𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐈𝐂.

𝑶𝒉, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 to bite back seeps into every vein, and the only physical response would be his nails digging deep into his arms. Due to the subject's sensitive nature, he refrains from responding in an unpolite manner to such a comment. In an infamous argument between the two, Kaeya frequently feigned ignorance, Diluc scowled, and Kaeya maintained a smug aura. In their own ways, Diluc's father's passing had wounded them both, and it still deserved a conversation.

After his perceived adulthood birthday, thrust into power and expectations without Kaeya by his side. A role given to him, not by choice -- arguably too young. Watching the fluttering of deep red in the breeze, he admires his inability to react, not outwardly, at any rate. The man spoke almost distantly, but the warmth of his voice remained. Moreover, Kaeya knows he and Diluc are vastly different, their passions are in conflict, and it's been (quite rightfully) a joke that a day can't pass without the judging gaze of the Noble. Initially, he hummed in response. A whirlwind of thoughts had swept through his mind regarding the man beside him and the remarks he had heard. Conclusion: Admiration.

"I have some standards...." Has Kaeya been drunk too many times and found himself in less than palatable places, only to be facilitated by a friend, or by the one who claims he won't offer a slither of sympathy? That's neither here nor there.

𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅, 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐔𝐂 𝐒𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒; the sound of it a delicate huff of breath through his nose over a slanted curl of his lips, his own arms folded in kind, mirroring kaeya's. "no," he intones, his voice a flat line. "you don't." and jasper eyes fall to the side, sweep the other man's demeanor with a flicker of amusement in their corners ––– a sense and ere of knowing that they were both aware of the reality of the matter. that diluc was well aware, as he had dragged kaeya out of the tavern on more than one occasion himself.

old habits die hard, he supposed. or, rather, a sense of responsibility never quite left the back of his mind, no matter how he had tried to snuff it out with the heel of his boot.

"and pirates, i'm afraid, are no longer my cup of tea." still, the words are said in a dry tone; though not without its fair share of amusement to match the creased corners of his gaze as it snaps back up to meet kaeya's own. the smirk that lingers below it diluc could do without. yet it seems to touch the other man's eyes in kind, and the lightness in his own expression ––– as fractional as it might have been ––– falls away. slowly, it seeps out of his iris, his skin, and the creases at his eyes smooth out to nothing. "i've grown past it," he says, and turns his attention once more on the outline of mondstadt in the distance.

there is a momentary pause where the wind washes over them both with force; and the tips of his loose strands whip against the skin of his temples, his cheeks. it, somewhat ironically, feels like a reprimand. he narrows his gaze out over the capital, long lashes protecting his eyes from the riotous flutter. "just as well as i've grown past parties." as he had done at far too young an age, if one were to agree with his housekeepers.

𝑰𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑲𝒂𝒆𝒚𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 - he was the one who was doing most of the labour. However, he doesn't comment at this point and gives only a tut and an eye roll concealed behind his eye patch. His boots sink further into the damp terrain beneath him as he slugs forward, but the end of this cargo is fast approaching. At the request, in a beat, he provides Diluc with the man all too easily. "With pleasure - he's all yours." Taking a step back, arms folded loosely across his chest, he stared at the man who looked like he had been at war with the wolves.

While Kaeya watched Diluc swing, he didn't bat an eye - a reminder that the man could undoubtedly pack a punch. It wasn't too difficult to recall a time when the two clashed steel and a brief thought that the noble of Mondstadt might very well have beaten him in a fight that night. Yet, here they were, side by side. Things weren't always like this, but they once were, and Kaeya remembered the loss all too well. Perhaps the captain was the one more fond of this camaraderie between them. Twitch of the lips in thought between the one who had been knocked out and the horizon to which he was about to travel. Drawn back when Diluc speaks once more.

"Oh, you're leaving me in charge? I'm flattered!" He Smirks, raising a hand, he puts it to his chest in a dramatic manner. "I am quite sure I can come up with something..." His smirk reached his ears, and he laughed quietly, amused at what may be ahead. Kaeya has yet to decide, but he will spend his walk exploring that idea. Then, returning his gaze to Diluc with an uncovered bright blue eye, "Don't be late ~ " he purred before turning on his heel, his attire swishing as he walked toward the guards.

Now, what to do...

Before he even noticed those on watch, the idea struck him. A tuneful hum escaped his lips as he spotted a cart across the stretch - far enough away that he might be able to dive out of sight - and loud enough to cause distraction. His assumption was that the cart belonged to a traveling merchant setting up for the morning, taking his journey late at night. It is unfortunate for him however, that his stock might not quite make it there. A sneaking attack at the back, drawing his sword to slice at the rope holding the produce in place. As it propelled toward him, he was marginally able to avoid being crushed by its weight by diving into a nearby hedge of some sort. A few bruises, at worst, might be all he has come morning.

