[Extravagant parties like this weren't really to Kazuha's preferences. Though his veins run with noble blood, he had no taste for such luxury; the draw of seeing friends before the loop ends brings him here. It doesn't mean that he doesn't know the etiquette for the occasion, dressed in a a fine kimono and haori compared to his usual samurai attire. His hair, however, is fluffy mess like a cloud of wavy hair around his head as usual.
Despite the numerousness of them, Kazuha finds himself adept at avoiding cranes. It helps, after all, that he can hear their movements about the air as easily as the flap of a bird's wings— silent to most, but to him like the flutter of pages. All the better for him, since he had no desire for some of Nippon's shenanigans tonight.
He thinks the feeling is likely mutual, which is what draws him to place his hands upon Diluc's hips as he approaches him, moving him just out of the way of a red crane as it flutters overheard.]
I apologize for the sudden touch, friend, but I think you may thank me.
[He points upwards to the crane as it soars over to a new landing spot in the rafters.]
[He'll no doubt feel the way Diluc's body flinches against the unexpected touch, and how he steps forwards as if to remove himself from it in the moment before Kazuha speaks. Diluc turns, looking up just in time to see the dratted thing fluttering off, then shifts his attention down to his apparent saviour.]
Thank you.
[Though the redhead hadn't wanted to be here he had at least made someeffort in his appearance before he'd arrived. His hair is tied back into a thick braid which had been quite neat when it was done, but had since begun to show a little wear in the form of the occasional thick curl escaping the folds below it.
Kazuha gets a smile, though. Just because he dislikes being here doesn't mean he dislikes seeing everyone else who had decided to come.]
Though in this instance, I don't think I would have minded. [He has to lean down to do it, and knowing Kazuha's (and his own) general aversion to public displays of affection he keeps things chaste, but he presses a quick kiss to the corner of the samurai's mouth.] I wasn't sure you'd be here, Kazuha.
[Knowing Diluc, he figures he prefers to be in control of his impulses. Kazuha is the same— generally. He does like to experiment sometimes, but the two of them have a good track record going and he’d hate to ruin it now. He’ll gladly step up on his toes to lean up into the kiss when he sees it coming, happy to accept his warm greeting.
He even returns it, despite the audience around. If someone just happened to glance over at just that moment, then it’s none of their business.]
I think that one was just fine. If that’s the only kiss I receive tonight, then I’d be content.
[Diluc looks rather radiant. The Inazuman resists the urge to fuss with the knots to his hakama, giving it a critical eye and finding it satisfactory. His hands turn to himself after a moment— while the samurai was fine to touch in the privacy of the other’s home, he is much more distant in public.]
This sort of thing is generally too noisy for me, but I couldn’t allow myself to be alone tonight. It would leave too many things… unfinished.
[Kazuha has the right of it there, certainly. Diluc prefers to keep himself in check which is why he doesn't indulge in any of the mind-altering substances here and tries his best to keep away from anything else that might meddle with his self control. It doesn't always work, but it has been relatively successful so far.
He nods slightly as he looks around the room, letting out a soft sigh.]
Kaeya insisted that we come, and I'm no stranger to attending functions I don't really want to be at.
[He can even make a very convincing show of looking like he does in fact want to be there, but he doesn't feel the need to put on any such mask in front of the samurai. Surely he would see right through anything like that anyway.]
But I can't object to my current company. [Another smile. They come more easily with certain people, with Kazuha certainly being one of them.] Do you dance?
[In his search for contentment, Kazuha has become an expert at just slowing down and enjoying simple things. With time rolling as it should, proceeding onto the next year as if that forboding warning never occurred, he's found himself relaxed again. Things no longer seemed to be such a rush.
His mood is definitely higher than it has been. Though he's been sitting in silence in the kitchen, one hand wrapped around a steaming cup of tea, his expression remains pleasant. Not the usual mask of general pleasantry he usually wore either— he thinks he's beginning to feel true contentment in this house.
He no longer stays with the geiko when he's in Kyoto.
Slowly, his eyes drift from the snow floating down outside the window to Diluc's back, watching him as he remains busy cooking. In front of him he has a few loose sheets of paper that should be distracting him, a few lines of inspiration painted on them, but with no coherent poetry yet.]
Let me know if you need a hand. [It's not the first time he's offered; Kazuha has a hard time remaining idle while cooking is going on.]
[The relief when the day had rolled over into the next with no incident and everything intact had been a tangible thing - something Diluc had been feeling in the days since it had occurred and was no stranger to himself. There had been so much he hadn't wanted to lose, so many people he didn't wish to lose his connections to, and one of them is currently sitting in his kitchen.
