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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[phoenixblessed]

[Leaving Kaeya had been hard. Walking away from him knowing he was suffering and that the magic of this place was once again fucking with the people he cares most about. It had been hard but Kaeya had assured him that he would be okay, that he would go and post up one of those confession boards and everything would be all right, and to go to work and not worry.

Diluc had done one of those things, at least.

He had spent the whole night worried. Fumbling drinks and messing up orders. When the owner had told him to just go, relatively sympathetic but still clearly trying to just usher him out, he had wandered around for a few hours before finally heading home. When he had found Kaeya sleeping soundly with no sign of the difficult coughing that had plagued him earlier, he had simply assumed that the man had done something to fix it... and maybe all that worry was for nothing after all.

When Kaeya pulls him aside he knows something is wrong, and it has been a long time since the other had been unable to meet his eyes.

Then he says that, and Diluc feels his chest tighten. His back straightens up subconsciously and an uncomfortable flush of heat sweeps through his entire body. Months ago he had told Kaeya to never lie to him again. Since then, he had never pressed when he caught white lies and half truths. It was always the big things he wanted to know. The things that would hurt.

Things like this.]

Why did you-- [His voice cracks up an octave and Diluc clamps his jaw suddenly shut. He looks away, focusing on the corner of the room and blinking a few times as how he feels about this sends a shock through him. He isn't angry, not like he always thought he would be.

When he speaks again his voice is deceptively level, full of forced calm.]

... You didn't think something like that qualified as a lie I wouldn't accept hearing from you?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya winced. He didn't need to look at Diluc to know the man was upset, even if he didn't sound angry. He wasn't going to try and excuse his way out of this though. What he had told Diluc he would do had been the truth, he had gone and put up that ema board and had come straight home. He just didn't think that the symptoms would suddenly worsen like that.

In a way, he bought his own lie.

Kaeya shook his head, it was so miniscule and slight, but movement nonetheless.]

No, I knew. I just thought that... [He swallowed hard. Being honest with Diluc had come easier over time, but now it felt even worse than before. Kaeya was scared. Did he screw it all up finally?] I thought it would clear up. I didn't want you to keep worrying.

[He finally looked up and met Diluc's eyes.]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied to you.

[phoenixblessed]

[Would being angry be easier? Probably. Anger is still far more familiar to him than this aching feeling in his chest and his throat and the heat he can feel building behind his eyes.

His jaw is tense. He can feel his body trembling with it.]

Gods, Kaeya-- [The word, the name, come out all in a rush and that tight ache almost hurts. He bites his lip for a moment, pulls a shaking breath in, lets it out unsteadily... Diluc blinks. His cheek is damp, he realises, distractedly wiping it.]

You still don't get it, do you? [And then he laughs and it's a strange, wet, broken thing as he squeezes his eyes shut and digs the heel of his hand against one of them. His voice cracks again and he ignores it.] Fuck. I fucking knew--

[All at once he's pulling Kaeya tightly in to him, wrapping both arms tightly around his back. A soft sniff is muffled into his shoulder.]

You're so fucking stupid, Kae.

[icepatch]

[He flinched again and his eyes burned and his vision blurred because it felt like his world was crashing again. Diluc was really angry, wasn't he? He was just better at hiding it and even laughed and-

...!!!???

Kaeya suddenly felt himself wrapped up in Diluc's arms and his eyes widened, the tears falling rapidly as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. Didn't he fuck it all up? Why was Diluc-?!]

B-But...

[Why was Diluc calling him stupid? What wasn't he getting here? Kaeya tilted his chin down and hesitantly rested it on that broad shoulder. It took him a second to realize that Diluc wasn't angry. He was crying. Why was he crying?]

No, I don't get it. Explain it to me like I'm a kid. Please?

[He didn't mind being called stupid. Because he was really confused and clearly missing something that was supposedly super obvious and he needed it explained.]

I messed up. I-I don't--

[phoenixblessed]

[Stupid. Absolutely ridiculous moron.

