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Chapter Text

The situation in Dragonspine had deteriorated significantly between the Knights of Favonius and the Fatui. A delegation from Mondstadt had been sent for a week to work through and finalize a deal over borders, armaments and shared facilities in the region. The Fatui diplomats and the diplomats of Mondstadt had worked tirelessly for weeks towards this conference in an effort to prevent the cold war from becoming anything but cold. 

Cavalry Captain and Quartermaster Kaeya Alberich with Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team Albedo were representing Mondstadt alongside their diplomats and Albedo’s assistant, Sucrose. The travel to Snezhnaya was far from a pleasant journey with tensions high and low manpower at the Favonius Headquarters, sending two of their most important figures was a gamble that made them anxious for a Fatui take over in Mondstadt should this go south.

Which is why Kaeya’s first stop after checking into their hotel was to hit up the local tavern - he needed to calm his nerves of course. The tavern, like most in Teyvat, were loud and smelt of stale booze, sweat and mistakes - it was a remedy for homesickness for Kaeya and a prime opportunity to learn the lay of the land. 

While Childe wasn’t one for meddling with politics, Signora pushed the assignment to him, her patience and interest in Mondstadt had been waning in recent times as she awaited a new post elsewhere. Although he wasn’t one for schemes, seeing some of his own men’s names in the list of treaty violators made it become more of his responsibility. 

He had a long week ahead of him of meetings, diplomacy, peace talks, handshakes and agreements. Penning his name on a pre-declaration for the week ahead, he picked up his coat and went to relax. 

His favorite tavern, a place where travelers frequented, was especially rowdy today. The delegation from Mondstadt had arrived and the hubbub in the room was a mix of tension and testing. He smirked to himself, sitting at his spot at the bar, for he loved that energy where anything could happen: a brawl could break out, an exhibitionist couple or two may put on a show, drinking games getting out of hand, perhaps he’ll get lucky and score or…nothing at all…just painful tension for the whole night through. Fortunately, tonight was a night where something interesting will happen.

Kaeya, never having been to Snezhnaya before, crawled up to the bar and leant against it for purchase. He sat onto a bar stool, barely able to stay upright, clearly under the effects of Firewater and bad decisions. He tried to reach over the bar for a fresh shot glass to fill up with the bottle he had, but slipped on the stool’s footrest. An arm around him saved him from hitting his chin on the bar.

“Woah, slow down there, comrade. Here, let me get you a glass of water.” The man signaled a bartender to fill up his glass, then handed Kaeya the water and sat beside him. “So, what brings you here?”

Kaeya rested his elbow up on the bar and propped his head up on his hand, looking at the man in front of him, clearly too drunk to even register who he was talking to. “Aww thanksss.” he slurred, pouting as he did so the act was so adorable.

Childe couldn’t help but chuckle at the drunken state of the man before him - he caught the shine of a Knights of Favonius emblem on his hip and a Mondstadt framed cryo vision. Could it be…the captain of renown? Suddenly, his new drinking partner became extremely interesting. “How much did you have to drink to get yourself like this?” He asked, amused by the sight. 

Kaeya drunkenly held up two fingers.

“Two? You mean two glasses?” Childe smirked, clearly doubting the man's resistance. “Or two bottles?”

“Two bottles of Firewater and a Death After Noon.” He slurred, a smirk of pride on his face having drunk the Fatui diplomats from Mondstadt he was drinking with under the table.

Childe's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of amusement and disbelief on his face. “Did you really drink all that by yourself? That's some impressive tolerance you've got there.” He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “Maybe you should slow down a bit, comrade. Even if you can handle it now, you might end up regretting it tomorrow morning. Believe me, I've been there.”

“Pfft! I can go another round.” He slurred, waving a hand at Childe slowly and limply, before pouring out a shot of Firewater.

Childe raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “Well, look at you, ready for another round. I have to commend your determination, but let's not push it too far.” He reached over and gently took the glass from Kaeya's grasp, setting it aside, then pouring him another glass of water. “Let's have you sober up a bit, so we can actually talk like reasonable adults. Otherwise, I'll be stuck listening to drunken blabber.”

“Aww, you're so caring.” Kaeya pouted.

Childe chuckled softly, handing him another glass of water. “Well, someone has to keep you in check, comrade. And I doubt you have anyone else here to babysit you considering you've wound up too wasted to walk straight.”

“Hahahaha...straight? You're funny.”

Childe couldn't help but laugh at the man’s disappointment. “Ah, yes, how silly of me! Straight. I suppose "straight" isn't exactly a concept you're familiar with, is it?” He teased, his smile widening in amusement.

Kaeya laughed breathily. “Do I look like I am?”  He knocked back the glass of water and frowned, realising it didn't burn on its way down and thus wasn't alcoholic.

Childe feigned contemplation for a moment. “Well, you're here alone, drunk off your ass and chatting up the most powerful man in all of Snezhnaya. I'd say you're definitely not straight, comrade.” He said with a knowing smile. “And sorry for the deception there, but you should be drinking more water.”

A group of Fatui diplomats, walking around sloppily with one blacked out diplomat between them, waved at the drunken knight sitting with Childe who waved back. Childe immediately made the connection and determined this man may have won a drinking game or two.

The very not sober man leant forward and tapped Childe's nose. “Boop.”

Childe's eyes widened comically as Kaeya tapped his nose. “Wait a minute, did you just "boop" me?!” He gasped in mock indignation, then broke into a wide grin.

Kaeya did it again, and Childe learned this man had absolutely no clue who he was in that moment. He couldn’t help but laugh aloud at Kaeya's antics. “Alright, alright, you've certainly brought some laughter into my day with your drunken boops. But I hope you don't mind if I return the favor.” He reached forward and booped Kaeya's nose in return, watching with amusement as the man's expression changed.

Kaeya grabbed his wrist and shoved his finger in his mouth.

Childe's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected action. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing, comrade?!” He tried to pull his wrist back, but the drunk had a firm grip on it. He could feel his finger being engulfed in the wet warmth of Kaeya’s mouth.

“Mmph…” Kaeya moaned, his eye fluttering closed as he hollowed out his cheeks and sucked the finger in his mouth with an intentional pressure.

Childe's breath hitched as he watched the man in front of him. “Mmph, well, you're certainly enjoying yourself, aren't you?” He said, his tone husky with desire. His free hand reached out to run through hair that reminded him of nightfall, tugging gently as he watched him work his finger with his tongue.

Kaeya pulled back from the finger, then ran his lips down the side of it. He looked into Childe's eyes as he ran the tip of his tongue up and down the length, flickering at the tip before fully engulfing it in his mouth again.

Childe swallowed, his chest rising and falling as he watched Kaeya work his finger. “You really do have a talented mouth, don't you?” He muttered, his free hand moving to caress the side of Kaeya's face as his finger was sucked in again.

He couldn't help but wonder what such lips would feel like on other parts of his body. The drunk then pulled back, giving one last long hard suck along the way. He placed a chaste kiss on the end of Childe's finger and then gave him a small smile before turning back to his drink. Childe exhaled slowly, trying to compose himself from the sight before him. He shook his head slightly as Kaeya turned back to his drink, watching as his lips met the rim of the glass.

His gaze strayed to the side, trying to pull himself together. It had been a while since he'd been seduced in such a way, and he was more than a little intrigued by the man beside him. He could only wonder what more this man might be hiding beneath his…charming demeanor.

He flagged down a bartender and ordered a bottle of firewater to share, deciding he needed something to take the edge off. “Got a name?”

“Kaeya. Cavalry Captain.”

“Childe. Local citizen.”

“A pleasure.”

Childe laughed. “Well Kaeya…You're quite impressive with alcohol. How did a knight of the Knights of Favonius manage to drink a Fatui under the table and still be standing?”

“It's the other way around. It's because I can drink a Fatui under the table that I am an esteemed cavalry captain of the Knight's of Favonius.” He took another sip of his drink. “It's amazing the kinds of things people will reveal when they're drunk, wouldn't you agree?”

“Ah, so your skill with alcohol comes with a perk, hmm?” Childe chuckled, taking a shot of firewater poured from his bottle. “Well then, if alcohol makes people divulge secrets, what kind of truth magic do you wish to use on me then, my dear knight?”

“I'm not interested in your secrets.”

Childe's eyebrow raised at the response. He smirked, leaning forward slightly, curiosity seeping into his tone. “Oh? And here I thought the renowned cavalry captain of the Knight's of Favonius would be dying for a chance to uncover some hidden truth from the infamous Eleventh Harbinger.” His fingers traced lazily over the rim of his bottle as he watched Kaeya closely, intrigued by the man's disinterest in delving deeper.

Kaeya raised a brow. “You're the Eleventh Harbinger? Huh...I expected him to be...bigger.”

Childe tutted, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Ah, the classic misconception. Size doesn't always equal power, comrade. Are you intimidated now that you know you've been drinking with the formidable Eleventh Harbinger?”

“Hardly. He comes undone so easily. All I have to do is put his finger in my mouth.”

Childe's eyes widened at the straightforwardness of the statement. He cleared his throat, trying to remain unfazed despite the heat that rose to his cheeks. “You make it sound so simple. But let me remind you, my dear knight, the Eleventh Harbinger is renowned for his prowess in battle.” He took a slow, purposeful sip from his drink, not breaking eye contact with Kaeya. “Perhaps you'd like to test your luck against him in a different arena?”

He chuckled. “And what makes you think I'd be any different? I'm entirely shameless. If I know an enemy finds me attractive, I use it to my full advantage.” He took a sip from his drink.

“Intriguing…you think your looks alone would be enough to trip me up in battle? Don't underestimate the Eleventh Harbinger's experience and training.” He leans in closer, his voice lowered, a hint of challenge in his tone. “But if it's a test you seek, bring it on. You won't be the first to try and take me down through other means besides brute strength.”

Kaeya appeared entirely unconvinced by the man he was speaking with. This ‘Eleventh Harbinger’ who was dashingly handsome and looked decently jacked under his maroon coloured shirt. “Really? You think you can resist me making bedroom eyes at you from across the battlefield?”

Childe's smirk faded slightly as his cheeks flushed with heat - this knight was…forward, very forward…and confident. “You're awfully confident in your abilities, aren't you?” He took another slow sip from his drink, trying to calm his suddenly racing heartbeat. “Hmph, I have faced countless battles in the past, I doubt one seductive glance is enough to rattle me.”

Kaeya smirked. He took Childe's bottle of firewater and poured himself a shot. “We'll see.”

He watched as Kaeya helped himself to his firewater, enjoying that spark of defiance, a flicker of interest was in his eyes. “Alright then, I'm intrigued. Let's test your charms. Show me this renowned "bedroom eye game" of yours.” He leant back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips, clearly amused by the man's audacity.

Kaeya took the shot and poured another, appreciating the burn of firewater. He was starting to feel himself sober up which displeased him greatly. He laughed at Childe. “Alright then, you go first.”

He chuckled, watching Kaeya pour himself yet another shot. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. “Challenge accepted.” He gave Kaeya a cocky smile, leaning in closer, and locking eyes with him. “Let me set the scene for you. Just imagine yourself looking at me from across the battlefield, with your piercing eyes, biting your lip, and maybe even giving a little smirk…” He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze unwavering as he tried to emulate a seductive look.

The knight snorted.

Childe's smile widened at Kaeya's snort. “Hmph, not impressed, huh? That's fine, I can play this game all night.” He leaned in even closer, his voice low and seductive. “Imagine I've just had a long and tiring battle on the battlefield, my jacket torn and disheveled, my usually perfectly combed hair messy and sticking to my sweaty forehead, my breathing heavy as I try to catch my breath…”
“...My jacket and shirt ripped open, exposing my bare chest streaked with sweat and blood, the muscles straining with the effort of the fight.” He leans forward, so close now that their faces are inches apart, his breath ghosting across Kaeya's cheek. “...And you, seeing me in such a vulnerable state, unable to tear your gaze from the sight. Your eyes lingering on the rippling muscles of my chest, your mouth going dry…” He gives a low chuckle, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “Would you be able to just stare at me, or would you want to run your fingers down the smooth expanse of my chest, tracing the curves of muscle and sinew, feeling my heart pounding beneath your touch...?”

Kaeya chuckled. “You should be an author. I have a good friend, Lisa, who would absolutely love reading something like that.”

He chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Kaeya's reply. “Hah! I’ll consider it. You really think you have the upper hand, do you? Well, we'll just see about that.”

Kaeya shook his head - it was starting to swim from the alcohol. He took another shot and poured another one out. “Honestly, the most seductive thing about you is how easy it is to tease you.”

Childe chuckled - this knight was…taunting him…teasing him…testing him. “Alright, alright…Here. Let's play with your imagination a bit more.” He slid his chair closer until he was almost pressed against Kaeya, watching the man closely. “Imagine we're standing across from each other in the thick of battle. We've been fighting for what feels like hours. I manage to pin you against the wall, trapping you by pressing my body against yours…”

“Imagine that when you do so, with your hand around my neck, I look at you from beneath my lashes and lick my lips and let out a breath just like this…” Kaeya said, placing Childe's hand to his throat, looking up at him seductively from beneath his blue eyelashes. He exhaled and licked his lips slowly, his eye half lidded and full of promise.

Childe's breath hitched as Kaeya pressed his hand against his own neck, those seductive eyes looking up at him from under long lashes. The knight’s fingers were pressing down on his own, forcing him to apply more pressure. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, but tried to maintain control. He swallowed, his eyes darkening as he watched that tongue slowly trail across those luscious lips.

“Heh…” His thumb rubbed teasingly over the side of Kaeya's neck, his fingers gently squeezing slightly as he spoke. “What game are you playing, my dear captain?”

“A game that you're losing…”

“Oh? And what makes you think I'm losing?” He leans closer, his hand still at Kaeya's neck, his thumb tracing idle circles over the pulse point. “Hmph, perhaps you're forgetting, my dear knight. You may have gotten yourself a few lucky hits here and there, but remember who you're dealing with. I am the Eleventh, the most vicious and powerful of the Fatui Harbingers. I assure you, I will not be so easily defeated at anything.” He lets out a low chuckle, his eyes gleaming mischievously. 

Kaeya rolled his eyes at Childe’s statement. Then he knitted his brows together, bit his lip and let out a breathy moan. 

Childe's eyes widened at the sound that escaped Kaeya's lips, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. He hadn't expected the man to be so...vocal. He found himself staring, mouth ever so slightly open, his hand on Kaeya's neck almost involuntarily squeezing harder. His mind reeling from the unexpected sound. Damn, he thinks to himself, this man is good...

He cleared his throat, trying to find his voice. “Hmph, is that your idea of a battle technique? Moaning at your enemy to throw them off guard?” He tried to maintain his composure, his thumb still stroking along the pulse point at Kaeya's neck, feeling the rhythm of the man's heartbeat racing beneath his touch.

Kaeya laughed, the sound vibrating beneath Childe’s palm. “It looks to me like it will work.”

Childe squeezed involuntarily and Kaeya let out a gentle hum. It was unfair. He leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly whisper as his breath fanned across the man's lips. “If you think a few moans will get me to surrender, I suggest you think again, my dear knight.” His other hand reached up, gently tilting Kaeya's chin up, their lips almost touching as he spoke, the air charged with tension.

“Oh? Getting a little upset that you lost?” Kaeya chuckled, taking another shot of firewater. His head was dizzy now, and he was definitely talking stupid. Ordinarily, he wouldn't even be striking up a conversation with a Harbinger let alone flirting with one.

Childe let out an amused scoff, shaking his head slightly. He could see the effects of the alcohol starting to take a toll on Kaeya, and he couldn't help but find it entertaining. “Hmph, you think too highly of yourself. It's cute, but not entirely accurate.” His grip loosened slightly around Kaeya's neck, his thumb gently tracing the line of his jaw, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His fingers itched to do more than just tease, but he held himself back for the time being.

Kaeya pulled away from him and back to his drink. He attempted to raise it to his lips but found himself unable to do so. The tavern was spinning around him, the noise a dull drone. He slumped forward, his head hitting the countertop hard.

Childe chuckled lowly at the sight of Kaeya slumped over the counter. He couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction, seeing the arrogant knight reduced to a slurred mess. He leaned closer, propping the man up slightly and brushing the hair back from his face. “Careful now, you don't want to damage that pretty face of yours.”

He gestured to the bartender, silently requesting a pitcher of water.

Kaeya groaned. Childe smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Kaeya groan in discontent. “Come now, don't pout. This night was still entertaining in its own way, wouldn't you say?” He poured a glass of water, setting it in front of Kaeya. “Here, drink some water. You need to sober up.”

Kaeya sat there in a heap, he couldn't move to pick up the glass, his head was spinning. Concern mingled with amusement as Childe watched Kaeya struggle. 

He sighed, shaking his head slightly. “Damn, you really are drunk. Here.” He lifted the glass of water, bringing it to the man's lips and tipping it slightly. He needed the knight to sober up enough to at least be able to walk.

Kaeya spluttered a little as he drank, but at least he managed to drink some. He shook his head and that was a mistake as he almost lost his balance again on the barstool. Childe steadied the man, keeping him from falling to the floor.

“Careful now, I didn't spend a few hours in your presence just for you to end up with a cracked skull on the tavern floor.” He helped the man sit upright, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

The knight pushed himself away from the bar and shakily stood. “I think I've had enough for one night..” He took two wobbly steps towards the exit before promptly crumbling onto the floor.

Childe's amusement vanished as the knight collapsed. “Hey!”

He quickly moved to help, crouching beside the man and propping him up against his chest. “What a mess you are…”

He sighed, gently shaking Kaeya's shoulder. He needed the man to gain some clarity and at least be able to walk in order to leave. He scanned the room, noticing several people already watching them with curious expressions. He didn't want to linger here any longer than necessary.

“Come on, you can use my shoulder to lean on.” He slid his arm under Kaeya's, carefully lifting him to his feet and supporting his weight as he swayed. Leaning down, he whispered in the man's ear. “Play along for now. Can you manage to walk?”

Kaeya's legs gave way again as Childe attempted to get him to stand. “Ugh, I'll take that as a no...Okay, hold on tight.”

Childe scooped the man up bridal style in his arms, readjusting his hold to support his weight. Ignoring the whispers and murmurs from the other bar patrons, he made his way towards the exit. With this being Snezhnaya and the knight clearly being from Mondstadt, Childe had no clue where Kaeya was spending the night.

As he stepped out into the cold night air, holding Kaeya tightly, he considered taking him to the Fatui Headquarters, but it was a bit far from here and he didn't feel like dealing with any unnecessary questions. He sighed. “Damn... I suppose I'll just bring you back to my place for now…”

Kaeya hung in his arms like a dead weight, clearly out cold. Childe muttered a low curse under his breath, readjusted Kaeya in his arms, and began the trek back to his own apartment.

As he walked through the snow-covered streets, the biting cold air nipping at his face, he couldn't help but think about the absurdity of the situation. He had just met this knight, and now he was carrying his unconscious form like a sack of potatoes. It was almost comical.

Eventually they reached his home, a warm and cozy abode. He nudged the door open with his elbow and carried Kaeya inside, gently laying him down on the plush bed. He began to work on removing Kaeya's boots and outer clothes, leaving them in a pile on the floor. Seeing the man in only his underwear and thin undershirt, he couldn't help but…appreciate his toned body. Even moreso when Kaeya stirred slightly in the bed, the muscles of his torso outlined so beautifully in the moonlight.

Childe leaned back and took a moment to admire the man's figure, the contours of his body illuminated by the silvery light of the moon, his face looking gentle and at peace. His fingers itched to trail along those defined muscles, to feel the heat of his skin beneath his touch. He shook his head, trying to focus. As much as he would have liked to explore further, the knight was still very much unconscious and vulnerable.

Shaking off his thoughts, he grabbed a blanket from the foot of the bed and gently draped it over the sleeping knight. Despite his earlier teasing, Kaeya was still a guest in his home. He took a seat in a nearby armchair, ready to keep watch over him for the night. Soon enough, as the hours ticked by, Childe found himself dozing off in the chair. Exhaustion from the night's events and the heat from the fire lulled him into a sleep. He drifted off, his head nodding down towards his chest as he surrendered to unconsciousness not knowing what he threw a lit match into.

Chapter Text

Several hours later, the dim light of the early Snezhnayan morning began to filter through the windows. Childe's eyes slowly fluttered open, blurry shapes quickly coming into focus as his vision adjusted to the light. He yawned and rubbed his eyes, stretching his limbs and cracking his neck to shake off the stiffness from sleeping in an armchair. As he glanced over to the bed, he noticed Kaeya stirring.

He watched as Kaeya slowly roused, the knight groaning softly as he came to consciousness. His eye fluttered open, then immediately closed again, a hand coming up to shield his face from the sunlight. He seemed to be waking up with quite a headache.

Childe smirked, leaning back in his armchair and observing the man's morning struggle. “Good morning, my dear knight. Looks like you're finally awake, hmm?” He chuckled softly, enjoying the sight of a disoriented Kaeya.

“Ugh...what...where am I?” Kaeya looked around his surroundings with a squinted eye, struggling to adjust to the brightness.

“Welcome to my humble abode. You passed out drunk last night, and I was kind enough to bring you back here to sleep it off.” Childe gestured to the bedroom around them, still amused by the man's confusion. It was quite endearing to see the normally confident knight rendered so vulnerable.

Kaeya winced at the voice. The voice. His eyes widened as choppy images of last night came to him. He recalls drinking with some Fatui diplomats for information, then he met someone at a bar, the rest of the details were erased from memory. He suddenly noticed his severe lack of undress. He lifted the covers and noticed he was only in his underwear. He looked up, staring at the only other person in the apartment.

“What the hell?!” He yelled, throat raspy and raw from last night...last night...his throat is raw. His eyes widened. He glared at the Harbinger. “You!”

Childe's smirk deepened at Kaeya's reaction. He was enjoying the man's discomfort far too much. “Oh? Are you talking to me, my dear knight?” He stood up from his armchair, approaching the bed. “Did I forget to mention I helped you undress? Sorry for not giving you much privacy. I assure you, I only had your best interests in mind.”

Kaeya stormed up to him. He grabbed the Harbinger by the collar and slapped him across the face. “How dare you!”

Childe's head snapped to the side, a look of surprise crossing his face. It quickly turned to amusement, a small chuckle escaping his lips. “Oh, feisty even when hung over. Your slap is quite impressive. I almost feel bad for finding it amusing. Almost.” He reached up, gently rubbing his cheek where the knight had struck him. “There's no need for violence, my dear knight. I only meant to help.”

“By taking advantage of me?!”

“Taking advantage of you?” Childe’s expression hardened. “I think you're mistaken. I had every opportunity to do so last night, but I chose not to. Instead, I brought you back here and had you to sleep in my own bed while I slept in a damn chair. You were completely intoxicated, helpless even, and I chose to act like a proper gentleman. Don't forget that.”

“Gentleman?” Kaeya scoffed. “Spare me, Tartaglia. Why would I believe anything a Harbinger has to say?” His eyes were full of rage, clearly he was too drunk to fully register who he was drinking with last night.

Childe's amused expression faltered. He took a step closer, his own eyes now narrowed with anger. “You dare question my honesty, after I saved your ass from being left out in the snow? You should be grateful, Kaeya. Instead, you throw around accusations and think you can speak to me like that? Do you really think a Fatui Harbinger would go out of their way to save some pitiful knight? I could have just left you to freeze.”

Kaeya laughed sadistically. “Oh, I didn't think you would. But I would expect people of your ilk to take advantage of drunk knights. Tell me, Harbinger, why is my throat so raw? Did you enjoy having my mouth on you last night?”

Childe tried to ignore the implications, despite how…arousing the imagery was for a morning. He cleared his throat. “Your throat is sore because you're an irresponsible drunk. Don't forget that you were the one who approached me last night, the one who tried to play a game you couldn't possibly hope to win.”

Kaeya furrowed his brow. “What game did we play?”

Childe let out a low chuckle, shaking his head slightly. “Oh, come on now, you must remember at least some of the night. You were so eager to challenge me.” His smirk widened. “Perhaps you need a refresher. You tried to flirt with me, attempted to tease me and play mind games. It was all very entertaining, until you couldn't handle your alcohol and passed out on the counter. Does that ring any bells?”

Kaeya rolled his eyes. Great…a delusional Harbinger. “Please...why in Teyvat would I flirt with you?”

Childe raised an eyebrow. “Ah, playing ignorant now, are we? Don't try to deny it, Kaeya. You were practically salivating over me last night.” He took a step closer, his voice dropping an octave. “You seemed quite eager to engage in the game, to see just how much you could tease and tempt me. And you were doing quite well, until the alcohol caught up with you and you turned into a slurring mess.”

Kaeya snorted. “Don't flatter yourself.”

Childe smirked, his gaze locking with the knight's defiant eyes. “I don't need to flatter myself. The evidence speaks for itself. I don't recall any other men in that tavern able to tempt and tease a Fatui Harbinger quite like you did. But now that you're all hungover and grumpy, you want to deny it all. I think I prefer the drunk version of you. At least that one was pleasant company.”

Kaeya scoffed and went to find his clothes. Of course it had to be the Harbinger he has to work with this week on the Dragonspine deal! A wave of pain hit him suddenly causing him to groan and rub his temple.

“Ah, the hangover’s finally catching up with you, huh? I'm surprised you're not puking your guts out.” Childe reached over to the bedside table, grabbing a glass and painkillers. “Here, have this. It'll help with the headache. And before you ask, it's only water. I may be a Harbinger, but I'm not out to poison my guests.”

“At this rate, I'd prefer you did poison me.” Kaeya said flatly.

Childe chuckled, placing the glass back on the table. “Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not in the business of poisoning pretty knights. Well, not intentionally, at least.” He gave him a smirk, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He found himself unable to help his gaze trailing over the man's toned body. 

Kaeya groaned. “You have the gall to flirt with me right now? You really are beyond reproach.” He took the painkillers and water, not caring if they were cyanide pills at this point

Childe shook his head, both amazed and amused by the knight's audacity. “You really are something else, Kaeya. I'm not quite sure if it's bravery or recklessness that drives you. And just for the record, I'm not flirting with you. I'm just making an observation about your...pleasant appearance.”

“Don't expect me to say the same about you.”

Childe feigned a look of mock hurt, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. “Ouch. I'm wounded by your words. Are you saying you don't find me handsome?”

Kaeya considered him briefly then said. “You’re quite hideous, actually.”

Childe chuckled, not at all offended by the statement. “And to think I saved your drunken ass last night. Perhaps next time I should leave you out in the cold to freeze.”

“Please do.”

“You're truly something else, you know that?” Childe reached over, gently patting the man's shoulder in an unexpected gesture of reassurance. “Listen, as much as you're a pain in the ass right now, I'm not about to leave you to freeze. Besides, I've got nothing better to do today than sit here and keep watch over your drunken ass. So stop complaining and be a good boy.”

“A good boy?” Kaeya raised a brow - the words bristling him.

Childe leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Ah, I had a feeling that one would get a rise out of you. Don't take it to heart. I just can't help but take pleasure in your reactions.” 

“Gods, are you really that desperate? Does being a Harbinger not get you enough tail that you have to trouble me with your flirting?”

Childe's smirk remained, unperturbed by the taunt. “Believe me, there's no shortage of admirers willing to throw themselves at a Fatui Harbinger's feet. But what can I say, I've always enjoyed a bit of a challenge. And you, you are unlike anyone I've met before. It's almost endearing.”

“Good luck on your endeavors, Harbinger.” Kaeya said, pulling on his shirt and was about ready to leave until another wave of a migraine hit him.

Childe chuckled at the sight, shaking his head slightly. “Oh, I don't need luck. I have a charming personality he winked and a handsome face to match. But speaking of endeavors, I can think of a few things we can do to pass the day, if you're open to suggestions.”

Kaeya squinted his eyes at him. “Like?”

Childe's smirk widened. “Well, we could spar. I doubt you could keep up in your condition, but it might still be a good way to release some tension. Or we could explore the city. You've never been to Snezhnaya before, right? There are some sights worth seeing. Or, as the most tempting option, we could stay here and find some other...entertaining ways to pass the time.”

Kaeya blinked - unbelieving the words he just heard. “Are you...asking me out on a date?”

Childe laughed, both at the idea itself and the knight's expression. It was a pretty sight to see Kaeya looking so flustered and dumbfounded. “I guess you could call it that if you want. I'm just offering to show you a good time, seeing as we’re stuck here until your hangover passes. Is that such a bad thing? Just consider it an opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of Snezhnaya.”

Kaeya was exasperated at this point. He groaned. “Fine. I didn't have anything else planned for the day.”

Childe's eyes widened slightly, surprised that his little suggestion had actually worked. “You're not going to protest any further? No more complaints about how much you dislike me? Or how much you're going to regret this?” He leaned closer, his gaze studying the knight's expression, trying to gauge his sincerity.

Kaeya would have sighed if it weren’t rude being a guest in someone else’s home. “No. Is there a bathroom?”

Childe gestured to a door across the room. “Just through there.” He sat back, a small smile on his face. He was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events, and couldn't deny how much he enjoyed the knight's company, despite their strained relationship. He waited a moment, then said, “Oh, and Kaeya? Don't try to escape. I have people keeping an eye on the building.”

He rolled his eye at him and went to freshen up. Kaeya immediately sighed and relaxed in the shower. What exactly was the Harbinger playing at? He figured he ought to spend more time with him, at least to learn more of what happened last night

Childe waited patiently for Kaeya to finish getting ready, taking the time to tidy up a bit and make sure everything was in order. He was actually growing quite excited about their date...no, the tour of the city. When Kaeya finally emerged from the bathroom, dressed and looking much more sober and presentable, Childe's eyes widened slightly. Kaeya looked quite different when not drunk and unconscious. He actually looked...quite handsome

Facing Childe for the first time, Kaeya noticed the look the Fatui gave him. Ah...so he was interested in him. Childe's eyes raked over Kaeya, taking in his sober appearance admiring how the clothes suited him well, and taking notice of how some buttons were left strategically undone, hinting at the toned body underneath.

Childe smirked, his gaze flickering up to meet Kaeya's eyes. There was a glint of excitement in his eyes, combined with a subtle hint of desire. “You cleaned up nice, Kaeya. You almost look presentable enough to accompany a Fatui Harbinger.”