His relationship with Kazuha is a... strange one, by his own standards. One he hadn't expected but deeply appreciates regardless. The two of them are so different, and yet not in ways that makes it difficult for them to be around each other. He is always happy to see the Inazuman at his door, having told him some time ago that he was always welcome, and it does please him that Kazuha chooses to come here instead of finding shelter elsewhere when he's in town.]
Feeling restless? [Though Diluc doesn't turns around to look at him, keeping his eye on the fish he's currently searing in a pan, the amusement in his voice is fairly clear.] You know I'm as precious about my cooking as you are.
[He does glance, then, his crimson eyes lit with the same amusement that threads through his voice.]
[Differences really just made things more interesting in ways; the samurai was always in search of excitement of some sort, always wanting to learn something new or see something different. Isolating himself to only those who he found of complete like mind would never provide it.
The samurai takes a delicate sip of his tea, lashes lowered like a blanket of snow over the red of his eyes. No more inspiration seems to be coming to him. He needs stimulation.]
Somewhat. Though you’re right. Allow me to make myself useful.
[It should be said that the wanderer’s comfort is obvious in this house; when he arrived, he’d changed into some more appropriate loungewear rather than the ensemble of armor and accessories he usually wears. He wears a short, cream kimono and some light teal hakama, the pale skin at his upper thighs exposed by the length of his robe. Before he hops from his chair, he pulls his hair loose from its band, shaking it out before he ties it up again, higher on his head.
He’s already pulling two more loops of cloth from his sleeves as he pads over to the sink, pausing a moment to tie the long sleeves of his kimono back before he starts collecting used dishes.]
Please just put anything you need washed aside. I will take care of it.
[Diluc chuckles lightly when the other man joins him, being quite certain that even if there had been nothing needing washing he would have found some other way to need to be on his feet. He can understand it - he hates standing idle too, and sometimes it's a task for poor Adelinde to even get him to sit down at the table to eat.]
All right. Here. [He passes over a few more dirtied items, then leans over and plants a kiss on top of Kazuha's head when he's close enough to be able to do so.
These moments of domesticity feel fairly common to them now. He likes having Kazuha here, and Kaeya likes him too. The samurai fits easily into their dynamic when he's present in the house regardless of if both of them are present or not.
He realises he's watching the man fondly when the pan he's tending to spits a small splash of oil out onto the back of his hand, and he lets out a soft hiss as he turns his attention back to the food.]
It's almost done. You can get the plates down for us if you like.
[Ice skating wasn't really one of Kazuha's talents, so he wasn't one of those fortunate enough to win accomodations. Not that the provided ones at the hotel were anything that the samurai would refuse— they were beautiful and certainly it beats sleeping out in the snow.
After a day of work in the kitchen, Kazuha bathes and returns to his room with some uki beer instead of spending time in the common area. Despite his friendliness, he's a bit of a loner by nature and the long day of work had worn him down. By the time he's ready for bed, his body feels more than heavy, and he only just tucks himself into the futon before he falls asleep.
[Perhaps it's because Kazuha had berated his choice of dress, forcing him to wear something warmer, that he finds himself standing outside of the man's room at the hotel. Or perhaps it was the creeping loneliness getting to him again, growing far too comfortable with the samurai's presence for it to be something he sought out so frequently.
That they're friends - a concept he still has to remind himself of - has him avoiding knocking entirely, simply moving the door open and slipping inside.
Scaramouche doesn't expect to find the samurai asleep, regardless of the time, and for a moment he considers leaving. Not something he particularly wants to do. Instead he wanders over and sits himself down next to the futon, it wasn't the first time he'd been stuck with a sleeping Kazuha, and it was unlikely to be the last - the vagrant's daily naps a common occurrence. He could wait for him to wake up.]
[The concept of personal space for him has evolved since he met Scaramouche. There are plenty things he has been adverse of— touching in public, spending whole days with, and now sleeping together —that he'd since grown accepting and placid with when it involved the other Inazuman. He knows he shouldn't, but he trusts him.
Sensitive to noise as he is, the uki in the beer makes it so he doesn't immediately wake. The doll gets some time in sitting next to him, the rise and fall of Kazuha's chest the indicator he's sleeping peacefully. It's his scent that eventually rouses the samurai— of ozone and plum flowers —and he cracks open red eye open slightly.
How long has he been there? Kazuha is too asleep to be bothered. He only rolls slightly onto his slide then throws an arm over the doll's lap, his arm hanging almost limply as he leans in and presses a cheek to the side of Scaramouche's thigh.]
[How long Scaramouche will need to sit around waiting he doesn't know, but there was plenty of things to busy himself with as the samurai slept away. Thoughts of what magic he was currently studying come to mind, of how he's nearly done learning all he can and of a particular spell that had caught his attention when he'd been flipping through books. It's something he can see value in mastering, despite how dangerous - and illegal - it's said to be.
