
but Diluc would feel comfortable saying he was. ]
It's fine. I wouldn't expect you to care about the quality of the juice.
[ though he knows he's making polite conversation. diluc can see through that much, as he's watched it plenty of times before. ]
[maybe kaeya is lying! maybe kaeya isn't. a mystery—for, like, anyone but diluc, hence kaeya's hum as he shifts his attention back to his half-finished drink. if it wasn't for diluc, kaeya may have sought more alcohol elsewhere; he has, after all, exhausted this particular bar's regulars, but...
...well! but. diluc is here—and thus kaeya here kaeya remains.]
I couldn't speak to it. [an honest enough statement, as he brings his own drink to his lips.] Though I do hope it's up to par.
[haha. it's half a joke, half serious—but as they are how they are:]
[ he doesn't answer that final question, taking another drink. it's fine, though he does miss the cider from Dawn Winery. but he has no power over what is and what isn't made anymore, a power he's more than happy to leave to others.
Still, something about this situation... it makes him wonder if Kaeya had been about to head elsewhere? he can't tell for certain, but it does seem less... crowded than he'd expect. Less drinks than he'd expect. And given the pauses during their medallion conversation... ]
... It's fine. But were you thinking of somewhere else?
[ it's a guess. but given he has no real purpose, and he's verified that Kaeya is thriving, as he was always sure he would... ]
[the fact that diluc remains silent speaks volumes? to kaeya, at least. if diluc had an opinion to share, then diluc would surely share it—hence kaeya's slight smile as he watches diluc drink his drink. so it goes, huh! so it is.
but while kaeya is perceptive, so is diluc; like, kaeya shouldn't be the least bit surprised to hear diluc voice what are, in fact, his own thoughts, which is why kaeya is careful to keep his smile in place. were you thinking of somewhere else?]
Well, [he says, once again meeting the bartender's eye.] I wasn't sure you'd enjoy a change of scenery.
[or: yes, there's somewhere else. there's always somewhere else. it's why kaeya places a gold coin atop the bar, offering said bartender a wide grin.]
Shall we?
[too late, diluc; kaeya grabs his arm before he can even think to pull away, all to drag him through the crowd of (affluent) vipers.]
this had better not turn into a pub crawl. Though, Kaeya grabs him before he can really voice that thought. and so they disappear as quickly as Diluc had appeared. and once outside, he straightens, pulling away from Kaeya's grasp.
he can walk on his own, thank you. and then he looks around the marketplace, taking stock of how busy it was, what vendors were closed, and, well, making a mental note to himself. ]
I thought it might be a good idea to get familiar with the other cities.
[ he finally explains. this is why he's here, because they're going to end up going everywhere anyway, from the sounds of it.
[excuse you, diluc, but a pub crawl sounds like a fantastic way to waste an evening? to kaeya, anyway. he could stand to learn all manner of things from his drunken companions—but diluc, as ever, proves to be a stick-in-the-mud, putting some manner of distance between them as soon as they step outside. aha. it isn't a surprise; it isn't even disappointing, given, all that kaeya knows about diluc, and yet.
...well, you know. and yet. if this is how diluc chooses to be, then, sure, fine, whatever; kaeya is thus free to level a knowing look his way, because sir.]
Did you, now?
[hmmMMM! there are easier ways to learn about a city—says kaeya, who traveled TO diluc's city mainly to see how he was faring, but details, details.]
If you were curious about this city, there was no need to travel to it. [a slight smile just before kaeya turns, seemingly surveying said city.] You happen to know someone living in it.
[ he says, cool, glancing at that look, and then immediately focusing on something else. because no, he doesn't need that knowing smile communicating things to him? just play along, especially when it's not the worst excuse in the book. there was a lot he could get just on his own.
maybe a pub crawl would be preferable to this subtle teasing., even if it meant dealing with a bunch of drunks. it wasn't like he hadn't done that a million times by now. ]
But there are things it's better to see on your own. I'm sure you'd agree, Captain?
[ he pauses, and allows. ]
Or... I suppose Kaeya.