Kaeya raised a brow and cocked his hip. “Almost?”

Childe chuckled, his smirk widening at the taunt. “Almost. I'd be lying if I said I don't appreciate the view, don't get me wrong. But you could stand to tidy up a bit. Perhaps...lose the eyepatch? I bet that pretty eye of yours has a beautiful color.”

Kaeya waved him off. “Shall we go now?”

Childe chuckled, finding the knight's attitude both amusing and endearing. “Yes, let's go. It's a nice day out, and I have a few places in mind that I think you'll enjoy.” He led the way to the door, gesturing for him to follow. “Just a word of warning - this is a Fatui-controlled city. It's best you stay by my side. I can't have you getting lost, can I?”

“Fine. Of course I will.”

They stepped outside, the cool air of Snezhnaya hitting their faces as they made their way down the snowy streets. The city was bustling with activity, the citizens going about their daily business. “Ah, home sweet home. Nothing like the crisp cold air to wake you up.”

Kaeya shivered at the biting sting of the cold. “So, what's our first stop?”

Childe glanced over at him, his eyes gleaming with delight. “Well, since this is a tour of the city, I thought we could start with some sightseeing. There are many beautiful landmarks and tourist spots in Snezhnaya, but I think we should save those for later. First, let's go to my favorite cafe. The view of the city from the balcony is absolutely breathtaking.”

“Oh let’s. I could kill for a coffee right now.” Kaeya said, wanting to get out of the cold as soon as he could.

“Ah, a man after my own heart. You'll have to try the Snezhnayan style coffee they have there - it's strong and rich, just the way I like it. Plus, they have some pretty amazing pastries, too. I'll make sure you try a few.”

He led the way to the cafe, which was only a few blocks away from his home. The cafe was cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere and dark decor. Kaeya ordered himself a coffee, while Childe ordered them a selection of pastries. Kaeya sat down in a booth seat, closing his eyes and sighing.

Childe followed suit, taking a seat across from him. He couldn't help but take notice of the way he closed his eyes and sighed in contentment, something about the action making his heart flutter. He pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on the pastries that were placed in front of them.

“So, Kaeya. Tell me. When you're not getting drunk and causing chaos, what do you usually do for fun?”

“Men.”

Childe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh? You're not shy about that, are you?” He picked up a pastry, taking a bite as he studied the knight's expression. “And how many men have you taken for a spin, if you don't mind me asking?”

Kaeya sat back and thought for a moment. “Hmm...let's see...I get lucky at least twice a week...sometimes more than one man at a time...A few repeat encounters thrown in…I think I average around…somewhere around 120-ish per year.”

Childe choked on his own pastry. “120?!” He sputtered “You're not being serious, are you? That's more than most people have in a lifetime.”

He smirked. “It is all I do in my down time - that and drinking.”

Childe shook his head in disbelief, trying to process the information. He knew Kaeya was a flirt, but he hadn't expected those numbers. “Well, I guess that explains all the rumors that swirl around you. You have quite the reputation, you know.”

Kaeya tilted his head to the side with a slight frown, feigning ignorance. “Rumors?”

Childe's smirk widened. “Oh, yes. Lots of rumors. They say you flirt with everyone and anyone, and that you have an army of broken hearts trailing behind you. They say you're charming, seductive, and have a way with words.” He took a sip of his coffee, his gaze locking with the knight's. “Are those rumors true, Kaeya?”

Kaeya raised a brow at him looking nominally unimpressed. “Do you normally talk about such things on a first date?”

Childe chuckled, shaking his head. “No, but this isn't exactly a normal date, is it? Besides, I couldn't help but ask. So, the rumors - true or false?”

Kaeya leaned back in his chair, studying the Harbinger’s expression. “I'll answer. If you tell me how many you've had.”

Childe raised an eyebrow in surprise, not expecting the knight to bargain. He considered the question for a moment, silently counting the number in his head. “Let's see....” He leaned back, a cocky smile gracing his face. “Thirty-two. I've been with thirty-two people in my lifetime. Most of them women, with a few men sprinkled in. Well, now I've answered your question. Your turn, Kaeya.”

“Most of them women?” Kaeya snorted. “Please…”

Childe rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. “What? Surprised that I actually like women?”

Kaeya chuckled as he went back to his coffee. “Very.”

“What can I say? I have...varied interests.” Childe chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But enough about me. It's your turn to spill. The rumors - true or false?”

“Somewhat true. But I don't leave a trail of broken hearts - I'm not the kind of person to promise something more than I'm willing to give.”

Childe nodded, his expression thoughtful. He appreciated the honesty, but he couldn't help but feel a small pang of insecurity at the thought of all the men who had fallen for him. He quickly pushed the feeling aside, refocusing his attention on his coffee. “So, you make it clear from the start that it's just for fun? No strings attached?”

“I'll be honest, most of it is a quick desperate romp after a visit to a tavern, keeping my favorite knights entertained or...for information.”

Childe couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. “For information? So, you're not only a flirt, but an expert in the art of seductive interrogation as well?” He took a sip of his coffee, feeling admiration...and intrigue. He was starting to respect the man more...and find him even more attractive.

“Of course. I'm not above mixing business with pleasure.”

The Harbinger was completely enamored by the knight's confidence and unapologetic approach to life. It was refreshing, almost. “You know, Kaeya, you're nothing like the rumors say. You're not just some flirt, you're a strategist. You use your charm to your advantage, and you're never afraid to get what you want. I appreciate that.” He leaned forward, a teasing smile on his face. “Perhaps that's why you're so good at what you do?”

Kaeya laughed. “Finally, someone who sees it my way.”

Childe held up his cup of coffee at the knight in a mock toast. “Here's to being underappreciated. So, since we've established that your skills are more than just looks, let me ask you another question.” His gaze flickered over to the knight's eyepatch, and he couldn't help but be curious. “What's behind that eyepatch? A nasty scar? A birthmark?”

Kaeya stiffened at the question before shaking his head and taking a drink.

“What's wrong, Kaeya? Did I hit a nerve?” he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Come on, don't be shy. What are you hiding under there? It can't be that bad.”

“It's a Khaenri'ahn custom. We cover our right eye.”

Childe's eyes widened in surprise, his smirk faltering a bit at the answer. He was taken aback by the unexpected response. He had expected some sort of embarrassing secret, not something so...cultural. “Khaenri'ahn custom…” He mulled over the words for a moment, a thought occurring to him. “Wait. Does that mean you...You're...from Khaenri'ah, aren't you?”

He gave a small smile. “It's obvious enough. Who else has a star-shaped pupil like this?”

Childe was stunned. He had thought the knight was just from Mondstadt, with heritage from Sumeru. But to discover that he was actually from Khaenri'ah… “I have to say, I'm quite impressed. To survive such a fate, and still be successful enough to become a Knight of Favonius. Impressive indeed.” 

His gaze lingered on the eyepatch a moment longer, an unspoken question forming on his lips.
He had to ask, he needed to know. “Say...can I...see it? Your eye, I mean. Can I see it?”

Kaeya frowned. “N-No...only loved ones can.”

His disappointment was noticeable, but he tried to hide it. “Ah, I see. How...unfortunate.” He studied the knight across from him, his eyes still drawn to the visible eye. He was more than just a pretty face, more than just a talented warrior and flirty manwhore. He had secrets, secrets that made him all the more intriguing.

Kaeya looked at the pastries before them and cleared his throat. “Oh...care to tell me about these?”

Childe's attention was brought back to the pastries in front of them. He smiled, taking another bite of his. “Ah, yes. These are some of the best pastries in all of Snezhnaya. Sweet, with just the right amount of flakiness in the crust. Try one. I promise you, it's like a taste of Celestia.”

“You’ve bought quite a selection…Which should I start with?”

Childe pointed to a pastry filled with cream and topped with berries. “I recommend this one. It's called Vatrushka. It's filled with a sweet cheese and topped with seasonal berries. Trust me, it's pretty good.”

Kaeya bit into it, his face instantly lighting up. “Mmph! That's delicious.”

Childe grinned as he watched him savor the pastry. It was a pleasure to see someone else enjoy a piece of his childhood. “I told you. Nothing beats a pastry from Snezhnaya.” 

He couldn't help but admire the way the knight's eyes lit up at the taste, the way his face showed sincere appreciation. Without thinking, he lowered his voice and murmured. “You know...I could get used to seeing that expression on your face all the time.”

Kaeya frowned in confusion, then rolled his eyes when he realized. “Can't a man eat in peace?”

“Of course you can. I just can't help but notice how good you look when you're eating something delicious.” His eyes twinkled with mischief as he took another sip of his coffee.

Of course, he says, Kaeya thought. “Oh? Were you hoping to offer me something else that's delicious?”

Childe's smirk widened, his eyebrows raised. “Oh, you caught on? Yes, I might have something else in mind...something that's even more delicious than these pastries.”

Kaeya dusted off his fingers. “Well I must say, Snezhnaya appears to have the best pastries in all of Teyvat.” He narrowed his eyes at Childe. “A shame the same can't be said of the men.”

Childe feigned hurt at the barb, placing a hand over his chest. “Oh, ouch. Ouch. Hahaha…I'll have you know that men from Snezhnaya are quite the catch, thank you very much. Perhaps you haven't been looking in the right places.”

Kaeya laughed. “More than half of the men I've slept with are Fatui, you know that right?”

Childe raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his eyes. “Is that so? Why, Kaeya, you're practically an expert on Snezhnayan men. Maybe I should take notes. But you know...I have to ask. How do I measure up compared to them?”

“I'll have you know almost all of them I slept with solely for information. Except for Viktor...he was sweet…As for you, well nothing unique so far. You're just as overconfident and arrogant as the rest of them.”

“Tch. I could say the same thing about you. Overconfident, arrogant, and oh-so-cocky. You've got a sharp tongue, don't you? But I do admire your bravery. It takes guts to insult a Harbinger of the Fatui to his face.”

“You're right, but perhaps it's because I'm aware that you're soft on me. Correct?” Kaeya smiled sweetly.

Childe pretended to look insulted, his eyes widening in feigned shock. “Me? Soft on you? How dare you. You know, I'm just as ruthless and vicious as any other Harbinger.” He scoffed, shaking his head in mock offense, but the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips betrayed him. “What makes you think I'm soft on you, Kaeya?”

He looked the Harbinger up and down. “I remember a lot more of last night than I originally let on.”

Childe's cheeks flushed as he realized what the knight was implying. He had hoped the knight was too drunk to remember anything, but it seemed he wasn't quite that lucky.

“You...remember?” He tried to maintain his composure, but beneath the surface he was panicking. “What do you remember, exactly?”

Kaeya turned back to finishing his drink and pastry. Childe's mind raced, trying to figure out what the knight was thinking. He couldn't tell if he was remembering the...intimate moments...or if he was just trying to get a rise out of him. 

“Come on, Kaeya. Don't leave me hanging like this. What do you remember?” He reached out, placing a hand on the knight's arm, a silent plea for an answer.

Kaeya looked down at the hand on his arm and gave Childe a smirk. “I don't think you want me voicing those things here in a place like this.”

Childe felt a mixture of relief and apprehension at the knight's cryptic reply. On one hand, he was glad that the man wouldn't be speaking those things out loud in a cafe full of people. On the other, he was curious and nervous to know what he remembered. 

“You're right. Let's finish up here and head back to my place. We can talk there.”Childe He flagged down the waiter, quickly paid the bill, and stood up, motioning at Kaeya to follow him out the door.

They were back at the Harbinger’s place relatively quickly. Childe hung up his coat, kicked off his boots and ignited the fireplace before sitting on the couch, Kaeya followed suit taking in the rather bare, though neat home. Not a spec of Childe’s personality shone through anything, except perhaps the toy ruin guard sitting on the mantle. 

“You must enjoy my company, bringing me back here to talk.” Kaeya mused as he smiled. “Well, talking at all really. I wonder…what is drawing you to me right now? We’re on opposite sides, no? Most people would call us enemies.”

Childe took a moment to study the knight, his eyes roaming over his face and body. He found himself drawn to the man's confidence and charisma, his sharp wit and intelligence. He also found himself becoming entranced by his appearance, his muscular frame and smooth skin, his breathy voice and striking demeanor. 

“I enjoy your confidence. Your bravery. The way you carry yourself. You're attractive, and you know it. I also enjoy your wit and your intelligence. You keep me on my toes.”

Kaeya pondered his reasons, “Mmm is that all? Hardly worth my company…”

Childe chuckled. “Oh, you're wanting me to compliment you more? You want me to tell you how handsome you are, how skilled you are in combat, how your voice sends shivers down my spine?” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper as a devilish smile crept across his lips. “Is that it, Kaeya? You want me to fawn all over you?”

Kaeya smirked and leant forward, his face occupying so much of Childe’s vision. “Do you want to know what I think you can't get enough of about me?”

That certainly got Childe’s interest. “Oh? Do tell. What is it that you think I can't get enough of about you?”

“Recall that I said I remember quite a bit from the night you found me drunk at the tavern.”

Childe nodded, recalling that night with a mixture of affection and amusement. “Yes, I remember. You were quite the sight. So drunk you could barely walk.”

“I remember that you were flirting with me. I remember the look on your face when you lost the game and found my seduction to be distracting. I remember when I put your finger in my mouth and I started to…” Kaeya said, licking his lips slowly. “Well, I think you remember that one.”

A rush of heat flooded Childe's cheeks as Kaeya's words replayed in his mind with the way Kaeya had been so brazen and forward with his flirting. He could feel his heart rate increasing and his breath quickening, the images of the knight's seductive actions sent chills down his spine.

“You...do remember that.” His voice came out lower and more raspy than he intended.

“Parts of it, yes.” Kaeya teased, a teasing glint shining in his eye. “Would you like to help me remember? Perhaps if I...did it again I might recall more from last night.”

Childe's heart thumped loudly in his chest. He wanted to refresh the feeling of Kaeya's mouth on him again, to experience that same rush of excitement and desire that he had felt that night at the tavern.

He reached out tentatively and ran his fingers through Kaeya’s hair, feeling the soft strands slide through his fingers. Kaeya leaned into his touch as the Harbinger caressed his hair and then his cheek. He looked up at him from beneath his lashes, lips curving in a small seductive smile as he felt Childe's fingers inch closer to his lips

“...yes. Please…” Childe's hands moved to cup Kaeya's face, his thumb tracing the contours of his lips. “Archons, you are so beautiful.” He whispered, his voice husky with desire. 

His eyes were fixed on Kaeya's mouth, his thumb gently pulling at his lower lip, silently encouraging him to do...something. Gently, Kaeya grasped Childe’s wrist and ran his fingers up and down the skin there. He swiped his tongue out at the thumb pressing on his lips, lapping at it lightly before opening his mouth wider, gliding his lips over Childe’s thumb and inviting it into wet warmth.

Childe's eyes widened at Kaeya's bold move, his breath catching in his throat as he felt the knight’s mouth envelop his thumb. “Archons...your mouth...it feels so good.” He whispered, his voice low and husky as he pressed his thumb deeper, tracing the contours of his mouth, his own heart beating faster with each passing second.

Kaeya sucked his thumb with a gentle pressure. He wrapped his tongue around it and glided up and down until letting go with a soft wet pop. He then drew his attention to a longer digit, dragging his lips along the sides of Tartaglia's index finger, licking along the ‘underside’ in a suggestive manner before taking the finger into his mouth.

Childe’s couldn't help but let out a low groan. “Archons...you're driving me insane…” He moved his free hand to grip blue hair.

Kaeya wrapped his lips around Childe's finger just as he had done in the tavern, his tongue swirling gently around the digit before taking in another. He looked at Childe, heavy lidded with a slight flush forming. The hand he had around Childe's wrist stroking up and down his forearm in twisting strokes mimicking another sex act.

Childe's heart was hammering in his chest as he watched the knight work his mouth on his fingers and his body responded eagerly to Kaeya’s ministrations. “Mmm...yes...just like that.” He growled, his grip on the knight's hair tightening just slightly as he pressed his fingers deeper into the hot, wet heat of his mouth.

Kaeya moaned slightly at the tightening grip in his hair. He hollowed out his cheeks, sucking harder as he moved his mouth up and down the lengths of his fingers.

“Mmm...you're...so good at this…” He groaned, his breath coming out heavy as he watched the knight's lips slide up and down his fingers, the sight alone almost enough to drive him crazy.

He paused his bobbing movement, but kept teasing the Harbinger with his sucking and swirling tongue. Kaeya grabbed Childe’s wrist again, using it to push Childe's finger in and out of his mouth, asking the man to take control.

Childe slowly pushed his finger deeper. “Mmm...you want me to take over, sweetheart? You want me to...use your mouth?” He murmured, his voice a low, husky growl as he began to slowly push his fingers in and out of his mouth.

Kaeya moaned around his fingers, angling his head to the side so his hair fell over his shoulder, as Childe began thrusting his fingers. Childe's breath caught at the sight of blue hair framing him so prettily, the vision of him so trusting and willing sending a rolling fire through him.

“Archons...you're so gorgeous like this. Can you take more?” The Harbinger groaned as Kaeya nodded in response. “Oh…you're going to be the death of me.” He whispered, slowly pushing a third finger into the mouth, his breathing heavy as he watched the man suck around them. “Mmm...you're so, so good.” Childe murmured, his voice sounding a bit strained.

Kaeya intensified his actions, sucking harder, teasing with his tongue more, driving Childe mad with the suggestion, until he felt them withdraw. He pressed a chaste kiss to the end of each finger, as if thanking them for using his mouth. Kaeya sat back into the couch, looking rather pleased with himself.

Childe exhaled a long breath, feeling almost shaky from the intensity of their...interaction. “Archons. That was...that was something else.” He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his racing heart.

Kaeya looked him up and down. “That really got you hot and bothered, didn't it, Harbinger? Oh my...and that was only your fingers. I'm beginning to think if we escalate this further, you might explode.” He said breathlessly. 

Childe felt a rush of heat creep across his cheeks. “Archons...you're not wrong. The sight of you, the feel of your mouth...it was almost too much. If you kept going, I probably would have actually exploded.”  He let out a strained breath, trying to bring himself back under control. “You're...you're something else, Kaeya. I've never met anyone like you. Your boldness, your confidence...I’m drawn to it.” He hesitated for a moment, then reached out to run his fingers gently along the knight's jaw. “Would you...if I asked...I mean…” His voice trailed off, embarrassment flooding his features.

“Hm?”

Childe took a deep breath, trying to find the words. “Would you...stay? Tonight?” He finally managed to get out, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Kaeya's eyes widened, he hadn't expected the Harbinger to grow so...fond of him. He quickly reverted to his cool confidence. “Oh? What brought this on?”

Childe shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed by his own impulsive request. “Maybe it's because of our...interaction earlier. Maybe it's because I can't stop thinking about you. Maybe it's because I just want...more. Of you.” He felt his cheeks flush again as he spoke, but he held Kaeya’s gaze, his expression sincere. “So...please. Stay with me. Just for the night.”

Kaeya smiled knowingly. “Are you...blushing?”

Childe tried to hide his embarrassment by looking away. “Me? Blushing? Pfft, no way. That's...ridiculous.” He muttered, trying (and failing) to sound nonchalant.

“Hmm...I don't recall your face looking so...red...earlier.”

“You...you're mistaken. It's...it's just the lighting. That's all.” He mumbled, his excuse sounding incredibly weak even to himself.

Kaeya couldn't believe the guy. And this was the feared Eleventh Harbinger? This blushing infatuated man? “I suppose our first night together wasn't exactly...fruitful.”

Childe turned back to the knight. “Perhaps not. But it certainly was...memorable.”

The knight laughed, finding the whole ordeal a little ridiculous despite how sweet it was. “It was memorable having me black out drunk in your bed while you slept in an armchair? Speaking of, is your neck not sore from that?”

Childe shrugged - his neck did ache from the awkward sleeping position. “I've slept in far worse places. Besides, caring for a stranger passed out in my bed was hardly the weirdest thing I've ever done.”

Throwing caution to the wind because what is Kaeya to do when propositioned by an attractive man, particularly one who was so clearly infatuated, he accepted. “I guess you'll be my host, yet again. I hope you're planning on being hospitable.”

“Oh, I can assure you...I'll be most hospitable. You won't find a more accommodating host.” He gestured towards the rest of his apartment. “Please, make yourself comfortable. You know where the bedroom is.”

Kaeya snorted. “Don't push your luck, cutie.”

“Hey, just being hospitable, remember? Hospitality is very important in Snezhnaya.”

“Alright then...so...Mr Hospitable Snezhnayan...what shall we do to pass the time? It's only past noon.”

Childe's mind raced to come up with acceptable host activities. The truth was he only had less than innocent things in mind. “Hmm...well, we could...have lunch? I could make us some food. Or...we could go for a walk in the city? There's a lot of interesting sights to see…” He suggested, trying (and failing) not to glance toward the bedroom door.

“Like?”

Childe's mind quickly went blank as the knight pushed him further, his mind fixated on not giving away his less than innocent thoughts. “Um...well...there's the...uh...the Opera House! Yes, that's it. The Opera House is quite...astonishing. We could go see a show...if you'd like, of course.”

“So you're asking me out on a date...again?”

Childe's mind short-circuited for a moment. “E-excuse me? Date? Pfft...no, no I was...I was just, um...suggesting…” He trailed off, his cheeks flushing pink. “Of course we don't have to see a show. It was just...a suggestion. We could...do something else.” He muttered, feeling the heat of the knight's teasing gaze on him.

“Oh? Like what?” Kaeya asked, lounging on the couch with his legs crossed.

“Um...like...I don't know...a game? Perhaps? We could...play a game?” He mentally facepalmed at the incredibly idiotic suggestion.

Kaeya shrugged. “Sure. I'm down for a game.”

“Excellent! A game it is!” Childe clapped his hands together. “So…what sort of game would you like to play?”

“Hmm…” Kaeya pretended to ponder. “What about a drinking game?”

“A...drinking game? Are you sure? I mean, last time…”

“Did you not like when he played last time?”

Childe hesitated for a moment, his mind conjuring up images of Kaeya's flushed face and parted lips. “No, no...it was...fine. More than fine…Alright. A drinking game it is. But, let's make one small change to the rules this time.” Childe's heart beat loudly in his chest as he proposed his idea. “A...bet, if you will. We'll play truth or dare, but the loser of each game has to remove an article of clothing.” He tried to sound as cool and confident as possible, but his voice still wavered slightly as he spoke.

“Oh...so like a strip truth or dare, with alcohol between turns?”

“Er...yeah. If that's how you want to put it.” Childe took a deep breath to calm himself from the knight’s blunt phrasing…and not focus on the idea of his clothes coming off. “Do you...agree to the terms?”

“Sure.” Kaeya smiled. “But I do expect dinner after this. Try not to get too...affected. I wouldn't want your beautiful home going up in flames.”

“Don't worry, gorgeous. I've got this under control. I'm a pretty heavy drinker, you know. You're the one who should be careful. Wouldn't want to end up passed out on my bed again.”

“We'll see…”

Childe's blood felt like it was on fire with excitement and anticipation. “Alright then. Let's play.” He picked up a bottle of firewater off a shelf and set it down on the table, pouring out two shots. “I'll go first. Truth or Dare?” He lifted his shot and took it with Kaeya.

“Truth.”

A smile spread across his face at the knight's choice. “Alright then. Hm...truth. Let's see…What's the craziest or most daring thing you've ever done while drunk? Mine is...probably the time I decided to go swimming in the palace fountain.”

Kaeya raised a brow. “That's awfully tame. Mine would be 'hiding' under Chief Alchemist Albedo's desk while he had a meeting with Acting Grandmaster Jean and our archivist, Lisa.”

Childe's brow lifted in surprise and let out a small chuckle. “Under the Chief Alchemist’s desk, eh? Were you just hiding there, or were you also partaking in other activities?”

“It was funny. Jean and Lisa were asking "Albedo, where is Kaeya?" and Albedo had lied through his teeth saying that I must have slept in, while really, I was giving my throat a little warm up for the day…”

Childe nearly choked on his spit at the nonchalant confession. “Y-you...you were...giving your...with Albedo's…” He could barely get the words out, feeling himself becoming aroused by the vivid image the knight had just created in his mind.

Kaeya smiled and poured out the next shots. “Alright, my turn to ask...truth or dare?”

They both took their shots while Childe managed to compose himself after taking a few deep breaths. “Dare.”

Kaeya laughed mischievously. “Oh this could be dangerous…”

“Go on, then. I can take it.” He lifted his chin in defiance, though his cheeks still burned hotly.

“Alright then. Give me your best lap dance, Mr Fatui Harbinger.”

Childe's eyes almost popped out of his head as the knight issued the command. “A...a lap dance? You...you want me to give you...a lap dance?” He echoed nervously. He'd never considered the idea before, and now here the knight was, so boldly asking for it.

Kaeya uncrossed his legs and patted his thigh. “I promise I won't touch the merchandise.”

Childe stared at him. He swallowed thickly, nerves and excitement warring within him. But...he'd never back down from a challenge or a dare. “Alright.”

He got up from the couch, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He stood in front of Kaeya, taking in the sight of him looking up at him with a mischievous grin. He slowly straddled the knight's lap, heart racing as he let out a shaky breath.

Kaeya watched in anticipation as Childe sat on his lap. “Go on," he whispered, his voice seductively husky. “Give me a show.

Childe's cheeks flushed pink at his words, his breath catching in his chest. He took a deep breath and slowly began to move his hips, mimicking the motion of a dance. It was awkward at first, and he could feel his nervous energy and inexperience making his movements stiff and hesitant. But as he went on, his body began to loosen up, and his movements became more smoother.

He moved against the knight, grinding his hips down in a deliberately provocative way, his eyes locked on the other man's as he worked to push aside his uneasiness and focus on the moment.

“How...how's this for a show?” He whispered, his voice husky and laced with desire. His body pressed close to Kaeya's, feeling the heat off his skin and the harness of his body.

Kaeya was…amused to say the least. “Oh Childe…must your arms hang so limply by your side?”

Childe felt a jolt of surprise at the feedback. “What? My...arms?” 

He glanced down at his arms, realizing that they were indeed hanging awkwardly at his sides. He felt a moment of intense embarrassment and tried to think of how to fix it, his cheeks flushing pink as he realized how silly and awkward he must look.

Kaeya snorted and patted Childe’s thigh to indicate his time was up.“Perhaps I should give you a lesson some day on how to give someone a proper lap dance. Sorry Childe, that was...well you tried.”

Childe let out a small huff of frustration as he sat back on the couch while the knight criticized his attempts. “I...I'm doing the best I can!” He protested, trying to hide his nerves and discomfort under a layer of feigned self-confidence. “I'm not...used to doing something like this.”

“I think you lose this one, my dear. Which means…”

The idea of potentially revealing parts of his body to the knight made losing…not so bad of an outcome. “Okay, fine.” 

He quickly removed his scarf, the only item he could easily remove without shifting his position too much. He held the scarf in his hands, feeling awkward and self-conscious before he poured out their next shots and asked Kaeya the question of the game.

He took his shot. “Alright, truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

Oh…this was too good, Childe thought. “Hmm...I dare you to...show me some of the skills that you claim I lack.” He proposed, a challenging gleam in his eyes as he looked at the knight. He was genuinely curious to see how he would perform. “Show me how it should be done.”

“Oh? You want me to show you how to give a proper lap dance, now?”

“Precisely. Unless, of course, you're not confident in your abilities?” He challenged, his eyes glinting in amusement.

Kaeya took his shot and nodded. “Very well. Just keep your hands to yourself.”

“I promise, baby. I won't touch a thing.”

Kaeya straddled him, his hands planted firmly on the back of the couch. He leant forward, his breath hot in Childe’s ear. “Prepare to lose again, pretty boy.”

Childe's breath caught in his chest as the knight straddled him, the heat of the man's breath sending tingles down his spine. He swallowed thickly, his eyes locking onto the knight's as he tried to keep his composure. “I'm ready.” He murmured.

Kaeya pulled back - his head tilted slightly downwards, his lips curved into a seductive smirk, his half-lidded eye looking down at Ajax. He moved slowly, sensually grinding his hips down against the Harbinger. He released a long breath through his moist lips and brought a hand to the buttons of his shirt.

Childe's breath hitching as he watched Kaeya’s every move, completely entranced. His gaze locked onto the man's skilled fingers unbuttoning his shirt, the slow reveal of skin making his head spin with desire. He resisted the urge to reach out and press his lips to the man's skin, his fingernails dug into the couch to keep his hands in place.

Kaeya removed just enough buttons to give a taste of his chest. He slipped a hand through the open front gasping as he stroked his bare skin. He tossed his head back, mimicking euphoria in the midst of a sex act, groaning at the touch.

Childe let out a small huff of breath as he watched the performance. The sight of the man's bare chest and the sounds of his moans made his body ache with arousal, his trousers suddenly feeling far too tight. He clenched his fists tightly, desperate to touch the man and feel the heat of his skin. 

Kaeya began to grind a little harder, pushing down more of his weight onto the Harbinger. He hissed and bit his lip at the action looking at the other man with a pleading look. Childe let out a small strangled noise as the knight ground down harder, his grip on the couch tightening. He wanted more, so much more. His body was on fire with desire and need, his heart pounding and his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. “Kaeya…” He growled, his voice thick with arousal and frustration.

Kaeya began to slide his hand from his chest to up over his throat squeezing lightly. He let out a choked gasp and shuddered on the Harbinger's lap, his whole body undulating, every muscle rolling with seductive rhythm.

A strangled groan escaped Childe's lips. His hands twitched at his sides, his willpower being tested to the limit. He desperately wanted to run his hands over the knight's body, feel his skin under his fingertips, and make him gasp.

“You...you're...you're a...cheater…” He muttered breathlessly, his voice thick with desire.

Kaeya stopped moving and began to laugh. “Am I?”

Childe's face flushed. “Yes! You...you didn't even let me touch you…” He muttered sulkily, a small pout on his face.

Kaeya folded his arms. “Normally you have to pay the strippers quite a bit for that.”

Childe huffed, a mixture of amusement and frustration in his eyes. He smirked, “Oh yeah? Well, how much?”

Kaeya rolled his eyes at his proposal, got off his lap and sat beside him. “So? How was it? Did I lose this round?”