The Harbinger is offered some time to mull over just how to go about truly learning the spell in a method that wouldn't be detrimental to him, before he notices Kazuha's eye crack open. He opens his mouth, ready to say something, but the other Inazuman looks as though he's ready to fall back asleep - lazily adjusting himself into a position Scaramouche does not think comfortable.]
You're going to wake up sore if you sleep like that.
[The arm that's throw over his lap is carefully lifted as he moves to get Kazuha to return to laying on his back, a sigh escaping him. It takes a moment for the immortal to decide to lay down next to the samurai, and another moment longer to shift himself so that his head is resting against the man's chest.
If he was wanted closer then this should be more than suitable he thinks. His own eyes shutting as he listens to the soothing sound of Kazuha's heartbeat.]
[They aren't in the habit of keeping tabs on each others' whereabouts at all times, so when Kazuha hears Diluc's voice echoing sometimes in the Ice Princess Hotel's hallways, he has to guess to himself if he's maybe just thinking about him too much. The first few times he only stood and listened, the words muffled by distance, though the samurai has keen hearing and does not forget a sound.
He's not exactly avoiding him. After what Scaramouche did to him, he especially would not want to inflict that upon him. However... it's an avoidance of sorts, as for a bit he makes no effort to change his plans to bring himself in Diluc's path. The one day while the Raginvindr was working the bar while he was in the kitchen was— tense, for him, his mind preoccupied with what he'll say and do if he came to the back and saw him there. They didn't, fate didn't decide that, but maybe it was just that the bar and kitchen operate separately.
In the end, he asks a maid to deliver Diluc a letter. Kazuha's caligraphy is neat and eloquent— if his manner of speech didn't give away his noble birth, then the way he writes betrays education.
It's a clear invitation to join him. Surely Diluc would understand he's being invited to join him on this walk, with no response necessary. Still, Kazuha finds himself nervous as he steps through the large hotel lobby, his pace slow and almost leisurely to outside appearances. He ties the strings to his warming cloak tighter, and though he attempts to keep his eyes straight ahead towards the doors, he can't help but peer around, wondering if Diluc would answer with his presence.]
[The occasionally offered getaways already provoke no small amount of suspicion in Diluc, but he has thankfully found this one to be largely inoffensive. There have been no unexpected, unpleasant surprises or peculiar dreams and for a change he has been able to allow himself to relax just a little.
He might have mentioned in passing to Kazuha that he would be here, but without really specifying when or even really confirming it. On a couple of occasions he has fancied he saw the man in the icy streets outside the hotel, but it could have been anybody. Diluc is not Kazuha's keeper, their relationship is not like that and he knows this. All for the best when their respective personalities are taken into account.
When he gets the letter, he's surprised. Surprised further that a maid delivers it to him. Letters from Kazuha aren't unusual, though they don't usually come when the both of them are residing in the same place.
It's easy enough to read between the lines, to find the invitation that is given without being spoken, and when sunset begins to draw close he dresses himself warmly and heads down to the hotel lobby. Finding Kazuha there is a pleasing thing even if he expected it, and the way his steps quicken, lighten, is entirely subconscious as he makes his way over to the other man.]
Kazuha. [He always ensures the samurai has seen him before he lays a hand on him, at least in public, but he doesn't hesitate to squeeze his fingers very gently around the other man's upper arm in greeting.] A letter? You might have knocked on my door over inviting me to meet you so formally.
[Diluc is smiling, but there's curiosity in his eyes and--... a touch of concern, perhaps.]
[He knows Diluc's scent whenever he's near, of orchards and campfire, and it alerts him to his presence down in the lobby halls before the redhead approaches him. Kazuha thought he was finally prepared, but the way his heartbeat speeds up as he catches sight of red hair— he wishes it was for another reason, as the man is stunning as he always is, and in another circumstance his stomach might flutter just from the sound of his voice.
The samurai's fingers brush over Diluc's where they rest at his shoulder. The other man knows enough about Kazuha's reservations for physical affection in public, so he expects him not to take offense to his mild reaction.]
We're not here together. I didn't want you to feel obligated to come.
[Diluc sees right through him. Not inclined to lie, the samurai only offers him a light smile, then a step away towards the doors. He takes the taller man's hand for a moment, just briefly, to pull him along.]
I prefer to have conversation outside echoing halls where people with good hearing might eavesdrop.
[He knows how Kazuha is - much the same as himself - so he keeps the greeting reserved for both of their comfort. A far cry from how he might greet the man at his home, where he'll often pull Kazuha into an embrace or lift him off his feet the moment the door is closed. But there is still so much affection in those smaller actions.]
I wouldn't have.
