May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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The month of love is in full swing! But there are some who are probably wondering: why is May the month of love, and why only in the West? Over in Tokyo, no such celebrations are being made, and even the Hanyo of Shitaya aren't gunning up for any major festivals of any sort, despite most of them having come from the West. But it's not because it's a new holiday. Rather, it's simply a Yokai specific one.

Because traditionally, May is the period where a Yokai's sex drive is the strongest. And while for most, this simply manifests as a desire for deep, emotional connections, for others, it's a month-long orgyfest.

And as the mysterious little flowers continue to bloom across Kyoto, something else begins to bloom between the refugees themselves.

The Season of Sex

Towards the middle of the month, refugees are sure to notice a change in the way the Yokai are behaving, particularly the group known as the "beast Yokai", which includes Kitsune, Bakeneko, and Inu Yokai. As it turns out, these three are among some of the only Yokai who still occasionally undergo a heat-like event, with most of these falling around the month of May.

But what does this have to do with the refugees? As many of them will quickly find out: they also will experience a heat-like state through the rest of the month. Upon contacting the scientists, they explain that because the Yokai were the indigenous people of Nippon, bonding with Nippon seems to have caused the refugees to become part Yokai in a way that differs from the native Hanyo. This is why they're able to use magic, and why many of them grow Yokai body parts when experiencing high levels of Kizuna.

"Oh, don't worry your pretty little heads! Sure, you lot seem to be more afflicted than us Native Yokai, but no one's going to judge you for your... biological needs, teehee!"

As the Yokai researchers explain, heats have become less common in the modern era, so it's entirely possible that some refugees won't experience anything at all. Feel free to use this to opt out of anything that makes you uncomfortable!

You All Know What This Event Is About Maryouku University, Kyoto
When a Yokai goes into heat, they tend to adopt one of three characteristics, known collectively as KSJ. Although most Yokai will always lean more heavily towards one in particular, some may experience all three throughout their heat:

Daikoh (大攻) causes Yokai to develop unusually dominant and possessive tendencies. While some may search for a single partner to keep to themself, others may try to gather as many partners as possible. Even passive and friendly Yokai may become inclined towards violence or unusual roughness, including marking their partners. Some may experience an inexplicable desire for passionate romance, while others may feel a desire to breed.

Daishoku (大食) causes Yokai to give off a magic aura that may trigger a heat in those around them. These Yokai are insatiable, seeking endless pleasure from anything and everything they can find, be it food, entertainment, or sex. It's not uncommon for them to have one thing in particular they become fixated on, though others may simply desire everything. They may even find it hard to sleep without some kind of stimulation to calm them down.

Daijuu (大受) causes Yokai to develop unusually submissive and needy tendencies. They crave physical affection to such a powerful degree that going without it may even become painful. It's not uncommon for these Yokai to only feel comfortable when wrapped up in a nest of blankets to simulate being wrapped in the arms of a lover. They may feel a strong desire to be cared for by another, or even impregnated by a mate, regardless of gender.

Obviously any of these would be pretty inconvenient, but perhaps the worst part is they can strike at any time. One might simply wake up in heat, while another may find themselves suddenly overwhelmed upon seeing a familiar face. And the truly unfortunate may find it happening in public, or even on a long train ride.

While most heats tend to be very mild, often to the point where one might not even realize they're going through one, some Yokai have the misfortune of going through an extreme heat, where the effects of KSJ becomes far more pronounced, even to the point of appearing to have a complete personality shift. Daishoku Yokai may fuck until they pass out, Daikoh Yokai may peruse individuals they would never otherwise be interested in, and Daijuu Yokai have been known to crawl into the beds of strangers to satisfy their need to be held. Heats can be as brief as a few hours, or as long as a few weeks, with varying levels of severity throughout. While most only occur once a year, you're free to utilize heats as a Severe Kizuna Effect at any time!

Discount Dildo Emporium Gion, Kyoto
Just in time for the month of love, a new shop has opened up in downtown Kyoto. The elderly owner of Iyarashii Ryuu, an infamous dildo shop in Tokyo's Shinjuku, has partnered up with an equally amorous young Kitsune to open up a sister store in Gion. And if the large painting on the wall is anything to go by, their relationship probably goes beyond business partners... that's one feisty old lady.

Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in every shape, size, and function of dildo one can imagine, but unlike the Tokyo branch, the Gion branch of Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in enchanted dildos. These dildos are capable of moving on their own, growing in size, changing in shape, and even glowing in the dark! Because why not.

However, these are still a very new product, so they're depending on customer feedback to improve the spells! As such, anyone willing to test out a prototype enchanted dildo will both be allowed to keep the prototype, as well as select from any finished dildos in the shop free of charge.

Of course, some may not realize what they're getting into when they agree to test a prototype. One is designed to change size on command, but contains a bug that may cause it to grow larger than intended, and even develop a distinct knot. Another is designed to allow the one wearing it as a strap on to feel sensations as if it were real, but has a bug that instead causes both partners to feel both sensations, resulting in an extreme case of over-stimulation. Another is designed to move independently like a fucking machine, but seems to lack a means of turning it off. And another glows in the dark so brightly that it can be seen from the outside. Which isn't necessarily a bug, but it sure is something worth seeing.

And hey, for all you natural-dildo-havers, they're also testing a line of condoms designed to do the same things, with the added security of safe sex practices. Very sexy! Just watch out for that size-changing one, though. Some have reported feelings of insecurity upon watching their dangle return to its smaller size.

Fickle Flower Petals

In the midst of everything happening this month, refugees will begin to hear rumors of strange symptoms popping up around Kyoto. Flowers growing out of people's hair, sprouting from the ground with every step they take, or even tumbling out of their mouth. It's only then that the people realize what's happened: those little flowers from before weren't entirely harmless. They're sprouts from a Hanahaki, a very rare ayakashi that possesses flowers, named for the curse it inflicts on those who inhale their pollen.

Thankfully, Hanahaki is treatable, and can even be cured without the need of a specialist. But until the sprouts wilt, those living in Kyoto will simply have to bear with the symptoms.

Post Secret Kyoto, Western Kingdom
In its mild form, Hanahaki causes flowers to grow from a person's hair. These flowers range in size and species, and can grow over the course of mere minutes or many days. Those affected will be encouraged to allow the flowers to wilt naturally, as plucking them may cause permanent bald patches.

While this form can seemingly effect anyone, those hiding secret feelings of love or desire may instead develop a form that causes flowers to bloom on every surface around them. Although certainly the most charming, it's also the most conspicuous, with tiny gardens building up around them whenever they stay in one place for too long.

The true extent of the curse will become obvious to anyone riding the trains, as the entire inside of each car has become blanketed in thick green foliage and flowers. Some may discover that the flowers can even sprout on the other side of walls, potentially filling their neighbor's apartment with unwanted greenery. And let's not even get into the personality types that cause a nuruname to bloom. Best stay away from those folks!

So what's the solution? Well, seeing as not everyone is open to the idea of sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, a workaround has been discovered. All around Tokyo, refugees will find small wooden plaques known as ema hanging in populated places. Those affected by the Hanahaki are encouraged to write anonymous confessions on the ema and hang them up where they can be seen. After enough people have seen their confession, the effects of the Hanahaki will begin to go away.

Just make sure you're not seen hanging a confession up, or it'll defeat the purpose of it being anonymous!

To submit play-made secrets for characters to see in Kyoto, please see this post!

Tell No Lies Kyoto, Western Kingdom | cw: This prompt contains Hanahaki-adjacent body horror.
With most cases manifesting as mild, some may be wondering why the curse is referred to as Hanahaki, meaning to spit flowers. In truth, the name is derived from the severe form of the curse: in which flowers begin growing internally.

The most common location is the throat, causing those affected to cough or hiccup flower petals throughout the day. But for those who are especially unlucky, they may grow down into the lungs, causing severe pain, a bloody cough, and trouble breathing. Due to the likelihood of choking in one's sleep, this form is considered the most dangerous.