[ their titles don't matter very much right now. ]
[yes, yes, diluc could undoubtedly uncover countless things on his own. it isn't as though this city has, like, a darknight hero equivalent; shit happens and that is simply that, which means that diluc's (alleged) interest in this city is far more personal than he'd like to admit. kaeya knows this? kaeya isn't a fool.
which is perhaps (re: definitely) why diluc's choice of words strikes him so deeply. kaeya. he's been captain ever since—well. he's been captain for a long time, now, hence the way his eye flicks back to diluc's face, allowing a second of silent to stretch between them. it's vulnerable, in a way—leaving kaeya seemingly unguarded, albeit for the briefest moment.
kaeya.]
Some things, perhaps, [he agrees, shifting his attention somewhere to the side. some drunk is leaning against the corner of the building; kaeya pretends to be fascinated by them.] Though I'd say it depends on what you're hoping to see.
[ he didn't know just yet. he wanted more information-- information that he was sure Kaeya was seeking out in his own way. But in the meantime, he notes the pause. perhaps he'd been a little too obvious.
But then Kaeya just continues, and so Diluc sighs. At what?
well, that didn't really matter. ]
I think those things are obvious. We're both interested in whatever information gets us back to Teyvat.
[ and then he looks back at Kaeya, takes stock of how he's avoiding looking at him.
well, fair enough, given he'd just done the same. ]
[to his credit, kaeya only avoids looking at diluc for so long; like, after that drunk individual loses their, ah, composure, kaeya's eye slides right back to diluc—and what is he looking for, exactly? what is he hoping for? diluc remains as straight-faced as ever, which means that kaeya doubles down on his deceptively easy smile. whatever information gets us back to teyvat, diluc says, as though it's ever so easy.
and maybe it is, in a way? if one is willing to sacrifice absolutely everything. kaeya has, at least, thought of such a scenario—and rejected it, for there are things kaeya does care about. people, even. how wild!]
Both of us? [because, like, forget childe—but also, would diluc leave kaeya behind? if he had the opportunity to, would he?] You don't like it here?
[a bs question, really, because it isn't like kaeya likes it here.]
[ both of us? he asks, as though that's an easy question for Diluc to just answer. the stubborn part of him wants to maintain that whatever he learns, Kaeya will most likely learn on his own anyway. and they'll both eventually leave, regardless of anything else. so what does it matter?
he hasn't forgiven kaeya. and he knows his truth. it'd be only right for him to abandon him as soon as he could.
but then kaeya continues, and gives him an easy way to avoid that question, ]
I don't particularly enjoy it here, no. It's... strangely stifling.
[ what with the incense, and all. but he knows he's dodged the question Kaeya was most interested in. probably cruel in its own way, but... well, he's learned to be cruel. ]
[yes, yes, kaeya is clever enough to figure many things out on his own—but should he? or, more accurately: is that the smartest way to go about things? if they'd both like to go home—because of course they do—then the best course of action would be to work together...
...but that's difficult, which is why kaeya isn't the least bit surprised that diluc dodges his question. hmm, hmm, hmm. stifling is as interesting a way to descibe this world as it is telling; kaeya, for his part, merely grins.]
Oh? Your city must be boring.
[implying that his is not—and that he isn't, like, taking the sort of orders he absolutely is, so.]
You could move here, you know. If you're so interested in working together.
[it's as serious as it isn't, for kaeya knows the value of remaining in separate cities? more information, that way. more intel. remaining apart while sharing news (tm) is the smart way to play this—but here kaeya is, once again risking it all simply to test the boundaries between them.]
[ Diluc doesn't immediately reply. And yet, he also looks carefully neutral. but, truth be told, the living situation in Tikal is absolute hell to him. He hasn't returned to his quarters since finding out about the other man that they'd decided would share with him. his disdain for the Fatui just far too great, after everything's that happened.
so, it lends itself to a lack of... commitment, yes. but also not a complete throwing aside of the idea, either. he tries to thread that needle carefully, between wanting to maintain distance between the man who once was like his shadow-- and the harbinger that may as well have killed his father himself, for all Diluc cared about the important distinction.
it's... unpleasant, and he doesn't want to talk about it, and so he waves off the topic after the slightly too long pause. ]
That isn't a pre-requisite for working together. Distance has its own virtues.
[sooner or later, kaeya will learn all about childe's, ah, presence—and he will be equal parts amused and annoyed, but for now: haha. well, sir! that's true enough, he supposes. it's certainly why they'd worked together after all that past unpleasantness? kaeya, a knight, sharing/comparing information with a former member of the order...]