[Following along after the samurai, he squeezes his fingers around the smaller hand that tucks into his for that brief moment, but doesn't hold him there. A strangely empty feeling twinges up his arm for a moment when the contact is lost, leaving a ghost of warmth over his palm, but he shakes it off.]
Mm... it sounds like you have something serious on your mind. [Diluc pushes his hands into his pockets while they walk side by side, and though he can parse some things by how he has learned to read Kazuha there are still some things about him that remain a mystery. The curiosity stays lingering in his expression as the chilly outside air washes over them.] Should I be worried?
[Although Kazuha lives in the Western Kingdom, in the far south of rural Wakayama, for the duration of the festival and hanami season they've traveled to Tokyo. He knew his partner still has accomodations in the city that he shares with the Shogun, and while Scaramouche had proposed other options knowing the samurai's history with the Shogunate, he had simply shook his head and accepted it. Knowing what he does now, even if he lacks the memories himself, he has put the events behind him.
Scaramouche leaves in the morning for work as he always does, leaving Kazuha alone in their room to continue waking and go on with his morning. While he could leave, avoiding any more potentially awkward conversations and interactions with the Shogun, he feels at ease enough to feel no rush to leave.
Instead, he makes use of the kitchen, the smell and sounds of cooking filling the apartment as he prepares breakfast. He has yet to change out of the loose kimono he slept in, his hair still slightly ruffled from the pillow, but a full belly will give him energy and motivation for readying for the rest of the day. Two bowls sit ready at the table, with a teapot set in the center, light wisps of steam drifting from the spout.]
[ To say things had been a little different these days would be putting it lightly.
She'd simply been out one day, taking a walk when IT happened. Ei had stumbled in her steps, having to take a second to brace herself against a nearby building as 'new' memories flooded into her mind. Her time with the traveler, the fight against the Shogun and then the talk with Makoto which had an ache lodged in her chest.
That evening when she came home, she'd practically crashed due to being emotionally exhausted and not aware of much. Ei knew that Scaramouche had company over but she hadn't been in the right state of mind to deal with anyone at that point, but soon enough the morning rolled around and she'd been able to let everything sink in. She didn't even know entirely what woke her, not until she smelled something cooking and that was enough to have her stomach rumbling at her in hungry displeasure.
Her sister's words still faintly echoed through her mind, but it wasn't something she wanted to think about so early in the morning.
So, Ei got out of bed and somewhat properly adjusted the kimono she had worn to sleep, ensuring it was appropriately covering her once she emerged into the living room area and spotted the teapot set on the table. That was when she realized that the one who was cooking breakfast - for her too, no less - was none other than the young samurai himself. Kazuha, she remembered him being called. ]
...Ah, good morning.
[ It was perhaps somewhat informal with what she was wearing and her braided hair all messy due to having escaped it's loose braid last night as she'd slept. ]
[He hears her waking and moving around in her room even before she had opened the door, so Kazuha spends the precious time between that and her surprised greeting keeping his eyes on the egg he was carefully folding into a roll, making sure it doesn't burn. Once he's finished, he transfers it on a plate, setting his chopsticks aside a moment to turn towards the Archon and bow, his hands at his sides.]
Good morning, Your Excellency. Breakfast will be ready in a few more minutes. Please allow me to serve you some tea.
[He looks her over, his eyes lingering on the fine kimono she was wearing. He doesn't mind that she looks a bit disheveled-- if anything, it sets him a little more at ease, offering her a small smile as he steps over to the table and picks up the teapot, using both hands to pour her a cup.
He'd prepared for this mentally, and he finds in the situation he's far less nervous about this than he thought he was going to be. His demeanor is polite, as he almost always is, but friendly.]
[ The change between the last time she had been face to face with him truly was noticeable, a sign that time had passed while allowing for some understandings to perhaps click into place. He's still polite with respectable manners, and that has Ei attempting to brush some of her hair behind one ear.
In a place where she held no power, that same courteousness was granted to her and it was like having a bit of her home for a moment. One of her citizens who she'd once wronged. Not with just the Vision Hunt Decree, but that moment where she'd... no. The thought was bitter and there was no time for that, not when he was so kindly moving as to pour her some tea.
That shook her from her thoughts a little and she managed a light smile in turn alongside a small nod of her head. ]
Thank you. I appreciate it.
[ Something about this pained her, and a part of Ei suspected it had to do with the recent memories that had been dredged up alongside with the new ones that had come to her yesterday. She tried desperately to not think about it, moving to situate herself at the table when Kazuha had said that, to which Ei just shook her head. ]
No. Not at all. I have no reason to be bothered by your presence here, though I do admit I am surprised to seeing you preparing breakfast like this for us.