This form of the curse manifests in those prone to frequently keeping secrets or telling lies, be it intentionally or as a result of being a rather private person. Much like the mild form, it can be treated naturally through open communication. However, the workaround used for the mild form will not work here. Only by opening up about themselves or the secrets they've been keeping will the flowers begin to wilt.

For those who are still opposed to the idea, a healer can forcefully remove the flowers with a spell. However, this method carries a 25% chance of losing whatever memories are tied to those secrets, ranging from the secrets themselves, to all memories of the people they wish to keep in the dark. Surely such a risk isn't worth it, right?

Party Time

Although the Emperor of the West has grown busy these last couple of months, far be it for him to forget his beloved Refugees during the month of love! And so, on the 25th, all refugees will be extended an invitation to an exclusive party in the Uji district of Kyoto.

Those who assisted in clearing it out earlier will be shocked to see the transformation the building has taken in just a few days, as bright and colorful décor can be found on every corner, and the scent of incense hanging in the air.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it would be most rude to refuse an invitation from the Emperor himself, wouldn't it?

With a Bang! Uji, Kyoto
Taking place at one of his many private villas, refugees will be met with an extravagant affair, filled with Humans and Yokai alike. During the day, there's no shortage of musical entertainment and dancing, along with free food and drinks, and a large outdoor garden to relax in. But at night, the mood of the party shifts dramatically. After a full day of pheromones tickling their senses, and no shortage of uki to go around, it was time for the main event: an orgy to celebrate the season of love.

"Greetings and salutations, my dearest friends from another world! I am Katsuragi no Mikoto, emperor of the Western Kingdom, and on this day, I invite you all to enjoy the many pleasures our world has to offer! Please, those who are inclined, make merry! And rest assured, this is a safe place to indulge."

The main room of the villa itself is designed with an array of sliding doors that can become walls to quickly close off corners for an illusion of privacy, as well as private and secret rooms for those who desire it. In the upper floors, rooms filled with all sorts of enchanted toys and costumes can be found, in addition to a small outdoor bathing area. And in the basement, there's what can only be called a sex dungeon, filled with all sorts of restraints and gear for whatever one's heart desires.

Any guests who stick around for the orgy will be asked to select from a number of colorful kanzashi they'll pin into their hair to convey what they're looking for:

Pink: Platonic, non-sexual physical affection only.
Red: Bondage, restraints, and sadomasochism.
Yellow: Open to kink negotiation or discussion.
Orange: Toys, magic or supernatural powers during sex, transformations.
Green: Costumes and sexual role play.
Blue: Powerplay: light blue for submissive, dark blue for dominant.
Purple: Public use, anonymous sex, exhibitionism.
Gold: Open to anything and everything.
Silver: No physical contact, watching only.

Outside of the Purple and Gold ribbons, all kanzashi are imbued with a spell that will sound a loud alarm if they person wearing it is touched in a manner they didn't consent to, upon which the one who activated it may find themselves thrown into the cold waters of the pond in the garden out front. Refugees are free to take as few or as many kanzashi as they desire, or swap them out as the evening grows long.

Denouement Engagement Uji, Kyoto
The party lasts well into the next morning, with guests welcome to stay the night with whoever they happened to bond with the night before. A nearby bath house is open exclusively for party guests, which is for the best, given the nature of the festivities. There will be no walks of shame coming from the Emperor's villa!

But those who actually manage to stick around this long will have an opportunity to witness a rare event.

In the garden just outside the villa, Katsuragi can be found seated next to a young man who some will recognize as Karu, the emperor of the East. The former is once more clean and dressed in his finest regalia, while the Eastern emperor appears in more subdued colors, a parasol in hand in some attempt to hide himself. Perhaps most would be giving them some space, but those who sneak closer will be able to overhear their conversation. Katsuragi speaks of uniting the two kingdoms, and supporting Karu as the face of the Emperor, so he may focus on his "continuing recovery". For his part, Karu is almost completely silent, though it doesn't seem to impede on their conversation.

But one doesn't need to be eavesdropping to realize what's happening when Katsuragi gets down on one knee and gently takes Karu's hand into his own, prompting the latter to drop the parasol in shock.