Diluc shakes his head slightly at first, just tucking his head into the curve of Kaeya's neck and curling his fingers tightly against the back of his clothes as he steadies his breathing. The sudden burst of emotion, a culmination of all his worrying the previous night and the realisation that Kaeya lying to him really doesn't ruin anything, sweeps through him like a torrent and leaves his knees feeling hollow.

He pulls back after a minute, eyes a little bloodshot but a clear, crisp blue.]

I love you, idiot. [Did Kaeya never really understand what that meant? Had he been waiting all this time for the moment he fucked up and for Diluc to leave him?

He shakes his head, cupping one warm hand against Kaeya's cheek and smiling as he breathes out another gasping little laugh.]

I love you so much. I would have wanted to be here with you. Nothing is more important to me than you. You still don't understand that? [The side of his thumb skims along the other man's cheekbone.] I don't want you to tell me the truth because you think I'll be angry if you don't. I want you to tell me so I can help you bear it.

[icepatch]

[The weight of Diluc's words sunk into him then, the realization of what Diluc truly wanted out of Kaeya being truthful to him and that Diluc wasn't actually mad at him because of it had the tears flowing faster. His eyes practically bloomed red at that and his face crumbled as he let out a sob.

Kaeya finally let go of the death grip he had on his shirt to wrap them around Diluc's chest as he pressed his face into his shoulder. He really was stupid, Diluc was right about that. So, the truth finally spilled out then.]

I love you, too. And I don't deserve you. I don't think I ever deserved you. B-But then, I nearly choked to death on those stupid flowers and all I could think about was how much I loved you and why the hell did I lie to you and that was going to be the last thing I ever did?

[Kaeya was mad at himself. As much as he relied on his schemes and lies to get by in life, he always hated himself for it. Being able to be himself around Diluc had been a godsend and he truly had thought he ruined it all again only to find out that Diluc just wanted to share the burden? He was mad at himself for being so stupid.

The words continued to spill about the fears and pain he felt last night. It had been one of very few times that he had been truly scared for his life and he had been all alone when it happened (or he thought he had while going through it, he hadn't realized Lumine was there until after).]

[phoenixblessed]

[Showing vulnerability, even around Kaeya, isn't something that Diluc allows that often but when the other man crumbles and curls into him like that and he wraps his arms entirely around Kaeya's slim form, holding him so tightly, he doesn't feel so bad about allowing the tears to keep falling.

He doesn't beat himself up about never making it clear enough, knowing that Kaeya anticipates rejection even from those closest to him because that is something that life has presented to him as an inevitability. Even here he hasn't been able to escape it, but Diluc can at least assure him once again that he's never going to leave... and maybe it will stick this time.]

It's all right, Kaeya... [He works his fingers into the back of Kaeya's hair and cradles his head, breathing out another shuddery sigh.] You're okay now, right?

[Though he does seem all right, Diluc tries to shift back a little again to look at him.]

You fixed it?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya would not be able to definitively say it would stick right now, as he was a bit emotionally compromised. But the anxiety that he always lowkey felt would eventually disappeared for good after this. Between Lumine's acceptance last night and Diluc's clarity today, Kaeya wouldn't be able to doubt himself anymore.

When Diluc shifted back, Kaeya looked to be a bit of a mess and he quickly wiped his face with his sleeve. He nodded quietly, quivering lips pursing to try and get them to stop for a moment. His voice was still watery and shaky.]

Lumine did. She... She found me in the kitchen. I told her everything. I couldn't wait for someone to read the ema, not after... not after that. And she listened.

[phoenixblessed]

Lumine did..?

[Admittedly, Diluc had had his reservations about bringing her here. While he had welcomed her into their home, albeit temporarily, he had not forgotten about the hurt Kaeya had been put through and had been on alert for a repeat of it. To hear that this had not happened again, that he had been able to open up to her and she had listened...

It does go a little ways to having Diluc think that maybe he isn't that bad at judging people after all.

