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.
... Where I'm staying doesn't matter. If you need me, you have a quick and easy way to get a hold of me.
[ where he's staying is... well, it's transient, at the moment. similar to those three years he was away from mond-- some skills you never forget once you pick them up. and Diluc wants to be difficult to find in some ways. but, that isn't the only thing Kaeya's said.
the other... well, impulsively, Diluc thinks it's at least easy to agree to? even though he's trying to figure out how it could possibly be a trap. but the answer isn't obvious to him, and so, ]
As for working together, I think it would make sense. Unless you've decided you love this place so much that you'd rather not leave.
[ which is... a weirdly frightening thought? but he knows that his intuition is correct on this. kaeya would want to return to teyvat, as he's still guarding those secrets so carefully. ]
[kaeya can't help but to make a face at that? doesn't even bother disguising it, because now, now. there's a difference between chatting with someone via medallion and showing up on their doorstep—but if that's how diluc wants to play it, then so be it. it's not like kaeya is easy to find... he's already bounced between, like, three places, just to be annoying...
...but as he'd be stupid to admit such a thing:]
Oh? [oh!] I wonder.
[spoken like a man who has everything to lose—which kaeya doesn't, really. viper isn't the same as jean; kaeya isn't as free as he'd like to be, so. as he just so happens to be very good at lashing out, he offers the deceptively calm statement that is:]
If we do work together, Master Diluc, you will need to trust me. Are you capable of such a thing?
[ he sees the face. but then, opts to pretend he doesn't see it, not acknowledging the emotion there. but, a good start, at the least for the second, far more difficult question.
at which, he frowns. visions dance in his head, always at the periphery of everything he thinks with regards to kaeya, of that night. and he frowns, deeply. kaeya had spilled all of his secrets to him, and diluc had done the polite thing and kept them to himself.
out of... maybe a misguided memory of their former life as brothers. and so, there's a pang of anger at the question. but he tamps it down, and stares at Kaeya, refusing to let him out of his sight. ]
[that is an interesting question, isn't it? a pointed question, though kaeya does his best to remain calm, to keep his smile in place. does he consider himself to be trustworthy...
...well, the simple answer to such a question is this: no. of course he doesn't. kaeya knows that he will do whatever is necessary to maintain his mission, nebulous as it is. even if he would like to be honest—oh, if only wishes were fishes! he'd be a very well-fed man.
but as this is how things are, kaeya simply offers diluc a smile.]
[ but yet, he's not surprised, and he sighs, bringing a hand to his temple. he already knows this is the sort of argument that's going to go around in circles.
the very sort of thing that is designed to make him angry. ]
... And I've worked with people I don't trust before. In limited ways.
[yes! well!! this is the price diluc must pay—hence kaeya's continued smile as down whatever is left of his drink. not much, really. time to signal for another.]
"Limited ways?" [hmm.] What do you expect of me, then? I won't lie to you.
[he says such a thing so casually, but it's honest? it IS. there's no point to lying to diluc, after all that happened; diluc knows the worst of him, so, you know. even if there's nothing between them, there's at least the knowledge that kaeya has nothing to hide.]
[ his eyes narrow as he watches him drink, worried for a minute that he might take it too far. Diluc had no clue how much he had drunk before he found him, and to be ordering another... but he doesn't say anything. ]
You won't? Well, that's a relief.
[ he's already mentally preparing to cut Kaeya off, if necessary. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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[ where he's staying is... well, it's transient, at the moment. similar to those three years he was away from mond-- some skills you never forget once you pick them up. and Diluc wants to be difficult to find in some ways. but, that isn't the only thing Kaeya's said.
the other... well, impulsively, Diluc thinks it's at least easy to agree to? even though he's trying to figure out how it could possibly be a trap. but the answer isn't obvious to him, and so, ]
As for working together, I think it would make sense. Unless you've decided you love this place so much that you'd rather not leave.
[ which is... a weirdly frightening thought? but he knows that his intuition is correct on this. kaeya would want to return to teyvat, as he's still guarding those secrets so carefully. ]
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...but as he'd be stupid to admit such a thing:]
Oh? [oh!] I wonder.
[spoken like a man who has everything to lose—which kaeya doesn't, really. viper isn't the same as jean; kaeya isn't as free as he'd like to be, so. as he just so happens to be very good at lashing out, he offers the deceptively calm statement that is:]
If we do work together, Master Diluc, you will need to trust me. Are you capable of such a thing?
[well???]
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at which, he frowns. visions dance in his head, always at the periphery of everything he thinks with regards to kaeya, of that night. and he frowns, deeply. kaeya had spilled all of his secrets to him, and diluc had done the polite thing and kept them to himself.
out of... maybe a misguided memory of their former life as brothers. and so, there's a pang of anger at the question. but he tamps it down, and stares at Kaeya, refusing to let him out of his sight. ]
... Do you consider yourself trustworthy?
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...well, the simple answer to such a question is this: no. of course he doesn't. kaeya knows that he will do whatever is necessary to maintain his mission, nebulous as it is. even if he would like to be honest—oh, if only wishes were fishes! he'd be a very well-fed man.
but as this is how things are, kaeya simply offers diluc a smile.]
Do you have anyone else to trust?
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[ but yet, he's not surprised, and he sighs, bringing a hand to his temple. he already knows this is the sort of argument that's going to go around in circles.
the very sort of thing that is designed to make him angry. ]
... And I've worked with people I don't trust before. In limited ways.
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"Limited ways?" [hmm.] What do you expect of me, then? I won't lie to you.
[he says such a thing so casually, but it's honest? it IS. there's no point to lying to diluc, after all that happened; diluc knows the worst of him, so, you know. even if there's nothing between them, there's at least the knowledge that kaeya has nothing to hide.]
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You won't? Well, that's a relief.
[ he's already mentally preparing to cut Kaeya off, if necessary. ]
... And that's all I can expect of you, is it?