𝐈𝐅 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄, diluc was confident that he could trust kaeya in casual delinquency. an unfair sentiment, perhaps, considering kaeya was captain of a nonexistent calvary ––– but diluc still held strongly to a sense of bitterness that might not ever fall from his tongue. it, at the very least, no longer sat at the back of his throat and threatened to choke him. at least most of the time.

the man's dead weight was a heavy burden, to say the least, and diluc can feel a small trickle of sweat slip at his temple. waiting was a heavier burden still in light of this. the moments ticked on at the rate of a snail's sluggish crawl; dragging on as the stars above on a clear night seemed to twinkle in their distant laughter at his misfortune. shifting the man's weight on his shoulder, he gives thought to the prospect that thinking he is the unfortunate one on this night is actually quite selfish. but all's well that is deserved, and diluc has never had any qualms with doling out appropriate punishment.

a memory flashes across his mind with the sharp shock of lightning and the intensity of rolling thunder, and his grip on the body in his arms tightens considerably. perhaps not all punishments had been seen through ––– whether due to untamed, untested youth or due to the unfettered ache of a heart already shattered under the perpetual fall of rain. but it had taken him little time to harden into his present jaded facade, that much was certain. that night had been the first of many that came after, chipping away at him with a steadfastness he had welcomed.

a melodious hum that carries on the wind like a joyful butterfly cuts through his thoughts like the slice of a sharpened blade. ah. kaeya.

his heels kick into motion ––– if they did not move quickly, they were doomed from the start ––– and he adjusts the mask that sits on his nose in preparation, tucking hair behind his ear as an additional precaution. it wasn't exactly a common color in this region of teyvat, of that much he was certain. it doesn't take long for the sound of a thudding tumble to reach his ears as he approached, sticking to shadows, and the cry of a merchant lamenting his produce. the guards' footfalls roll like the memory of thunder not long passed.

                                      ❛ this rope was cut clean through, ❜     one says.

it was their chance to slip by the gate, then. he does so with his body pressed as low as he can manage under the man's unconscious weight, sticking close to the city's wall. a shock of blue hair isn't difficult to spot amidst the greenery, and diluc slips passed him; whistling for his attention like a fluttering bird call to garner his acquiescence so that he might follow.

                                                           ❛ what was that ? ❜

the baritone of a guard's attention is caught by the sound, diluc's own caught by the guard's head snapping in the corner of his eye, in his direction. shit. so much for easy, he thinks with a huff of breath pushing past his lips. he presses to the stone wall not far from kaeya, desperately hoping the height of the bushes might be enough cover. grimacing, he notes that dawn itself is fast approaching ––– the light slowly creeping over the horizon.

In spite of the fact that the staircase was capable of holding both of them, he was still unnerved by its creaking. There was a silent nod of gratitude as the red head stepped in front and pushed the door, allowing them to walk out into the fresh night air. In the absence of anyone around, it almost seemed unsettling that this man's cry remained unheard. The wrong hands certainly caught him. With Kaeya on his side, Diluc has an extra accomplice in this mission - and he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it.

While only one eye was available, he briefly glanced around, remembering that the eye patch could only be removed when he was alone with Diluc. The repeated removal of the fabric sometimes hinders him from remembering what it is like to see the world with just one eye. However, the man in front remained vigilant and observant as they progressed.

He may soon shift into some form of awareness as evidenced by a groan from the one he held. It prompted him to wonder how much time they had left. The idea was to avoid being seen, spotted, or observed at which point he would be dropped off. The caution was to avoid interfering with those they shouldn't. Kaeya comments, "Ugh... he's getting heavy." as they walk up steeper terrain, shifting the weight a bit to ease the burden. "So." he begins "What's the plan? I'm presuming you have one ... as this was entirely a waste of time..."

❛ 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆. ❜    the digging is met with a mild, tired accusation rather than a compliment. it's accompanied by a roll of the eyes behind an owl's likeness.    ❛ and quit complaining, ❜    he tacks on for good measure. the breeze rushing through the backstreets of mondstadt has muratan red hair whipping around diluc's temples, his cloak billowing around his knees. heels clicking over cobblestone, his mind is already turning over their options as they venture ahead. escaping the city with a body would be no easy task ––– though it would be made infinitely easier by the use of an accomplice. usually he had to do this alone.

though, nothing involving kaeya ever went off without a hitch.