What happens next, unfortunately, is just between the two of them. A snap of his fingers, and both Katsuragi and Karu vanish in the blink of an eye. Did he notice they was being watched? Or was he intentionally letting them see that much?

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's May event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• As with all Kizuna effects, you are free to opt out of any of the KSJ effects as well, or simply utilize the ones you are interested in. A Daijuu yokai could simply desire being held, with no sexual or breeding-related connotations, for example. Likewise, as this is inspired A/B/O tropes, you are welcome to use Kizuna as an excuse to utilize any additional tropes not included in KSJ.

• Feel free to mix the effects of the prototype enchanted dildos to include multiple effects at once, or create your own magical effects! With magic, the only limit is your imagination!

• Although not necessary, Japanese does have it's own language of flowers if you would like the flowers your character sprouts/spits up to have greater symbolism. A wider list of plant symbolism can also be found here!

• Hanahaki can produce native plants to Nippon, but cannot produce plant-like Ayakashi. So they can grow Uki in their hair, but cannot cough out a Higanbana.

• In case you missed it, the post for submitting IC secrets is over here!

• Players are welcome to handwave their character sleeping with the Western Emperor himself at the orgy, but don't expect him to remember their name the next day. The Eastern Emperor will not be present until the next day.

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Closed to Lumine | cw: some body horror

[icepatch]

[It was late in the evening when he returned home from hanging to ema where people could potentially see his confession. But given how far the hanahaki had progressed, he was out of breath when he stepped inside. Bending down to remove his shoes had his chest rattling in a very unpleasant way and he was just so tired. Diluc was out on a late shift and he only hoped Lumine was out to not see the pathetic state Kaeya was in.

Especially when a coughing fit seized his chest and he couldn't quite make it to the kitchen sink to cough up the flower that wanted to come out. He ended up on his hands and knees, coughing hard and wetly, blood splattering on the floor as he desperately tried to get the flower that was lodged in his throat to come out. Finally, he stuck two fingers into his mouth and as far as they could possibly go, thankfully his gag reflex wasn't very strong as they finally snagged a stem and he pulled the flower out himself. The kitchen was filled with the sounds of his gagging as he ended up not pulling just one flower but a few that somehow were stuck together (and explained why they couldn't get through his wind pipe). He gasped once they pulled free, the Interyvats hardening instantly as he let them fall to the ground and shatter. He coughed up the last of the blood from in his lungs which joined the rest of the mess on the floor.

It was then Kaeya realized he wasn't alone anymore in the kitchen, a small hand was on his back to help soothe the coughs. He swiftly turned his head and found himself staring at Lumine. He quickly looked away and used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.]

Wh-...[cough] When did you-?

[openheartedly]

[The day had been one blessedly free of certain desires, and Lumine had been taking the time to simply relax. She hadn't really been able to relax when all she wanted was to be close to people, to cuddle against them or, she had learned, to have them press her into the nearest solid surface and--well. No, she only felt a mild desire for closeness at the moment, and it had been something she could achieve by wrapping herself comfortably in a blanket.

The coughing fit she hears from the next room over is enough to jolt her upright and out of her blankets in a hurry. A moment or two and she can identify just who it is she can hear -- Kaeya, and it sounded truly painful. She only second-guesses her decision for a moment before she slips out of the blankets, plain white dress fluttering about her knees as she slowly pads to the door and opens it to peer into the house.

She's just stepped into the kitchen as she sees Kaeya pull several inteyvat flowers from his mouth and drop the bloodied mess to the ground. Her steps are swift, though quiet, and she softly lifts a hand to rub soothing circles on his back.

She doesn't flinch away as Kaeya turns to see who was behind him, her expression one of clear concern as she, after a moment, slowly lifts a hand to wipe the last bit of blood from the corner of his mouth.]

I'd stayed home today to try and get some rest... I just came out when I heard you coughing. [She pauses a moment, other hand still so softly on his back.] It sounded painful, so I was worried... is there anything I can do to help?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya closed his eyes tiredly, nearly leaning into that brief touch. Gods, he was so tired. Tired and utterly terrified because if he hadn't gotten those flowers out of his throat, he wasn't sure what would have happened. But, he also felt awful for disturbing Lumine. She was trying to rest given all the goings on the last few days.

