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Another rainy day brought a new occurrence. Shared talk beneath the roof of what Kaeya may call his home. Kaeya has learned that rainy days may not always be in his favor. However, that fate twists when it is Dainsleif that goes to see him.
Tonight, however, there are three who sit at the table.
Kaeya and Dainsleif sit across from each other. Lumine between them with Paimon floating behind her. Cards and dice rest on the table in front of them.
“Sometimes a sacrifice is necessary to win a battle.”
The omni-dice he rolled determines the end of the round. Their game of cards comes to an end and Kaeya is smiling in victory.
Paimon places a hand on her forehead and Lumine sighs, “next time do remind me to copy your deck when facing other people.” She set down her cards and crossed her arms on the table. This was now the third time in a row that Kaeya has beaten the both of them.
Dainsleif copies the traveler's movements.
“Kaeya has shown a lot of improvement since the last time we played. Perhaps he’s been practicing without us knowing.” He shared a look at the man who had been figured out. Kaeya offers him a smile.
“If I recall, Dainsleif, you haven’t won a single game since we started playing together.”
Dainsleif is silent.
Lumine sighs again and gets up. Place her cards back in her box and look between the two.
It’s a sight to her. How their first meeting in Sumeru could lead to a unique friendship. Dainsleif wasn’t one to trust others so easily. And while Kaeya was very good with casual conversation with anyone, he was also a skeptical person.
If someone were to have a first look at them, they would think the two were polar opposites. When really the two had quite a lot in common.
“Well, I should get going. Commissions aren’t going to complete themselves.” She announces and walks over to the door. A final wave.
Kaeya also gets up from his seat. “Would you like company?” He is quick to ask but the female shakes her head with a smile.
“I’ll be alright.”
And then she’s gone.
It was raining quite heavily. Was the Traveler really going to do commissions in the rain?
Kaeya stands there for another few seconds before huffing. Turning back to the only one left in his apartment. “Well, now that the traveler is gone, how about a drink? If I recall, you have a preference. Death After Noon, was it?”
Dainsleif doesn’t have to answer. The two of them share a favorite drink. And Kaeya likes to remind the blonde every time they have a glass.
The two abandon the table scattered with cards. The fireplace offers warmth and comfort. They share words of comfort and exchange deep conversations as they have a glass on the couch right in front of the fireplace. Time and time again Kaeya offer another night here for Dainsleif.
“It’s always when the traveler is away that you choose to drink.” Dainsleif has observed this every time he encounters the two. But Kaeya denies this.
“Maybe I just don’t want to drink around her.”
They both know that’s a lie.
Dainsleif doesn’t dare argue.
There are moments of silence. Where the two sit and face the warm fire in front of them. They drink. There are unspoken words but shared glances.
Kaeya is the one who is caught in the act.
“If you’re curious about something, you don’t have to stare.”
Kaeya finally meets Dainsleif’s eyes.
“Can I not look at the man who has my heart?”
It’s Dainsleif who looks away first. And Kaeya feels like he’s won.
“I just can’t get over how much more innocent and approachable you look when you aren’t wearing such dreary garb. I must say, white does suit you.” Kaeya sets down his now-empty glass and leans back.
That was not what Kaeya was truly thinking and Dain knows this.
He looks at the confident captain. Face barely flushed from the alcohol. Kaeya can handle more than a glass.
Kaeya only speaks half of what he truly wants. It’s like a challenge. Understand what Mondstadt’s Cavalry Captain truly means in his half-written words. It is the enemies who fall for Kaeya’s trickery that’s laced in his words. Dainsleif has never fallen for this.
It’s Dain’s turn to adjust himself. Glass empty and body now facing Kaeya.
“What is it you wish to tell me?”
Moments of silence before Kaeya reaches for his eyepatch. The only thing hiding stories left untold by the man who wishes to hide his past. This is not the only time Dainsleif has seen the scarred eye. A burn mark that looks more like a cut. It’s Kaeya’s heterochromatic eyes that attract all of Dainsleif’s attention.
Kaeya finally speaks his mind.