Childe felt a twinge of disappointment as Kaeya moved away, but he pushed it aside. “Oh please, you know perfectly well that you won. I didn't even stand a chance. You're just too damn good at this.” He gave the knight a playful nudge, his lips curving into a small smile. “Now, enough questions. It's my turn.”

“...you're forgetting something…” Kaeya said with a teasing lilt to his voice.

“Huh? Forgot something? Ah...yeah, that's...um, fair enough.” He mumbled, not believing he'd gotten so distracted by the knight's performance that he'd forgotten to take an item of clothing off.

Kaeya took a shot while watching Childe remove his own belt. The poor man fumbled nervously over the buckle. He eventually managed to remove the belt and tossed it aside.

Kaeya was looking rather pleased with the direction this game was going. Unfortunately, Childe in all of his cockiness didn’t consider Kaeya’s competitive streak and that he was not going to lose a game designed to get him naked. “Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.”

“What's your favorite thing to do in bed? I'm sure you must have some fun kinks or perhaps...a fetish?”

Childe's cheeks flushed pink at the question, his mind instantly going to the many, many things he enjoyed doing in bed. But...how much to reveal, really? He could play it safe and just give a vague answer, or he could risk it and tell the full, unfiltered truth. 

“I...like being in control. Having the...the power.” He confessed, his voice low and husky with arousal.

“Really? I wouldn't have guessed...you seem awfully submissive around me.”

Childe tutted. “Ah...well you know what they say about appearances.” He shrugged, his eyes gleaming in a mix of amusement and desire. “Besides, it's...it's different when I'm with you. I like the challenge.”

“So you're a...brat tamer?”

“You can say that, yes.” He gave the knight a wolfish smile, his eyes gleaming dangerously with  desire. “But…only the most misbehaving brats will provoke that side of me.”

Kaeya gave a pleased hum. “How interesting.”

“What about you? What are you into?” Childe purred, his eyes studying the man intently, trying to catch a hint of what the man’s desires would be like.

“I think you know already.”

Ah…it looked like the knight really did want to play it close to his chest. He decided to try a different approach. “How about this then…a dare.” He gave the knight a confident smirk, his eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge.

“I’ll humor you.”

“I dare you to…tell me three things that you enjoy in bed.” He challenged, having a feeling the knight wouldn't back down.

“Only if you tell me the three things you enjoy in bed first.”

He hesitated for a moment, weighing the options in his head. Though he was slightly reluctant to be the first one to start sharing, he couldn't deny that he was intensely curious about the knight's kinks as well.

“Alright then. Deal.” He agreed, letting out a small huff of breath, his hands slightly clammy in anticipation. “Well...the first thing is I'm into being teased. I like the feeling of being denied what I want and having the thrill of the chase. I also like dom/sub play - I’m a switch so…I like being the dominant partner and having someone at my mercy, but also submitting completely…for a person who is strong and capable. As for my third…I like...I like a bit of breath play. Having someone's hand over my throat as they...make me feel like I belong to them and only them.” He closed his eyes for a moment, the image of the knight holding him down and gently squeezing his throat was making his breath catch in his chest.

“I see.” Kaeya nodded - a satisfied smile curling his lips. “I'm surprised you didn't mention a praise kink. But I suppose the question did limit you to three.”

It was like the man could see right through him, able to decipher his desires with a single glance. “Ah...well...I mean...I do have a bit of a...a praise kink…”

“Cute.”

He shook his head at the teasing remark, though he couldn't deny how much he secretly loved it. “Now it's your turn. Tell me three things you're into.”

“Why don't you guess one, it's not hard.” Kaeya teased, pouring himself another drink.

Childe thought over everything he had seen from the man - his confidence, his teasing demeanor...it was all a bit of a mystery to him. The only thing he could be certain of was that the knight seemed very skilled in the art of flirtation. He studied the way the knight's eyes seemed to shine with an intense, fiery passion, burning bright and hot with a hunger for adventure. Perhaps...

“Challenge. You like a challenge, but also challenging your partners - really testing their limits.” He said finally, his eyes locking onto Kaeya’s, trying to read the man's reaction.

Kaeya tossed his head over the back of the couch and groaned. Childe smirked, feeling a touch of smugness at having guessed correctly.

“I love being tested.” Kaeya said huskily, before looking at Childe. “I'm also a brat who needs to be tamed. I love a power struggle. Of having to fight to take control and dominate or submit to my partner.”

Childe's breath hitched at the knight's admission as he looked at the man with a new sense of admiration. “I see. And your third one...?”

“I love pain. I love being bitten and marked up. I love getting spanked and treated rough. It's partly why I have the ponytail, so men can wrap it around their hands and pull.”

The image sent a rush of heat through Childe's body. He pictured the knight's body marked by his teeth and kisses, his hair wrapped around Childe's fist and pulled hard as he pounded him from behind.

Kaeya looked at Childe innocently. “Are you alright? You seem a little flustered? Perhaps you should take off that shirt...I'm not sure you won that round.”

Childe's breath caught in his chest before he stared at the man with desire and frustration. “Oh yeah? What makes you so sure?” He teased, his eyes trailing down the knight's form, pausing for a moment at the man's lips before moving lower to his exposed chest window.

“You've been gripping the arm of the couch so tight your knuckles are white.”

Childe looked back down, only now noticing how tightly his hands were clutching at the arm of the couch. “Damn…” He muttered surprised by how caught up in his thoughts he was that he hadn't noticed how obvious his body's reaction had been.

Kaeya leant against him and started plucking at Childe’s buttons - the effects of the alcohol starting to sink in and make him seek touch and affection. “Off...Childe. Don't keep me waiting.” he teased.

Childe didn't even hesitate, shrugging the soft fabric of the shirt off his shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. “Alright...there...happy now?” He said in a slightly breathless voice, his body reacting to the cold air on his skin and the knight's touch.

Kaeya giggled and drank another shot of firewater. Childe tried not to stare at the man too much, his eyes darting over the exposed chest and his soft, inviting lips. How he just wanted to pull the knight onto his lap and capture those lips with his own...

“Truth or dare, Harbinger?”

Childe's mind quickly snapped back to the game, his cheeks flushing slightly as he realized he had gotten distracted. “Ah...truth.” He answered, his eyes never leaving the knight's. His heart was still racing and his mind was still filled with images.

Kaeya bit his lip before he spoke. Already knowing the answer. “What are you thinking about right now?”

Childe paused slightly. He couldn't exactly say he was thinking about pinning the knight down or sucking on his neck, could he? Well...he actually could, but that would be quite embarrassing to admit. “I...ah...I was thinking about...things.” 

Kaeya raised a brow making Childe squirm. 

“Just...just some things that were on my mind. Nothing too important.” Childe lied, trying desperately to keep his voice level and not give away any of his true feelings. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
“Some things like that bulge in your pants?” Kaeya said bluntly.

Childe immediately flushed as the knight pointed out his arousal making him suddenly very aware of the way his trousers were beginning to feel a little tight around the crotch. “I…ah…” He stuttered, unable to find the right words, embarrassed at how quickly his body had betrayed him.

“Go on, tell me...which of my kinks had you...visualizing?”

Childe took a deep breath, trying to think through the fog of desire that was clouding his mind. “I…I was picturing…you with your hair pulled back and uh…sucking on your neck…I...I was imagining wrapping it around my hand and...and pulling you close to me.” He muttered in a low, husky voice, his eyes trailing over the knight's features, trying to capture every small detail.

“Oh? You like that idea do you?” Kaeya said, stroking his ponytail.

Childe's eyes glued to the knight's hands as they toyed with the blue strands. “Y-yes...I do…” He admitted, his voice low and rough.

“You like the idea of...railing me from behind...wrapping my ponytail around your hand and using it to hoist me up against your chest so you could kiss me?”

He let out a small groan at the mental image of using the leverage to pin him to his chest as he whispered obscene things into the knight's ear.

“What would you say in my ear?”

He took in a shaky breath, “I'd...I'd tell you how beautiful you look like that...how much I want to claim you and mark you as mine...how good it feels to dominate someone as challenging as you…”

Kaeya laughed. “I think I'm beginning to like you an awful deal. Tell you what, impress me with dinner and once that's all done we can see just how...compatible we are.”

That small spark of desire turned into a burning inferno at the knight's words, the sound of his laughter and his promise of a night full of promise making it hard to think.

“D...dinner. I think I can handle that. I'm a...decent cook, though perhaps not on the level as fine dining.” He said, his stomach twisting in anticipation.

Kaeya cast his eyes downwards. “Did you need to...relieve yourself first? I wouldn't want you collapsing in your kitchen from poor circulation.”

Childe’s own gaze automatically followed and saw at the prominent bulge in his pants. “Ah...yes...I think that would be...uh...a good idea.” He muttered, his voice slightly strained from the proof of his desire.

Kaeya smirked. “Want me to watch?”

The question made him pause. “W-what?” His voice was barely above a whisper, the breath stolen from his lungs. “Y-you...would watch? Really?”

“Or I could give you privacy…”

Childe thought over the two offered options while his body craved the release. “If it were up to me...then...then I'd say you should watch.” He muttered in a low voice.

“Alright then.” Kaeya got comfortable. “Do you want to show me here or...?”

Childe gestured towards the bedroom. “Let's go there.”

Kaeya got up and offered Childe a hand and a shot of liquid courage. Childe took the offered shot of firewater, the liquid burning his throat as it went down. He felt the beginnings of a warm buzz settle in his mind, numbing his nerves slightly but still letting the excitement shine through. His hand slid into the knight's and led him towards the bedroom.

Chapter Text

Kaeya sat on the edge of the bed as Childe took the armchair. The Harbinger's eyes trailed over him, pausing for a moment at his chest.

“Just...sit back and watch...watch me.”

His voice was a little bit lower than usual, a slight quiver betraying the nerves he felt as he slowly unfastened his pants and slid them down mid thigh feeling completely so exposed before the knight's gaze. He slowly lay back against the seat, making himself comfortable.

“You...you like what you see?”

Kaeya flushed and looked away. “You're an attractive man, Childe…”

A small smile played across his lips as he watched Kaeya turn shy. “Flattery will get you everywhere, sir knight.” He said with a slight teasing tone, his eyes flitting across the knight's profile, enjoying the way the man's blush made his cheeks glow. 

Kaeya shifted a little against the sheets, his hands playing idly with the duvet as he sat there watching Childe. He cleared his throat. “Uh...feel free to proceed.”

Childe couldn't help but let out a little chuckle at the embarrassed tone. He smiled as he let one of his hands trail down his body, sliding across his chest and over his stomach to pause gently above the curls of his crotch. “Of course. And here you sit, all hot and bothered as you watch, hmm?” He asked, the tease still in his voice as his eyes flicked over the knight's flushed face.

“Is the show starting, yet?”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips at his impatience, while he shifted his hand teasingly close to his crotch. He slowly nodded, his voice slightly breathy as he spoke. “Yeah...the show's starting…”

He closed his eyes and let one hand wander slowly down his body, fingers trailing across his chest and down over his stomach. He took in a breath as he felt his hand pause gently above his crotch, his fingers moving in a light caress. “Do you like the way my body looks, like this?”

“Yes…” Kaeya said, voice barely a whisper.

He smiled a little at the soft whisper, his heart skipping a beat as he realized the knight was enjoying the view as much as he was enjoying giving it. 

“How do you think I look?”

Kaeya bit back a groan. 

“Did you see something you liked?” He couldn't hide the satisfied grin that spread on his face as he heard the groan that the knight suppressed, his chest swelling a little with triumph. His hand brushed over the sensitive skin of his arousal, the light touch barely a tease.

“Are you going to go ahead with it or just taunt me?”

A low chuckle escaped his lips as the knight's words echoed in his mind. He let his legs spread just a little more, his eyes on the knight's face, enjoying the way the man squirmed.

“Patience...I can't give you a good show if I rush it, can I?” He took in a little breath, his thoughts consumed by the knight's presence. His fingers brushed lightly again in a loose hold. “...Besides, are you just going to sit there and watch?”

“Mhmm...I intend to.”

He couldn't help the small groan that escaped his lips as Kaeya's voice dripped over him. “Not...not going to join me?” He teased, as he gently palmed his length, enjoying the way the man's eyes flickered to his hand for a moment as it moved over him.

“I haven't seen enough to convince me to.”

He smirked slightly at those, not taking them personally and enjoying the challenge presented. He let his eyes drink in his figure, taking in Kaeya's long legs and lean but strong frame. “And what exactly would convince you, oh noble knight?” He teased, his hand continuing to move lightly over his cock as he waited for the knight's response. The teasing and play was turning him on more than he'd care to admit.

Kaeya watched a bead of fluid form at the end of the Harbinger’s cock. He practically salivated thinking about how it would taste.

Childe noticed the knight's gaze fill with hunger and lust, the sight making him quickly realize that his body had been responding more than he'd thought when clear drops of liquid rolled down his length.

“What's wrong, babe...cat got your tongue?”

Kaeya shifted on the bed, his pants so unbearably tight. “I-”

Childe couldn't help but notice the bulge in his pants grow, straining against the fabric of his tight trousers. He groaned a little at the sight, wanting to get up and touch, to tease the man relentlessly but instead he stayed put as the man had asked for a show.

“...you...you want to touch, don't you?” 

Kaeya shook his head. “I need a good show, that's all.”

“...I'll...I'll give you a good show...I'll give you whatever you want…” He muttered, his voice slightly rougher and needier than he expected. He took a deep breath, steadying himself slightly. “You...you'll...tell me what you'd do...if you were here...?”

Kaeya smiled flirtatiously. “Oh? You need verbal encouragement?”

A groan escaped his lips at the teasing, heat flushing over him. His hand slid over his length, stroking the sensitive flesh with a firmer touch. The knight was driving his mind mad. “...Maybe I do.”

Kaeya chuckled low in his throat. “That's a good boy.”

The words had his length throbbing in his hand as he gripped it a little tighter, his breath hitching as his mind tried and failed to form any coherent thoughts. The praise spurring him on. “Archons…” He muttered a curse, biting down on his lip to stop any other embarrassing noises from escaping him.

“If I were the one touching you right now, I would be teasing you first. Rubbing my thumb against the back of the head...it's quite sensitive there, no?”

Kaeya's voice was like liquid fire, burning through him and adding fuel to the fire raging in his veins as he listened to his words. He groaned as he felt the throb through his length become more persistent, his breathing getting a bit sharper as he listened to the description of how he'd touch him.

“Ah...yes.... yes, it is.”

Kaeya smirked, liking how his words affected him. “I'd have one hand cupping your balls, gently massaging them, encouraging them to make good on that release.”

Childe's breath shuddered as the knight's words poured over him. He grunted slightly at the words, wanting Kaeya to reach over and demonstrate. “Ah…and what...what then?”

“I'd spit in my other hand and take you in it -  feel how hot you are for me. I'd spread your fluid all over the sensitive tip, stroke it gently, just how you’d like it - teasing you.”

Childe couldn't stop the groan that escaped him this time. His face felt flushed, his body burning with need that seemed to grow with Kaeya's words. He fought with holding back the urge to reach for him, desperate to kiss him and touch him.

Kaeya hummed, his eyes watching the Harbinger keenly. “You're so hot right now…”

“Mmph...hot...hot for you…”

“How sweet. You're doing so good for me, Harbinger.” Kaeya said nice and low, every bit seductive.

Childe’s heart skipped a beat at the praise, Kaeya's tone fuelling the heat in his body and the needy hardness of his cock. His grip tightened and he stroked himself at a measured pace, heat twisting in his guts as Kaeya’s words continued to replay in his head. He felt the muscles in his abdomen tighten, his stomach clenching and his breathing coming in short, panting gasps as the knight's words worked him up.

“I...ah...y-you...mmm...Y-yes...more please…”

“You’re so cute when you beg too…” Kaeya laughed, that laugh that had Childe swooning and shuddering. “I would set a steady rhythm, pumping you, making you harder and harder. I'd give you long squeezing strokes and I'd tell you how good you're being, how sexy you look.”

A low, almost animalistic groan escaped him, those words echoing through his brain. He felt the tension build, growing more and more wound up as he matched his actions to those words and squeezed harder.

“Though I don't normally just use my hand…”

He cursed under his breath. “M-more...please…” He managed, his voice barely a whisper as his eyes closed, zoning in on the sensation of his hand stroking his throbbing cock while his body burned under the knight's words.

“Look at me when I'm talking to you, Tartaglia.”

He groaned, blinking his eyes open again as he tried to force the hazy fog from his mind and look at Kaeya. “I...I'm looking...I'm listening…”

Kaeya licked his lips suggestively, catching the man watching every motion intently. He let out a breathy sigh. “I want to know...how you taste...how you'd feel on my tongue...how you'd fill up my mouth and stretch out my throat.”

He groaned, picturing just how he would give the man a taste. His breathing picked up, becoming more erratic as his arousal climbed and at his conjured images of the knight's implication, each vision painting a new erotic scene.

“Ah...ah…” He panted, unable to form words to respond.

“You already know how good I am with my mouth, you felt it on your fingers, just imagine that...on you right now.”

A long, needy moan escaped his lips, his eyes shutting tight as he gave himself over to the feeling of his own hand, the tension in his stomach growing tighter.

Kaeya was little more than flustered at this point. He had been palming himself through his pants and pinching a nipple through his shirt. The Harbinger was...well...he didn't lie when he said he had a praise kink. “Yes...you're so big...I can't wait to have you fill me.”

Childe groaned, his breath catching at the sound of the knight's voice in his ears. “Mmmm...want...want you…” He murmured, trying to put his thoughts into words but finding his mind scrambled by the pleasure flooding through him.

“That's right, stroke harder. You're so hot when you’re breathless.”

He groaned again. He shifted slightly, tightening his grip and stroking faster, panting with effort. Each breath caught in his throat, coming out as a shuddering gasp as his chest rose and fell with each breath, his heart racing and his mind consumed by the fire.

“Mmph…” Kaeya moaned as he watched the tightened grip draw Childe closer and closer to a finish.

“Oh…Kaeya...Ah…” The sound of the knight's moaning nearly sent him off the edge, an almost guttural sound escaping his own lips. Each breath was labored, the tension inside him building, his breath coming in short, harsh gasps.

He shuddered, the tension rising rapidly and pooling deep in his stomach, burning white-hot in his core. “...I'm...I'm close...I…”

His pace picked up, his breath hitching and his moans growing in intensity. His body shook, each breath sharper and more strained as he fought to hold back the release building in his body, desperate to make it last and keep hearing the knight's words, hearing how close he was to the brink, how close he was to pushing him over the edge...

“Come on Harbinger...come for me....” Kaeya ordered breathlessly.

A low whine escaped his throat at those words, driving him closer to the edge, building his release higher and higher. His breath hitched, his body shivering as the knight pushed him closer and closer to release, each word spurring him on.

“Kaeya...please…” He managed, his breaths coming in pants and gasps, moans escaping him as the tension continued to coil inside him.

“What do you need?”

He was shaking slightly, his body trembling with the need for release. “I...I need...I need…”

He gasped, unable to finish the sentence as his breath caught again and another moan escaped him, his body on fire and his mind consumed with the pleasure building in his core, his release so close he could almost taste it.

“What do you need me to say?”

“Wh-what you said…Say it again…” He managed, the last word coming as a harsh gasp as he shuddered. 

He panted, his breath hitching and his body burning as the man's teasing sent sparks through him. The tension in his core continued to rise and his moans grew more frenzied, becoming sharper and more needy as he got closer to completion and his need for release grew hotter with each movement of his hand and each word from the man's mouth. He tightened his grip further, his hand stroking himself faster, guiding him to finish.

Kaeya smiled. He walked over to Childe who was hard at work, and leant over to his ear and whispered. “Come for me, Harbinger.”

The order on the knight's lips sent sparks through him, breaking the tension as his release surged through him, sending fire charging through his veins, making him buck and groan and gasp.

“Ah...Ah...K-Kaeya…” He moaned, his breath ragged and gasps filling his lungs as his release hit him, sending him hurtling over the edge as he came hard, the tension releasing in a rush that left him breathless and dizzy. His mind went blank, lost in the moment as he rode the intense sensations rolling through his body. He panted, gasping for air and trying to regain his thoughts, his body flushed and his heart racing as the fire calmed and he came down from his high.

He slumped back into the chair, trying to steady his breathing and his senses slowly returned. He let out a low groan, still panting and breathless from the rush of pleasure.

“Wow…” He huffed, closing his eyes for a moment and letting the heat fade from his body and his breathing return to normal. It had been a while since he'd felt that intense of a release, leaving him satisfied and a little lightheaded.

After a couple minutes he opened his eyes again and glanced at Kaeya, trying to get a handle on his thoughts and formulate his words into something coherent.

“That...that was...something else…” He managed after a moment, his voice still a bit breathless and his heart still racing.

Kaeya laughed, soft and warm. “I'll say...you've made quite a mess of yourself.” He said, handing him a tissue box that Childe took with a muttered thanks. 

He sat for a moment more, taking in the situation he'd found himself in and allowing himself to calm completely, collect his thoughts and come to terms with what had just happened.

“That...that was...I haven't felt that way in...in a long time…” He finally said, his words coming out a bit hoarse as he wiped himself clean.

Kaeya giggled, feeling rather pleased with the outcome. “You're welcome.”

“I...ah...thank you...for...for that…” He said, feeling a bit awkward and breathless from the intensity of the moment they'd shared.

“So...uh…” He said, pausing as he realized he wasn't sure where to take the conversation now that it was over. He fiddled with his pants, tucking himself away and doing up his zipper, the knight's presence suddenly making him feel quite vulnerable and nervous now that the heat of the moment had passed.

“What do we do now?” He shifted again, trying to avoid making eye contact, a part of him still wanting to look at Kaeya, wanting to see the man who'd made him feel so good and who'd made him feel something that intense, but another part of him wanted to escape and hide, feeling a bit exposed and a bit ashamed at how he'd let himself go. 

“Get married, obviously.”

Childe’s eyes widened, the surprise breaking through his thoughts. “Wait, what?” It took him a moment to register what he said. The request was unexpected and surprising but also...not unwelcome. 

He quickly tried to sort through what he felt. Surprised, yes, confused, yes, hesitant, yes. But also, there was something that made him want to say yes. Something that made him feel...attracted to the request.

“You heard me.” Kaeya said, stroking aside a lock of sweaty orange hair from Childe’s face.

He blinked in surprise, still trying to process the request. It had come out of nowhere, and now he was just...flabbergasted. “Y-you're serious? You want to marry me? But we...we barely even know each other...! And...you know I'm with the Fatui…and a Harbinger no less!”

Kaeya looked to the floor with a pout to his lips. “You...don't want to...?”

Childe thought again, his mind reeling. He knew he had obligations, knew he was still part of the Fatui, his loyalty was sworn to the Tsaritsa. But somehow, it was...appealing. It was a possibility he'd never considered but suddenly now he found himself thinking about it. What it would be like, marrying the knight, having the man as his husband. The thought made him feel...conflicted. But only a little.

“I...it's... It's not that I don't... want to... I just...I never thought…” He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as the thought that he might want to marry Kaeya had him flustered and excited. “Are you sure? I mean, I'm a Fatui Harbinger...I have a duty to the Tsaritsa…to Snezhnaya... How would this even work?”

Kaeya was utterly bemused (and thoroughly amused) that Childe was taking his (obvious) joke…seriously. He shrugged and said nonchalantly. “Love finds a way.”

Childe closed his eyes for a moment, his pulse racing as he mulled over the proposal. He knew the answer he wanted to give, the part of him that had felt something towards Kaeya, the part of him that had given himself over to him, that felt the warmth and heat he had ignited in him, that felt the connection that had formed between them. But...he had a duty, an obligation to his country, an obligation to the Tsaritsa, to the Fatui...could love really make it work?

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, looking at Kaeya, his eyes full of a mix of hope and resignation as he spoke

“Kaeya…” He hesitated, his heart racing and his mind swimming with images and thoughts of their life together, and a hundred emotions. He tried to calm himself enough to speak, tried to find the words to sum up everything he felt in that moment, as his heart warred between his duty and what he wanted.

“Yes. Yes, I will marry you.”

Kaeya snorted.

“W-what?” Childe said, confused by the response, his heart racing and his mind confused by the man's sudden, unexpected reaction.

“Archons...you're so vulnerable after you finish.” Kaeya bit his lip to stop himself from bursting out laughing and shattering this man’s pride more than he already had.

“Ah...well...um, yeah, I guess so.” Childe said, flushing slightly and trying to hide it with an embarrassed laugh. 

He wasn't exactly sure how he was feeling right now, but vulnerable was definitely a good way of putting it. It was a raw, vulnerable feeling of exposure and fragility, almost a bit like when he used his Foul Legacy, only not quite so severe and a lot more...sensitive.

Kaeya wiped away a tear. “You're cute. But I'm not insane enough to want to marry a Harbinger.”

“Oh...oh, right.” He said, suddenly feeling a bit stupid for even thinking that the knight might've actually meant it. It was too absurd, too ridiculous to think that someone like him would actually want to marry him. “Guess...guess it was just...just a joke, huh?”

“Yeah...like how you joked when you said yes.” Kaeya said, hoping that it was just the heat of the moment, there was no way Childe actually meant to say yes…did he?

“R-right...yep…” He said quietly. “Just...just a joke.” 

Kaeya had a sinking feeling that perhaps he wasn’t actually joking. Internally he began to panic. Here he was in the home of a Harbinger who had just agreed to marry him and it didn’t appear that he was kidding when he said it either. 

Kaeya laughed nervously, appearing a little flustered. “I mean we've only known each other for what...24 hours?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course. It was, like...like a prank, or something.” Childe said, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice as he shoved aside that hopeful fantasy of what it would be like to love and support Kaeya and be loved in return. 

Kaeya felt…bad for him, seeing the big, scary Harbinger reduced to such a vulnerable state was a little…pitiful. He straddled him to get his mind off the joke he took too seriously, and gave him a flirty smile. “You're an interesting man.”

Childe stiffened suddenly, as Kaeya suddenly straddled him. He looked up at him with his eyes wide as the knight hovered over him. “Oh...you think so?” He tried to keep his voice even and hide the flurry of thoughts and emotions suddenly overwhelming him in that moment.

Kaeya stroked his cheek tenderly with the back of his hand and a small smile on his lips. Childe instinctively leaned into the touch, feeling the warmth of his hand against him as that strange mix of emotions swirled inside him. He let out a shaky breath, that gentle touch making him feel vulnerable and exposed, like his very soul was bared before the man

Kaeya leant forward, his breath mingling with Childe's before he pressed his lips to his in a gentle kiss. The kiss, so soft, so tender, made the Harbinger weak in the most wonderfully intoxicating way. He was suddenly aware of every part of Kaeya touching him, the man's smell filling his lungs, his breath catching as he kissed him back, unable to stop that soft sound of contentment escaping from his lips.

Kaeya broke the kiss, his face soft and promising. “Thoughts?”

Childe tried to take a deep breath, to steady himself enough to speak.

“S-so...so that was...another...joke?” He asked, trying to sound teasing and lighthearted as he spoke. Yet he was flushed, unguarded, and suddenly so intensely wanting something he never knew he'd craved.

Kaeya tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean? Didn't you feel it?” He totally wanted to keep messing with this man, he was just so…cute whenever he was flustered.

Childe let out a huff he hoped would sound dismissive. “Feel what?” He asked, his words holding a hint of challenge behind them as he tried to hide how badly he wanted to kiss him again.

Kaeya moved the hand on Childe's face along his jawline, his thumb rubbing against his bottom lip. “I think you know...”

The touch was weakening Childe’s resolve to keep Kaeya's effect on him hidden as the man's suggestive words and tenderness started to affect him. He tried in vain to focus, to come up with something to say but his mind was blank, all he could think about was the burning need the man was igniting within him. 

Kaeya looked so pretty straddling him like that, looking down at him. A vision Childe wanted to keep and see more often than he should. He licked his suddenly dry lips, staring up at the knight with a mixture of desire and nervousness, wanting so desperately to give into that feeling.

“I…” Childe hesitated a moment, before taking a deep breath, feeling like he was taking a step off a cliff into an unknown void. “I...I felt...something.” 

“Hmm? Perhaps you should tell me so we can compare notes.” Kaeya said softly.

He was breathless as he looked at the knight, still feeling like he was teetering on the edge of something deep, dangerous and unknown, but so tempting. “I...I don't...I feel...hot. Hot and...and nervous…”

“Nervous? Do I intimidate the 11th Fatui Harbinger?”

“N-no...not intimidated...just…” He hesitated suddenly, feeling a bit embarrassed as he gave a slightly bashful laugh while trying to explain what he meant without sounding too...pathetic “...well, you've...got me at a disadvantage here.”

“Take your time.” Kaeya said, running his fingers through Childe’s hair.

Childe took a deep breath, trying to steady himself despite the flutter of nerves and heat that was building inside him, that strange mix of desire and wariness

“You're...you're everything...You got the looks, you got the confidence, you got charm...You got me…” He admitted quietly, his words suddenly honest as he looked at Kaeya, his heart suddenly feeling exposed and scared of what the man might think of his confession.

Kaeya’s heart thrummed as he became increasingly more alarmed that perhaps he pushed the teasing a little too hard. That maybe Childe has a poor read of when he’s joking after he’s…had an intimate moment. “...really?”

Childe nodded, looking up at Kaeya so reverently while his chest squeezed with anxiety. “Yeah...you're just...you're just perfect. I mean, look at you...you're everything I wish I have ever wanted. You could have anyone you want...and you chose...you chose me for some reason…”

Fuck. Kaeya thought, feeling a little remorseful for this interaction - now the Harbinger was putting words in his mouth. Words he couldn’t exactly deny considering the circumstances of being in a Harbinger’s home. “I chose you, did I?”

Childe flushed slightly as he realized how Kaeya's words could be taken two ways. Yes, they'd been talking about the whole silly marriage proposal, but...there was a hint of truth there, was there not? 

“A-aren't you...?” He hesitated, a moment of confusion as he tried to figure out how to phrase his question, the answer suddenly important as he stared at Kaeya, his heart full of a strange combination of desire and hope.

“Hm?”

Childe took a deep breath, feeling exposed and shy, but the hope and affection surpassed his nervousness as he continued, trying to make his intentions clear, hoping...hoping the knight would return the feelings stirring in him.