[ There were some similarities to her situation five hundred years ago and this young man here. She hadn't really seen it before, but now it was so clear as day to her. Perhaps she should bring it up at some point. ]
[There's some days in which Kazuha finds himself alone in the evening. He doesn't really mind this; he's somewhat of an introvert by nature and these quiet evenings like this are relaxing to him. He can do as he pleases and he takes full advantage of it.
This is one such night. Kazuha slips into the bath after a shower, intending to take a long soak. At the edge, he sets his communicator on a higher shelf to avoid the water. At first, he just intended to read through messages, but he finishes rather quickly. Instead he finds himself scrolling through old ones, reading through exchanges he's had with Diluc over the past few months.
It's not really boredom as much as it's— loneliness that settles over him.
He misses his lover. They've been apart for too long. Diluc was understanding— a perfect partner in that sense —but the samurai finds he craves the sound of his voice more and more. He's never been one to be bothered by distance or time apart, but with how fleeting these moments could be, he's found his thoughts often on the people he loves.
[When his comm device starts to buzz, Diluc is lying on the couch with Kaeya's cat (only Kaeya's cat, he will have nothing to do with it) dozing on his lap. He has a book open, but he hasn't really been concentrating on it for the past fifteen minutes.
Kaeya is out, Lumine is out, and the house is comfortable enough but strangely quiet. The sudden noise from the communicator makes him flinch, but gods if it is not a welcome distraction from the creeping sense of loneliness slipping in. Despite much of his self-imposed isolation over the last several years, Diluc has never entirely accustomed himself to living alone.
He wouldn't have minded who it was, but seeing Kazuha's name on the screen brings an undeniable and instant lightness to his heart. Diluc smiles brightly and answers, his voice warm.]
Hello, Kazuha.
[Always understanding of the distance and his place in Kazuha's life, Diluc has never tried to crowd him. He checks in with him, calls him occasionally, but doesn't bother him. Getting a call from him is entirely - and always - welcome.]
[It's a pleasant surprise at least he'd gotten an answer so quickly. Diluc's a busy man and the carefree Kazuha doesn't always remember what sort of schedule he has for a week, especially considering plans can change easily.
He can't help the smile on his lips at the sound of the other man's voice, and he settles a little more into his bath, leading his head on the side.]
The pleasure's mine, Diluc. [He laughs a little. After all, he's the one who called.] I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
[He doesn't voice just how happy he is to hear from anyone, but particularly Kazuha... but the fact he is doing nothing might clue the samurai in to the fact that he was likely ten minutes away from doing something, even if only to alleviate his boredom.
Diluc sits up and watches the cat leave as it immediately takes offence to the fact he dared to move.]
Kaeya and Lumine are out, so I have the house to myself for the moment.
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Kaedehara Kazuha | Genshin Impact
Closed to Diluc | December Party
Despite the numerousness of them, Kazuha finds himself adept at avoiding cranes. It helps, after all, that he can hear their movements about the air as easily as the flap of a bird's wings— silent to most, but to him like the flutter of pages. All the better for him, since he had no desire for some of Nippon's shenanigans tonight.
He thinks the feeling is likely mutual, which is what draws him to place his hands upon Diluc's hips as he approaches him, moving him just out of the way of a red crane as it flutters overheard.]
I apologize for the sudden touch, friend, but I think you may thank me.
[He points upwards to the crane as it soars over to a new landing spot in the rafters.]
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Thank you.
[Though the redhead hadn't wanted to be here he had at least made some effort in his appearance before he'd arrived. His hair is tied back into a thick braid which had been quite neat when it was done, but had since begun to show a little wear in the form of the occasional thick curl escaping the folds below it.
Kazuha gets a smile, though. Just because he dislikes being here doesn't mean he dislikes seeing everyone else who had decided to come.]
Though in this instance, I don't think I would have minded. [He has to lean down to do it, and knowing Kazuha's (and his own) general aversion to public displays of affection he keeps things chaste, but he presses a quick kiss to the corner of the samurai's mouth.] I wasn't sure you'd be here, Kazuha.
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He even returns it, despite the audience around. If someone just happened to glance over at just that moment, then it’s none of their business.]
I think that one was just fine. If that’s the only kiss I receive tonight, then I’d be content.
[Diluc looks rather radiant. The Inazuman resists the urge to fuss with the knots to his hakama, giving it a critical eye and finding it satisfactory. His hands turn to himself after a moment— while the samurai was fine to touch in the privacy of the other’s home, he is much more distant in public.]
This sort of thing is generally too noisy for me, but I couldn’t allow myself to be alone tonight. It would leave too many things… unfinished.
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He nods slightly as he looks around the room, letting out a soft sigh.]
Kaeya insisted that we come, and I'm no stranger to attending functions I don't really want to be at.