“Stay another night, will you, Dain?”
-
It’s always while it rains Kaeya will make a memory that he will always hold on to. Whether it’s a fight with the only family he has left or being on an adventure with the boy he has shared his sword techniques with. Or in this case, it’s Dainsleif.
The moon is not their witness tonight. Hidden behind the dark clouds. Dainsleif cannot get the view of Kaeya’s moonlit hair that he loves so much. It is darker outside, but they can still see each other in the comfort of Kaeya’s room.
It is not only Dainsleif’s body that is exposed. But his heart too.
Kaeya loves it. Loves how only he gets to see such a side to the Khaenri’ahn who has also lost his home. It’s beautiful. How someone could bond over such a tragic thing. The two had found home in one another.
“Dainsleif”
Kaeya is a sight to behold. Hair scattered across the sheets and face flushed. Star pupils looking up at the brighter ones who admire him.
Dainsleif finds it hard to restrain himself.
So, he doesn’t.
“You invite me into your home time and time again. Knowing this will always be the outcome.” Dainsleif’s fingers are teasing. Sliding down the man's body yet not giving the satisfaction that Kaeya so desperately arches for. It almost makes the man frustrated. “Tell me, Kaeya. What is it you truly wish for?”
Both of them know the answer. Tangled up under the covers, Kaeya voices his wants and needs.
“You’re an awful man, Dain. Treating the one who's invited you into his house so unfairly.” Kaeya chooses to not answer the question. And Dain is willing to accept that.
Kaeya opens up to him easily. One finger, and in no time it’s two. Kaeya is gasping under him. Squirming ever so slightly. Dain takes a hold on one of Kaeya’s thighs and lifts it over his shoulder. This makes the man arch.
“Dain- Dainsleif, you don’t have to-”
“I know. But we have all night. Let us indulge.”
Kaeya sighs. Frowning in protest. It almost makes the blond laugh. When a third finger is added, Kaeya lets out a muffled moan.
This is cruel, Kaeya thinks. He would have rather been fucked minutes ago. Yet for Dainsleif, he would be patient.
It’s the kisses on his neck that make him smile. How Dain will grab his chin and tilt his neck so there's more to mark. Kaeya loves it. He loves Dain.
It’s a small jab that sends him back to the world. Sharp gasp and loud moan, his legs start to tremble more. “Oh- Oh,Dainsleif, there, right-” He’s interrupted as Dainsleif’s fingers curl into him again. He is painfully hard. Aching for release and Dainsleif can see it. He can see what he’s doing to the man under him.
He is satisfied, “go on, you’ve been so patient.” Dain’s oiled hand offer’s Kaeya some help. Taking the man's cock in hand and gently stroking until Kaeya comes onto his hand. He lets out a sigh of relief and his dick flags.
Dainsleif removes his fingers from Kaeya’s hole. Slicking up his own cock and adjusting himself so it’s teasing. His eyes meet Kaeya’s. Desperate, loving, bliss, and overall full of lust. Kaeya wants him as much as he wants Kaeya.
So, he gives it to him. He gives Kaeya his everything. He always has and he always will. Love, trust, loyalty, his entire heart.
Fucking Kaeya is pleasurable. It always has been. The way Kaeya’s ass clenches around him so desperately. Begging for him to fuck deeper into him. They share hot breaths that fill the room. Kaeya’s skin glistens with sweat.
“Yes, that’s it, Dain. So good for me.” Kaeya’s hands slide up into the blond stands. Pulling the male down into a deep kiss. Dainsleif’s thrusts start off slow. Fucking Kaeya deliciously. Kaeya part’s his lips; an invitation. And the blond accepts it.
Kaeya tastes like Dandelion Wine and the memories they share together. His moans are muddled in between their kisses. It’s Kaeya’s hand on his chest that makes them part. Dain wishes to chase after those soft lips.
“You can move faster, Dain. By all means I am no fragile man.” They both know this. And each night this happens, Dain insists he starts off slow, gentle. Careful to not hurt the man he loves. Even if no such thing is possible.