regardless, it was the simplest option they had, as well as the most believable, and the side gate was fast approaching.    ❛ give him to me, ❜    he orders without pause for thought. he turns to take their unfortunate luggage from kaeya's shoulder onto his own, his hands rough and impatient yet precise. once settled, he turns to set the man down against the side of a building as he explains his intentions.    ❛ set off ahead to get rid of the guards at the gate with any excuse you can think of, o captain. ❜    the man's disgruntled upset ––– muffled by the strip of cloth covering his mouth ––– may have gone unnoticed thus far, but they couldn't risk it any longer. one hand on the man's shoulder, diluc draws the other fist back with a slight grimace.    ❛ i'm almost sorry for this, ❜    he says, except he's really not;   and were his arid tone not a dead give away, the lack of hesitation to swing across the man's face ––– knocking him out entirely ––– would be.

he wastes no time to scoop him up onto his own shoulder, sinking slightly under his weight. shrugging to adjust him, he winces as he loosens a strand of hair that got caught between. when he looks back to kaeya, he blinks.    ❛ i'll give you about a three minutes' head start, and then i'm moving. ❜    the words are a warning, rather than a suggestion.

Oh, I bet you're enjoying every moment of this..

Undeniably, he could sense just how amused the red head was. As he innocently tightened his hair and busyed his hands, he could feel Diluc enjoying watching him suffer. This back and forth was perhaps a standard practice for the duo, still, though the bartender currently held the upper hand, Kaeya was already plotting his revenge

Or rather, he would if his head wasn't thumping like a drum.

Charming, as always.

A vibration between his lips in response to the water provided, taking the glass and raising it to his lips, a few sips, placing it back upon the wood. He both loathed and appreciated his care, though he wouldn't comment. An uttered groan as he chewed and swallowed his food, so far, not being rejected by his body. Annoying how Diluc knew what to do for Kaeya who was already suffering the aftermath of over indulgence.

Indignantly, he ate another bite, irritated by how delicious the meal was. However, despite their differences and their sharp remarks to one another, Kaeya knew Diluc had no obligation to take pity on him. The sigh that followed his swallow may have softened his expression for a moment.

"You say that as though I dislike visiting," -- or seeing you.

𝐀𝐇. 𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐒, 𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒. or, rather, the ridiculous hypocrisy that came with just about anything that let slip from kaeya's lips: an inability to be held accountable for his own actions. even for the most mundane of things, i.e. ––– a hangover, despite it setting in so early. granted, evidently sleep had not saved him the agony of a long, long night to come. shining the glasses for the morning that yet hid beyond the horizon, wine dark eyes slanting in kaeya's pitiful direction, diluc clicks his tongue behind his teeth.    ❛ nothing out of the ordinary ––– unfortunately, for your theories. ridiculous. ❜    he says it in a mild tone, edging on dry and unsympathetic. though, in all actuality, what sympathy did he have to waste on kaeya's poor decisions on a night out and landing himself... well.

yet his actions speak for themselves, as they always tend to: maroon gaze flickering from oceanic hair to the plate that was ever so slowly emptying. diluc sighs, wonders when he'll stop caring; decides it's not something worth considering for more than the split second it crosses his mind. taking the silver jug still full of water, he steps up to refill kaeya's glass ––– comes to the conclusion that to torment him, just a little, is far more their common course in recent years. regardless of said actions.    ❛ you also ought to define 'visiting,' ❜    he intones, the glint in his eyes matching the near imperceptible curl of his lips.

"Oh~?" Boots halt in their tracks, one arm folding across his chest, the palm supporting the elbow of the other -- enabling his wrist to twist with dramatic flair. An inward smirk and a glimmer of a star-shaped pupil over his left shoulder accompany the flex and curl of those fingers.

"Well now... That is an option I certainly didn't expect to hear from you, or is that your alter ego speaking?" He chuckled to himself, as he turned around and began a slow pace back in thought. "I may have to request the dark knight hero comes out to play more often!" Almost gleeful with a hint of sadistic pleasure.

Now beside the unconscious man, he tugs his collar and tuts at how much time was wasted trying to elicit any responses. There is a flicker of an eye over him, a hum of thought. "Perhaps we can send him on his way with something, assuming his body is found and he doesn't make it back to Dottore, what's to say he didn't get lost among the wolves -- they would be... none the wiser. If he doesn't survive the wolves' attack... that is simply not our problem...." Circling around the man, glancing back at Diluc. "That being said.... aside for the mask...." Reaching to push it up and reveal the man's face. "There's nothing that distinguishes you from, well, you!"