He smiles gently, tipping his head up to kiss Kaeya's forehead.]

And she accepted it? All of it?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya closed his eyes at the kiss, tears falling fast again but they were in relief. Not sadness. He nodded quietly and then pointed to his left eye.]

Even this.

[He hadn't actually planned on showing that but in his desperation to confess and hope that the hanahaki curse would go away, Kaeya ended up telling Lumine more than he had planned.]

[phoenixblessed]

[He imagines he will find out eventually just how much Kaeya had divulged, but right now he's just happy to see that the other man is safe and sound. Happy, too, that their mutual trust in Lumine had not been misplaced. Diluc cups Kaeya's face in both hands and runs his thumbs gently over his cheeks, wiping the still-falling tears away.

His own had stopped as quickly as they'd started, but the fact they had shown up at all ought to be enough to let Kaeya know how deeply he felt about it all.]

That must be a relief... [In more ways than one. Kaeya must have been ready for Lumine to push him away after hearing everything.]

And you deserve it.

[icepatch]

[His breaths were still lightly hiccuping, but they were dying down as his emotions began to settle. He raised his hands to curl them around Diluc's.]

I don't know about that. [It was going to take awhile to undue over a decade of insecurities, after all. But he wasn't going to protest too much about it.] I... also ended up telling her a bit about what happened with Aether. What she does with that knowledge is up to her, of course.

[The last thing he wanted to do was cause trouble, especially between siblings. But there wasn't much he could do now. He sighed, suddenly very tired.]

[phoenixblessed]

[He does press his lips together slightly when that name is mentioned. Some things, while he could put them aside for the sake of an easy conversation, would not be easily forgotten. Diluc pulls Kaeya in to him again, more gently this time, and sighs softly as he holds the other man against his chest.

Maybe it's the bond they share, maybe it's his own weariness, but he could swear he can feel Kaeya's exhaustion.]

Do you want to have a rest?

[Any further details can be pressed for later on. Right now the other man seems like he could just use some peace and quiet.]

I'll stay with you.

[icepatch]

[He nodded against Diluc's shoulder. The man was always so warm and comfortable when Kaeya was in his arms.]

If you're not busy. I did kind of interrupt your day with this.

[He may have slept soundly by the time Diluc had come home from work, but it had taken him awhile to even get to sleep after speaking with Lumine. And then the anxiety all day before talking with Diluc... A nap was sorely needed.]

[phoenixblessed]

You should know by now that I'm never too busy for you.

[He pulls away just enough to gently pull Kaeya over to the bed with him, then sits down on the edge. His heart is still thudding, racing slightly, but all in all it was not as bad as it could have been... was it?

Time, it seemed, had certainly blunted the edge of Diluc's temper when it came to Kaeya hiding things from him.]

Get comfortable... we can talk about things properly later. All right?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya was still a bit apprehensive over talking things out in further detail later. Not because of Diluc and his temper now but just... talking about it again. Telling him how scared he had been.

But he didn't protest and nodded instead. He silently climbed into the bed and got himself comfortable, waiting for Diluc to join him.]

[phoenixblessed]

[In the end, he won't force Kaeya to talk about anything. He hopes that he will, even just a little, but already he thinks that maybe he doesn't really mind that much if the other man decides to keep a few secrets.

As long as he always tells him the important things.

Diluc joins him swiftly, getting comfortable beside Kaeya and gently pulling the slimmer man in against his chest. He pushes one hand up into his hair, cradling his head lightly while he presses a kiss to his forehead.]

It's fine, love. Just go to sleep.

[icepatch]

[Eventually, Kaeya likely will get to a point where he wouldn't feel the need to keep things to himself. And after he has slept, he would likely be in a better mental state to decide whether to talk more about what happened or not.

For now, he settled into Diluc's arms and nodded again.]

...alright.

[It really didn't take him too long to actually fall asleep. He really had been more exhausted than he thought. But at least he felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest this time around. It felt nice. And safe. And very, very warm.]