[He can even make a very convincing show of looking like he does in fact want to be there, but he doesn't feel the need to put on any such mask in front of the samurai. Surely he would see right through anything like that anyway.]
But I can't object to my current company. [Another smile. They come more easily with certain people, with Kazuha certainly being one of them.] Do you dance?
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Closed to Diluc | Late December | NSFW
His mood is definitely higher than it has been. Though he's been sitting in silence in the kitchen, one hand wrapped around a steaming cup of tea, his expression remains pleasant. Not the usual mask of general pleasantry he usually wore either— he thinks he's beginning to feel true contentment in this house.
He no longer stays with the geiko when he's in Kyoto.
Slowly, his eyes drift from the snow floating down outside the window to Diluc's back, watching him as he remains busy cooking. In front of him he has a few loose sheets of paper that should be distracting him, a few lines of inspiration painted on them, but with no coherent poetry yet.]
Let me know if you need a hand. [It's not the first time he's offered; Kazuha has a hard time remaining idle while cooking is going on.]
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His relationship with Kazuha is a... strange one, by his own standards. One he hadn't expected but deeply appreciates regardless. The two of them are so different, and yet not in ways that makes it difficult for them to be around each other. He is always happy to see the Inazuman at his door, having told him some time ago that he was always welcome, and it does please him that Kazuha chooses to come here instead of finding shelter elsewhere when he's in town.]
Feeling restless? [Though Diluc doesn't turns around to look at him, keeping his eye on the fish he's currently searing in a pan, the amusement in his voice is fairly clear.] You know I'm as precious about my cooking as you are.
[He does glance, then, his crimson eyes lit with the same amusement that threads through his voice.]
But don't feel you just need to sit there.
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The samurai takes a delicate sip of his tea, lashes lowered like a blanket of snow over the red of his eyes. No more inspiration seems to be coming to him. He needs stimulation.]
Somewhat. Though you’re right. Allow me to make myself useful.
[It should be said that the wanderer’s comfort is obvious in this house; when he arrived, he’d changed into some more appropriate loungewear rather than the ensemble of armor and accessories he usually wears. He wears a short, cream kimono and some light teal hakama, the pale skin at his upper thighs exposed by the length of his robe. Before he hops from his chair, he pulls his hair loose from its band, shaking it out before he ties it up again, higher on his head.
He’s already pulling two more loops of cloth from his sleeves as he pads over to the sink, pausing a moment to tie the long sleeves of his kimono back before he starts collecting used dishes.]
Please just put anything you need washed aside. I will take care of it.
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All right. Here. [He passes over a few more dirtied items, then leans over and plants a kiss on top of Kazuha's head when he's close enough to be able to do so.
These moments of domesticity feel fairly common to them now. He likes having Kazuha here, and Kaeya likes him too. The samurai fits easily into their dynamic when he's present in the house regardless of if both of them are present or not.
He realises he's watching the man fondly when the pan he's tending to spits a small splash of oil out onto the back of his hand, and he lets out a soft hiss as he turns his attention back to the food.]
It's almost done. You can get the plates down for us if you like.
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i need to make more smut icons so bad
yesss
drops this into your inbox while you're asleep
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i made a new icon for this
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Closed to Scaramouche | January event at the Ice Princess Hotel
After a day of work in the kitchen, Kazuha bathes and returns to his room with some uki beer instead of spending time in the common area. Despite his friendliness, he's a bit of a loner by nature and the long day of work had worn him down. By the time he's ready for bed, his body feels more than heavy, and he only just tucks himself into the futon before he falls asleep.
A rarity for him.]
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That they're friends - a concept he still has to remind himself of - has him avoiding knocking entirely, simply moving the door open and slipping inside.
Scaramouche doesn't expect to find the samurai asleep, regardless of the time, and for a moment he considers leaving. Not something he particularly wants to do. Instead he wanders over and sits himself down next to the futon, it wasn't the first time he'd been stuck with a sleeping Kazuha, and it was unlikely to be the last - the vagrant's daily naps a common occurrence. He could wait for him to wake up.]
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Sensitive to noise as he is, the uki in the beer makes it so he doesn't immediately wake. The doll gets some time in sitting next to him, the rise and fall of Kazuha's chest the indicator he's sleeping peacefully. It's his scent that eventually rouses the samurai— of ozone and plum flowers —and he cracks open red eye open slightly.
How long has he been there? Kazuha is too asleep to be bothered. He only rolls slightly onto his slide then throws an arm over the doll's lap, his arm hanging almost limply as he leans in and presses a cheek to the side of Scaramouche's thigh.]