He swallowed, wincing as it aggravated his irritated throat, and slowly opened his eyes again. He knew what he was supposed to do, which is why he had been out to put that ema board up. But could he truly wait for enough people to read it and cure this before he choked to death?

Kaeya sighed through his nose in resignation.]

Yes, there is. This curse is happening because of a lie I have been keeping. If I don't confess, I will likely die. [He looked over to her again, he looked defeated.] I've confessed before about this. And it has backfired terribly. So, you can imagine why I don't want to. But--

[Did he really have a choice? Could he trust Lumine not to reject him? Just like his brother had, once upon a time? Just like her brother had, once upon a time?]

I would like to think I can trust you.

[openheartedly]

[Lumine listened quietly, patiently for Kaeya to finish speaking, still so softly rubbing his back. She looked scared when he said if he didn't confess he would likely die, her free hand slowly finding one of his own. She didn't know how much or little of a steadying presence she could be...but she wanted to do something for him.

She could certainly understand why he wouldn't want to tell his secret, especially if it had already backfired in the past. She had a faint memory of telling someone her and Aether's secret once many years ago...it had been part of why she never did anymore either.]

It must feel like your hand is being forced, since the consequences sound... [She trailed off, it was clear enough by her mannerisms she was scared he could die as well.]

I want to be someone worthy of your trust...if you're willing to try. [Though quiet, her tone of voice is sincere. She never wanted to hurt those she considered friends...and even though they'd only really started with rebuilding this friendship, it didn't mean she valued any of them any less than she had back in her Teyvat.]

[icepatch]

[Her hand was so small in his own. Almost tiny. But he knew they were quite strong and he curled his fingers around them. Kaeya really did appreciate her presence right now, even if he didn't appear to be because she was right. It really did feel like his hand was being forced.

Kaeya looked back to the flowers on the floor, some were broken as they had hardened before hitting the ground. They were the very same ones she wore in her hair when they first met.]

The Inteyvat. You wear them in your hair. How much do you know about Khaenri'ah, Lumine?

[Kaeya hadn't had a chance to learn just how much Aether knew, he didn't know how much Lumine knew. But it was probably a good place to start. And the fact that he knew what the national flower of that fallen nation was would likely already tip her off on what he was going to confess. At least in part.]

[openheartedly]

Khaenri'ah... I don't know a lot yet since there's a lot I don't remember that...the Aether in my Teyvat does. But I know Khaenri'ah was destroyed by Celestia 500 years ago... [She pauses, before going into further detail about the things she'd learned thanks to Dainsleif, and what more she'd learned during her time in the Chasm. She'd seen the Inteyvat there, learned a bit more about the curse placed on the people of Khaenri'ah...

Maybe she can kind of guess what Kaeya was hinting toward with his question, but she doesn't want to make any direct assumptions.]

That's about all I know... [She wasn't sure about getting into what Aether wanted to do regarding the people of Khaenri'ah, or her own thoughts on the matter...but that was perhaps something for another day. This was about Kaeya, and she didn't want to seem less accepting. She wanted to try and make him feel comfortable--or at least as comfortable as he could telling her something he'd been hiding.]

[icepatch]

[Dainsleif, huh? That was certainly a name he hadn't heard in awhile. Or that he was even still alive and himself after all this time. The Twilight Sword was just not someone you didn't know if you were Khaenri'ahn.

He nodded and shifted to sit a little more comfortably, and by that he leaned heavily against the cabinet under the sink. Kaeya didn't let go of her hand, though.]

I am Khaenri'ahn. And I am... was an agent for Khaenri'ah. And I am not in Mondstadt by accident. My father [He said that name like it tasted horrible in his mouth.] left me on the side of the road as his and my people's last hope. That I was to go to Mondstadt and live among them for a time. And it all hinged on Crepus Ragnvindr on finding me and taking me in. Thankfully, Master Crepus did find me and brought me to his home rather than leaving me to die in that storm.