Are you suggesting we work together?
[like, of course he is? and of course kaeya recognizes the value OF such an arrangement, which is why he's been hinting around it this entire time—but, well. you know. as he takes another sip of his drink:]
After all, you don't trust me. I don't even know where you're staying in your city.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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You've always had good taste.
[rich boy. but while diluc can take that as he pleases:]
So? What can I do for you? My time is valuable, you know.
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... I happened to be in the area. That's all.
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Is that so. [less of a question than a statement, but also:] And where are you, exactly?
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Near the marketplace.
[ aka: yes, he's in kiichpan. ]
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...hmm. he shouldn't be, really—but he still finds his way to the bar, paying his tab even as he keeps his medallion close to his lips.]
I see. [kind of.] And are you finding everything you need?
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perhaps this one...? ]
Mostly, yes.
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well, you know. while kaeya is, of course, curious as to why diluc is here, kaeya still manages a slight (strained?) smile.]
They do serve juice, [he says, perfectly conversational, as he watches diluc glance about.] If you're thirsty.
[hey, hi, he's here by (re: leaning against) the bar.]
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and thus, he gets a smug look in response. even with Kaeya not standing out nearly as much as he does, there is a certain pride in being able to track him all the same.
and a good chance for Kaeya to notice the cloak he's gotten himself, to stand out slightly less. ]
Oh? Perhaps I'll have a drink.
[ since he's already here, and all. ]
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...anyway. he can be as unkind as he'd like to be, in the safety of his own mind; outwardly, at least, he maintains his smile, turning it up a notch as diluc approaches.]
For you.
[this fresh drink, which kaeya gestures to.]
After what must have been a long trip.
[or: why are you HERE!]
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[ he approaches the bar, and his smug look inevitably tones down, before sitting next to Kaeya.
BUT ALSO...
maybe ask him directly. as he picks up the glass and takes a drink. ]
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Is it to your liking? [just curious, you see, because as he lifts his own drink to his lips, toasting diluc's presence:] I can always order something different, though this tavern is somewhat new to me.
[or: he's here every other day, but like hell diluc needs to know this—unless diluc does know this. hmm!]
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which, to be honest, was his preferred course of action anyway. ]
Oh, is that so?
[ he glances at the bartender, and the looks he places, though it's too early to tell if Kaeya is lying.
but Diluc would feel comfortable saying he was. ]
It's fine. I wouldn't expect you to care about the quality of the juice.
[ though he knows he's making polite conversation. diluc can see through that much, as he's watched it plenty of times before. ]
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...well! but. diluc is here—and thus kaeya here kaeya remains.]
I couldn't speak to it. [an honest enough statement, as he brings his own drink to his lips.] Though I do hope it's up to par.
[haha. it's half a joke, half serious—but as they are how they are:]
But you're the expert, aren't you?
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[ he doesn't answer that final question, taking another drink. it's fine, though he does miss the cider from Dawn Winery. but he has no power over what is and what isn't made anymore, a power he's more than happy to leave to others.
Still, something about this situation... it makes him wonder if Kaeya had been about to head elsewhere? he can't tell for certain, but it does seem less... crowded than he'd expect. Less drinks than he'd expect. And given the pauses during their medallion conversation... ]
... It's fine. But were you thinking of somewhere else?
[ it's a guess. but given he has no real purpose, and he's verified that Kaeya is thriving, as he was always sure he would... ]
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but while kaeya is perceptive, so is diluc; like, kaeya shouldn't be the least bit surprised to hear diluc voice what are, in fact, his own thoughts, which is why kaeya is careful to keep his smile in place. were you thinking of somewhere else?]
Well, [he says, once again meeting the bartender's eye.] I wasn't sure you'd enjoy a change of scenery.
[or: yes, there's somewhere else. there's always somewhere else. it's why kaeya places a gold coin atop the bar, offering said bartender a wide grin.]
Shall we?
[too late, diluc; kaeya grabs his arm before he can even think to pull away, all to drag him through the crowd of (affluent) vipers.]
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this had better not turn into a pub crawl. Though, Kaeya grabs him before he can really voice that thought. and so they disappear as quickly as Diluc had appeared. and once outside, he straightens, pulling away from Kaeya's grasp.
he can walk on his own, thank you. and then he looks around the marketplace, taking stock of how busy it was, what vendors were closed, and, well, making a mental note to himself. ]
I thought it might be a good idea to get familiar with the other cities.