“Aren't you...choosing me? Like...this...whatever this is...don't you...want me as well?”

“As well?”

Childe flushed slightly, a feeling of foolishness overtaking him suddenly. In hindsight, it was ridiculous to think that a Knight of Favonius reciprocated his feelings. He was a Fatui Harbinger...it was silly to think Kaeya could possibly want him of all people

“Ah...never mind, it's just...it's nothing...forget it…” He finally said meekly, as he tried to laugh the situation off and hide the vulnerability and disappointment suddenly bubbling up inside him.

Kaeya took his face in his hands. “No...you had something to say…”

He hesitated, trying to steady himself. But the knight was right. He did have something to say, and it was foolish to hold back now. He took a deep, shaky breath as he stared up at Kaeya

“Ah...well...I mean... I just…” He hesitated again, the words lodged in his throat as he tried to express what he feels, unsure whether this is a good idea or not.

“Your stutter is cute.”

Childe scowled instantly, feeling a rush of irritation and flustered embarrassment at the man's words, not expecting a compliment in the middle of a heartfelt confession

“Hey... don't make fun of me.” He grumbled with a pout, unable to stop the flustered blush creeping across his face at the knight's words

After a moment, he sighed, admitting defeat to the man's teasing. There was no way he could win, was there? There was something about Kaeya’s constant teasing that made him feel...warm inside, like the man was trying to challenge him with that teasing, like it was a game that made his heart race and his body tingly with... delight. In that case...

He suddenly grinned mischievously at him and suddenly leaned in closer, an idea forming in his mind. If Kaeya wanted to play games...

He brought his mouth closer, his breath mingling with the man's as his words came out in a teasing whisper. “You make me stutter…”

Kaeya rebuffed his advances. “That's sweet. But I doubt that was what was on your mind.”

Childe felt a bit flustered suddenly, the moment broken by the interruption as he struggled to find the courage to continue.

“Right...so...what I was going to say was…” He took a deep breath. This was it. Once it was said, it could never go back. 

“I want you. I want you so bad, I ache. But...I also...I also…” The sheer honesty of the admission was more frightening than battling in the Abyss, a fear that this was a huge, huge mistake...until he forced himself to push the words past the lump in his throat.

“I love you.”

For a brief moment shock crossed Kaeya's features, but he quickly recovered and pressed a kiss to Childe's temple.

Childe stiffened suddenly, feeling warm and fluttery inside at the feel of the man's lips against his skin, his mind reeling at the reaction. He'd confessed his feelings, laid his heart bare for the man...and...the only response was...a kiss on the temple?

“S-so...that's a yes?” He asked hesitantly, his voice wavering slightly from the feeling of hope starting to build inside him. His heart fluttered inside his chest as he stared up at the knight, desperate for an answer.

“Hm? A yes to what?” Kaeya was ready to jump into the Chasm. The kiss? Definitely to placate the man.

Childe felt a sudden sense of uncertainty mixed with a touch of defensiveness. How could the man be so...so... teasing at such an important moment? How could he give him such a casual, affectionate brush of a kiss when he'd confessed his feelings? Couldn't he see how important it was? How vulnerable he was feeling at that moment?

“You...you know...a yes to us...to...to being together...to you...loving me back…” He said, suddenly sounding so desperate.

Shit. Kaeya thought. Shit, shit, shit. A Harbinger...in love with him...this was a volcanic proportioned disaster waiting to erupt. But also...what was wrong with this guy? That he would fall in love in an instant?! He needed an exit plan - an excuse, and fast.

“I think...seeing as we are currently working together on this whole Dragonspine peace talks negotiation thing, perhaps we should...wait?” he said, hoping the man would listen to reason and accept his “compromise”.

Childe. felt a sharp pang of disappointment suddenly, followed instantly by a surge of anger.

“Wait? Wait for what?!” He blurted out, his voice carrying an edge of frustration and desperation as he spoke. “Wait for what, exactly?” He repeated, his voice firm and demanding as he stared at the knight, a mixture of emotions bubbling just below the surface, ready to explode at any moment. What should he do? Should he try to convince the knight? Or should he just give up...

Okay, perhaps the Harbinger did not fully parse what he said about the peace talks. “I don't want there to be a...conflict of interest.”

“What conflict of interest? You mean just because you're a Knight of Favonius and I'm a Fatui Harbinger?” Childe scoffed, a note of disbelief in his voice as he felt the frustration within grow. 

Was Kaeya just playing games, or was the man serious? Either way, it was a bit irritating to be given such a vague answer, especially for something that was so important.

Kaeya blinked at him rapidly - surprised by his reaction and beginning to question the man’s intelligence. “Well yeah, we're on different sides.”

Childe’s heart dropped suddenly, a mixture of despair and hurt suddenly overwhelming him as he stared at the man. So that was it, then. The man didn't feel the same, and all these conversations, all these feelings, all these moments shared between them...they were just...nothing.

The disappointment and heartbreak was too much. Without a word, Childe tried to turn away, unable to bear the look on the man's face, but his movement was suddenly halted by the knight's grip on his shoulder.

“Hey...I'm here for a week, though it is for work. You do know it won't go down well if people thought we were an item and we're on opposite sides of the deal.”

Childe paused for a moment, trying to control his emotions. Kaeya's logic was impeccable, but it didn’t do anything to reduce the pain he felt in his chest

“I...I get that…but did you really have to reject me because of what other people might think?” He finally spoke, his voice sounding subdued, the hope he’d felt moments ago disappearing in the face of such cold practicality…all because of work.

Kaeya sighed. “No…I'm rejecting you because the fate of many people's lives are at stake if this doesn't go well.”

That stung. It stung because it was true. It was a risk that neither side could afford. And yet he had to admit…it also hurt. Knowing that it was their jobs that was the roadblock between them…A bitter taste formed in his mouth as his shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I…I understand.” He said quietly, a sudden heaviness in his chest weighing him down, extinguishing the flicker of hope that had burned within him earlier.

Kaeya shouldn’t feel bad, but he couldn’t help it. Seeing the man’s hopes and dreams (though mad as they were) dashed in moments like that had to hurt. A part of Kaeya ached at seeing such an attractive and sweet man crumble like that…it was pitiful.

“Can I kiss you?”

Childe tensed suddenly, his desire to give in to Kaeya’s request mingling with the bittersweet sting of disappointment.

“Y-yes…” He breathed out, drowning out the rational part of him that tried to protest, tried to remember that he was setting himself up for even more heartbreak to come if he did this.

Kaeya leant forward again, cupping Childe's face in his hands as he kissed him. The moment their lips touched, fireworks went off inside Childe, the sensation overwhelming any thought he had of pulling away, of stopping this. It was as if Kaeya had awoken something deep inside him, a desire that burned like a wildfire, burning away his restraint, his caution, drowning out the protest and leaving only pure, intoxicating desire. He returned the kiss eagerly, his hands reaching up to grip his waist, his lips moving against the man's passionately, hungrily.

After a moment, he pulled away slightly, his breath coming out in a shaky gasp. He rested his forehead against Kaeya’s, the intensity of the kiss leaving him breathless and dizzy.

“Y-you…you're making it very hard to stay rational…”

Kaeya stroked orange hair and smiled at him fondly, not wanting to upset or get on the bad side of the Harbinger. “Sorry…”

Childe closed his eyes, relishing the man’s touch, wishing he could just give in and melt into his arms, but the rational part of him wouldn’t let him. He tried to shake his head, trying to cling to logic and reason and not get lost in the man’s affection and sweetness

“D-don’t be sorry. I…I don’t want you to be, I just..I just wish…” He trailed off, his heart suddenly feeling like it was twisting painfully inside his chest.

After a moment, he took a deep breath, as he tried to come up with a way to explain what he was feeling, to put it into words that properly conveyed his thoughts and feelings to the knight

“Look, I understand your reasoning. I get it, about how being together would cause a lot of issues if anyone were to find out, especially in the middle of these negotiations. And I also get the reasons why being together is not…practical.” He hesitated, unsure how to continue. “But you should know, that doesn't change how I feel about you…”

Kaeya nodded and sighed, mentally cursing himself for getting into this position, but also not entirely upset about it considering the 11th Harbinger was surprisingly…decent. He was handsome, had a great body, fun to be around, sweet…charming…he wore his heart on his sleeve and he had so quickly written Kaeya’s name on it.

Childe hesitated, the knight’s gesture giving him some hope for a moment, but the lack of words left him a bit uncertain, a bit afraid that he might be assuming too much

“So I guess…I just have one question to ask you…and you don’t have to answer right now. You can think about it for as long as you need.” He finally said, keeping his expression as neutral as possible, trying to hide the hope and trepidation he felt.

“What is it?”

“If...If things were different, if there was no peace conference and the whole Fatui-Knight thing wasn't a problem…if it was just you and me…would you…” He trailed off, suddenly feeling a touch too shy to continue. He couldn't bring himself to say the actual words, so he just…trailed off and hoped the knight understood his meaning.

Kaeya's eyes widened at the question, his heart beating rapidly in his chest as he realized the implications. A surge of emotion rushed through him - unfamiliar and dangerous, that he quickly snuffed out until he felt hollow and guilty. 

He recovered immediately, laughed and smiled. “So if you were just what...some I don't know, traveling toy salesman, would I want to go out with you?”

Childe couldn’t help but smile back. A toy salesman, huh? That was a good cover story, he’ll remember that one for the future

“Yes, exactly. That’s what I’m asking. A version of me that's not a Harbinger or Fatui.” He said, his expression softening as his heart filled with a strange sort of tenderness, his eyes suddenly full of affection as he spoke.

Kaeya was a mess internally with every neuron yelling at him to get up off this man and leave immediately. On the one hand he wanted to push the Harbinger as far as he could to really understand how deep this ran, on the other he didn't want to keep digging his grave.

“That's...quite the hypothetical…”

Childe let out a small, amused huff as the man's answer suddenly became vague. It was a deflection, a stalling tactic, a way to buy time to think. He could see the inner turmoil within the man, the confusion and uncertainty suddenly plain on his features

“Ah…so that’s an admission by default. I’ll take that as a 'yes'.” He said, giving the knight what he hoped was a suave smile, even as he secretly hoped that the man didn't notice the nervousness bubbling inside him.

“Uh…” Kaeya swallowed thickly, cursing at himself mentally for getting into this situation. And what was he still doing sitting on this man's lap?

Kaeya blushed. It took a moment, but he composed himself. “Why that depends, Childe. I can't imagine a traveling toy salesman being so...strong.”

Childe let out a small, breathless laugh. It was a compliment, a compliment that made him feel as if he was flying high enough to touch Celestia with the clouds. He struggled to keep the smile off of his face, trying his best to maintain his usual cool, confident demeanor

“Is strength the only criteria you look for in potential lovers?”

In reality, Kaeya would sleep with any man he found reasonably attractive. Which thankfully, Teyvat was in large supply of. And unfortunately the Harbinger between his thighs definitely was.

“I've had countless lovers. So sure...you could be my Friday night.”

Childe let out a small huff of laughter. “Friday night?” He repeated, a small smirk spreading across his features. For a moment he considered accepting, but then a sudden determination gripped him. No, he would not give in like that.

“If you're good, you get Saturday morning too.”

Childe couldn't help it, he let out a short bark of laughter at the man's response, completely shocked and amused by his boldness. It was such an unexpected thing to say and he had to admit…it was incredibly attractive. He suddenly reached out and took the man’s chin in his hand, bringing the man’s face closer.

“Oh? And what if I’m not good?”

Kaeya thought for a moment. “Hmm…You get moved to Tuesday.’

Childe smiled, his thumb caressing the knight’s jaw as he spoke softly, keeping their gazes locked intently. “Tuesday…” He said slowly, his voice sounding somewhat teasing. “Aww, aren’t I worth more than Tuesday?”

“Depends if you're good.”

His thumb moved to touch the knight’s lips suddenly, a rush of daring going through him. He felt Kaeya’s reaction, the man’s breathing suddenly speeding up at the touch. He almost leaned forward to close the distance between their mouths, but then he caught himself. He couldn’t give in just yet.

“What if I’m very, very good…?”

“Then the whole weekend.”

“Just….the weekend?” He repeated slowly, a hint of disbelief in his voice, but secretly his insides felt as if they were doing somersaults at the man’s words. It was more than he expected, but of course it wasn’t quite enough, not when he was aching to kiss the man again “What about the weekdays? Don’t I get the weekdays too?”

“Surely I should have time to explore...alternatives.”

“Alternatives? Other ‘traveling toy salesmen’, you mean?” He asked, the words leaving a sting on his tongue. 

No, he didn’t like the idea of Kaeya looking at someone else anymore. He wanted the man for himself. As possessive as the thought felt, he couldn’t shake off the feeling. The thought of the starry eye on anyone other than himself felt unbearable.

“Mhm...and you should be worried whenever the 'traveling toy salesmen' conference comes to town.”

Childe let out a snort at the man’s words, rolling his eyes in fond exasperation. There was the teasing side, though the joke only fueled the jealous feeling in his chest, the thought of his Kaeya seeking attention from other men feeling much too real and tangible. 

“And when exactly is this...toy salesman conference?” he asked.

“Hmm...I guess if you were one you would know.”

His smile widened. Ah, two could play this game. He’ll show the knight two could play at this game…

He reached out and slid one hand up the man’s thigh, keeping his gaze on the man’s as he moved his fingers higher, higher… “Would I, now? Maybe if I was one, I wouldn’t have time to go to the conference….because I’d be too busy entertaining someone special.”

“Maybe it won't be on a Friday.”

Childe chuckled at the man’s words, his fingers sliding higher, slipping just under his shirt, caressing him as his hand brushed against the man’s waist.

“Ah...the weekends then?” He asked, offering a sly smile as he teased the man’s exposed hipbone.

Kaeya laughed. “Oh? Would you skip your Saturday morning for the conference?”

Childe laughed. As if he’d ever skip any time he could spend with him. He could just picture it, waking up with the man in his arms…he struggled to keep the sudden surge of emotion down.

“No. Never. I would have to be an idiot to miss a Saturday morning.” He mumbled, the words coming out as a grumble.

He paused for a moment, his expression suddenly turning serious, his fingers stilling against the man's hip.

“You have no idea how much I want this....how much I want you. But…if you're really not sure about this...we should probably stop it here.” He muttered quietly, his voice sounding more vulnerable than he'd like, but he knew he had to say this. He couldn't afford to make the wrong move, not when their...relationship status was so precarious.

Kaeya was...surprised by that. He couldn't bear to look at Childe's face...he was so...strangely adoring. “We have only just met.”

The Harbinger let out a small huff of laughter, though it came out more sad than he expected. No, he didn't know the knight all that well, but everything they'd done together so far…the conversations, the teasing…he really, really liked Kaeya.

“Yes...you're right, we don't know each other very well. But...I’ve never met anyone like you before, someone who is so…” He paused for a moment, the right word eluding him. How to describe Kaeya, exactly? He was different…he was interesting, complicated…beautiful. 

He let out a sudden breath, Kaeya’s silence suddenly making him antsy, worry suddenly surging up inside his chest. Had he said the wrong thing…had he frightened the knight off…? He stared at the man’s face, his eyes taking in his profile, the way his skin was flushed red and the way his expression looked conflicted and troubled.

“What...what about you? Have you ever loved before?”

“Loved?” Kaeya had really done it now. He had a Harbinger with a penchant for bloodlust talking about...love. “I can't say I have.”

Childe nodded. It wasn't an unexpected answer; based on the man’s reputation he was probably not someone who easily gave their heart away. And yet it was the answer he'd hoped for anyway.

“So I’d be your first, huh?” He said, his hand suddenly moving from the man’s hip, sliding up towards his chest, towards his neck. He kept his actions slow and steady, giving the man plenty of time to push him away.

Kaeya's head was screaming at him now. First? What was wrong with this man?! He sighed and gave a pleasant smile. “Childe...as we discussed before, this is...highly inappropriate. The negotiations should come first.”

Childe sighed, not surprised at the man’s reminder of his duties. It seemed like Kaeya was always a little too focused on his responsibilities. And yet…a part of him was secretly pleased to hear the man put the negotiations in front of their…relationship?

“Of course. The negotiations…” He said, the words coming out in a slightly disappointed tone even as he pulled his hand away, a small smile on his face. He still wanted to touch the man, though…

Kaeya noticed the sun was setting now and soon it will be nightfall. Likely Childe would want him to stay the night as he had asked earlier, following through with that now seemed unwise. “I should get going...it's getting late.”

Childe felt his heart suddenly drop at the man’s words. The night’s still young…they still had time to spend together. The last thing he wanted to do right now was to let the man go.

“You sure?” He asked, knowing that the statement was weak and probably useless. He reached out quickly and took the man’s arm in a gentle grip to stop him from leaving.

Kaeya offered a sympathetic smile. “I know you asked me to stay for the night, but perhaps we should cool off for now. For the negotiations.”

“For the negotiations indeed.” He muttered, the words bitter on his tongue. For once he was actually willing to put the negotiations behind them. He let out a small sigh at the man's stubbornness.

“Alright, then. If you think it's for the best…” He mumbled, letting go of the man's arm as he struggled to keep the disappointment from his expression.

The hurt look on the Harbinger’s face made Kaeya feel awful. “I-” he sighed. “I'd love to stay, but I think emotions are a bit. Well...vulnerable right now. Perhaps when we're feeling...less vulnerable, we can have a bit of fun.” he said lightheartedly.

Less vulnerable…that was a good sentiment. Of course Childe would much rather have the man stay now, but perhaps taking things slow was better in some ways. He took a deep breath and gave the man a small, reassuring nod, a hint of playfulness back on his face.

“Yes...once we are less vulnerable, then we can have a bit of fun.”

Kaeya stood up. “It's been a...pleasure. Thank you for last night. I appreciate you not just leaving me at the tavern in the sorry state I was in.”

Childe snorted, looked up at Kaeya and gave him a teasing smirk. “Oh sure, you’re very welcome. As if I would have left you in that state. How could I possibly ignore the adorable knight who came to me all clingy?” He said, his voice suddenly filled with mock surprise and amusement as he reached out and gave the man a light push on the hip.

Kaeya frowned, smiling at the man’s playfulness. “I don't recall being clingy.”

Childe let out a small chuckle, smiling slyly at the man. “Are you sure about that? If I remember correctly, you were clinging to me all night.” He teased, relishing in the small blush that suddenly appeared on the man’s cheeks.

“Mhm. I recall you flirting.”

Childe nodded, letting his eyes rake up and down the man’s body before meeting his gaze once again.

“Oh, I was definitely flirting. I just couldn't help myself, not when you looked that way.” He said, the suggestive tone back in his voice as he recalled how the knight looked when he saw him at the bar. Gorgeous and alluring, so easy to touch and so tempting to kiss and hold…his smile widened as his eyes took in the knight’s slightly flushed expression and the way the man’s hands had a very slight tremble to them.

“Can you...answer me one question?” Kaeya asked, feeling like the whole afternoon was a whirlwind.

“Sure, of course. What is it?” Childe would probably answer all of the man’s questions if he just smiled at him or asked in that breathy, lilting voice of his. He raised his eyebrows at the man curiously, giving him a small nod.

Kaeya bit his lip and sighed. “It's a two part question, is that fine?”

“Of course, it’s fine.” Childe said, finding Kaeya so utterly adorable. “Ask away.”

“Okay, first part: Do you have a tendency to fall for people fast and fall hard?”

Childe laughed. What an unexpected question, but he supposed he could understand why the man was asking him this. He suddenly felt a little self-conscious as the memories of all those before the knight flashed through his mind, memories that he had hoped the man would never have to know about. 

He looked up at the man, giving him a small, wry smile as he nodded sheepishly. ‘Yes, I do. How did you know...?”

Kaeya sighed and visibly relaxed. “I see. So this is infatuation after all.”

Childe felt a sudden flash of irritation at the man's words. No, this was not just another passing infatuation…this was so different from his past infatuations. Kaeya was different. This was different. 

He quickly pushed those feelings deep down and gave the man a smile. “And…what’s the second part of the question?”

“What in all of Teyvat do you see in me?”

He almost laughed out loud at Kaeya’s question. Was he seriously asking him that? He suddenly felt his heart well up with affection at the man’s cluelessness, his expression quickly morphing into a sly grin as he raised himself up from the seat to come closer.

“Oh...do you really not know, or are you just being humble?”

Kaeya frowned in confusion. He knew he was attractive, but he needed to hear it from the Harbinger. What exactly was it that had someone, who for all things considered is a mutual enemy, be so smitten with him?

Childe’s heart softened at Kaeya’s look of pure confusion. How utterly adorable. “Hmmm...shall I state the obvious then? There’s the way you look..your eye, your smile, your hair...you’re so very, very pretty, you know that? I think anyone would agree with that. And then…your personality...you’re so charming, so captivating…not to mention your sharp wit.”

He paused, suddenly finding himself breathless as his eyes took in the man’s entire figure. No, the man was way more than pretty, he was downright gorgeous.

“And then, your body…your lithe, strong frame. Your scent...oh, I know it’s probably just the wine...but you smell so good like…pine trees, petrichor and wine. I want to bury my face in your neck. Mmm…you really should know how attractive you are…” 

Childe felt himself blushing suddenly at his own words, the words sounding more intense than he intended. He forced himself to breathe normally, keeping his tone lighter and lighthearted again. 

“Ah…that just covers the superficial stuff. There’s definitely more to you than meets the eye, you know. You’re the type of person I’d want to spend hours talking to, just so I can learn more about you…you’re someone who will keep on my toes…make me into the best version of me…you’re smart and your laugh is…and your voice is so…” He sighed. “Do you see now? Do you see now what I see in you? Everything about you is just…perfect. Too perfect, actually. It’s actually really hard to describe you using words.”

Childe took a deep breath, suddenly feeling as if he’d just laid his heart out on the floor. He could barely believe how sentimental he’d suddenly become, he never talked this way about anyone, ever. He felt almost vulnerable, as if the knight could take one look at him and see all of his secrets, all of his weaknesses…but it felt good to tell the knight about his feelings, even if the words sounded almost cheesy to his own ears.

In a moment of bravery, he reached out and let his fingertips touch the man’s cheek, his hand grazing softly down the man’s neck and to his shoulder.

“Now…answer me a question, please? I don’t think I’ve made myself clear enough.” His voice came out softer, more tender, more vulnerable. 

Kaeya was stunned into silence. The man's words had made him feel...strange. He knew he was pretty. He wasn't blind. He also knew that there were plenty of people that would desire him based on nothing more than a superficial glance. He was used to being looked at and complimented by people who knew nothing more about him. But this was...this was different. It was like the man had looked at him and seen something...deep inside of him…so clearly worth having his affections.

“I...yes, you’ve made yourself quite clear.”

“You…you believe me? You believe me when I tell you that this isn’t just some lust-driven thing? Do you believe that I actually do have feelings for you...feelings that are more than just attraction or lust…?”  

Childe studied the man’s expression for a moment, looking for any indication that this was all an act. But the man’s expression looked sincere and…was it just him or did the man seem a bit flustered as well?

Kaeya shook himself out of his reverie and clung to his handful of excuses, deflections, and redirects to untether him from spiraling thoughts and the danger they’d bring. “It's been...one day…”

Childe chuckled, the sound coming out sounding almost bitter as he stepped backwards. How ironic…the man was right. It had only been one day. Why was he being so vulnerable? So forward?

“I suppose you’re right. It’s only been a day…” He said, a small, self-deprecating smirk appearing on his face as he shook his head, feeling so very foolish.

Kaeya nodded - head still reeling from the emotions laid out before him. “Th-Thank you for...answering my questions...I'd tell you to not fall for me. But I'd be wasting my breath it seems.”

Childe gave Kaeya a sardonic smile at his remark. If only the man knew how right he was, he was a lost cause at this point. 

“Yes, you would absolutely be wasting your breath. You see…how can I not fall for someone who is the better of me in so many ways?” He said, his voice taking a softer tone as he suddenly reached out and gently took the man’s hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss onto the man’s knuckles.

Kaeya had to look away. It was getting...desperate now. “I should go. I'll see you tomorrow.”

Childe frowned slightly at the man’s words. He wanted the man to stay. He knew he shouldn’t be so clingy, but he couldn’t bear to let him go yet. He suddenly pulled Kaeya a little closer, not letting go of his hand and wrapping his other arm around the man’s waist. It was a little over the top, maybe even rude, but he couldn’t help it.

“Do you really have to go right now? We could…hang out a while longer. Have a few more drinks maybe?” He asked softly.

Kaeya would have liked to - ordinarily he would agree to spend the night. But this was off, for so many reasons, politics aside, what this man was seeking was something Kaeya couldn’t offer. So why was it so hard for him to say no? He threw out another excuse. “I think if I stay, tomorrow might be...jeopardized.”

Childe wanted to protest, his heart was protesting fiercely against the man’s decision…but he understood the man’s reasoning. This was probably the most sensible decision at the current moment. He reluctantly let go of the man and looked at him, a smile on his face as he nodded slowly.

“You’re right, I suppose it might. Well...I hope you’ll sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow at the meeting?”

“Of course.” Letting his feet carry him to the door before he opened his mouth and changed his mind. Childe followed after him, clearly not wanting him to leave, but being chivalrous in giving him an appropriate farewell. “Good night, Childe.”

“Good night, Kaeya.” He smiled. 

Despite his disappointment as he watched the blue-haired knight leave as he opened the door for him, he felt a strange sense of contentment. He had a feeling tomorrow was not going to be an ordinary day at all.

On his way back to his hotel room, every emotion in Kaeya’s being was fried and it set him on edge. He heard some of it all before, but the way Childe spoke about him, particularly for a man who barely knew who he was, was so…raw and sweet. In that moment it was firmly imprinted in the stars, that the Harbinger was deeply infatuated…and perhaps he was honest, perhaps he truly is in love with Kaeya.

Chapter Text

Kaeya walked as quickly as he could to his hotel. The moment he stepped into the suite, he slumped against the door breathing heavily. Albedo and Sucrose noticed him and looked up at him from the drafts they were preparing for tomorrow.

“Albedo…” Kaeya began, panting.

Albedo took in Kaeya's disheveled appearance and his agitated state. His suspicion was immediate. “I take it I’m correct in my assumption that your night went well?”

Kaeya shook his head, eyes wide. “No. You are very, very wrong in that assumption.”

Albedo raised his eyebrows in surprise and confusion. That was unexpected. 

He leaned forward a bit in his chair, frowning as he watched Kaeya sit back up against the door. “You seem...agitated. What happened?”

Kaeya walked over to them and placed his hands on Albedo’s shoulders. “I fucked up, Albedo.”

Albedo frowned - whatever happened was obviously quite bad. He sighed and gestured to a space on the couch beside him. “Alright, sit down and start from the beginning. Tell me what happened.”

Sucrose quickly went to make some tea.

“Last night..” Kaeya began. “I was talking with some guy, I barely registered who it was, and he took me to his place. Nothing happens, so don't worry about that.”

“Okay…so why do you think you ‘fucked up’?”

“Um..” Kaeya laughed nervously, then maniacally.

Albedo frowned at his nervous laughter. Okay, this is probably bad. “Alright, tell me before you give yourself a panic attack.”

“Oh I am, I am panicking, Albedo!” Kaeya made a keening sound. “Oh Archons! Diluc would have a field day over this one!”

Albedo felt slightly alarmed by his reaction. What the hell happened that got the usually calm man this riled up and panicky? 

He reached out and placed his hand on Kaeya’s shoulder, his voice taking on a soothing tone as he spoke. “Hey, calm down. Breathe. Talk to me. It can’t possibly be that bad.”

Sucrose came back with some tea. “Please have some, Kaeya. It's chamomile with honey.”

Kaeya accepted the tea, his hand shaking violently as he raised it to his lips and took a few sips. He immediately relaxed afterwards and set the cup down. He took in a deep breath and let it out.

“The man who took me home...was the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger.”

Albedo’s eyes widened in surprise before he raised his eyebrows back into a neutral position. He had to admit, it wasn’t something he had seen coming at all. How could Kaeya have gotten into such a compromising situation?

“The Eleventh Harbinger…? Okay, I can see why you would panic. What exactly happened when you reached his place?”

Kaeya turned to Albedo, an unreadable expression on his face. “He confessed to being in love with me.”

Albedo almost spat out his tea in surprise at his blunt and unexpected words. His eyes widened in surprise at Kaeya’s words, his mind struggling to process the information for a moment. When he came back to his senses, he turned to him, his voice slightly incredulous.

“…wait, he WHAT?!”

“...Yes. So…I might have, by sheer luck, just caused a diplomatic incident.” Kaeya said nervously, casting his eyes down to the floor in shame.

Albedo sighed, facepalming and shaking his head in disbelief. This is bad. This is very bad. Kaeya’s ability to get into these kinds of situations was unmatched. It was practically legendary at this point. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm as he looked at him, trying to choose his words carefully.

“…did you say you don’t feel the same way? Or…Kaeya…don’t tell me…do you reciprocate his feelings?”

“NO!” He shouted, staring at Albedo in disbelief.

Albedo breathed a small sigh of relief at Kaeya’s response. That makes things easier, at least. He nodded, his voice still carefully calm and neutral. “Alright, well…then all you have to do is decline his feelings. You’re not interested, and he will understand. He can’t force his feelings on someone who doesn’t feel the same, right?”

Kaeya groaned. “....he's the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger, Albedo. He’s very determined .”

Albedo let out another deep, sighing breath. He frowned, his eyes flickering around as he tried to think quickly and ignore the small sense of dread in the pit of his stomach.

“Okay, I’m going to be honest…this is quite possibly the craziest thing that you’ve gotten yourself into yet. You’re right, this looks like a real, genuine diplomatic incident. However, this isn’t quite unsalvageable yet. What did you say to him when he confessed his feelings to you?”

Kaeya sighed, trying to think back to the conversation and how it happened, but it was all such a tornado of startling information he struggled to piece the events together. “...I told him to wait until after the negotiations are done. That it's irresponsible to pursue anything right now. Honestly, Albedo, you would have been quite proud of me for saying what I did.”

Albedo didn’t know whether to be relieved or even more concerned by his confession. Part of him wanted to give a smile of approval at Kaeya handling of the situation. However, another part of him couldn’t help but be incredibly concerned over the potential future complications of this situation.