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The Harbinger is offered some time to mull over just how to go about truly learning the spell in a method that wouldn't be detrimental to him, before he notices Kazuha's eye crack open. He opens his mouth, ready to say something, but the other Inazuman looks as though he's ready to fall back asleep - lazily adjusting himself into a position Scaramouche does not think comfortable.]
You're going to wake up sore if you sleep like that.
[The arm that's throw over his lap is carefully lifted as he moves to get Kazuha to return to laying on his back, a sigh escaping him. It takes a moment for the immortal to decide to lay down next to the samurai, and another moment longer to shift himself so that his head is resting against the man's chest.
If he was wanted closer then this should be more than suitable he thinks. His own eyes shutting as he listens to the soothing sound of Kazuha's heartbeat.]
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Closed to Diluc | January event at the Ice Princess Hotel
He's not exactly avoiding him. After what Scaramouche did to him, he especially would not want to inflict that upon him. However... it's an avoidance of sorts, as for a bit he makes no effort to change his plans to bring himself in Diluc's path. The one day while the Raginvindr was working the bar while he was in the kitchen was— tense, for him, his mind preoccupied with what he'll say and do if he came to the back and saw him there. They didn't, fate didn't decide that, but maybe it was just that the bar and kitchen operate separately.
In the end, he asks a maid to deliver Diluc a letter. Kazuha's caligraphy is neat and eloquent— if his manner of speech didn't give away his noble birth, then the way he writes betrays education.
It's a clear invitation to join him. Surely Diluc would understand he's being invited to join him on this walk, with no response necessary. Still, Kazuha finds himself nervous as he steps through the large hotel lobby, his pace slow and almost leisurely to outside appearances. He ties the strings to his warming cloak tighter, and though he attempts to keep his eyes straight ahead towards the doors, he can't help but peer around, wondering if Diluc would answer with his presence.]
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He might have mentioned in passing to Kazuha that he would be here, but without really specifying when or even really confirming it. On a couple of occasions he has fancied he saw the man in the icy streets outside the hotel, but it could have been anybody. Diluc is not Kazuha's keeper, their relationship is not like that and he knows this. All for the best when their respective personalities are taken into account.
When he gets the letter, he's surprised. Surprised further that a maid delivers it to him. Letters from Kazuha aren't unusual, though they don't usually come when the both of them are residing in the same place.
It's easy enough to read between the lines, to find the invitation that is given without being spoken, and when sunset begins to draw close he dresses himself warmly and heads down to the hotel lobby. Finding Kazuha there is a pleasing thing even if he expected it, and the way his steps quicken, lighten, is entirely subconscious as he makes his way over to the other man.]
Kazuha. [He always ensures the samurai has seen him before he lays a hand on him, at least in public, but he doesn't hesitate to squeeze his fingers very gently around the other man's upper arm in greeting.] A letter? You might have knocked on my door over inviting me to meet you so formally.
[Diluc is smiling, but there's curiosity in his eyes and--... a touch of concern, perhaps.]
Is something the matter?
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The samurai's fingers brush over Diluc's where they rest at his shoulder. The other man knows enough about Kazuha's reservations for physical affection in public, so he expects him not to take offense to his mild reaction.]
We're not here together. I didn't want you to feel obligated to come.
[Diluc sees right through him. Not inclined to lie, the samurai only offers him a light smile, then a step away towards the doors. He takes the taller man's hand for a moment, just briefly, to pull him along.]
I prefer to have conversation outside echoing halls where people with good hearing might eavesdrop.
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I wouldn't have.
[Following along after the samurai, he squeezes his fingers around the smaller hand that tucks into his for that brief moment, but doesn't hold him there. A strangely empty feeling twinges up his arm for a moment when the contact is lost, leaving a ghost of warmth over his palm, but he shakes it off.]
Mm... it sounds like you have something serious on your mind. [Diluc pushes his hands into his pockets while they walk side by side, and though he can parse some things by how he has learned to read Kazuha there are still some things about him that remain a mystery. The curiosity stays lingering in his expression as the chilly outside air washes over them.] Should I be worried?
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Closed to Ei | April TDM week
Scaramouche leaves in the morning for work as he always does, leaving Kazuha alone in their room to continue waking and go on with his morning. While he could leave, avoiding any more potentially awkward conversations and interactions with the Shogun, he feels at ease enough to feel no rush to leave.
Instead, he makes use of the kitchen, the smell and sounds of cooking filling the apartment as he prepares breakfast. He has yet to change out of the loose kimono he slept in, his hair still slightly ruffled from the pillow, but a full belly will give him energy and motivation for readying for the rest of the day. Two bowls sit ready at the table, with a teapot set in the center, light wisps of steam drifting from the spout.]