[ he finally explains. this is why he's here, because they're going to end up going everywhere anyway, from the sounds of it.
might as well know what to expect, ]
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...well, you know. and yet. if this is how diluc chooses to be, then, sure, fine, whatever; kaeya is thus free to level a knowing look his way, because sir.]
Did you, now?
[hmmMMM! there are easier ways to learn about a city—says kaeya, who traveled TO diluc's city mainly to see how he was faring, but details, details.]
If you were curious about this city, there was no need to travel to it. [a slight smile just before kaeya turns, seemingly surveying said city.] You happen to know someone living in it.
[he's just sayin!]
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[ he says, cool, glancing at that look, and then immediately focusing on something else. because no, he doesn't need that knowing smile communicating things to him? just play along, especially when it's not the worst excuse in the book. there was a lot he could get just on his own.
maybe a pub crawl would be preferable to this subtle teasing., even if it meant dealing with a bunch of drunks. it wasn't like he hadn't done that a million times by now. ]
But there are things it's better to see on your own. I'm sure you'd agree, Captain?
[ he pauses, and allows. ]
Or... I suppose Kaeya.
[ their titles don't matter very much right now. ]
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which is perhaps (re: definitely) why diluc's choice of words strikes him so deeply. kaeya. he's been captain ever since—well. he's been captain for a long time, now, hence the way his eye flicks back to diluc's face, allowing a second of silent to stretch between them. it's vulnerable, in a way—leaving kaeya seemingly unguarded, albeit for the briefest moment.
kaeya.]
Some things, perhaps, [he agrees, shifting his attention somewhere to the side. some drunk is leaning against the corner of the building; kaeya pretends to be fascinated by them.] Though I'd say it depends on what you're hoping to see.
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But then Kaeya just continues, and so Diluc sighs. At what?
well, that didn't really matter. ]
I think those things are obvious. We're both interested in whatever information gets us back to Teyvat.
[ and then he looks back at Kaeya, takes stock of how he's avoiding looking at him.
well, fair enough, given he'd just done the same. ]
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and maybe it is, in a way? if one is willing to sacrifice absolutely everything. kaeya has, at least, thought of such a scenario—and rejected it, for there are things kaeya does care about. people, even. how wild!]
Both of us? [because, like, forget childe—but also, would diluc leave kaeya behind? if he had the opportunity to, would he?] You don't like it here?
[a bs question, really, because it isn't like kaeya likes it here.]
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he hasn't forgiven kaeya. and he knows his truth. it'd be only right for him to abandon him as soon as he could.
but then kaeya continues, and gives him an easy way to avoid that question, ]
I don't particularly enjoy it here, no. It's... strangely stifling.
[ what with the incense, and all. but he knows he's dodged the question Kaeya was most interested in. probably cruel in its own way, but... well, he's learned to be cruel. ]
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...but that's difficult, which is why kaeya isn't the least bit surprised that diluc dodges his question. hmm, hmm, hmm. stifling is as interesting a way to descibe this world as it is telling; kaeya, for his part, merely grins.]
Oh? Your city must be boring.
[implying that his is not—and that he isn't, like, taking the sort of orders he absolutely is, so.]
You could move here, you know. If you're so interested in working together.
[it's as serious as it isn't, for kaeya knows the value of remaining in separate cities? more information, that way. more intel. remaining apart while sharing news (tm) is the smart way to play this—but here kaeya is, once again risking it all simply to test the boundaries between them.]
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so, it lends itself to a lack of... commitment, yes. but also not a complete throwing aside of the idea, either. he tries to thread that needle carefully, between wanting to maintain distance between the man who once was like his shadow-- and the harbinger that may as well have killed his father himself, for all Diluc cared about the important distinction.
it's... unpleasant, and he doesn't want to talk about it, and so he waves off the topic after the slightly too long pause. ]
That isn't a pre-requisite for working together. Distance has its own virtues.
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Are you suggesting we work together?
[like, of course he is? and of course kaeya recognizes the value OF such an arrangement, which is why he's been hinting around it this entire time—but, well. you know. as he takes another sip of his drink:]
After all, you don't trust me. I don't even know where you're staying in your city.
[but he's looking 👁 he'll find it]
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