“Yes, well…that’s good. That was a very sensible response. Well handled, Kaeya. I’m sure he’ll understand that this is just a bad time, and that we can speak about this again after the negotiation, right?”

“He was about as rational as you could expect. Saying that I'm only rejecting him because of what others might be thinking. Eventually it got through to him...but…”

Albedo groaned at Kaeya remark. That’s not promising. He furrowed his brows and looked at him, feeling a mixture of apprehension and frustration. As brilliant and insightful Kaeya was, he could also be remarkably stubborn when it suited his purposes. He sighed, his voice coming out weary and slightly impatient.

“What? Tell me what you mean by ‘but’.”

“He starts...talking about 'what if I wasn't a Fatui Harbinger, what then?'”

Albedo groaned, pressing a hand to his eyes in frustration, shaking his head as if in disbelief. It seemed that his worst fears were coming true. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, trying to keep his voice measured and even as he spoke. “Kaeya, please don’t tell me…that you actually agreed to think about that?”

Kaeya went quiet.

A small shiver of dread ran down Albedo’s spine. This is bad. Really, really bad. He clenched his teeth, his voice coming out in a tight whisper as he tried to control his emotions

“Kaeya please, tell me that you didn’t actually say you’d think about…dating him.”

Kaeya sighed, feeling so disappointed in himself that he couldn’t be more assertive. “I...I didn't agree to anything. I dodged a lot of his questions...But I didn't flat out deny just...joke a lot, misdirect, be vague, give answers that could never conceivably work out. You know me.”

Albedo grimaced, nodding in resignation. Yes, he knew him all too well. He didn’t doubt that Kaeya used his skills honed in the art of diplomacy and misdirection to sidestep the topic. Still, he couldn’t help but be incredibly stressed out right now. He sighed, shaking his head.

“Okay. You haven’t technically agreed to anything yet, which means there’s still room to back out…but…just the fact that you didn’t outright deny a relationship is…it’s really bad, Kaeya.”

“You're telling me. I dropped hints that I and relationships do not...go hand in hand, but he's convinced he can change that.”

What? Archons in Celestia, this man is stubborn! Albedo let out a small groan of exasperation. He couldn’t help but be a little frustrated with Kaeya. Why did he do such dangerous, risky things? Why couldn’t he ever think of the consequences? He forced himself to take a deep breath and calmed himself again, his voice coming out with a steely edge as he spoke.

“Kaeya, you absolutely, unquestionably cannot be involved with him. You cannot agree to his requests. Absolutely not.”

Kaeya hung his head low, knowing that he fueled the fire for what occurred. “And you know the worst part, how his whole love confession all started.” 

Albedo’s heart suddenly skipped a beat at those words, a feeling of dread pooling in the pit of his stomach. Archons. Please no. He was almost afraid to ask, but he braced himself nonetheless.

“How…how did his love confession start?”

“Sucrose...maybe you don't want to hear this...:” He said to Sucrose who had been quietly listening and gasping throughout the conversation. Immediately she went away understanding it was going to be too scandalous for her to handle. 

Kaeya turned to Albedo. “You know how I am...with men.”

Albedo’s eyes grew wide in shock, realization washing over him. Oh. Oh, no. This is worse than he could’ve ever expected. He knew what Kaeya was implying with those words. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as he stared at him, his voice coming out in a hoarse whisper.

“K-Kaeya…did you actually sleep with him?”

“Not quite. He got himself off while I was talking in his ear.”

Albedo groaned and covered his face with his hand in defeat, his mind racing with all the possible complications that could arise from this incident. He sat like that for several moments, struggling to compose himself, before he finally looked up at Kaeya, his tone one of barely controlled frustration

“Kaeya…don’t you have even the smallest amount of sense of risk management and control?”

“In my defense, the Harbinger is very attractive.”

Albedo’s eyes flashed with a mixture of annoyance and frustration. He didn’t want to hear about how attractive Tartaglia was. He couldn’t believe Kaeya. Always so reckless, so impulsive, so carefree…He let out a deep sigh, struggling to control his emotions as he spoke

“Damn it, Kaeya…this is not a time to be thinking about how attractive the man is. This isn’t some idle fantasy, it’s reality. This is a serious international incident that could jeopardize this entire negotiation!”

“Hmm...you might not like to hear the rest then…”

Albedo felt his stomach lurch nervously. His heart sank even further. He dreaded what Kaeya was going to say next. He let out a frustrated sigh, his eyes flickering to the side as he shook his head

“…please, just…tell me anyway. Tell me…and get rid of all my delusions that this situation is salvageable.”

“Well, after he, you know, finished...I made a joke while he was...vulnerable. He asked 'So what should we do now?' and I said 'Get married.'”

For a few moments, Albedo just sat there in stunned silence. He could only stare at Kaeya with a flabbergasted expression on his face. He suddenly let out a small, disbelieving scoff of laughter. This had to be a nightmare, there’s no way all of this was actually happening, he thought having a twisting sense in his gut about where this was going.

“Haha….you’re joking, right? Please tell me you’re joking.”

“He said yes.”

Okay, now Albedo was just utterly speechless. He could feel his mind reeling, trying to process all the things that Kaeya just told him. He took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration and disbelief.

“Okay…so just…to make sure I’m not hallucinating…you were joking when you said you should get married…but then he actually said yes. Did I hear that right?”

Kaeya bit his lip anxiously. “I...explained it was a joke after, not knowing he would say 'yes'...then he tried playing it off like he wasn't being serious but…”

Albedo pinched the bridge of his nose again, the stress from the situation slowly giving him a headache. He didn’t doubt Kaeya, but this whole situation sounded so crazy that it didn’t seem possible.

“Alright, so he said yes…but then tried to say he wasn’t being serious. Then what? How does this nightmare end?”

“…Archons.”

“He said 'I love you'”

A feeling of dread washes over Albedo as he listened to him. He suddenly feels the urge to groan and lay down somewhere, but resorted to smacking his head against the table out of frustration and despair. Of course things would turn out this way…this was Kaeya after all. He took a deep breath and spoke, his voice coming out in despairing resignation

“Okay, and…how did you react to him saying that?”

“I said 'We've only known each other for a day'.”

Albedo sighed, and shook his head. He couldn’t help but feel a small sense of exasperation. At the same time, he was a little relieved that Kaeya had the sensibilities to respond the way he did.

“Okay. That…that is good. That’s a perfectly sensible response. How did he react?”

“He said he had never met anyone like me before, then asked if I've ever been in love. I said no and then he said something like 'I guess I'll be your first'.”

Albedo couldn’t help but let out a small huff of frustration. He could only sigh again, shaking his head, feeling as if there was a small hurricane in his mind.

“He’s persistent…I’ll give him that. How did you respond then?”

“I brought it back to the negotiations…”

Albedo gave a small sigh of relief, his mind instantly perking up a bit. Yes. That’s good. Maybe if this stays focused on the negotiations….he was beginning to feel a small ray of hope again. He managed to keep his tone relatively neutral.

“Yes, good, that is good. Bring it back to the negotiations. I don’t think any further mentions of love are needed.”

“Oh but he...continued...telling me all the reasons why he felt that way, which honestly...I hardly know him so it's quite impressive how long he monologued for.”

Albedo groaned. Archons above! This man was a nightmare. However, Albedo had to admit, Childe's persistence was impressive. Still, the last thing he wanted right now was to sit here and listen to the reasons why the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger loved Kaeya.

“Okay, and…did you say anything in response during his monologue?”

“I asked if he had a habit of falling in love with people hard and fast. He said 'yes'. I left shortly after that saying it would be irresponsible to stay.”

Albedo’s heart dropped. Well, that’s not good…but hopefully it was an infatuation, a mere game? While a passing fling was far better than a full-blown disaster, the fact that the Eleventh Harbinger had so little restraint was…unsettling. Albedo shook his head and let out a deep sigh, speaking in a cautious, resigned tone.

“…so, if it’s just an infatuation, then it’ll pass. You can say no to his advances, you can…keep him at a distance and it’ll all be over in a few days. Right? Just…please, don’t fall into any of his romantic traps. You’re the best we got at the whole ‘diplomatic dance’ between nations. I can’t have you screwing it all up just because the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger happens to have a crush on you.”

Albedo gave Kaeya a pleading look, hoping that he will listen to reason and stay out of trouble. He trusted the captain’s abilities, but at the same time, he couldn’t get rid of the small feeling of doubt lingering in the pit of his stomach.

Kaeya smiled. “I promise I'll be good.” He sighed, trying to gather his thoughts after recounting the strange time he had. “Look...it might not be that bad. Sure he...didn't want me to leave him tonight. But after I reminded him about what's at stake, he said he hoped I'll sleep well and that he'll see me tomorrow at the meeting. There's some...restraint there, right?”

Albedo let out a small breath, feeling slightly relieved. He nodded, hoping that this is true. Still, he can’t help but feel a little bit of fear as he spoke.

“Alright. Sounds like this is a good first step. If he has the ability to be restrained and control his emotions, that’s certainly a hopeful sign.” He looked at Kaeya with a concerned expression and spoke again. “Just…be careful. Watch what you do or say, and be careful of any advances he might make.”

Kaeya laughed in misery.

Albedo shot him a small glare, though there wasn’t any real irritation behind it. He sighed, shaking his head at Kaeya's demeanor. He was glad to know that Kaeya wasn’t too badly shaken by the recent events, though deep down, he still felt worried. He was going to keep an eye on him throughout the negotiations, he couldn’t leave such a matter to trust.

“You…should still be careful, Kaeya. It’s not good to dismiss the Harbinger’s feelings entirely. We don’t know what will happen after this negotiation.”

Kaeya shrugged, feeling entirely drained by the ordeal. “He'll get over me by then, surely. He falls hard and fast. Someone new will likely take his fancy.”

Perhaps Albedo was just being paranoid, but he felt that things couldn’t possibly be that simple. He wanted to believe that Kaeya was just an impulsive flirt who would soon fall out of it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to it. He looked at him, hesitating before speaking.

“I just…don’t like the idea that there might be a chance…of him…taking the rejection too badly. He’s the Eleventh Harbinger, not some random knight.”

“Yeah…” Kaeya sighed. “Should we...inform Jean?”

Albedo blinked. He honestly didn’t expect him to take such a reasonable course of action. He thought about the question for a few moments before nodding in agreement. If things go wrong…it’s best to have the Acting Grandmaster informed about the situation. He sighed.

“Yes. We probably should. Better to be prepared for anything.”

Kaeya nodded. “I'll write to her then and...spare the details.”

It was a sensible approach. Albedo doubted that they needed to include all the details in the letter. The Acting Grandmaster probably didn’t need to know all the…intimate details especially. Albedo knew that most of them would likely be irrelevant anyway. He sighed

“Yes, that would be best. No need to…overload the letter with details. The less she knows for now, the better.”

“Oh, but do you know who would love to hear about this whole thing, with all of the explicit details?” Kaeya said with a laugh

Albedo raised an eyebrow. His first instinct was to tell him ‘no, absolutely no.’ But then he thought about it for a few moments, and an evil grin spread across his face. That…was an interesting idea.

“Do tell me, and I’ll see if I agree.”

“ Lisa. ”

A small chuckle escaped his throat. Now that was a mischievous idea. Albedo couldn’t help but let a small smirk dance upon his lips at the thought. Yes. That…is a very good idea.

“Oh, yes. Lisa would definitely be interested in…such salacious details.”

Kaeya laughed then smiled genuinely before placing a hand on Albedo’s shoulder. “Thank you, Albedo...for listening. And telling me I...well I did some of the right things.”

Albedo gave him a soft smile, feeling a sense of warmth and affection towards him. He truly appreciated Kaeya's trust and the bond they shared. He nodded in reassurance.

“Of course, Kaeya. I’ll always be here to listen and offer advice. And yes, I do believe you handled the situation quite well considering how…unorthodox it was.”

Kaeya got up. “Alright. I'll meet you in the hotel lobby in the morning.”

Albedo nodded, rising alongside him. He gave him a firm look. “Okay, I’ll see you in the morning. Please, try to get some rest tonight. It’s going to be a long day. Don’t do anything…irresponsible.”

He laughed. “I won't. It's just me alone in there.”

Albedo raised his eyebrows, a look of mock incredulity on his face. He couldn’t help but have a little bit of fun with him. “Alone? I suppose that means no secret midnight rendezvous?”

Kaeya raised a brow and placed a hand on his hip looking teasing and cunning as ever. “What? Are you offering?”

Albedo scoffed and rolled his eyes, trying his best to hide the amused smile that was slowly appearing on his face. Archons. That man’s flirtations would be the death of him one day. He couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head.

“No. And I suppose that’s actually the smartest thing to do. You can’t have the Harbinger come knocking on your door in the middle of the night.”

“Imagine the look on his face when I have my head in the Chief Alchemist's lap.”

Albedo could feel his face flushing, a mixture of shock and amusement rising within him. Archons above! He couldn’t believe Kaeya had it within him to say such a thing out loud. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm both his mind and his blush. He couldn’t let Kaeya win.

“Ha-ha, hilarious, Kaeya. As if you could put your head anywhere near my lap without fainting into a dead swoon upon seeing me.”

Kaeya laughed. “I do still think about that time you had me under your desk when Jean and Lisa were meeting with you..”

Albedo’s heartbeat quickened at Kaeya's comment, a mixture of pleasant and not-so-pleasant memories flooding into his mind. He could feel himself blushing even harder, a hint of shame beginning to wash over him.

“Aha…yes, that was…an experience…Not a repeatable experience, I might add. Don’t get any ideas!”

“I know, I know. Just because we co-parent Klee doesn't mean we do certain parent things together.”

Albedo couldn’t help but laugh. He supposed that he had a point, the two of them were technically co-parents after all.

“Of course not. How could you even consider us together in…certain ways.” There may or may not have been a bit of sarcasm in Albedo’s teasing tone.

“And yet it happened...and now I have a Harbinger who desperately wants me...the universe is truly grand!”

Albedo couldn’t help but sigh at Kaeya's words. He was beginning to get a headache just thinking about all the trouble Kaeya got himself into. He gave him a firm look, his voice slightly exasperated.

“Yes, yes, the universe is grand. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re the one who got yourself into this situation. Just…try not to make things worse, okay?”

“Okay…” Kaeya rolled his eye at him before smiling and dipping his head in a small bow. “Goodnight, Albedo.”

Albedo nodded, a small, exasperated smile forming on his face. Archons above…this man would be the death of him.

“Goodnight, Kaeya.”

Kaeya had his coffee and began to prepare himself for the day. He penned that letter to Jean and attached it to the carrier bird, made sure he looked good and presentable, and snatched up the files he had prepared with the diplomats.

He met Albedo, Sucrose and the Mondstadt diplomats in the lobby before they set off to Zapolyarny Palace, sharing a look of acknowledgement of his promise last night with Albedo. Albedo gave the captain a slight nod as they set off. The sight of Kaeya and his diplomats seemed to suggest that things should be going as smoothly as expected. He gave the delegation a brief but reassuring smile before leading the way to the palace, ready to face whatever negotiations lay ahead.

Childe had been waiting inside Zapolyarny Palace, impatiently tapping his foot while waiting for the Mondstadt delegation to finally show. He was getting a bit irked that they were taking their time to arrive, though he understood that Mondstadt people worked to a different time and punctuality wasn’t always their priority, far less so than their stylish presentation. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the thought of such trivial matters. Finally, the doors opened and the Mondstadt delegation entered, led by the blond alchemist. Childe smirked and greeted them with a cheerful smile.

“Ah, the Mondstadt delegation. Took you long enough. Welcome.”

They exchanged greetings and handshakes. When it got to Kaeya’s turn, the captain took a deep breath and straightened himself ready to act like he had never met the Harbinger before. He hoped Childe would do the same to him, but he had a sinking feeling he wouldn't.

Childe grinned as he took in the sight of the man before him. It was the same tall, handsome, charming man he had met last night. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of amusement bubbling within him at the sight. He took Kaeya's hand, shaking it in a firm, yet friendly grip, all the while maintaining his cheerful facade.

“Hello again. I’m glad you could make it. You look well-rested.” He couldn’t help but flash a small wink at Kaeya.

Albedo groaned next to Kaeya and smacked a palm to his forehead.

He offered a wry smile. “Thank you. It's a pleasure seeing you again.”

Childe chuckled at his reply. He could practically feel the frustration radiating from Albedo next to Kaeya. How amusing.

“The pleasure is mine. Now, shall we get started? We have a lot of material to go over today.” With a gracious sweep of his hand, Childe gestured to them to follow him into the conference room.

The delegation entered the meeting room to discuss the situation in Dragonspine regarding the alchemy research stations vs the encroaching Fatui camp, and the matter of violent clashes along contested borders.

Childe listened to the Mondstadt delegation’s complaints with a calm and composed demeanor, all while formulating counter-arguments and potential concessions in his mind. After hearing them out, he responded with a measured, diplomatic tone.

“Hmm, I see your concerns. However, the Fatui are also conducting important research and excavation in that area. The presence of our camp is not there with any aggressive or confrontational intentions, but merely to ensure the protection of our researchers. Perhaps we can work out a solution to avoid any further conflicts?”

Childe continued to listen and talk through the meeting, offering his own diplomatic suggestions and possible solutions. The whole time he couldn’t shake the feeling that the Mondstadt delegates were growing increasingly irritated by his attitude towards them. He found it amusing that their irritation seemed to be fueled by his own charming demeanor. He knew that his personality could come across as being smug or sarcastic at times. However, he also knew that it was a part of his persona, and he felt little need to change it just to make them more comfortable.

Kaeya shifted to move a strand of hair out of the way when he read the Fatui account of the conflict.

Childe couldn’t help but notice his movement. Kaeya was so very handsome, and his mannerisms were charming and enticing. He found himself being drawn to his every move. It took all his self-control not to blatantly stare at him, instead he continued to engage in the discussion. He couldn’t help but recall how Kaeya’s hair felt when he touched it.

As the discussion continued, Childe maintained his friendly and diplomatic approach, yet he could feel his attraction to Kaeya growing stronger with every passing moment. He struggled to keep his focus on the matter at hand, instead his mind began to wander, imagining how those beautiful, long strands would look and feel between his fingers.

“Do you agree to the shared facts of the conflict?” Albedo said to him

Childe nodded, his mind snapping back to the current discussion.

“Yes, I do agree. However, the Fatui are simply carrying out their research and protection duties in the area. I understand that our presence may seem confrontational, but our true intentions are not to provoke or cause conflict. We are merely there to protect our researchers and carry out our duties.”

Albedo could tell he was...distracted. He encouraged Kaeya to speak.

“Of course.” Kaeya began. “I trust that we could all work together on a satisfactory agreement now that the events and facts of the matter have been laid out on the table. Thank you, Tartaglia.”

Childe nodded, a small smile on his face. He felt a subtle pang of disappointment as Kaeya spoke so professionally to him, but pushed it aside. He knew that this meeting was about diplomatic negotiations and not his own personal feelings. Despite his attraction to Kaeya, he knew that it was important to keep things professional and focused on the task at hand.

“Yes, I agree. Let’s work together to find a solution that will be acceptable to all parties involved. I’m sure we can find a middle ground that will allow both our research and protection duties to coexist.”

Kaeya felt as though that statement was directed at him. A middle ground? Really? Was the Harbinger even capable of that? He pushed the thought aside and signed the declaration for today's meeting. It appears so far things are going well and the Fatui are..amenable to fair negotiations.

Childe nodded as he looked at the signed declaration, a small sense of satisfaction rising within him. Despite the initial frustration and tension, things were going smoothly, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride in his ability to manage the situation. He looked over at Kaeya and flashed a small smile, his blue eyes gleaming.

“It seems like we’re making progress. With any luck, we should be able to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement by the end of these discussions.”

“Mondstadt will be looking forward to it.” Kaeya said with a nod not at all missing the double entendres. 

Childe leaned back in his chair, stretching and letting out a small sigh. The meeting had been long and intense. He couldn’t help but sneak glances at Kaeya throughout the remainder of it, unable to ignore his growing affections towards him. The way he spoke, his charming smile, everything about him was incredibly enticing. He took a sip of his coffee and continued to admire him.

“Well, that was quite a productive meeting, don’t you think? I believe you and I will get along just fine.”

He couldn’t help but add a small, suggestive undertone to his words, his voice slightly deeper and more intimate as he spoke. He wasn’t sure if Kaeya would pick up on it or not, but he couldn’t resist teasing him and hoped to get a reaction out of him. He took another sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving Kaeya's face. He couldn’t help but wonder if Kaeya truly was single or not. Surely someone as handsome and charming as him would be snapped up right away.

Kaeya smiled. “Indeed.”

Albedo was looking between them and thought the Harbinger had a lot of nerve for attempting to flirt right now. In a peace talk meeting.

“Very well then. Thank you for your cooperation today - we look forward to our continued work together for the week. We shall discuss the items of demands in tomorrow's meeting.” Albedo said. He then stood up and the rest of the Mondstadt delegation were up with a salute. 

Childe stood up as the delegation rose and left the room, giving them a courteous bow. As the door closed behind them, he let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Well, they certainly seem to be in a hurry.”

He couldn't help but feel a mixture of disappointment and intrigue. He had been hoping for a bit more...intimate time with the handsome man, but it seemed like that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. He took another sip of his coffee, his mind wandering in all directions.

Being open, vulnerable and honest didn’t land Kaeya in his bed. Perhaps the captain was a more serious man, more carnal and in need of satisfying dark desires as opposed to seeking soft affections. Childe decided that he ought to try being assertive, throw his Harbinger weight around, anything to get the pretty captain to crave him as much as he craved Kaeya. 

Kaeya and Albedo entered the break room.

Kaeya sighed. “Well...it went...fine.”

Albedo nodded, looking at Kaeya with a curious expression on his face, feeling a mix of amusement and concern.

“Fine? Just fine? With how you two were flirting nonstop?” His tone was a mixture of teasing and seriousness.

Kaeya was taken aback. “I wasn't flirting.”

Albedo raised his eyebrows, clearly not convinced by his denial. “Really now? Are you sure about that? Because I could practically feel the tension between you two from across the room.” He took a sip of his coffee, arching an eyebrow as he watched Kaeya’s reaction.

Kaeya frowned. “Hey. I promised to be on my best behavior for the negotiations. I don't want this to fall through as much as you don't.” He scoffed. “How could he be so... shameless…”

Albedo couldn't help but chuckle. He could tell that Kaeya was trying to be careful and professional, but the Harbinger's attempts at flirting were clearly having an effect on him.

“Well, you certainly made an impression. I'll give you that.” He smirked at Kaeya, taking another sip from his coffee.

“It's good to see you having fun with this now after chewing me out about the situation last night.  What was it you said? I may have caused an international diplomatic incident that could jeopardize everything?”

Albedo's smirk faded into a more serious expression as he spoke. “Look, I know we're trying to joke around and make light of this, but the fact is that you did put yourself and the rest of us in a precarious situation. This agreement and peace talk are incredibly important.” His voice was firm but not unkind. “It's crucial that we maintain a professional attitude and conduct ourselves with the utmost care and respect. Can you promise me you'll take things more seriously from now on?”

Kaeya nodded. “Of course. I...will try to monitor myself more for anything that could be misread as flirtations.”

Albedo nodded, satisfied with the response. “Thank you. I know this isn't easy, especially given the...tension...that exists between you and the Harbinger. Just remember to keep your focus and stay professional. We can't afford any missteps here, no matter how attractive he is.” He gave Kaeya a stern but reassuring look, before taking another sip of his coffee

“I'll do my best, Albedo.” Kaeya looked at the clock on the wall. “Well...looks like duty calls. Care to join me in the tavern later?”

Albedo nodded in agreement. “Certainly. I could use a little break after today’s meeting. Just make sure not to overdo it on the alcohol like last time.”

He gave Kaeya a small, teasing grin, remembering Kaeya’s drunken antics drinking everyone under the table from their previous night out

As the day came to a close, Albedo and the rest of the Mondstadt delegation went to a local tavern to celebrate their first victory.

The tavern was lively and crowded, filled with the usual crowd of local patrons and passing visitors. Albedo and the other Mondstadt delegates sat at a small table, sipping their drinks and discussing the day's events. The conversation was animated and excited, with the delegates pleased with the progress they had made so far in the peace talks. Albedo watched over them all, making sure things didn't get too out of hand

Kaeya needed to drink...a lot of drinks. To calm his nerves over the situation. Having a man as dangerous as the Eleventh Harbinger so...taken by him was frightening.

“Albedo…” he asked, having had enough drinks to be tipsy, which meant he was honest. “What do you think will happen with Childe after the negotiations?”

Albedo looked over at Kaeya, noticing his intoxication and slight slurring of words. He knew that the captain had been dealing with a lot of stress and pressure, and that alcohol was a way of coping with that. He took a sip of his own drink before responding.

“I’m not sure. Childe is a complicated man with many layers. I can’t say what his true intentions are or what his future may hold.” He replied honestly, keeping his tone even and non-judgmental.

“I meant like with…” Kaeya pointed to himself.

Albedo frowned slightly in confusion as the captain pointed at himself, before understanding his meaning. He gave him a concerned look, his voice now firm.

“You mean, you and him? Well...I can’t say for certain. He seems to be attracted to you, clearly. But can you trust someone like him? He is a dangerous and manipulative person.” He took a deep breath, not wanting to overstate the situation. “You have to be careful, Kaeya.”

Kaeya laughed then whined. “I'm fucked…”

Albedo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Kaeya was always melodramatic and exaggerated when drunk, but this time he seemed closer to reality than usual. Still, he shook his head.

“You’re not “fucked”, Kaeya. Yes, the situation is difficult, but you’re more than capable of handling it.” He patted his shoulder in a reassuring gesture. “You just need to take it one step at a time. And... maybe cut back on the alcohol, eh?”

“I caught the eye of the most dangerous man in Teyvat, that's fucked! He will not take the rejection well, I just know it”

Albedo frowned at his bluntness and the seriousness of his words. However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of agreement. The Eleventh Harbinger's reputation was infamous throughout the continent, and he didn't seem like someone who would take rejection lightly.

“Even if that is true, you’re still the cavalry captain of the Knights of Favonius. You're not someone who will just buckle and bend to someone else's will. Trust in yourself and your abilities. You’ll figure this out.”

Kaeya sniffed - appearing to be comforted by those words. “Thanks, Albedo. Maybe I'll lie low after this. Help you out in Dragonspine perhaps?”

Albedo nodded, understanding his desire to avoid the situation for a while. He appreciated Kaeya's offer to help on the mountain. “That could be a good idea. I could always use an extra pair of hands in the lab. Just...try not to get frostbite, okay?”

“What, think I can't handle the cold?”

Albedo arched an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Oh, I know you can handle it. But you know how cold it can get up there, and your constitution is...not the best.” He teased gently, enjoying the lighthearted banter.

Kaeya scoffed. “My constitution is just fine- Oh..you mean my insatiable 'appetite'.”

“Oh, is that what you call it now? I think 'insatiable appetite' is an understatement.” He chuckled, clearly teasing him in a friendly manner.

“What would you call it then?”

“I would call it 'an insatiable thirst' for life and adventure. Or, perhaps, just a simple lack of self-control. Take your pick.”

“It's certainly better than 'whoring' as Diluc likes to refer to it as.”

Albedo couldn't help but chuckle at that comment - trust Diluc to say something like that about Kaeya. “Well...he’s not entirely wrong, is he?”

Kaeya narrowed his eyes. “I don't take cash payments.”

Albedo laughed, shaking his head slightly. “No, I wouldn't imagine you would. But I do recall a certain bet you lost a few months ago that involved..ahem…"alternative payment options".” He reminded him, clearly teasing him again.

Childe had caught wind of the conversation having only recently arrived, he spoke up, a sly smile on his face. “Ah, I can’t help but admire your...flexibility in finding alternative payment methods.” He took a sip of his drink, his eyes flickering between the two men. “That's quite the interesting negotiation skill, I must say.”

Kaeya stiffened....just how much had he heard? “How...long have you been there?”

Childe gave a nonchalant shrug, his smile widening. “Oh, not too long. Long enough to hear your... interesting discussion about 'insatiable appetites', that is.”

Kaeya cleared his throat. “Yes. I have made quite a...name for myself.”

“That you have. I must say, I admire your...boldness and confidence. It takes a certain kind of person to be so openly, shall we say, “available”.” He spoke with a suggestive tone, clearly enjoying the conversation.

Albedo couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and embarrassment at the man's words, sensing the undercurrent of flirtation between them. “And what about you, Tartaglia? I'm sure you have your own...appetites...that you satisfy quite regularly.”

The Harbinger leaned back in his chair, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Oh, I am quite...satiable, actually.” He paused, his eyes flickering over to Kaeya for a moment, before returning his gaze to Albedo. “I enjoy a variety of...delicacies in my life. And I have a reputation for being rather demanding in seeking out my desires.” He spoke with a casual confidence, clearly enjoying the game of words.

Albedo couldn’t help but be concerned by his response, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied him. “Demand, hm? I suppose that’s not too surprising. I imagine being a Harbinger involves getting what you want when you want it.”

The Harbinger chuckled, clearly amused by Albedo's assessment. “You could say that. As one of the Harbingers, I have the power and resources to demand and acquire what I desire with ease.” His eyes left Albedo and remained on Kaeya. “And as you've witnessed for yourself already Chief Alchemist, one of my...desires is quite clear.”

“That’s hardly subtle. You certainly don’t hold back when it comes to getting what you want.” Albedo leaned back in his chair, eyeing Childe with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. “And what exactly is it that you want from him?”

“You have a very...direct... way of speaking, don’t you, Albedo? You certainly don’t waste any time or words. I like that.” Childe set his glass down, fixing Albedo with a charming smile, clearly amused by Albedo’s protective stance. “As for what I want from your captain...let’s just say I find him...intriguing...and I can't help but wonder what it would be like to...explore further.”

Albedo raised an eyebrow, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Intriguing, you say... I assume you mean he’s "intriguing" in more than just a professional sense?” He couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of annoyance and protectiveness in his chest. To think that the Eleventh Harbinger was eyeing his friend like some sort of prize to be won.

“Oh, come now, Albedo. Surely you don’t think I’m only interested in him for his…work related skills?” Childe gave a suggestive chuckle, his tone becoming more serious as he spoke. “He’s quite...attractive, isn’t he? I’m sure you can understand why I might be drawn to such a tempting specimen.”