So, he listens. Kaeya’s breath hitches and a moan escapes his throat. Now, Kaeya is breathless underneath him. And Dainsleif is far from being merciful now.
”Gah, D-Dain,” It’s perfect, ”More- Dain, please!” And Dainsleif gives Kaeya everything he asks for.
They are both a mess. Kaeya’s cock leaks. Hard and full so quickly. It’s crazy how quick Dain can rile him up.
Dain props Kaeya’s other leg up on his shoulder. This allows him to breach into a new depth. And Kaeya is seeing the stars. He’s reduced to short chants of his lover's name and punched out moans. He’s gone. Eyes rolled back and head in the clouds.
Kaeya chants the blond's name like a prayer. Wet squelches and the sound of skin slapping is no less from sinful. But Dainsleif loves it. He loves hearing how pleasurable Kaeya is because of him.
He wanted nothing but Kaeya.
“I’m close,” Dain’s breath is short. But that does not stop himself from ramming into that soft prostate that gets the most reaction out of Kaeya.
He can tell his lover is close too. He can see it. How it desperately leaks, begging for a release. He shows mercy and gives it the attention it wants.
It makes Kaeya jolt. Eye’s meeting Dain’s and he could see the pure want.
“Just hold on for a little longer. ”Together”
Dainsleif’s thrusts slow. His hand ever so gently strokes the base of Kaeya’s cock. They indulge like this. Dainsleif lean’s himself down to give his beloved a proper kiss. It is not full of lust but full of love. Slow, mesmerizing.
Their kiss doesn’t last long but that Doesn’t stop him from sliding his lips down to Kaeya’s neck. He remembers Kaeya making a comment about his fangs the last time they were in bed together.
Right here.
His fangs graze over a specific spot on Kaeya’s neck and he can feel the man tense. Kaeya lets out a shaky breath. He knows what is going to happen.
”Go on, come for me” He bites.
They come together. Bodies stuttering and breaths short. Dainsleif takes a moment to pull out. Cock glistening from cum and sweat. They are both hazy.
When he tries to get up from the bed he is pulled back down by a hand.
“Kaeya, I need to-”
“I know, I know. Just lay here for a minute.” Kaeya pulls him down and rests his head on Dain’s chest. Dainsleif takes this moment to run his fingers through Kaeya’s hair. It is quiet, peaceful. Dain places a kiss atop the man's head.
“Kae, let me clean you up.” Dain insists and Kaeya finally gives in. His hold on the blond relaxes and he gets a soft smile in reward.
It doesn’t take long for him to get both of them cleaned up. But a shower is definitely a must in the morning.
But for now they lay in bed together. Bodies entangled and minds relaxed. Both of them are satisfied. Happy. Kaeya is happy that Dain stays another night with him. It is less lonely. The boring old apartment feels more like a home when Dainsleif is in his company.
For years Dainsleif believed there was nowhere to call home. But under the rainfall, he has found a home within Kaeya.
-
“Help me wash my hair, will you? Dain?”
This is something Kaeya has never asked him to do before. But he happily accepts.
The water is warm and comforting. He stands behind Kaeya. Hands soapy and running through long blue strands. It’s impossible not to lean on Dain's soft touch.
“Will you be gone for long?” A question that is asked every time Dain is going to leave again. Usually, it’s the same answer. How he can never tell how long he’s going to be gone. It could be weeks, even months. During those day’s Kaeya has to sleep in a cold bed.
The answer is different this time.
“I have nowhere to be but here, with you.”
Such simple words make Kaeya’s heart flutter. He is smiling. Eye’s closed as Dainsleif washes his hair. “Such heartwarming words, Dain.” He turns himself around so he can see the blond. The sight is almost too cute. His hands cradle Dain’s face. “You look like a wet puppy when you look at me like that.”
He can see Dain’s eyes narrow just a bit. But it’s impossible to be mad at Kaeya when he’s looking at him so lovingly. So his gaze softens too quickly.
“I have never been described as such.”
“Clearly.”