[He told her a little about growing up with Diluc, becoming his sworn brother, all the while never revealing what his true purpose had been. The fact that Crepus was the one who first gave him the eyepatch, likely having seen what was under his hair in the rain without Kaeya realizing at eight years old. And yet, still letting Kaeya stay and raising him.]

Diluc is aware that I was a traitor to Mondstadt, to the Knights of Favonius, because when he was 18, I told him. He and his father were in a caravan when a monster attacked. The Knights, and myself, arrived too late and Crepus had lost his life. It was then I realized that I had a choice to make. I didn't care for my father or what my people were up to, they were the ones who abandoned me. They didn't raise me. But I also felt like I didn't deserve what Master Crepus and Diluc had given me.

So, I confessed. I confessed knowing Diluc was still grieving and knowing he would be angry. I had hoped he would be angry enough to just... end it all for me. [It was here Kaeya began to look quite miserable as he recounted the full tale of what happened between the two brothers. That Kaeya ended up realizing just how much he wanted to live after essentially asking for his own brother to kill him despite knowing how much anguish that would further cause Diluc. And how that sudden resolve to live provided him the Vision that he actually hated having on his person.] He has kept my origins a secret even after all that.

No one else in Mondstadt knows, except Venti and that's largely because of this. [He pointed to his eye, with the star pupil that Dainsleif also had. His hand then moved to the straps that looped around his ear and after a moment of hesitation, he removed it and pulled the eyepatch off. He had not been lying in saying that his eye was fine, he really could see perfectly fine out of it. But it was clearly mismatched and possibly reminiscent of the curse seen on Dainsleif.] It hasn't progressed and has looked like this since I was a child. Whether it's actually the curse or something more is anyone's guess at this time.

[While the Hanahaki curse didn't seem to rely on anyone actually accepting whatever it was the person was confessing, Kaeya felt like his heart was racing over what Lumine would think after all this. He had gone into far more detail than he had Aether, but it was largely the gist. He held her hand tightly, very clearly nervous and scared.

That being said, his chest did feel lighter, the rattling coughs having subsided for the most part although there was still a bit of an itch in his throat.]

[openheartedly]

[To her immense credit, Lumine listens quietly as Kaeya lays his entire past bare for her. She couldn't bring herself to interrupt, especially when it seemed like the very act of telling her was in itself almost painful. Honestly she couldn't even imagine keeping something like this a secret for as long as Kaeya had...not with having been abandoned by his own family.

Ah...that thought was a bit painful, but this wasn't about her and she squeezes his hand gently as she watches his other remove the eyepatch. Her other hand slides from where she'd been rubbing his back, fingers slowly raised to softly brush his right cheekbone. She clearly made the link between Kaeya's mismatched eye and what was visible on Dainsleif of the curse placed upon the people of Khaenri'ah, but there's no judgment or tightness to her expression.

Eventually she bites her bottom lip, letting her hand softly brush his cheek, there as a comfort as her hand remains steady in his. Her eyes are a little overbright, a mist of tears lurking even as everything about her expression remains gentle.]

It must've been so hard to keep those secrets for as long as you did... It takes a lot of strength to hold onto something like that...especially if the thought of confessing is also scary.

[When she smiles for him, she lays her emotions bare. She's sad that he had to suffer for so long...but she also feels warm and thankful that he trusted her enough to tell her...even if it was likely the pressure of what caused the flowers and coughing that brought him to that point.]

Thank you for telling me...for taking the risk to tell me something that must've been so difficult to share. [Oh yes, she knew there was always a risk to telling your secrets... Kaeya had suffered those risks, even if intentionally, when he'd told Diluc those years ago.]

[icepatch]

[The touch her hand brings, both in his own and on his cheek, has his own eyes misting a bit. He let out a shuddering breath because even without her words, he knew. Her smile told him so much and he would return the gesture to hold her cheek had his hand not been bloodied. So, he settled for squeezing her other hand right back.]

This... does mean I will have to ask you to keep it to yourself. You understand, right?

[It was so different when it was just Diluc holding onto the secret. And while Aether was no longer his friend, he has so far kept the secret as well, as had Venti. Kaeya wasn't sure he liked having others know, especially because of what happened afterwards for two of them. Granted, he and Diluc were much better now but the resulting four years of loneliness had been difficult. As for Aether...