Albedo’s frown deepened, his eyes narrowing at Childe. Clearly, unamused by the Harbinger's comments. “And what exactly gives you the impression that he is even remotely interested in you? Last I checked, he has no shortage of admirers here in Mondstadt, many of whom are far less…dangerous than yourself.”

The Harbinger smirked, clearly amused by Albedo's protective attitude. He tilted his head slightly, his voice lowering as he spoke.“Oh, my dear Albedo, you seem to forget that I am an extremely dangerous man. I can be very...convincing...when I want something.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. “And I want him. And I do not take “no” for an answer.”

A cold chill ran down Kaeya’s spine and he drowned the feeling with his drink. Albedo scoffed, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of disgust at the Harbinger’s arrogance and entitlement.

“He’s not some prized trophy to be won. He’s a human being, with thoughts and feelings and dreams of his own. And if you think you can just waltz in here and charm your way into his bed like some sort of conquering hero, you’re sorely mistaken.”

The Harbinger chuckled, clearly enjoying Albedo's defiance. “Oh, Albedo, you're such a romantic. But I’m afraid the world is far from a fairy tale. Sometimes things are won..or...taken..through less than chivalrous means.” He gave the man a pointed look, his voice dropping to a soft whisper. “And make no mistake. If I want him, I will have him. Even if it means doing things...a little bit less... gently.”

“Oh?” Kaeya laughed.

Albedo’s eyes hardened at the Harbinger's implication, his fists tightening under the table as he struggled to keep his temper in check. He could feel a protective rage building up inside of him, ignited by Childe's words.

“You’d best not try anything, Harbinger. We’re still in negotiation. And if you think you can just use…physical force…you’ll find that I am not as powerless as you might think.”

The Harbinger smiled, a shiver of excitement running down his spine at Albedo's threat. “I love it when things get heated. But Albedo, please. Let’s not resort to violence just yet. After all, we’re both...civilized...individuals, aren’t we?” 

Kaeya spoke up at long last. “I should leave…”

The Harbinger’s smile widened as he turned to Kaeya, his expression becoming more smug. “Now, now, captain. Leaving so soon? When the festivities are just about to really begin?I’m enjoying our little chat. In fact, I was hoping we could take it somewhere…private…”

Kaeya looked at Albedo with an 'I told you so' look.

The Harbinger's smirk grew wider at the silent exchange, his eyes narrowing conspiratorially. “So…how about it, captain? Up for a bit of “private…” conversation, shall we say?”

Albedo’s eyes widened as the Harbinger’s implication sank in, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. His heart felt stuck in his throat, a sense of alarm and dread building up inside of him.

“No. Absolutely not.”

He spoke firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. He couldn’t allow the captain to go off with the Harbinger, knowing the dangerous implications that could bring. Not to mention the captain’s own safety and well-being.

The Harbinger raised an eyebrow at Albedo's interjection, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And who made you captain’s keeper? Does he need your permission to speak for himself?” He looked to Kaeya, an amused smile playing at his lips. “What do you think, captain? Would you like some…alone time…with me?”

Kaeya swallowed thickly, trying to wrench himself out of this situation delicately while every fiber of his body alerted him to danger. “As I told you before...we cannot pursue anything due to a conflict of interest. Surely you understand.”

“Conflict of interest, you say? That’s an interesting way to put it. Does that mean you’d be interested if there wasn’t some “conflict” in the way, so to speak?” He spoke in a low, suggestive tone, clearly intending to bait the captain.

“I'm focusing on the negotiations for now.” He looked at Albedo, pleading for assistance.

Albedo nodded in understanding, taking a deep breath before speaking up. “Kaeya is focused on the negotiations at hand, as any good captain would be. The purpose of these discussions is to maintain the peace between our two nations. Anything else is beside the point. We’re not here to discuss personal affairs or entanglements.”

The Harbinger chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “Oh, you’re a persistent one, aren’t you, Albedo? Always playing the role of the mediator, ever the diplomat. It’s quite admirable, in a way.” Childe’s eyes flickered back to Kaeya. “But I can’t help but wonder, captain…if the only thing stopping you from indulging in our little “conflict-free” encounter is your own discipline. Do you find me enticing? Tempting, even?”

Kaeya looked away. “That isn't a thought worth entertaining right now.”

The Harbinger’s smile only widened at the captain’s response, enjoying his discomfort. “Ah, a bit flustered, are we? Can’t say I blame you. We Harbringers do have a particular…charisma, so to speak In fact, perhaps a little…private…conversation between us might help clear the air a bit, hm? Allow us to…get to know each other a bit better?”

“I think a private conversation while we've both been drinking is unwise.”

The Harbinger chuckled, clearly not one to be deterred. “A little alcohol never hurt anyone, my dear captain. In fact, it can help loosen the tongue, don't you think? And perhaps open the mind to...new possibilities.” Childe’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint, clearly relishing Kaeya’s hesitance. He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Now, come now. Don't be shy. I promise I won't bite...hard.”

Kaeya had a type, there was no denying it. And why was it the Eleventh Harbinger? Perhaps because fate is cruel to him. “Albedo and I are leaving.”

The Harbinger's smile faded slightly as he realized his efforts were fruitless. He leaned back in his chair, a wry smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Oh, so soon? Such a shame. I was rather enjoying our little chat.” His eyes flicked over to Albedo, a dangerous glint in his gaze as he spoke. “But I suppose I’ll have plenty of opportunities to speak with other...members of the Knights of Favonius, won’t I? Perhaps someone a bit less...inhibited.”

“Feel free. Many of them are as loose as I am. Perhaps you'll get lucky.”

The Harbinger’s smile returned - perhaps making the captain jealous would help his chances. “Oh, I have a feeling that I won’t have to look too far. I can already sense some...interest...from a few I’ve encountered.” He chuckled softly, his voice low and seductive. “It's always so entertaining to watch people try to resist my charm. But in the end, everyone falls eventually.”

“You're certainly more cocky today than yesterday. Or have you forgotten about your little love confession.”

The Harbinger let out a laugh at that, shaking his head in amusement. “Oh, that? That was just a...strategic tactic, so to speak. I was simply testing the waters, seeing how far I could push the limits. I always love a good challenge.” He chuckled - of course, it was a tactic, not a moment of weakness, this was all part of the game. “But I must say, I’m rather impressed. It’s been a long time since anyone has been able to resist my charms quite like you have.”

Kaeya was far from impressed by the Harbinger’s admittance to manipulation although a part of him believed Childe was trying to play off his vulnerability. “Hmph. You know, the sweet man from yesterday who stuttered and said he wanted to marry me has a much bigger chance with me than the arrogant Harbinger in front of me right now.”

Childe’s eyes widened for a moment at his bluntness, clearly not expecting such a response. “Is that right? You prefer timid, stuttering cowards over men who go after what they want? You surprise me more and more, captain. But I should have known...deep down, you’re a bit of a romantic at heart, aren’t you?”

“And you think I'm that person?” Kaeya would have laughed had the situation not been so tense.

“Well, we’ve certainly had some interesting interactions, haven’t we? And I wouldn’t say you’re exactly bashful, either. No, you’re far too…stubborn….to be intimidated by a little playful banter.” He chuckled softly, his tone becoming more suggestive. “Perhaps that’s what makes you so interesting to me. I do so love a man who can hold his own. Especially one with…such a...lovely…face and…body…”

Kaeya scoffed. “Hmph. You'll have to work on your flattery. I've heard that line countless of times.”

“Oh, my dear captain, you wound me so. Is my flattery not to your liking? Perhaps I should change up my strategy, hm? How about I skip the sweet talk and go straight for the…physical.”

Childe stood from his chair, circling around the table to lean over the captain, his voice dropping to a soft, seductive murmur. “After all, I’ve been told my body is much more enticing than my words, anyway.” He stood behind Kaeya's chair, leaning down to speak directly in his ear. “How about a little...hands-on demonstration?”

Childe placed his hand on Kaeya's shoulder, his fingers running gently along his collar. His voice was low and provocative. “I can show you just how...pleasing...I can be with my body, captain.” He reached up to brush Kaeya's hair away from his neck, his thumb gently tracing the captain’s jawline. “What do you say, captain? Care to take a little...dip...into the dark side?”

“I already gave you a 'dip'. I know what you want is a 'dive' instead.” Kaeya said tightly.

The Harbinger’s lip curled, satisfied by his wit. “You always were the perceptive one, weren’t you? Yes, captain. A “dive” is exactly what I want. I want to...explore...you. All of you. I want to know every inch of you, inside and out. So tell me, captain. Are you willing to take the leap?”

Kaeya groaned. “Albedo?”

The Harbinger’s eyes flickered over to Albedo, his smile widening at the interruption. “Yes, the famous alchemist. You’re still here, I see.”

He chuckled softly, his voice taking on a more casual tone. “I suppose you have something to say as well? Or perhaps you'd prefer to watch...see just how intimate we can be...together.” Childe’s fingers lightly traced Kaeya’s cheek as he spoke. “So what's it going to be, captain? Are you going to take the plunge with me...or will you just stand idly by...watching...like your dear little alchemist here…”

A soft, amused scoff came from Albedo, folding his arms across his chest as he rolled his eyes. “You really do have a big enough ego to sink a ship, don’t you, Harbinger? Do you really think your ‘flattery’ is going to convince the captain to…indulge you?”

“You really do have a talent for stating the obvious, don’t you, Albedo? Of course I have confidence in my abilities. I wouldn’t be a Harbringer otherwise.” He chuckled softly. “And I’m not just relying on my flattery. As someone as intelligent as yourself surely knows, actions speak louder than words. And I have plenty of actions I’d be willing to demonstrate for the good captain here.”

His eyes flicked back to the captain, his expression becoming more seductive. “Like I said before, I want to explore you, captain. In depth, in fact. Let me show you the lengths I’m willing to go to...just to get a taste of you.”

Kaeya downed the rest of his drink. “Your desperation is very unattractive.”

“Oh, my dear captain, you really are a tough one to crack. But I do appreciate your candor. Most people would be swooning and melting at the sight of such a distinguished and charming young man such as myself, but you have some spine, I’ll give you that.” He leaned forward. “Perhaps I should try a more…hands-on approach, hm?”

Childe reached out, placing a hand on the captain’s knee and slowly trailing his fingers slowly up Kaeya's thigh. “You see, captain, I’ve learned that sometimes people need to be persuaded to see things my way. And I’m not above using my...physical charms…to convince a pretty man like yourself to give in to my desires.”

His fingers continued to trail up Kaeya's thigh, gently caressing the soft fabric of his clothes. He could feel the captain’s muscles tense under his touch, a delicious shiver passing through him.

“And trust me, I have a lot of desire for you, captain. I want to touch you...taste you...explore every inch of your body…”

His fingers reached the captain’s hip, slipping gently under the hem of his shirt. He could feel the warmth of Kaeya's skin beneath his touch, the soft flesh almost begging to be touched. “Are you starting to see things my way, captain? Or do I need to keep convincing you?”

“Albedo. Let's go.”

“Oh come now, captain, don't be so hasty.” He said, grabbing Kaeya’s arm. “You're missing out on a wonderful opportunity, here. How many times are you going to have the chance to be touched by the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui? And how often do you get to experience such...pleasure?”

Kaeya shook his head and sneered at Childe’s audacity. “If I relented to you even once, I get the impression I'd be dealing with you for a lifetime.”

“Is that a bad thing, captain? Do you not wish to spend your days in pleasure with me?” He shook his head in mock disbelief. “I would devote myself to you completely, captain. I wouldn't give you a moment’s rest, that I promise you. Is that not what true love is? Constant devotion…”

True love? What was this Harbinger on about? He shot Albedo with a look of concern and incredulity before turning back to the Harbinger.

“True love? Am I supposed to believe you're romantic?”

The Harbinger noticed his little slip up, but did his best to steel himself. “Ah, my dear captain, you really don't know me very well, do you? I can be romantic, captain. I can be sweet...tender...passionate. I can make your wildest fantasies come true...and your sweetest dreams a reality.” He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Kaeya's face, his fingers trailing down to cradle his cheek. “I can be...everything you've ever wanted...and more.”

“And which of those reflects your true nature? I'm not one for falseness in my partners. I'll know if you're putting on an act to satisfy me.”

The Harbinger chuckled again, shaking his head slightly. “Ah, a wise question. You really are more intelligent than most, aren't you, captain? I appreciate your honesty.” He reached up to gently brush a thumb over Kaeya's cheek. “You wouldn't believe me if I said I would be everything at once, would you, captain? No, you strike me as someone who can see through a facade. Well, then…why not show you instead…”

Childe leaned closer, his breath warm against Kaeya’s ear. “Let me show you everything I can be, captain. Let me...make you see...just how much I can give you.” He gently kissed his jawline, his lips tender against the captain’s skin.

Kaeya placed a hand firmly to his chest and shoved him back against his seat. “You're a fool. I've resisted many men in the past, and you are no exception to believing your "charms" will win me over. I'm sorry, Childe. But there isn't anything...special about you.”

“You think I haven’t heard that before, captain? That I’m just like all the others, just a foolish boy that tries so desperately to win over a pretty face?” Childe reached out, gently grasping the captain's chin and tilting his head up to look him in the eyes. “You're not wrong, captain. I am a fool when it comes to you. But trust me, I am something special. And I'll do...anything...to prove it.”

Kaeya smiled defiantly. “Of course. You can make these negotiations proceed without a hitch, and then I might think you're worth sitting on.”

Childe raised a mischievous eyebrow at the captain's words, tapping a finger against his chin as if considering the offer. “Ah, I see. You're a pragmatic captain, aren't you?” He sighed dramatically, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “Oh, how unromantic. Is the only way to your heart really through politics?”

Kaeya scoffed, made a nod at Albedo and the two got up and left the tavern.

The Harbinger watched the two men leave, a bemused smile on his lips. He chuckled darkly to himself, a smile playing at the corner of his lips as he thought about the captain. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

Ah, a stubborn one. He thought to himself. But what a challenge. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes flickering back over towards the doorway. 

Childe raised his glass in a silent toast, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. “Here's to the most challenging game I've played yet, captain. Let the chase begin...and may you never escape me.”

Albedo and Kaeya arrived back at their hotel suite - minds reeling after their ‘lovely chat’ with the Harbinger. 

“So...Albedo...what do you think now? What shining pearls of wisdom do you have for me when dealing with this Harbinger?” Kaeya said frustrated and distraught by the events.

Albedo sighed, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion. “Honestly? I don't know what to tell you, Kaeya. Childe is certainly stubborn, but he also seems to...have quite the fascination with you.” He shot the captain a look of concern as the two sat down on the couch. “Are you sure you want to continue indulging Tartaglia's infatuation? He's not exactly the most...trustworthy...person in Teyvat, you know.”

“Sorry, did I look like I was indulging him?” Kaeya said defensively and folded his arms.

“No, not exactly. If anything, you rebuffed him every way you possibly could. As did I. Yet, he always seemed to have some sort of comeback.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I've never met someone like him. He's stubborn and determined and so…persistent.” Albedo let out a groan, rubbing his forehead.

“Did you catch when he mentioned me denying 'true love'? He said it in such passing I don't think he realised it.”

“Ah, that. Yes, I did find that quite bizarre. And he said it with such conviction, too. As if he truly believes he has feelings for you.” He paused and took a deep breath. 

“But how he talked about...conquering, convincing, getting what he wants...and then he slides into praise and vulnerability...You have no clue where the real him is. He's terrifying.”

Albedo nodded in agreement, a grim look on his face. “Exactly. He's a master of hiding his true intentions. He'll say whatever he needs to in order to get what he wants.” He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. “I've met people like him before, people who are so good at manipulation that you never truly know what their true motivations are.”

He looked up at the captain, a serious look in his eyes. “Be careful around him, Kaeya. He's dangerous.”

Kaeya sighed, sounding dejected and helpless. “I'll do my best…”

Albedo laid a hand on the captain’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I know you will, Kaeya. And I’ll be here beside you. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He gave the captain a small smile, trying to reassure him.

Kaeya whined - this ridiculous situation was burdening them. “I'm sorry about this...distraction. Our work here is important.”

Albedo shook his head, dismissing the captain’s concerns. “No, no, you don’t have to apologize. These kinds of developments are to be expected, given our professions. Besides, it isn’t every day I get to witness someone try to court you. It’s quite entertaining, really.”

Kaeya raised a brow. “Oh? Were you rooting for me out there?”

“I was, actually. That Harbinger may be a pain, but it was entertaining to watch him struggle under your constant resistance. And it was also quite comical watching him use such...ridiculous...flattery as a means of trying to get your attention.” He smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. "True love? Honestly. It sounded like a line from a bad romance novel.”

Kaeya laughed at that. “Thank you, Albedo.”

“Of course, Kaeya. Anything for you. Now, I believe we still have some work to do.” He chuckled, standing up and stretching, his joints cracking slightly as he did so. “I'll go ahead and make us some Earl Grey. Would you like yours with milk or lemon?”

“Lemon please.” Kaeya answered, and the two worked lightly into the remaining of the evening before turning in for the night

The two men spent the rest of the evening quietly working as the sun slowly set in the sky outside their hotel window. As the night grew colder, they took a break to rest and eat a light meal before finally turning in for the night. As they got ready for bed, Albedo glanced over at the captain, a concerned look in his eyes.

“Are you feeling alright, Kaeya? You seem...distant.”

“I…” Kaeya stopped himself, but he knew he could trust Albedo with his thoughts. Even if he will be rightfully exasperated by him. I keep thinking about what the Harbinger said. “Maybe it's his...persistence but...I've never had anyone say the kinds of things he said to me before.” He shook his head. “I don't want to lose sight of what we are here for.”

Albedo nodded in understanding, the concern in his eyes lessening.“I see. It's natural to think about the things others say to us, especially when they are as outlandish as the things the Harbinger said to you.”

He gave Kaeya a reassuring smile.“But don't worry, Kaeya. You have a stronger will than he does. You won't lose sight of your goals, I'm sure of it.” He chuckled softly. “Tartaglia has no chance of stealing your heart.”

Kaeya smiled wryly. “Well, we have only known each other for two days now. Stealing my heart takes far longer than that, and so far...no one has been successful.”

Albedo nodded in agreement, chuckling softly.“That is true. Two days is definitely far too short a time for someone to truly steal your heart. And judging from your many past conquests, I'd say your heart has been a very...well-guarded fortress. That Harbinger has a long road ahead of him if he truly wishes to win you over.”

“Oh Albedo...I almost feel bad for the guy.” Kaeya said sarcastically

Albedo snorted. “Almost? I feel you're more entertained by his attempts to gain your affection than anything else. If anything, you probably get quite a chuckle out of all his attempts to butter you up.”

“Oh definitely. Watch him do the same thing tomorrow and get absolutely nowhere again.”

“Ah, his persistence and...confidence... are really quite something, aren’t they? I’m sure he’ll try again tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. He just seems like the kind of person who will never give up on his goals.” He smiled wryly, shaking his head once more. “And we all know what goals he has in mind, don’t we? Heh.”

Kaeya sighed. “Am I really that good in bed?”

Albedo’s eyebrows shot up, a light pink blush appearing on his face as he was caught off guard by the captain’s question. “I...ah...well…” He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. This was certainly not a question he had expected to be asked.

“Oh?” Kaeya laughed.

Albedo shook his head, rubbing his forehead in embarrassed disbelief.

“Oh, don’t play coy with me. You really want to hear me say it, do you?” He sighed, trying to hide his growing blush. Perhaps this was the price he had to pay for working with Kaeya. He did always have a habit of…teasing other people. “You know the answer, Kaeya. You’re...quite good. Very good, in fact.”

“Miss me do you? I mean, we already co-parent a child, how ridiculous would us being more be?” Kaeya teased.

Albedo rolled his eyes, chuckling softly. “ I would hardly think our…“interests”… in each other line up, anyhow and you know it.” He gave the captain a pointed look, the mischievous glint in his eyes sparkling. “You have your own preferences.”

“And what are they?” Kaeya asked, curious about what Albedo thought he was interested in.

Albedo tilted his head to the side, a mischievous smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe someone...darker. More…mysterious. Perhaps a…“bad boy” type. Someone who has a dangerous edge to them.” He chuckled softly, a playful look in his eyes as he teased the captain. “Just a hunch.”

Kaeya groaned. “You know exactly who that sounds like, right?”

Albedo smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously as he nodded. “Oh, I know. I know all too well. However…Tartaglia does seem…awfully interested in you. Maybe even…infatuated…You certainly seem to “catch the eye” of dangerous men like him. I wonder why that is?”

“I wonder too!” Kaeya said exasperated. “It certainly doesn't make my love life easy.”

“Ah, you poor thing. A life of constantly fending off suitors. How do you handle it all, really?” Albedo couldn’t help but let out another soft chuckle at the thought of the captain having to endure all these unwanted advances. 

Kaeya sighed. “Goodnight Albedo. I..will dwell on improving my taste in men.”

Albedo shook his head at the captain's words. He really was quite the character. “Oh? Are you sure you don't want to consult me on this? I could offer some suggestions.” He smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. “I know I personally would never let someone like the Eleventh Harbinger touch me. His hands are far too...dirty.”

“You have an appropriate suitor in mind for me?”

“No…sorry.”

“Oh. So I'm going to be lonely forever?”

Albedo rolled his eyes.“Oh, please. We all know what a heartbreaker you are, Kaeya. You have had many partners - and even more suitors. How many “conquests” do you have under your belt? Fifteen? Twenty? Thirty? You are far from being lonely. In fact, the exact opposite.”

“Your estimates are rather...conservative…”

Albedo raised an eyebrow. “So it's more than thirty? You truly do get around, don't you? Here I was thinking you were being modest with your past “conquests”. You surprise me more and more with each passing day.”

“You can do the math Albedo. I get lucky on average twice each week.”

Albedo nearly choked on his own saliva at the captain’s answer, his eyes widening in shock. He had to take a second to compose himself to ensure he had heard properly. “What?! What…did you say? Twice…every week?!”

“Good night Albedo!” Kaeya left to go to bed.

Albedo just stood there in stunned silence for a bit, trying to absorb the information he had just heard. Twice...every week? How? He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in a combination of disbelief, amusement, and...was that jealousy he felt? He didn't have time to ponder too deep on that thought. “Right...good night, Kaeya. Sweet dreams.”

Kaeya laid his head down on the pillow. This...nonsense...with the harbinger was concerning. Borderline obsessive. He only hoped Childe wouldn't be so brazen to do something dangerous. He eventually went to sleep recalling the sweet tenderness of the first day, how he listened to his concerns and wasn't so pushy. A part of Kaeya certainly was...vulnerable...that time. But the arrogance displayed today was far from enticing.

Unbeknownst to Kaeya, while he slept, Childe was far from sleep himself. In fact, he was still up and contemplating his next move. He couldn’t help but think about his encounters with the captain so far. The first day he had been vulnerable and responsive to his advances, but...today? Kaeya was being more…standoffish. Perhaps his ego had been bruised.

Childe knew he had to keep trying. Something in him felt…compelled to keep pursuing the captain. Perhaps it was just his competitive streak…or maybe…just maybe...something more. Maybe when he said those three little words to Kaeya he did truly mean it and it wasn’t just a spur of the moment thing.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of those thoughts. He didn’t have time to be distracted. The mission was more important, after all. But even so…he couldn’t help but feel a small pang of…want? Desire? Admiration? Love?

Ah…this was bad for him…he shouldn’t be feeling these things…and yet he couldn't stop. This fascination he felt towards the captain…it was thrilling, invigorating…satisfying. 

He recalled their interactions today. The way the captain had seemed…bemused by his flattery and attempts to win his affection, but….also...annoyed? Almost…disinterested, it seemed. Childe would have to change his tactics. Clearly his usual methods of flirtation and assertion weren't working on someone like Kaeya. He would have to…try a different approach.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Kaeya had briefed Sucrose and Albedo on the day’s discussion: the list of demands. Albedo will be leading on matters regarding research and Kaeya on military operations. Hopefully, at least some of the demands would be met.

As they discussed the military demands, Kaeya was in his full captain mode. He suggested some more...confrontational approaches if these demands weren’t met. He seemed to relish the thought of having a fight. Albedo obviously disapproved.

“Come on Albedo. You're looking at the direct descendent of the legendary Anfortas Alberich.”

Albedo rolled his eyes, shaking his head at the captain's enthusiasm. He found it somewhat amusing, of course, but also quite...concerning. He was sure the captain wasn't serious about the violence...

“I’m aware of your...lineage. And I just think that...perhaps there are better ways to resolve this situation without resorting to violent tactics.” He gave the captain a pointed look.

“I am only posing it as a suggestion...a Plan B. But something tells me I can… sway the Fatui delegation in our favor.”

The alchemist gave a slight sigh, massaging his forehead with his hand. “Yes, I know. And I certainly recognize the need for it as a...back-up plan. But you know I would prefer it if we could resolve this diplomatically...without any bloodshed. I prefer you use your… friend to your advantage.”

Kaeya chuckled. “Of course. We're too...understaffed for a war with Snezhnaya anyway.”

Albedo nodded in agreement. “Precisely. A frontal attack...would put Mondstadt at a severe disadvantage, and you know it. And I'm sure the Fatui are well aware that they have the upper hand here.” 

He let out a small, somewhat frustrated. He truly wanted to avoid a conflict altogether, although it seemed unlikely...unless Kaeya could turn the tide with his Harbinger. Albedo wasn’t yet convinced he had him wrapped around his finger, but it remained to be seen.

Kaeya stood up and offered a hand to Sucrose. “Well then. Are we ready?”

Albedo nodded, steeling his nerves for the coming negotiation. “I think so. If we can…convince the Fatui to meet some of the demands, then we could move forward and go about our business in peace.” He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself.

They met with the Fatui at Zapolyarny Palace again. A boring day of first time greetings and general discussions as the diplomats droned on about International codes of conduct and previously signed agreements before even commencing discussions on the matter at hand.

As the day continued on with the long discussions and diplomatic nonsense, Childe found himself...more impatient than usual. It seemed like these talks and discussions had no end, and he couldn’t help but feel a strange...anxiousness. He tried to sit through the negotiations as patiently as possible, but it was hard. He found himself antsy. He couldn’t explain this anxiety he was feeling. Maybe it was just nervousness.

He tried to focus on the task at hand...but to no avail. The sound of the diplomats talking...the vision of Kaeya...it was too distracting. He couldn't focus, and he could feel his patience waning. He glanced over at Kaeya, trying to push the thought of all this anxiety he was feeling to the side. Was the captain...bored as well? He seemed to be paying attention to the diplomats as they talked.

“Could you present the conditions of your first demand, Lord Harbinger?” Asked a Mondstadt diplomat.

Childe nodded and cleared his throat to address the diplomats. “Yes, of course. Firstly, we wish for Mondstadt to allow entry to our diplomats and ambassadors into the city without restrictions. We believe that fostering open communication and interaction between our two nations is crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the region.”

Albedo frowned. “With what procedures?”

Childe thought for a moment. “We propose that each diplomat or ambassador who wishes to visit Mondstadt must undergo a vetting process and present proper identification to ensure their safety and legitimacy. The vetting process would include background checks and an evaluation of their purpose for visiting Mondstadt.”

Kaeya whispered something to Albedo who nodded and wrote it down as they continued to listen.

Childe couldn’t help but notice...something going on between Kaeya and Albedo. He couldn’t quite tell what they were talking about. His gaze flickered towards the two for an instant, a slight frown on his lips. Was the captain...whispering something to the alchemist? He shook his head - trying to focus on the current discussion.

Albedo cleared his throat. “I have been advised that your vetting process may conflict with one of our demands. We propose that Mondstadt will provide the minimum requirements and standards for those who we allow into our nation. We wish for Snezhnayan to use these constraints for their vetting process.”

Childe raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the counter-offer. It seemed the captain and the alchemist were already preparing responses for the conditions.

“I see. While we understand the desire for control over who enters your lands, this vetting process also ensures the safety and legitimacy of our diplomats.” He took a deep breath, deciding to accept their counter. “However, we are willing to allow you to provide the conditions for vetting.”

Kaeya whispered in Albedo's ear again

Childe couldn’t help but notice the continued whispers between the captain and the alchemist. He couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, but he found himself…very curious. Did they have...some kind of strategy in mind? Were they planning something? Or were they…perhaps, secretly flirting with each other? He shook his head, trying to rid himself of that last, ridiculous thought.

Albedo nodded as Kaeya spoke in his ear before turning to the table and verbalizing a new constraint on the demand. “We also wish to restrict the number of ambassadors and military personnel. A reduction of the Fatui presence in Mondstadt if you will. Albedo said.”

Albedo motioned for the Quartermaster to take the floor.

“Reduced by at least 70%.” Kaeya said confidently, a small, barely there smile on his lips as he looked at Childe.

The Fatui delegation broke out into hushed murmurs at the bold proposal. Childe raised an eyebrow, surprised by the new condition. He had to admit, it was quite ingenious. However he was aware of the captain’s intelligence. He had to be careful with his response.

“I see. Can you provide us with the details of this restriction? How many diplomats and military personnel do you wish to limit us to?”

“A 2:7 ratio respectively.”

Childe couldn’t help the amused smirk on his lips as he raised an eyebrow, impressed by the captain’s confidence and wit. “70% is quite a reduction. You must really hate the Fatui for you to want to get rid of us so badly.” He and his delegation chuckled softly. He almost found it delightful that the captain seemed so eager to win this negotiation.

Kaeya raised a brow. “I apologize if my bluntness was perceived as animosity. I harbor no ill judgement of the Fatui, I understand you are simply protecting the interests of your own nation and that may conflict with ours. Though I'm sure you'd feel the same for Mondstadt.”

Childe couldn't help but grin as the captain spoke. He could almost feel the sincerity in the man's statement and he found it...endearing. 

“No ill judgment, you say? Is that so?” He chuckled softly. He decided to take a risk and tease the captain a bit. “And here I thought I was your sworn enemy, Captain. How quickly you change your mind.”

Kaeya tilted his head - confused. “I apologise for giving you that impression. Though we are on different sides of the table, I can see why you would think that. But I'm not one for declaring enemies, not when there is no conflict. This is a peace talk after all.”