With the dark clothing on, Dainsleif looks like he’s ready to bite. An aura that tells people to avoid conversation. Kaeya is immune to this.
“I do have to go to the headquarters today. I promised Bennett, I’d give him some more tips on how to properly fight with a sword.” He sighed. The unlucky boy. He’s doing his best to ensure that Bennett can properly fight to protect himself and the people around him.
Dainsleif remembers a short interaction he had with Kaeya and the boy. He saw Bennett wielding his sword.
“The way he fights with his sword, it looks oddly familiar.” His eyes meet Kaeya’s. It takes a few seconds before Kaeya answers with a smile.
“Of course, those are my sword techniques.” He speaks with confidence but Dain cannot be fooled. His hands wrap around Kaeya’s waist and he pulls the man closer.
“I have seen you fight in battle. A knight such as myself would never forget my own sword skills. No matter how long it’s been.”
The silence is loud.
There is no way to escape for Kaeya. Trapped in the arms of his twilight knight with nowhere to go. He is forced to yield under his knowing gaze. He sighs, “whatever do you mean? The Knight’s of Favonius have a strict handbook on how to properly wield and fight with a sword. Such skills from five hundred years ago would never be written down in some book.”
Dainsleif will humble this stubbornness.
“While it’s true that yours doesn’t directly match up with mine, it is almost the exact same. But I don’t think you chose to change it so it didn’t match mine. More like you had to change it due to how your vision works.”
The way Kaeya holds his sword with pride and readiness. The swings of his sword are precise. Fast and agile when fighting against a foe. Dainsleif had wielded a lighter sword back in his days of being a captain of the royal guard. He has seen Kaeya’s sword. Light but sharp. It was almost like Kaeya was trying to mimic Dainsleif’s every skill.
Kaeya has been caught.
“So perceptive. I expected nothing less from the Twilight Sword. Is it wrong to copy someone’s sword skills? You were such a popular figure among Khaenri’ah. I wouldn’t want you to strike me down for stealing such a popular person’s sword skills.” Despite his words Kaeya lean’s in close.
Dainsleif accepts this challenge.
“They say that a knight who wishes to use the same skills as his captain is a sign of admiration. It is nice to see that someone is passing down my sword arts to another generation. It’s… a feeling I am not familiar with. But I am grateful that you are the one who chose to keep such a simple thing alive.”
How a sword is used is important to a knight. It is something they are most known for in many cases. Dainsleif did not get such a heavy title as ‘Twilight Sword’ due to popularity. But how he fought to protect his nation with the skills he had.
Kaeya smiles. Meeting Dain halfway for a sweet but short kiss. “How could I not admire my strong Twilight Knight?” He teased and Dainsleif sighed.
“I am no such thing anymore. But if you insist on calling me such things, I will start calling you my prince.”
“Oh Dain, I could never be worthy of such a title.”
That’s not true Dainsleif wants to say but he holds back. Back at the tavern in Sumeru, Kaeya has chosen to leave his ancestry behind him. Kaeya is not pure blood but he is still the grandson of the old king. Dainsleif chooses to not push the subject.
“Kaeya,” he says with nothing but the man's name in mind. Kaeya looks at him and says nothing. Both of them stay like this. Close to each other and taking in each other's presence under the warm water raining down on them. Dainsleif finally speaks in full,
“I love you, Kaeya.”
His arm tainted by the abyss slides against Kaeya’s cheek. He can feel Kaeya lean into it. Head tilted ever so slightly as his gaze never left Dainsleif. Carefully, he leans in and kisses the palm of the corrupted hand.
“I love you too, Dainsleif.”
It is not the twilight knight, or the Twilight Sword. It is Dainsleif that Kaeya loves. Every bit of it. Whether Dainsleif is human or a monster being corrupted by the abyss. Kaeya wants every bit of Dainsleif.
Soft kisses are shared. Under the showerhead that will drain the rest of the apartment's hot water.
That’s an issue for another day Kaeya would think but not for long. Drowned in soft kisses and the taste on Dain’s tongue. For now, it was just them in the world.