He sighed.]

I think you should know, Aether is aware as well.

[And the expression on his face made it obvious that it wasn't exactly a good thing.]

[openheartedly]

[Lumine lets her thumb rub softly against Kaeya's cheek for a moment, before she reluctantly lowers the hand to hold his in both of hers.]

I understand. It isn't my secret to tell, so I promise nobody will hear it from me.

[Lumine hasn't missed the change in Kaeya's expression, and the concern still on her face grows. Aether knew...but it didn't seem like Kaeya thought about that in a good light.]

Did... something happen with Aether...?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya didn't quite answer right away, instead thinking about what to say. He wet his lips and swallowed, immediately making a disgusted face at the taste of blood still in his mouth and his irritated throat. But he was noticeably not coughing or suppressing one, so he knew that things were already getting better.

Kaeya sighed.]

Several things, to be honest. But some of that is probably another story for another time. I told him I'm Khaenri'ahn due to inadvertently revealing it. It's... A little hard to explain how that happened but he seems alright knowing my heritage. As far as I'm aware, anyway. The... issue happened due to when you, or rather, his Lumine arrived.

She didn't remember being the Abyss Princess because it hadn't happened for her yet, but there was a potential for her to remember due to how the time surges sometimes effects people here. He wanted to prevent that by telling me not to interact with her in any capacity. Long story short, I refused and he broke the bond.

[He sighed heavily, resting his head back onto the cabinet behind him.]

We don't have a bond anymore and it's likely never going to happen again. He doesn't want one with me and I have to respect that.

[openheartedly]

[When Kaeya goes quiet, Lumine lifts one of her hands from his. Being in contact with him felt nice...and she could handle if it was just one hand as she finds herself realizing his other hand is bloody and that certainly doesn't feel nice. It's a good thing they're in the kitchen, so that without straying from his side she's able to reach around him to damp a cloth and place it beneath his free hand so he could either take the cloth or use it while she held it to clean the blood from his fingers.

She hadn't looked away from him too much as she got the damp cloth ready for him, as she chose to look after him, so she notices the disgusted face as he swallows as well. A glass of water next perhaps--but then Kaeya's speaking and Lumine settles in place to listen, softly squeezing the hand still held in hers.

The way Kaeya and Aether's bond had been broken constricted Lumine's heart, and she found herself frowning softly. It wasn't as if she didn't understand wanting her twin not to be involved with the Abyss...but that wasn't the way it should work.]

... I don't think that it was right of him... I don't think that any of the responsibility for her memories should've been put onto you...and I'm sorry that's how Aether chose to do it.

[She sighs softly, head bowed briefly to rest against the center of Kaeya's chest before she lifts it again. She was still frowning--sad that Kaeya had gone through what he had.]

I can only imagine how it must feel... and I'm just... I'm so sorry any of that happened to you Kaeya.

[She didn't remember everything she'd heard about bonds...but she seemed to remember that it wasn't a nice feeling, to have a bond broken. She wouldn't wish that kind of pain on anyone.]

[icepatch]

[It was... very sweet that Lumine was taking care of him like this. He was thankful and appreciative. He knew this whole situation had to be incredibly awkward and not at all how either of them intended to spend their evening. He used the cloth offered to clean his hand as he spoke.

He shook his head at her words, taking his now cleaned hand to gently lift her head by her chin. Then, his hand shifted to her cheek, to stroke the soft skin with his thumb. He offered her a small smile.]

Me too, but it's not your fault, Lumine. I understand he was... just being protective. I'm only sorry that this was the route he chose. I can't say I don't miss his friendship. But I have to respect his decision in all of this.

[And leave him be. Kaeya hadn't spoken to Aether since December and Aether had not reached out to him. That told him enough, so Kaeya had left things alone and moved on. Besides, had had Diluc and Venti and even Dohalim. And now he was making friends with Lumine and Ayato.

Things were always getting better since, so Kaeya wasn't going to let himself feel too bad about it anymore.]