Childe chuckled softly, the small smile still on his lips.

“Ah, of course. My mistake. You are rather...diplomatic, I see.” He took a moment to collect his thoughts. “So...you harbor no hard feelings towards the Fatui, yes? What is your opinion of me then?”

Kaeya looked as cool and professional as ever - his facade unflappable despite knowing exactly what the Harbinger was trying to get at, however two can play at that game. “I fail to see what my opinion of you would have to do with reducing the Fatui presence in Mondstadt by 70%.”

Childe had to admit, the reply was rather unexpected. He hadn’t expected the captain to reject answering his question. However, he couldn't help but find it...slightly arousing, in a way. It made the captain...far more...intriguing to him. He couldn't help the small smirk that appeared on his lips.

“A fair point. But...humor me for a moment. I am merely curious about what you think of me.”

One of the Fatui diplomats cleared their throat next to Childe. Clearly, Childe was...unfocused.

Childe mentally cursed to himself, silently thanking the diplomat for bringing him back to reality. He had to be careful...he couldn't let himself get engrossed in the teasing...especially not here. Right. They were in the middle of a negotiation...he couldn't let his thoughts get the best of him. He quickly regained his composure, putting on a more serious look.

He took a deep breath. “Forgive me, I…went a bit off topic there. Now then, back to the matter at hand. Perhaps 70% is a bit extreme. What would you suggest as a more reasonable number for the reduction of Fatui personnel and diplomats?”

Kaeya pretended to look through some papers to give an air of even considering his question. “It is my best offer, I'm afraid.”

Childe couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the captain's response. Was he really going to be so stubborn? He let out a small, slightly amused chuckle.

“You disappoint me, Captain. Are you not even willing to negotiate? We could meet in the middle, say…40%. A 20% reduction each in diplomats and military personnel. That seems more reasonable, does it not?”

Kaeya knew he was pushing it. A 50% reduction would have been the lowest they could reasonably accept, and he had agreed to start at 60% with Albedo hence Sucrose’s current state of writing the meeting minutes to avoid dealing with the anxiety of such a risk. But Kaeya was a risk-taker, and there was something about the Harbinger that made him feel as though the man would struggle to say no to him if it perhaps brought him closer to appeasing the man of his desires.

“Tartaglia...surely you are aware of our circumstances. Grandmaster Varka has left on an expedition to Natlan with the majority of our forces. A reduction in the Fatui presence in line with our losses of manpower within Mondstadt is reasonable in our view.”

Childe had to admit the captain did have a point. With the majority of Mondstadt's army gone on an expedition, it would only make sense to reduce the size of the Fatui presence in the city.

“You...make a good argument. I will admit. Fine. A 70% reduction in diplomatic and military personnel. However…” He raised a finger, a slight smirk on his lips. “I do have a...condition of my own, that I wish to propose.”

The captain raised a brow. “Of course. I am happy to consider it.”

Childe took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself before stating his condition. “I propose that...for every two Fatui diplomats and military personnel reduced from the city, I get to…have a date with you, Captain.”

He could feel the temptation to tease the man again. He couldn’t help but smile, the idea feeling like a sweet, sweet prize. He raised an eyebrow, hoping to see the expression on the captain’s face.

A dead silence filled the room.

The silence was deafening. Childe couldn’t stop himself from feeling…slightly amused. It was the only thing he could do to hide his slightly...nervous anticipation of the captain’s response. He…somewhat expected a harsh refusal, but…the silence left a hint of possibility…of something…hopeful.

He waited patiently for the captain’s response. Wondering…hoping…

Kaeya turned to Albedo who nodded. He turned back to the meeting. “I think we are done here for now. Perhaps the Fatui delegation will take this matter seriously after we adjourn.”

The Mondstadt delegation left. Once the door closed, the Fatui delegation broke out into a panic, quickly strategizing in active, alarmed discussion on how to salvage this disaster.

Once the room was cleared, Childe couldn’t help but let out a long sigh. He cursed under his breath. He leaned forward and placed his head on the table, mentally chastising himself for his actions. Why did he have to...ask that? Was he so blinded by his...interest in the captain that he had to…ask for dates as...bargaining chips? He mentally chided himself for his lack of judgement in the situation.

Pantalone laughed in the break room. “Childe...I've heard about your...negotiation.”

Childe's head shot up and his face flushed red as Pantalone's words reached his ears. Had he heard correctly?!

He tried his best to remain calm, taking a deep breath before speaking.“What do you mean? What have you…heard?”

“It was foolish of Signora to pass this to you. Really, exchanging sexual favors for an immigration deal?”

Childe’s face flushed even redder, and he had to take a deep, calming breath in the hopes that it would soothe the heat in his cheeks. The very idea of...

“That wasn’t…what I meant!” He took another breath, trying his best to stay calm as he mentally kicked himself for his poor choice of words - in a public, diplomatic meeting no less!

“And how did he respond? Hm?” Pantalone teased, despite knowing the details already.

Childe couldn’t help it. The memory of…how the captain had ignored the comment, completely dismissing it without a care in the world, and walked out of the room without giving him a second glance or a second thought. The pain and disappointment he felt at the mere realization of how the captain didn’t even care enough to comment on his…proposition.

“The captain dismissed it. Completely ignored it. Walked out of the room without a word.”

“That was rather responsible of him.” Arlecchino said, looking over her tea. “Your proposal barely warranted a response. How insulting to the Mondstadt delegation that you'd even suggest such a thing.”

The words stung. To hear that, not only had the captain not bothered to respond to his proposition, but that it was a…ridiculous and insulting…proposition to make. He…tried hard not to let his disappointment show. The realization that…the captain…must have considered his proposition to be…ridiculous and insulting stung even more.

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “You're right. That...was foolish. I apologize for my…inappropriate suggestion.”

Arlecchino hummed. “I've seen that look before.”

Childe raised an eyebrow in confusion. What look? He mentally shook himself, trying to rid his thoughts and his disappointment about the captain from his mind.

“What look?”

“You're in love with the cavalry captain.”

As the word hit his ears, Childe’s mind went blank.

Love? No. That wasn’t possible. He wasn’t in love. He couldn’t be…in love. Yes, he was attracted. Slightly enchanted by him…but he wasn’t in love, right? Sure he said it previously, many times to the knight in fact, but that was because he was vulnerable - it was a moment of weakness…surely?

He mentally shook himself, trying to rid his mind of the thought. “No. No...I’m not in love with him.” And yet when he said those words it felt bitter like a lie. 

“I've had enough children to know a lie and to know love.”

Childe couldn’t help but be slightly defensive over the accusation. He refused to believe that he was in love. He wasn’t…he couldn’t be…

“It’s not a lie. And I’m not in love. I simply…find him attractive, alright? His…mysterious personality and allure are attractive, but that is it. No feelings.”

Pantalone laughed mockingly. “Well, anymore of these...moments of weaknesses and we may remove you from these talks. That would surely be a worse blow to your pride, no?”

A brief moment of frustration and anger flared in Childe's chest. Of course. The thought of giving in and staying obedient didn’t sit well in his chest. “If you wish to remove me, so be it. Perhaps I have no place in these talks in your eyes. But I know I can handle it. You’ll see.”

Arlecchino gave him an unreadable look before turning back to her tea. Pantalone nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. 

He let out a small breath of relief. He couldn’t mess this up again. He was a Fatui Harbinger. Yes. He was on the Tsaritsa’s orders, he had to negotiate. He couldn’t let his attraction get in the way of that. He couldn’t let anything interfere with his job.

The delegation returned to the meeting room to resume the talks. The elephant in the room hung in the air, but Kaeya seemed cool and utterly unfazed. The tension in the air was palpable as the meeting resumed. Childe could almost feel the awkwardness between himself and the captain. But the captain seemed unbothered. He seemed unruffled. Childe mentally cursed himself - he should have been unruffled too. But his mind wouldn’t allow him to stop focusing on the captain.

Albedo spoke. “Let’s return to where where we left off then. A 70% reduction in the Fatui presence in Mondstadt has been proposed. What are your views on the matter?”

Childe forced himself to look away from the captain, trying to refocus on the matter at hand. He had to focus on the matter at hand. Not…on the captain. He cleared his throat and pushed aside the lingering thoughts of the captain. He had to stay calm and focused.

“A 70% reduction in Fatui personnel in Mondstadt - it was quite an…aggressive offer. Still, with the majority of the city’s forces gone on an expedition they had to be reasonable in their negotiations.” He sighed. “We…accept the conditions.”

Kaeya spoke up, coolly and confidently. “Are there any...terms to this acceptance?”

Childe thought for a moment. He couldn’t help but wonder…did the captain want to…negotiate further? He couldn’t help a small smile creeping onto his lips at the idea. No. He…shouldn't. He had already made an…inappropriate proposition as it was. He had to stay focused. 

He took a deep breath. “No...no further terms. Just the 70% reduction will suffice.”

Albedo gave Kaeya a thumbs up under the table. Kaeya smirked and tilted his head in gratitude. “Thank you, Tartaglia. I'm pleased to have you commit to our terms.”

Childe couldn't help but feel slightly…put off by the words...by the way the captain...pronounced 'commit'. He couldn't help the...slight heat in his cheeks as the word...echoed in his mind. Commit...there was a...certain double entendre to the word…but Childe didn't want to get his hopes up. He tried to push away any…possible…thoughts of the captain's meaning.

“Yes, I…accept the terms.”

The meeting dragged on rather uneventfully where the diplomats discussed who will be sent back to Snezhnaya or relocated to other postings from Mondstadt. Childe tried to focus as much as possible, but his mind…wouldn’t stop thinking about what the captain may have…meant by the word ‘commit’. Could the captain…actually be considering the idea…of…dating?

He shook his head. He was overthinking things. He put aside the thought - he had other things to think about...other than the captivatingly handsome captain of the knights.

The meeting drew to a close once the sun had almost completely set and the delegations went to the break room for canapes and cocktails. Tartaglia noticed that Kaeya was actually friendly with the Fatui diplomats who were posted in Mondstadt - joking with them, speaking to them so casually in the break room.

The transition from the meeting to the break room was smooth and unbothered. He had to admit, watching the captain interact with the other Fatui diplomats…was a...sight to behold. The way he joked and conversed...so casually and naturallyhis charisma was...intoxicating. Childe couldn’t help but watch him, the captain’s every interaction with the diplomats...every smile, every laugh…just further...captivating him.

He cursed to himself. He was letting himself…get too distracted by the captivatingly handsome knight.

A Fatui diplomat, Anatoly, was speaking with Kaeya at the bar.

“I'm flattered.” Kaeya said, hearing another unoriginal pick up line. 

Archons, were all Snezhnayan men so...boring? This diplomat wasn't ever posted in Mondstadt so Kaeya was curious if he even caught wind of Kaeya’s...proclivities. 

Childe overheard the conversation as he approached the bar. Seeing the diplomat chat up the captain again...he couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of jealousy...of…anger. He hated the idea...of the diplomat...chatting up HIS captain. 

He took a deep breath, trying to remain as calm and composed as possible as he interrupted the conversation. “I wasn’t aware you were so…popular among my colleagues, Captain.”

The Fatui diplomat immediately  let go of stroking the captain’s arm and averted his gaze from the Harbinger. Kaeya sighed.

“Should I not be? This is a time of peace, no?”

Childe let out a small scoff. He supposed the captain was…somewhat right. It was supposed to be a time of…peace.

“I suppose...that’s true. I just didn’t…think I’d find you...flirting with my colleagues. I had assumed the Knights of Favonius had…standards…for their own Captain’s…dalliances.” He couldn’t help but speak with a hint of…mockery...and jealousy in his voice.

Kaeya didn't even turn to talk to him. “Is that so? Rest assured I am keeping well within the confines of the manual.”

Childe couldn’t help but scoff - he knew the manual inside out. He’s read it enough times to memorize certain key parts of it. “The ‘manual’ states that the Captain of the Knights of Favonius is allowed to engage in…dalliances as long as it won’t interfere with the smooth running of the Knights. I am…worried that if you…flirt too much with the wrong Fatui diplomat, it may…jeopardize the…peace between our two nations, hmm?”

“Good thing I'm not flirting with you.”

Childe blinked, speechless for a moment before finding his voice. He tried his best to hide the…shock and jealousy he felt upon hearing those words.

“And why is that? You don’t think…I’m worth flirting with?”

“You said it yourself. I wouldn't want to go against the manual now would I?”

He let out a scoff at the captain’s response. So he didn’t find him attractive, hm? No...he had to keep his…composure. He tried his best to mask the...hurt and jealousy he felt over the captain’s…rejection.

“Is that so? Well...then…as long as you adhere to the manual, I can’t stop you from…flirting with my colleagues. He said, trying to hide his…bitter and hurt tone with…mockery.”

Kaeya raised his glass to him. “Thank you.”

Childe tried his best to keep his composure, trying to not let his anger and hurt be heard in his tone. “You’re welcome. But I…hope you have a…bit more discretion when choosing your…dalliances in the future.”

The word left his lips in a bitter, bitter tone. He couldn't…help it. Seeing the captain chatting up the Fatui diplomat made him...jealous beyond belief.

“Oh? You're worried for MY discretion? How...interesting.”

Childe’s fists clenched as he bit back the…sharp and bitter retort he almost said. The captain was just…mocking him in his…usual aloof demeanor.

“Maybe I am. Maybe I’m...worried that you’d find some…unsavory...partner one day.” He spoke through gritted teeth, trying desperately to not let his...bitter jealousy show.

“Hm. Well your conduct yesterday definitely puts you in that category.”

He couldn’t hide the…rage and shock he felt at the captain’s words. How dare he…how dare he call him unsavory? “Unsavory? My conduct yesterday? Is that how you think of me? Is that how you…see me?” The words…burned as they left his lips.

“You were talking about me like I was some conquest. That I will eventually acquiesce to your "convincing" and domination.”

A sharp stab of guilt hit him as the captain spoke. To hear it said so plainly, so callously somehow hurt. The realization of how his own words sounded hit him like a punch to his gut. He wanted to apologize, to take back the words but he refused. Pride refused to let him.

“Is that what you think of me? That I’m some conqueror?”

Kaeya laughed coldly as he shook his head. It was time someone put him in his place and make him see himself as how he presented to Kaeya.

“I think you're an arrogant fool who will manipulate others to get what he wants. I don't trust a word that comes out of your mouth. ” Kaeya said coldly, then he downed his drink. “I have no time for games or people who think I will submit to their will, that they will believe you would give them the whole world when really, Tartaglia, all you want is to destroy them so you are their whole world. You’re suffocating .”

Childe felt a sharp stab in his gut. The sheer intensity and coldness of the captain’s words cut deep. He opened his mouth to speak, but words refused to come. The captain’s words played in his mind sharp and clear. He tried to tell himself they weren’t true but some small part of him wondered if it was. If he truly was nothing but an arrogant fool, a manipulative tyrant…a possessive oppressor. He didn’t want to believe it.

Kaeya tilted his head. “Was I wrong in that assessment?”

Childe took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “You..you said I would manipulate others to get what I want and that I think others will eventually give into my will - that they will believe I will give them the world when I will destroy them so I am their whole world...”

He repeated the captain’s words to himself he couldn’t deny it no no no, he didn’t…did he take his display of assertiveness too far?

He thought back to his past relationships how they ended. He thought about his manipulation and his need to be in control…control control control. No. No…it couldn’t be true. It wasn’t.

“No. You were not…wrong in your assessment.” He choked out the words through gritted teeth. He hated how true those words were.

Kaeya smiled. “Then I'm sorry. That isn't what I'm looking for. I have long since regarded your little love confession, and willingness to marry me, as a part of your facade. Which is a shame, really. I found you quite attractive then.”
“So I thank you, for showing your true colours so early on. Though I suppose that's to be expected of someone who falls hard and falls fast.”

His words felt like daggers in his heart piercing him over and over again.

“A facade? A facade? You…you truly believe that my feelings for you are a facade?”

His voice shook as he spoke. He couldn’t believe it. To hear those words…to hear that he didn’t believe him…it hurt him more than any knife.

“Are they not? You only wish to claim me, not to love me. You made that rather apparent yesterday.”

It hurt. It hurt so much to hear those words, more than it should. His heart ached. It ached…so damn much.

“No! Please no you…you don’t understand! You don’t understand!” He was shaking. He tried to compose himself. He took a deep breath. “It’s not a facade! The feelings I have are real! It’s not a facade. It’s not! Please, please don’t say that.”

“You have such a two-faced personality it's hard to know the real you from the lies and manipulation. Had you kept your mouth shut about true love and convincing me to let you have your way, I'd have been in your bed.” Kaeya said firmly, smirking at the Harbinger wallow in the misery he created for himself. “You really toyed with both extremes, didn't you? And I think by now you know I'm smart. And a smart person would find such conduct untrustworthy, concerning, ingenuine…”

He was right. He was right! His manipulation and ingenuine conduct was the cause of this. If he had been more upfront then maybe things would be different. The guilt weighed down on him the knowledge that his own conduct was to blame. He was a fool. He had ruined everything because of his own manipulation. His own arrogance…oh gods. It hurt…it hurt so much.

 Kaeya put his glass down. “If only you were honest . If only you had more control over yourself. If only you were more aware of others.”

He despaired at the captain’s words. If only I was honest, if only I had more control over myself, if only I was more aware of others . The captain’s admonishments cut through him the sheer truth of those observations hurt more than any blade.

His fists clenched at his sides… if only he was a better man perhaps things would be different. But he can change, he can always change. He can be whoever the captain wanted him to be!

“Please,please give me a chance!” He begged the captain. “Please…I’ll prove my love for you I swear I will please ”

He felt a weight in his gut. He was a fool. He should have been more honest and upfront. He should have just told the captain about his feelings and asked him to date. No, he should have taken it slower. He should have…oh gods what had he done?

The eyes of everyone fell on the Harbinger in the room.

He realized that the other room had fallen silent. He could feel their eyes on him watching the scene. It was mortifying and humiliating.

But he put that aside. The captain’s opinion was the only one that mattered right now so he continued to plead in front of the other Fatui.

Kaeya broke the silence. “I'm here on a peace talk. I'd hope you stay focused on that.”

He realized his mistake. The peace talk. The peace talk is what mattered right now. The captain was right.

“R-right…apologies to both you and everyone here. We shall continue with the peace talks ”

He bowed his head. Gods, he was a fool. He needed to focus on the peace talks needed to just stop speaking.

“Then we're in agreement. Good night, Tartaglia.” Kaeya said as he left to go to his hotel with Albedo and the Mondstadt delegation.

The Harbinger needed a drink. He needed all the firewater he could get his hands on.

He let out a sigh as the captain left. He was in agony. He had ruined everything. He had messed up bad…really, really bad. He wanted to scream and punch things. He wanted to run and hide. Above all, he wanted to reach out and stop Kaeya from leaving him.

Kaeya turned to Albedo while they wound down for the night.

“How was I today...with the Harbinger?”

Albedo thought carefully for a moment, recalling the scene at the bar and his handling of the meeting today.

“You were calm and composed. You did not let his provocations and words get to you. You were unperturbed.” He said, with a hint of pride in his voice.

Kaeya raised a brow and broke into a grin. “Oh? Is that pride I hear, Chief Alchemist?”

Albedo let out a small chuckle. “You could say that. It is rare to see you maintain your equanimity when provoked. You have improved your control over your emotions. You’ve made remarkable improvements in handling diplomatic interactions. I am proud of you.”

“Impressed I could twist the knife a little to get the deal we wanted and not just settle?”

Albedo smiled. Yes, he was quite impressed. Kaeya had handled the diplomatic talk rather well, managing to get the terms he wanted and not settling for less.

“Yes. You were quite impressive this evening. It seems the Eleventh Harbinger can be easily manipulated.” He commented, thinking of the Harbinger’s ridiculous proposal in the meeting which revealed an obvious weakness for the captain.

Kaeya laughed. “What a fool offering a date as a bargaining chip. He made it all so easy after that.”

“Yes. I concur. It seems he was easily flustered and foolish. He made several emotional missteps.” Albedo commented, thinking of how affected Childe had become.

Kaeya agreed, however there was an issue about Childe that had him questioning what he understood of him. Or rather, what he failed to understand. How a man could switch up his personality like that, but still say he loved Kaeya and that he wanted him with such conviction was impressive, touching in a messed up sort of way, and terrifying.

“Albedo?” Kaeya started. “Do you...think he was honest about the whole love thing or do you think the arrogant, entitled attitude was more in line with who he is? Which was the act? I mean, did he try to impress me with a more domineering persona thinking I must be into that because I did not seem to respond to his softer approach earlier?”

Albedo thought carefully for a moment, recalling the scene from earlier. “I believe the arrogant, entitled attitude is more in line with who he truly is. It is likely that the Harbinger has trouble dealing with rejection. He is an opportunistic man who is likely used to getting what he wants and does not deal well with rejection.
I believe he will use both his softer and more domineering persona...depending on...who he is speaking to and what approach he thinks will work on a person.”

“Then if he is neither? If he is more...thoughtful, honest, respecting of my boundaries...would that be genuine?”

Albedo paused as he considered the question. Was Kaeya…having a change of heart?

“It is possible that he is capable of being more thoughtful and respecting other people's boundaries. However, it is also possible that he only displays those qualities to get what he wants or impress others. It is impossible to be certain of his intentions unless one sees them through his actions.” He sighed. “If he is more thoughtful and respectful...then I would take that as genuine, if and only if he shows a consistent pattern of being thoughtful, genuine and respectful.”

Kaeya agreed. “That's a very...reasonable response. Thank you.” He laughed. “I wonder if he has deceived himself to the point of not knowing who he is when it comes to relationships.”

“He may as well have deceived himself. It is likely that he is so used to using his own arrogance and manipulation to get what he wants that he has forgotten how to be authentic.” Albedo commented. “He may have convinced himself that his manipulative nature is normal and acceptable when it clearly is not.”

“I think you're right.” Kaeya shook his head. “Anyway. Did you hear me cut him down over at the bar?”

Albedo smiled, recalling Kaeya's words and confidence. “Yes, I did. Your assessment of his manipulative nature and his propensity to try to convince others to see his own facade as the truth of who he is was spot on. You cut him down with eloquence and precision.” He said, his voice admiring.

Kaeya was glad to hear that - it helped set his mind at ease as he worried he may have overstepped. But no, Childe deserved to be put in his place. “Oh…If only Diluc were here, the look on his face of his younger brother being so scathing to a Fatui Harbinger, in public too!”

“Yes, I'm sure it would be rather amusing to see Master Diluc's reaction to your scathing remarks. He would likely be proud of you too.”

Kaeya smiled. “A real shame he's never around for times he could be proud of me.” He finished off his tea. “Well, there goes another day down. Five left. We're almost there…” He rose from his seat and bowed slightly as he always does. “Goodnight, Albedo.”

Albedo nodded. “Yes, the visit is almost over. I can say with confidence that it has been productive. We’ve accomplished a lot more than we expected for this stage.” He stood up and stretched. “Good night, Kaeya. Sleep well.” He said, as he readied himself for bed.

The rest of the night was a blur. The Harbinger ordered multiple rounds of strong firewater. So much firewater. Anything to numb his pain and forget about what he had done he was a fool he messed up so bad.

The alcohol didn’t help. It didn’t numb the pain or the guilt. If anything, it amplified those feelings. Regret and guilt flooded his heart. He should have been more honest, he shouldn't have attempted to convince the captain he should have waited…oh gods he was a fool.

He drank so much firewater he eventually fell asleep at the bar. His face was pressed into the bar counter he didn’t care...he didn’t care anymore. He had screwed up so badly. He was in love and he had ruined it.

He dragged himself back into his apartment sometime in the early morning, still very very drunk. He fumbled with his keys and stumbled into his home, falling face first onto his bed without even getting undressed. 

Chapter Text

The night was a blur for Childe. He spent it drinking alone and sinking further and further into self-pity. He knew it was his own fault. He knew he had messed everything up. He had messed everything up. When morning came, Childe felt terrible. His head throbbed with each beat of his heart. His stomach writhed and twisted into knots. He had drunk so much firewater the night before. 

Memories of the previous night flooded his mind of the captain calling him untrustworthy and arrogant - he really messed up. He had ruined everything.

Feeling like absolute hell, he stumbled out of bed and managed to shower, drink some coffee and get ready for the day. He was going to be late, but he didn't have the energy to care. Not when the guilt and regret consumed him, not with the throbbing headache that made him want to vomit, not when everything was so hopeless.

The Mondstadt delegation and the Fatui delegation stared at Childe in the conference room. He looked unwell.

Childe felt like hell. Everything hurt, his head throbbed, he felt like throwing up and his eyes ached from the lights. He was in no condition to deal with anything let alone the peace negotiations, but he was a Harbinger, and he was assigned to this very task to prove himself capable as the rest. So he sat there, donning a mask of calm to cover the turmoil beneath. He had to keep it together.

“I think it's time we move to the next motion.” Albedo said, ticking off an item on his agenda. “May you please bring your motion forward, Tartaglia.”

Childe took a deep breath. His mind was fuzzy. Everything hurts. He felt sick. “Of course the next motion is in regards to military cooperation. The Fatui are willing to offer military aid in exchange for mutual military support and access to resources and equipment.”

“If I may, Chief Alchemist.” Kaeya started, before getting the go ahead from Albedo to continue. “My delegation and I are concerned about the wording of this motion. It's rather vague regarding the kinds of support you are looking for in this mutual exchange .”

Childe struggled to focus - his mind was a mess. The captain's presence and his smooth, commanding tone irritated him to no end.  “Mutual support refers to military alliances, defense pacts, assistance in military training and intelligence assistance.”

“I see.” Kaeya said, already having made his mind up and not really caring for the Fatui’s reasons. “And why would we require that of Snezhnaya? Mondstadt is a peaceful nation and as a citizen I can say it's also a rather boring nation where relatively little happens. Why should we indulge in Snezhnayan artillery to be used for supposed mutual benefit?”

Childe knew the answer - it was a ruse. The military alliances and training were merely a ploy to allow the Fatui to obtain military and intelligence secrets. To allow them to further consolidate their influence in Mondstadt, but he couldn’t say that. Not out loud. So he had to rely on his diplomatic skills…whilst still under the influence of alcohol.

“It is true that Mondstadt is at peace. However Snezhnaya has a vast and powerful military. It would be foolish to turn down such valuable military and intelligence.”

“Really? You certainly have might, but I question, relative to our own, the quality of your intelligence.”

He clenched his fists. The captain’s insult burned even more deeply with his headache. His head and stomach throbbed painfully. His eyes ached from the flickering lights but he had to remain calm. He couldn’t let his emotions make things worse. “The Fatui have an intelligence and espionage network that is unparalleled in terms of scope and ability. Your assessment is completely inaccurate.”

“I see.” Kaeya hid his smirk well, knowing he got right under his skin on that one. “Thank you. I would love to be proven wrong, Tartaglia.”

He seethed inwardly. That smirking was absolutely infuriating. Every little remark and sharp quip poked him like little needles. He was tempted to argue but he couldn’t risk it. So he had to remain calm and diplomatic. “You’re welcome, captain. I look forward to proving you wrong at some future date.”

“I look forward to this future date .” Kaeya smiled.

He seethed. His smile was unbearable. His choice of words was taunting. Childe wanted to punch something. He wanted to tear this snarky bitch limb from limb. How could he be so arrogant? Didn’t he understand how much pain he was in? And here he was taunting him - he was insufferable. Gods he loathed this man. “You’ve got some moxie, captain. I hope you can back it up.”

Kaeya raised a brow, and tilted his head in confusion. “Pardon?”

He gritted his teeth. He was losing his patience. The headache throbbed excruciatingly. The nausea made him want to vomit. His eyes ached from the flickering lights. He couldn’t take this a second longer. “Your cockiness it’s insufferable, you arrogant prick . You think you're so superior don't you?”

A Fatui diplomat coughed.

He glared at the diplomat. “Shut your mouth.” He glared at the captain. His head throbbed in pain, his stomach twisted sickly. “Are you satisfied now? I hope you’re happy with yourself. I hope you’re satisfied with your little taunt.”

Kaeya looked genuinely surprised. “I was not taunting you. I apologise for coming across that way.”

He let out a bitter laugh.

“Right you “apologize”. You’re a really good fucking liar.” He clenched his fists. “Please refrain from your little slights and jabs. I’m not in the mood today, princess.”

“Lord Harbinger…” one of Tartaglia's delegation started.

He was at the end of his rope. Everything ached, his head throbbed painfully, his stomach twisted into sickening knots. “What?! What is it?!” He snapped.

“Perhaps a break?” The diplomat suggested.

He seethed. A break? He did not have the time for it, but he could see the looks on his delegations’ faces that the break was vital. “Fine. We’ll take a break. Everyone, please excuse us for a few minutes. We will resume in fifteen minutes.” He stood up, his head throbbing and stomach churning painfully. He had to get out of there. He just needed a moment to himself.

He rushed out the room. He quickly found an unoccupied restroom and ran into a stall. He kneeled in front of the toilet and retched over it. His stomach churned into sickening knots. He couldn’t stop dry heaving.

Eventually, he had emptied his stomach of liquor and anything else he may have eaten the night before. He spat trying to rinse out the taste of stomach acid from his mouth. His head throbbed painfully and his stomach felt a bit better but still not totally settled. He sat there in the stall taking deep shaky breaths trying to catch his breath trying to catch his composure.

After a few minutes, he stood up. He flushed the toilet and washed up as best he could, trying in vain to compose himself. He splashed himself with cold water, trying to wake himself up, but his head still throbbed and his stomach still writhed. He just had to soldier on. He just had to soldier through the pain and discomfort.

He tried to compose himself. He practiced a small diplomatic smile but he only managed to produce an exhausted grimace. Well better than nothing. He stepped out of the stall and brushed his appearance and hair as best he could. He tried to make it look like he hadn’t just been puking his guts out in the restroom.

“Are you alright?”

Childe looked up. His eyes widened as he saw the captain. “I'm fine. It’s nothing.” He lied, his eyes shifting away in guilt. He knew he looked anything but fine. He looked terrible - hungover and having just thrown up, but he had an image to maintain.

“You know you can't lie to me.” Kaeya said, folding his arms.