❛ 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 ? ❜    the reference to that horrible, horrible alias that had been bestowed upon him has him near to grimacing;  a wrinkle in his nose before he ultimately simply rolls his eyes.    ❛ i think i'll pass on that opportunity ––– but good suggestion, ❜    he says, tone dry, his arms folding over his chest;  fingers flexing to depress the red leather that clothes his biceps. he leans back ever so slightly when kaeya's fingers reach up to remove the pearl mask that had once sat upon his nose, but makes no move to uncross his arms to prevent the action. it, in all truth, held no purpose in the other man's presence.

in the back of his head, he can recollect insinuation upon insinuation in letter after letter upon his return to mondstadt about vigilantism in the dead of night. as he watches kaeya shift the body over his shoulder, wine dark eyes observant as one of his falcons, he wonders if he would be so obvious to anyone that he didn't share such history with. yet there's a petty irritation that stirs in his chest, despite the knowledge that this, ultimately, made things easier.

               i feel strangely comforted by the fact that you now have an assistant, diluc.

shaking his head to rid himself of the memory, he hums;  boots finally uprooted from the floors to cross to the stairs that led up to the cellar doors, and out into the moonlight. they likely wouldn't be bothered if they slipped out through the back of the building. the greater issue would be the knights of kaeya's precious own ordo favonius on guard at the city's gates. the eventuality was one that was expected, though he had hoped the trouble would've been worth it instead of the little information they'd acquired. which was to say: next to none.

still, he crosses kaeya's path and reaches to pluck his mask back from him in order to return it to his own face before he climbs the stairs;  knocks the cellar doors open with one quick rock of his shoulder. the night air is crisp and cool ––– a relief from the heat of the stifled cellar. when he turns back to the open doors, he sighs.   ❛ by all means, ❜    he drawls, pulls the hood of his cloak over his head to hide his hair, obscuring his face.    ❛ take your time. ❜    

“you’re the worst,” said as if it were a mere observation before he lets out a long suffering sigh; arms folding over his chest in a familiar stance as he stares out over the cliff. “but you’re all i’ve got.”

↪ 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚, @pyriic

𝐀 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐍, just as it had done so in youth as they enjoyed the surrounding nature together. As a result of his remark intended to elicit such a response, Kaeya's face would be naturally smug. A comment to deliberately annoy -- considered a nuisance, yet Diluc never really tried to get him to leave. That's what he should do, he knows that. It's not impossible for him to ever decide he's had enough.

The duo stood overlooking Mondstadt that afternoon, close to the Winery, and now their tasks were nearing completion. Soon enough they wouldn't have use for one another, but for the time, he might just enjoy his company. His arms swaying loosely by his side, no further words were necessary at that moment. Contentment. Sometimes -- just sometimes -- they were able to co-exist in peace, despite all their differences and issues.

Kaeya's eye flickered over his features, blinking to process, his smug expression fading at the man who appeared to be in thought. He looked away with a low "Hm.." Though shocked, it wasn't like he gave a lot of reaction to something they could consider more of a mutual feeling. The temptation was strong to make another comment, which would no doubt be met with a scowl and some form of regret on Diluc's part. However, he abstained. Aiming to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the other now, he mimicked his stance. His touch was barely discernible, but it was his way of replying with comfort.

𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄,  his back faced the stone gate, and liyue just beyond. as curious as he might have found the influx of hilichurls so close to the winery ––– and the knights' interest in the matter  ( or, rather, a lack thereof if his suspicion was correct )  ––– the moment he feels the light brush of kaeya's shoulder against his own, any thought to the likewise leaves him. fingers curling, depressing the leather creased at his elbows, he hums;  noncommittal as it ever is when met by the other man.

the gentle breeze brushes through his hair, muratan red curls flowing with the wind to tickle at the tips of his ears, tied as high as it was. he's reminded of the windmills, and those that rely on them amidst cobblestone and high walls.    ❛ so it is. ❜    solemn and stoic, there is a tick at the corner of his jaw. to speak of such things with the man at his side has never been something sought. there was too much unspoken between them in regards to the tragedy itself and far too much that had been said that he still sometimes wishes hadn't.    ❛ try not to drink yourself into a stupor at the angel's share, ❜    he says.    ❛ you'll get no sympathy from me. ❜    

eyes unwavering on the city, what he knew was more than that was the ire he felt at even the mention of it;  embers that burned low in his stomach, unwilling to accept such grievance. often unwilling to accept the condolences he still received in actuality and utter fairness, if he was thinking about it. those who still remembered to do so, at least, out of politeness more than true regret or grief ––– and always met with politeness in kind. an irony, perhaps, that the one person that might meet him with genuine sincerity is the one person he didn't want it from more than any else.

diluc slants his gaze, glancing in kaeya's direction, and pauses when he fails to see the typical self satisfied mask he's grown so accustomed to. clicking his tongue, he tuts.    ❛ but you might have better luck at the cat's tail. ❜