That being said, I really do hope you don't go through the same. They like to push us to make bonds, to help the world, but I don't think making those bonds so easily is a good idea given what can happen if it breaks. [Of course, all of that said, there was a small bit of hope that he could kindle a bond with Lumine. Not just because she was a Traveler, but because it was incredibly obvious that Kaeya was drawn to her. But he wouldn't push the matter.

He raised the cloth to his face, wiping his lips and then shifted to look at the mess on the floor. He sighed.] Thank you, Lumine. For listening and for coming out to help me. I know it's probably not what you wanted to do tonight. I can clean the mess up, though.

[openheartedly]

[There's no resistance as Kaeya tips her head back, trust in him clear by the very motion--after all, if she didn't trust him this close to her she wouldn't be so easy to move. As his hand comes to cup her cheek, Lumine's eyes close briefly and she leans into his touch, opening them to meet his gaze once more with a gentle smile of her own.]

I know it isn't my fault...and it isn't something I could've helped with, but I'm still sorry that it happened.

[She quiets to consider, though, the pain of breaking bonds something to weigh against how much they were pushed to make them. Really she wanted people to be happy so perhaps she didn't have much to worry about when it came to broken bonds...but people were always unpredictable so there would always be a chance that someone would get hurt.

Still...she thought that the bonds might be worth the risk.]

It wasn't what I expected to be doing...but once I knew something was going on, well... [She pauses, looking a little self-conscious as she smiles up at him.] There isn't anywhere else I'd rather have been. I'm glad I could be here for you.

[She hums softly.] How about I make you something warm to drink then? The coughing sounded painful...so something to soothe your throat?

[icepatch]

[It wasn't that bonds were not the risk, but Kaeya spent a good chunk of his life keeping everyone at arm's length. And the one person he endeavored to get close to even before Teyvat now no longer wanted to be friends with him. The bond had been lost twice, as well. It was more than once bitten, twice shy now.

But it wasn't going to be something Kaeya would interfere with. Lumine was her own person, after all, so aside from providing cautious advice he wouldn't do anything anything. Instead, he focused on her next words. Her smile was beautiful and he couldn't help but smile back.]

I'm glad too. And tea would be good and probably the easiest. We have some honey in the cupboard as well. I'll... clean this up while you heat up the kettle, yes?

[He was thankful the flowers hadn't hardened in his throat and the notion of them hardening after they left his body was not lost on him.]

[openheartedly]

[She relaxes just a little when Kaeya smiles back, taking in the signs that it seemed like his suffering, at least physically, had passed. She was worried that the coughing could start all over again, get worse and perhaps be something she couldn't help with...but at least for now she could relax as that didn't seem to be the case.]

Sure, I'll get the kettle started. I could put together a kind of snack too if there's anything you want?

[There's a bit of reluctance as she steps away from Kaeya, and her smile fades for just a moment before she turns to fetch and ready the kettle. It felt a little silly to be sad stepping farther from him...but she had felt particularly relaxed holding onto his hand as she had been.

She's quite quick to get the kettle going, busying herself as it warms with retrieving the honey from the cupboard.]

[icepatch]

Uh... nothing in particular comes to mind but if there's anything you want, feel free.

[Kaeya wasn't entirely sure his stomach would even be up for anything more than tea. But he figured he could see what Lumine would come up with, if anything, and go from there. This all really was a relief, though. Her presence, allowing him to confess and accepting what she was told, Kaeya didn't realize how rewarding it would all feel. Aside from curing him, that is.

He set his mind to the task at hand and scooped up the hardened flowers and wiped up the floor with the wet rag Lumine had previously given him. He would have to properly clean the floors later, though. But he really didn't have the strength to go find the bottle of cleaner. He dumped the rag into the trash bin, it was stained and beyond saving at this point.

He carefully stood back up and, after finding there were so no urges to cough or anything heavy in his lungs, made to rinse his mouth out and clean himself up a little while she busied herself at the kettle. But it wasn't long before his fingers quietly reached out to gently tangle into hers. The urge for some kind of physical contact a bit overwhelming and he wasn't sure if it was the heat going around or his emotional state but he also found he didn't mind. Hopefully, she didn't either.]