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She'd simply been out one day, taking a walk when IT happened. Ei had stumbled in her steps, having to take a second to brace herself against a nearby building as 'new' memories flooded into her mind. Her time with the traveler, the fight against the Shogun and then the talk with Makoto which had an ache lodged in her chest.
That evening when she came home, she'd practically crashed due to being emotionally exhausted and not aware of much. Ei knew that Scaramouche had company over but she hadn't been in the right state of mind to deal with anyone at that point, but soon enough the morning rolled around and she'd been able to let everything sink in. She didn't even know entirely what woke her, not until she smelled something cooking and that was enough to have her stomach rumbling at her in hungry displeasure.
Her sister's words still faintly echoed through her mind, but it wasn't something she wanted to think about so early in the morning.
So, Ei got out of bed and somewhat properly adjusted the kimono she had worn to sleep, ensuring it was appropriately covering her once she emerged into the living room area and spotted the teapot set on the table. That was when she realized that the one who was cooking breakfast - for her too, no less - was none other than the young samurai himself. Kazuha, she remembered him being called. ]
...Ah, good morning.
[ It was perhaps somewhat informal with what she was wearing and her braided hair all messy due to having escaped it's loose braid last night as she'd slept. ]
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Good morning, Your Excellency. Breakfast will be ready in a few more minutes. Please allow me to serve you some tea.
[He looks her over, his eyes lingering on the fine kimono she was wearing. He doesn't mind that she looks a bit disheveled-- if anything, it sets him a little more at ease, offering her a small smile as he steps over to the table and picks up the teapot, using both hands to pour her a cup.
He'd prepared for this mentally, and he finds in the situation he's far less nervous about this than he thought he was going to be. His demeanor is polite, as he almost always is, but friendly.]
I hope it doesn't disturb you I'm in your home.
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In a place where she held no power, that same courteousness was granted to her and it was like having a bit of her home for a moment. One of her citizens who she'd once wronged. Not with just the Vision Hunt Decree, but that moment where she'd... no. The thought was bitter and there was no time for that, not when he was so kindly moving as to pour her some tea.
That shook her from her thoughts a little and she managed a light smile in turn alongside a small nod of her head. ]
Thank you. I appreciate it.
[ Something about this pained her, and a part of Ei suspected it had to do with the recent memories that had been dredged up alongside with the new ones that had come to her yesterday. She tried desperately to not think about it, moving to situate herself at the table when Kazuha had said that, to which Ei just shook her head. ]
No. Not at all. I have no reason to be bothered by your presence here, though I do admit I am surprised to seeing you preparing breakfast like this for us.
[ There were some similarities to her situation five hundred years ago and this young man here. She hadn't really seen it before, but now it was so clear as day to her. Perhaps she should bring it up at some point. ]
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Closed to Diluc | Sometime when they're apart for a bit?? Probs NSFW 👀
This is one such night. Kazuha slips into the bath after a shower, intending to take a long soak. At the edge, he sets his communicator on a higher shelf to avoid the water. At first, he just intended to read through messages, but he finishes rather quickly. Instead he finds himself scrolling through old ones, reading through exchanges he's had with Diluc over the past few months.
It's not really boredom as much as it's— loneliness that settles over him.
He misses his lover. They've been apart for too long. Diluc was understanding— a perfect partner in that sense —but the samurai finds he craves the sound of his voice more and more. He's never been one to be bothered by distance or time apart, but with how fleeting these moments could be, he's found his thoughts often on the people he loves.
On whim, he decides to call him.]
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Kaeya is out, Lumine is out, and the house is comfortable enough but strangely quiet. The sudden noise from the communicator makes him flinch, but gods if it is not a welcome distraction from the creeping sense of loneliness slipping in. Despite much of his self-imposed isolation over the last several years, Diluc has never entirely accustomed himself to living alone.
He wouldn't have minded who it was, but seeing Kazuha's name on the screen brings an undeniable and instant lightness to his heart. Diluc smiles brightly and answers, his voice warm.]
Hello, Kazuha.
[Always understanding of the distance and his place in Kazuha's life, Diluc has never tried to crowd him. He checks in with him, calls him occasionally, but doesn't bother him. Getting a call from him is entirely - and always - welcome.]
What an unexpected pleasure.
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He can't help the smile on his lips at the sound of the other man's voice, and he settles a little more into his bath, leading his head on the side.]
The pleasure's mine, Diluc. [He laughs a little. After all, he's the one who called.] I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
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[He doesn't voice just how happy he is to hear from anyone, but particularly Kazuha... but the fact he is doing nothing might clue the samurai in to the fact that he was likely ten minutes away from doing something, even if only to alleviate his boredom.
Diluc sits up and watches the cat leave as it immediately takes offence to the fact he dared to move.]
Kaeya and Lumine are out, so I have the house to myself for the moment.
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