He let out a small, cynical laugh. “It’s hard to get anything past you, Captain. I must admit, you have a talent for reading me.”

“It's quite easy. Especially when you're incapacitated.”

His eyes narrowed and the smile fell. Incapacitated . Right. He had forgotten he looked like absolute dogshit. “It's just a headache, Captain. I’m fine.”

Kaeya approached him. “Would you like for us to recommence this tomorrow?”

He stood up straighter, trying to act normal. “No, it’s fine. We will continue. It’s my job to continue besides, I have a high tolerance for pain and discomfort.”

Kaeya let off a small huff of a laugh. “Then I must be causing you a great deal of pain.”

His lips twitched. He could not allow himself to smile at the captain’s joke. “You certainly have a way of getting under my skin, Captain.”

“Of course I do. I'm a brat after all.”

He managed a small chuckle. He was supposed to be angry with the man, but this snarky humor was starting to grow on him - it was refreshing. “As if that needed to be pointed out. I can see that for myself, Captain.”

Kaeya looked him up and down.

He raised an eyebrow. “Captain, do you need something? Are you going to start another debate before the debate even resumes?”

“Hm?”

He had a feeling the captain was looking out for him. No one had looked at him like this before. No one had ever cared. It was a strange experience for him to have someone care enough to try and help him. Time to push him away! “Is there something on my face? You’re staring at me like you’re trying to figure me out.”

Kaeya gave a tight smile. “Take care of yourself. It's rather sad.”

He let off a low growl of irritation. “Do you have a problem with my drinking Captain? We Fatui don’t have “drink in moderation” down in our list of guidelines. We believe in overindulgence.”

“You're the one who brought a very unconscious and drunk me to your home. I clearly have the same philosophy.”

“So you are an advocate of overindulgence as well, Captain? How interesting. I would have thought such a thing would be beneath you.”

Kaeya laughed. “It's like you forget no, I very much enjoy overindulgence. In fact, I'm quite insatiable. But that's beside the point. Pull it together. If you can't, I'll say, I don't know, that we need to reconsider our position on Fatui intelligence and will reconvene when you're sober. Say this afternoon?”

He let off a bitter laugh. The Captain’s words hit like sharp darts straight to his ego. How dare he  insinuate he was inept, untrustworthy and unreliable. “Your concern is touching, Captain. But I assure you, I’m quite capable of performing my diplomatic duties while hung over.”

“Really? You called me a prick in the meeting.”

And he’d do it again. “That’s because you kind of are a prick and we both know you were taunting me just trying to get me riled up. Besides, that was just a small snip of banter. I’m more than capable of handling my duties.”

Kaeya snorted at that, making Childe smile unfortunately. The captain’s laugh was a very enjoyable thing to witness. “I’m glad you’re having such a good time, Captain. Maybe we should call off the rest of the negotiation so you can have even more time to laugh.”

“You're cute when you're like this.”

He wasn’t sure where he stood with the captain. One minute, he was teasing, taunting or insulting the next, he was complimenting he was looking out for him, only to then insult him again. It was confusing and interesting. “Are you trying to flirt with me, Captain?”

Kaeya stepped closer. “Is that what you think this is?”

“You’re smirking at me, calling me “cute”. I’d say that’s textbook flirting.”

Kaeya stepped even closer. “Is that so?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Yes that is so. Would you care to disprove the hypothesis?”

“Why on Teyvat would I flirt with a Fatui Harbinger?”

“You have a point, Captain, but I can’t help but notice this odd tension between us. It’s palpable. It’s the sort of tension you’d expect from two people who are attracted to one another .”

Kaeya stopped just in front of him, a little too close, less than an arm's length away.

“You're very close…”

He was suddenly nervous…he was unused to such forward flirtation and the captain was very good at it. He swallowed hard from the proximity, he was so close he could smell the sweet scent of wine and pine clinging to the captain’s clothing.

Kaeya tilted his head. “Does that bother you?”

He shook his head. Surprisingly it did not bother him in fact he found himself enjoying it, though not willing to admit it quite yet. “No, not really.”

Kaeya leant forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Childe’s eyes widened, his lips ached to turn that quick press of the captain’s lips to his cheek into something passionate. “Wh-what was that for?”

With that, Kaeya turned around and went back to the meeting leaving a very stunned Harbinger behind.

He stood there dumbfounded, a light tingle on his cheek, a fluttering in his chest longing in his aching lips. This bratty cocky captain…he was utterly intoxicating. He shook his head, trying to snap out of his daze, but he felt utterly intoxicated by the captain’s presence. His quick flirtation and everything else about him was intoxicating and addictive.

Fuck, that irritating captain and his ability to override his brain! Right. He had to pull himself together - focus, focus! He could do this,he could focus, he knew he could. 

The delegation waited patiently for the Harbinger's return. Everyone at this point knew the man was under the influence. Kaeya whispered in Sucroses’ ear for the potion she kept in her pockets for their after work drinks to prevent (Kaeya’s) hangovers. She handed one to him under the table which he pocketed graciously.

Finally, the Great Tartaglia, managed to pull himself together and walk back into the meeting room. He forced a diplomatically pleasant smile onto his face and sat back down, trying not to look at the captain opposite him. He hoped to the Tsaritsa, Kaeya would not pull any more stunts right now.

Albedo spoke. “Thank you for joining us again, Tartaglia.”

He nodded and forced a professional smile onto his face. “Of course my apologies, I had to take a ”break”.” He did not want to mention he had puked his guts out only a few minutes earlier.

“Not a problem.” Albedo acknowledged. “Now, if we can all turn to Page 17 and observe item 8C it becomes clear that there is room for further-”

The meeting proceeded for some time, until a diplomat rushed into the room and was immediately at Tartaglia's ear.

“Lord Harbinger, there has been a situation.” she whispered.

He raised an eyebrow. A situation. Just great. He felt his gastrointestinal tract twist sickeningly. What now? “Oh? What sort of situation?”

“Respectfully.” Albedo said. “This is a peace talk. Whatever the Fatui diplomat has to say should be spoken openly, wouldn't you agree, Tartaglia?”

He felt the captain’s gaze on him he..let off an irritated sigh. He was not looking forward to this. “Of course. Go ahead. Tell us what this situation is.”

The diplomat's eyes widened and she looked between the Harbinger and the Knights of Favonius. “Uh um are you sure?”

He raised an eyebrow. The diplomat’s hesitancy was beginning to unsettle him and make him nervous. He did not like having this meeting disrupted. “I don’t see why not. Out with it.”

“O-okay.” She turned to the delegation. “There has been an incident in Dragonspine. An avalanche had occurred and several Fatui have been killed; they were on Mondstadt soil. These were your men that you directed there earlier this week, Lord Harbinger.”

His heart dropped. Oh no not this. Not now. He felt  the eyes of the Mondstatians on him. He felt the bile rise in his throat. He let off a low growl of irritation. He knew this had the potential to derail the negotiations. But he kept going, forcing professionalism. “My deepest condolences. I wasn’t aware of this.”

“What?!” Kaeya shouted.

Albedo slammed his palms on the table and shot out of his seat. “What is the meaning of this? What were Fatui doing within our borders on Dragonspine?”

He took a breath. If this derailed the negotiations he was going to get an earful from his superiors and face serious discipline. “I sent a squad to Dragonspine to investigate the area.” He knew this was a very weak excuse but he couldn’t very well tell them the truth.

“So you violated the borders agreement?” Kaeya spoke sternly and accusatively. “Right before the peace negotiations?”

He rolled his eyes at the captain’s inference. He couldn’t say why the Fatui were there. “Listen, Captain. Let’s forget about this “border agreement” and forget about me sending a squad to Dragonspine. This is petty nonsense. The issue right now is that there’s been a horrible incident and people have been killed. That is the more pressing issue.”

“Those people would not have been killed if they were within their own borders. We send out avalanche warnings, but we can't do that to people who are unauthorised!” Albedo stated

Childe groaned and massaged his temples. The negotiations were already going downhill and he just wanted this to end. “I am aware of the avalanche warnings and we believed it would have been safe. I reiterate: my squad was only there to investigate the area.”

“It is highly suspect why they were even there.” Albedo grabbed his file. “I suggest we put further progress on the peace talks aside for now while the investigation is being completed. We will recommence these negotiations once we have answers to prevent such tragedies.”

This was not going well. He knew he needed to get the negotiations back on track. He knew if he failed there would be consequences. He knew he had to persuade these people to continue the negotiations. “Now wait just a minute. It’s entirely possible this was an accident. My squad was not engaging in any destructive behaviors. They were there for reconnaissance only.”

“Reconnaissance?” Albedo turned to Kaeya. “Captain, were you aware of this?”

Kaeya frowned at the Harbinger. “No. I was not informed.”

He glowered at the captain. Seriously. Did the captain really need to make this more complicated? He tried to keep his professional smile. “There’s no rule that says I have to inform you of covert reconnaissance missions, Captain. This was a classified mission.”

“If it's within Mondstadt borders, you absolutely must inform me.” Kaeya stood. “This meeting is done. As the Chief Alchemist had said, the Mondstadt delegation will recommence these talks once the investigation is complete. Thank you for your time today.”

Childe could not believe his ears. The meeting was done. He let off a low groan. His superiors were bound to reprimand him. He swayed slightly, his head spinning. “Right. Good day Captain. Good day Chief Alchemist.” He gave a stiff bow and stormed out. He felt nauseous, his stomach in tangles, his head throbbing.

He stormed down the hallway, his thoughts swimming. He couldn’t believe the negotiation had gone so incredibly wrong. All that work, all that preparation gone to waste. He would be facing some serious scrutiny when he informed his superiors the negotiations had failed. And all because of some stupid accident. He felt queasy, the alcohol from last night doing a number on him.

Kaeya was in the hallway speaking in hushed tones with a Knight of Favonius investigator. He stopped and growled. The captain . He had a lot of anger at this captain building within him - this whole situation was his fault. Why did he feel the need to interfere in everything? Childe leaned against the wall and listened in on the conversation.

“…stolen alchemical notes? That's curious…Have you informed Albedo?”

He furrowed his eyebrows. He had a strange feeling the incident on Dragonspine and the stolen alchemical notes were connected.

“I wonder why the Fatui would even want Albedo's scribbles…Anyway, best we don't talk here. Zapolyarny Palace has ears all over.”

He smiled slightly. Kaeya was correct. He was still somewhat fond of the captain’s sharp perception even though the captain was being an absolute brat now. He stood there staring at Kaeya trying not to remember the soft feel of the captain’s lips on his cheek.

“Are you going to hide there and listen in on my conversations?”

He gave an innocent smile. “Of course. You should know the Fatui have ears everywhere.” He pushed off the wall and stepped closer.

Kaeya frowned at him.

He gave a mockingly innocent smile as he stopped in front of Kaeya. “What’s the matter? Feeling a little annoyed?”

“You've really cocked up everything, haven't you?”

Well that made him start glaring again. “And you are not making it any better, Captain, with your insistence on sticking your nose into everything.”

“Spare me. It is my business to know these things.”

He gave an acidic smile and mocked the captain. “Oh yes, because you’re “Captain of the Knights of Favonius”? That’s such a noble profession.”

Kaeya sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need to clear up this mess.”

“And how do you propose we do that? You know the negotiations have been put on hold until we figure out what happened on Dragonspine.”

“You can keep pretending that you know nothing.”

He narrowed his eyes at the captain. “And I’m sure you’ll be making it very difficult for me to accomplish that.” He stepped even closer to the captain making Kaeya's frown deepen which had Childe smirking. “Why so cranky, Captain? Isn’t this more exciting for you? Wouldn’t investigating the “insidious Fatui” be more enjoyable for you than sitting in boring “negotiations”?”

Kaeya scoffed. “Very well then. You're helping me. Your office, now.”

He raised an eyebrow. The bratty captain was demanding an invite into his office? “And if I don’t?” He kept up his taunting smile.

Kaeya smirked - which is a very dangerous sign Childe was beginning to understand. “I would love to send someone to update Signora on today, but I'm feeling kind. Should you help me?”

His eyes narrowed. Yes, well…Signora would be furious with him if she knew what he had done. He could just imagine it. He took a breath. “Fine, what do you need my help with?”

“They were your people. You should know why they were there.”

He gave an irritated groan. How naïve was the captain? “That information is classified, Captain. I am not at liberty to discuss such matters.”

“Oh? Then you'd rather we drag this out? We'll find out eventually.”

He clenched his hands. The captain was a real headache. “Fine, Captain. Let’s get this over with.” He gave a forced smile and walked past the captain. He knew this was not going to be pleasant.

Kaeya followed on his heels to Tartaglia's office.

He stomped through the hallway and reached his office. He glared at the captain before sending a mocking smile and gesturing for the captain to enter the office.

Kaeya nodded in acknowledgement of such kindness and entered the stately looking office

He glowered at the captain as he sat at his chair and poured himself a drink. The captain really did make him exasperated. But there was something irritatingly alluring about him as well. He took a sip of his drink and gestured for the captain to take a seat.

Kaeya sat down and looked at the bookshelf. “Have you read any of them?”

He let off an exasperated groan and pinched his nose. Oh wonderful. The captain was trying to make idle chit chat. “Obviously I have. Otherwise I would not have placed them there.”

“I don't bother reading half of mine.” he mused, taking in the motley of books which…included children’s story books? How sweet. “I spend too much of my time taunting men.”

“Oh really?” He let off a teasing smile. “Too busy taunting me?”

Kaeya smirked at him and shrugged in mock care. “Ahh…imagine all the reading I'd get done if we never met.”

He gave the captain a flirtatious smile. “Oh how you break my heart, Captain. Are you saying you wish you never met me?”

“You make good eye-candy for dull meetings.”

“Only eye-candy? I’m offended, captain.” He took a sip of his drink, the alcohol warming his stomach.

“Well the words you say have been undiplomatic.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And you make for such a  “diplomatic” interlocutor as well.” He couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. The captain was a real piece of work.

Kaeya looked at his glass. “Should I get you some water instead?”

He frowned at that. Was the captain trying to insult him just now? “What exactly are you implying by that question, Captain?”

“You're going to give yourself a terrible headache.” The captain pulled out a vial of a brackish looking fluid. “Here. This is a hangover cure. Sucrose made it. It should help you sober up and get rid of that awful alcohol poisoning of yours.”

Childe blinked. “You’re concerned about me? I’m flattered. Truly.” He took the vial and drank its contents, washing it down with another large gulp of his drink. At this point, it could have been straight poison and he wouldn’t have given a shit - anything to help him put up with this hangover and dealing with Kaeya was going to be something of a cure.

“Only because I feel partly responsible.” 

“Oh do you now?” Childe chuckled, the captain was such a brat. “Would you care to explain why you would feel “responsible” for my potential headache?”

“I cut you down quite severely yesterday.”

He replied through clenched teeth. “I suppose you did, didn’t you? You do seem fond of cutting me down .”

“Forgive me. I had a man who was flitting between declarations of love and wanting to make me into one of his possessions that he is obsessive over who was awfully persistent about knowing what I wanted.”

He raised an eyebrow. Now that was rather interesting. It was so easy to provoke the captain. “Really now? And who is this love-sick individual?” He asked as he took another drink.

“Why you of course.”

He narrowed his eyes at the bastard. “Are you accusing me of being love-sick?” He frowned and clenched his teeth together.

“Are you refuting saying the things you did?”

He let off a low chuckle and strained smile. He glowered at the captain and mocked him. “Of course I’d never “refute” that I’ve made my “declarations”. But I deny that I’m “love-sick”. He took another long drink.”

“Is that why you're drinking?”

He blinked and glowered at the captain. “No. I am drinking because I am dealing with you. You are a headache. A miserable brat. A pain in my ass. You are really unpleasant.”

“And yet you blush whenever I'm close.”

He stared down at his glass, a flirtatious smile curling up on his lips. “You’ve been watching me closely? You can tell I blush? I wasn’t aware you were paying such close attention, Captain.”

“So you admit you find me attractive.” Childe smirked and raised an eyebrow. He gave the captain a flirtatious smile and sipped his drink. He loved how irritating the captain got.

“I'm not saying that, but rather, perhaps I find myself attractive?” Kaeya sighed. “I've rebuffed every time you asked me if I found you attractive.” 

He let off a bitter groan. The captain was such a brat. “Do you expect me to believe that? Do you really think you’re more attractive than me?”

“Of course.” Kaeya laughed

“You have such a high opinion of yourself.” He gave a mocking smile and sat back against his chair.

“I can get under your skin and remain calm. I can rile you up so easily. The most attractive thing about you is how fun you are to tease.” Kaeya leant forward. “You talk big about using whatever means necessary, physical means even, to get me to love you. And yet, while I should be scared, I think you've sorely misplaced who would win at this.”

He narrowed his eyes at the captain. Such a brat. A cocky little brat. He put his drink down and stood up and stalked over  the captain. “You think you can “win” against me do you?”

Kaeya's eye was half-lidded and he licked his lips as he looked the Harbinger up and down. “Yes.”

He stopped right in front of the captain. His eyes locked on to the captain’s eyepatch. He wanted to know what lay underneath. “And what would you do to me if you "win"?"

Kaeya smirked. “Well, that is the big question isn't it?”

He raised an eyebrow. The bratty captain was being awfully coy right now for how forward he was usually. He reached out and gripped the captain’s chin, pulling him closer.

He stared deeply into the captain’s eye, his gaze locking on to the eye-patch again. He slowly traced his fingers over the eyepatch. “May I?”

Kaeya grabbed his wrist.

He chuckled. “Is that a “no”?”

The grip tightened making Childe wince, but that cocky grin never left the Fatuus’ face. “And if I pull off your eye-patch anyways..?”

In a flash, Kaeya twisted Tartaglia's arm and slammed him, face first, onto his desk with a loud bang. He leaned forward, shifting his weight to bear down onto the Harbinger, pinning him onto the desk without a chance of escape. The Cavalry Captain was not to be trifled with, especially not by overzealous fools.

Chapter Text

As soon as it came, the sweetness vanished. Kaeya's grip around his wrist tightened and in a flash he had Childe’s arm twisted behind his back as he slammed the Harbinger face first onto his desk.

Childe grunted, pain shot up his shoulder as the captain twisted his arm behind his back, feeling the captain’s hand gripping tightly around his wrist. Kaeya held him firmly in place, pushing him down onto hard wood with his body. Childe couldn’t move, the captain had him firmly pinned in, and the feeling of being so completely under the captain’s control was surprisingly…good…really damn good .

“Damn it.” He muttered, his breath coming in gasps as he struggled against the captain’s grip and his own embarrassingly growing arousal.

“What's wrong, Harbinger?” Kaeya said as he leant close to his ear. His free hand trailed down Childe's hip and to the buckle of his belt. “Feeling flustered?”

Childe's soon tingled at the captain's breath, ghosting over his ear. Despite his best efforts to remain calm under Kaeya’s touch, his body responded enthusiastically. 

“Fuck you.” He muttered, his voice coming out strained and breathless.

“You can tell me to stop any time.” Kaeya hummed swiftly undoing Childe's trousers. “But I have a feeling you won't.”

Childe was helpless, his body already starting to respond to the captain’s touch and proximity. His breathing was coming out in ragged gasps, his body already alight and his mind started to cloud over with lust. Kaeya was winning this ‘game’ of theirs, and he couldn’t bring himself to tell the captain to stop. 

No. He was enjoying this too much. “Fuck you.” Childe managed to get out between ragged breaths.

“Hmm you should work on your vocabulary.” Kaeya teased, his fingers tracing the thick bulge through the underwear. “Seems someone's excited.”

Childe groaned as the captain’s fingers traced his arousal. Those teasing words with that teasing touch was itching a part of his brain that made him uncomfortable with himself. He protested, his words coming out in a strangled moan lacking any heat. “Stop teasing me…”

Kaeya pulled Childe’s cock out of its confines and wrapped his warm hand around him. “Mmm I do love a thick boy.”

Childe banged his head down onto his desk and groaned. The captain was really winning this game now with his continued teasing. He moaned long and low, his body arching against the captain’s touch. “Stop teasing me." He managed to gasp out, his mind clouded with desire and need.

“Do you want to know why I love them girthy?” Kaeya murmured into his ear as he stroked him slowly with a nice, firm grip.

“Hmm, why?” Childe asked, his ego sufficiently stroked by the captain’s praise, his mind now clouded with need and desire rendering him unable to think clearly.

Kaeya chuckled demurely and said softly, “So I can feel it the next day…”

Childe let out a shuddering breath as the captain’s words washed over him, his mind filled with lurid images. Kaeya’s words were driving him absolutely insane, and yet he craved hearing more as he arched into his touch.

Kaeya's hand moved a little faster, his thumb rubbing against the sensitive underside. “Every time I sit, stand up, walk…always there as a reminder of the man I've been with.”

Childe moaned, his body aching to buck into the grip as the captain increased the speed and pressure of his touch. “Mmm, you…fuck, that feels so good.” He said huskily, his breath now coming out in ragged pants. The captain was winning their game, and he was losing his mind under his touch.

Kaeya could sense Childe was close with the amount of fluid dripping from his tip that slickened his strokes. He squeezed harder, pushing the sensitive head through his tight fist. He pressed a kiss to his neck, gentle and soft unlike the rapid confident strokes below. 

“I know you want to so badly push me down on your desk and have your way with the Cavalry Captain.” Kaeya teased, making the Harbinger moan in his throat, his body arching off the table again, fighting for more pleasure as the captain’s hand continued to stroke him at a measured pace.

Childe felt himself draw closer to the edge, his breath coming out in ragged gasps as the captain’s touch drove him crazy with pleasure and need. His mind was clouded with desire and pleasure and his breath hitched as Kaeya tightened his grip, his body trembling again as the pleasure grew more and more intense.

“So close…so close…” He managed between broken moans.

Kaeya smirked and held the man close against him. “Come on, Harbinger. Tell me how you really feel about me.”

“Fuck you…” Childe snapped, his voice shaky and strained. “You’re so aggravating and..annoying and…yet I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Is that all?” Kaeya asked, squeezing tighter. “One moment you're in love, the next you want to own me like a sex doll, then you want to throttle me. So what is it? How do you actually feel?”

Childe moaned, his mind hazy with a mixture of lust and something else, something he wasn’t quite willing to admit even to himself.

“It’s complicated.” He whined, his words coming out in ragged breaths as he tried to gather his thoughts. “I-I don’t know how to explain it. I just can’t stop thinking about you and I...I want you so bad.”

“You want me? In what way?” Kaeya kissed his neck, his strokes long and twisting.

Childe’s breaths stuttered at the captain’s lips pressing against his neck. “Yes I want you. I want you so much- I don’t know why I can’t explain it!” He gasped out, his voice strained as the pleasure continued to grow in intensity under the captain’s touch.

“So how do you feel? Did you lie when you said you fell for me? Or when you said you want to destroy me?” Kaeya probed, trying to get some semblance of the Harbinger’s true feelings out of him.

Childe snarled as the captain’s words cut through him. Kaeya was forcing him to confront his own feelings, feelings he hadn’t been willing to admit to himself despite how forthcoming he had been with them earlier. “No I didn’t lie. I, dammit…I don’t know how to explain it. I feel all these things- all these contradictory things. I want to own you, I want to destroy you and I want you so much.”

“So how do you feel then? What’s fueling such foolishness and manipulation, hm?” Kaeya teased, thumbing the leaky tip.

Childe whimpered as he teased the sensitive tip,  shivering while resisting to thrust into that hand. “I don’t know I can’t…damn it, you’re really good at this.” His breath coming out in ragged pants as he struggled to find the words to express his feelings. “What…what the fuck do you want me to say?” He said, his sounding strained and desperate.

“I want you to stop cursing and tell me how you actually feel.”Kaeya wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily.

As there Harbinger's frustration grew with the captain’s insistence, Childe found himself unable to deny that he found his determination and domination attractive.  “Fine, how do I feel? I...I don’t know! I feel like a fucking mess." He took a ragged breath, struggling to find the words to express his feelings. “You drive me crazy. I don’t understand why I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re so fucking stubborn and infuriating and yet I want you. I want you so fucking much.” He couldn’t help but admit, his voice coming out in a frustrated, embarrassed rush.

It was hard enough for Childe to express his feelings, and now he was laying himself bare to Kaeya as the man interrogated him with his touch. “I can’t think straight around you. I can’t focus on anything when you’re around. I just want you so badly. It’s- it’s embarrassing how much I want you.” He paused and gave a shaky laugh. “Fuck captain…you’ve got me in your hands and you know it. You drive me crazy, and I hate it, but I like it. I like being at your mercy. I can't help myself and I hate it and I love it and I-.” He swore, his body trembling under the weight of his vulnerability and Kaeya’s hand. “I’m on edge whenever I’m around you. I…I don’t know what to do with myself. I don’t know how to handle this. Everything I feel is contradictory and confusing and-” He groaned as the captain’s hand squeezed him harder, sending a shiver down his spine. “-And they’re consuming my mind…my body…all of me. I can’t think about anything else. I can’t concentrate. I can’t work. I just…I just want you, I need you and I hate that I love it.”

Childe felt more vulnerable and exposed than he had in a long time, and yet there was a freedom in letting his feelings pour out uncontrollably. “You have a control over me - a power over me that I can’t resist. You make me vulnerable and weak and yet I’m attracted to it. I…I’m completely at your mercy but I also- ahhhh.”

He cried out under the twisting strokes of Kaeya’s tightening fist. “And why is that? Hm?” The captain whispered, kissing his cheek. “What has gotten the Eleventh Harbinger wanting a captain of the Knights of Favonius so badly?”

Childe inhaled sharply, the conflicting touch of a tender kiss and a painful, yet pleasant stroke melting his emotional defenses. “Damn…I don’t know it’s just- you're so…so infuriatingly attractive. You’re stubborn and independent and I just can’t get you out of my head.”

“Say it come on, stop skirting around it and trying to over rationalize it.” Kaeya teased, seeking out that final shred of confirmation.

Childe whined, wanting the pleasurable torture to stop - wanting so hard to buck into that hand, but he couldn’t - the interrogation scratched a deep itch he didn’t know he had. “I…I'm attracted to you. Completely and utterly and I can't help it, it drives me crazy. I…I want you so bad like I've never wanted anyone else before.”

“Just attracted?”

Childe knew what he was feeling was more than just mere attraction, but admitting it out loud, after what happened last night was cruel. Still, he surrendered to Kaeya - his will losing to feel his lips against his skin once more. “No, not just attracted, it's…it's more than that. You make me feel things I've never felt before with anyone else. Ahh…fuck…you make me vulnerable and exposed but at the same time I feel safe with you. I feel like I can let go and be myself. I…can't explain it-it-it just feels right and g-good to be with you.” He trailed off, his voice growing quieter as he slipped deeper into the abyss of his feelings. “I feel like I can trust you, and that you care about me. I don't understand it. I don't know how it happened but I just can't stop thinking about you. I can't stop wanting you. I need you.”

There was a growing desperation in Childe’s voice, an insight into his longing. He shook his head, feeling ashamed at what he saw in himself - of his imminent surrender, of his loss in the battle. He couldn’t admit to it - if he did it would make it too real. “Please don't make me say it please I don't I don't know how to say it. It's too hard but I know I would do anything for you, anything you ask of me. I hate this, I hate feeling so vulnerable.” He closed his eyes, the onslaught of his emotions and the pleasure Kaeya gave threatened to overwhelm his defenses. “Please…please don't make me say more please I don't know how to put it into words, please.”

“Try.” Kaeya said assertively, his grip on Childe’s cock tightening as he stilled his hand, holding him on a dangerous cusp of release.

Childe keened, wanting to beg and plead, rip the man’s hand off and throw him on the table. He gave a shaky laugh - who was he kidding? He lost the battle the minute he laid eyes on him.

“Fuck, fine. I'll try, just don't laugh at me, okay?” he said softly, the tension in his mind easing as the welcome of surrender was too sweet.

“I won't. I promise.” Kaeya said, laxing his grip a little as he listened.

“Okay okay here goes…” With a deep breath, he let himself fall, submerging himself in the pits of an unknown, pushing himself onto a dangerous, self-destructive path and submitting to whatever pain it will bring. “Kaeya…you make me feel like I'm falling, like I'm losing control…like I'm sinking backwards into an abyss and I don't know how to stop myself from drowning in you. You drown me in your presence, you make me powerless and completely at your mercy…but I don't mind it in fact…” He laid his cheek down onto the wood as his body relaxed against his desk, losing the last tendrils of resistance. “...in fact, I crave it. I crave being at your mercy. I crave feeling like I'm completely yours, like I belong to you, like you own me.” Childe’s voice grew softer and he closed his eyes, focusing on that feeling that consumed him. “And I hate it. I hate feeling like I’m not in control, that I’m…surrendering. I can't deny it though. I'm completely addicted to you - the way you make me feel…your touch…your words. I’m addicted to everything about you.” 

Childe paused - the depths of his feelings revealing their final verdict in perfect clarity. “I'm in love with you.”

Kaeya gave a pleased hum and nuzzled Childe’s neck.  He picked up the pace again, stroking the Harbinger just how he liked it as he draped over his back and held him close. Childe bit back a moan at the captain's touch, his breath coming in sharper as pleasure coursed through him. “Mmm…yes, Kaeya…like that, don't stop please…”

Childe was drawn closer to the edge - Kaeya’s strokes picking up in intensity, driving him crazy with a burning need for release punctuated by his overwhelming revelation. He couldn’t hold back his groans and gasps, he was too far gone to care about his reputation. “So…so close. Don't stop, please…please..”

Kaeya leaned forward and whispered low in his ear, his breath sending a tingle down Childe’s spine. “Come for me, Harbinger.”

“Yes. So close, baby.” He whined, relief was so near. “Please…please almost there.” He begged desperately, his body burning, his mind lost to the yearning for the captain's love.

Kaeya firmed his grip and stroked him faster, his hand slick with Childe’s desire. He could feel the man’s cock throbbing in his fist, aching for release. “Mmm, you're so hot, Tartaglia.”

Those words of approval sent Childe careening over the edge. “I’m…I'm ahhhhhhh!” He came hard with a broken cry, his body tensing violently as he unleashed his release into Kaeya’s palm and spilled over the back of his fingers. He moaned and panted through every spurt of his shuddering climax.

He lay there for several moments, panting and trembling as he tried to catch his breath and come back to senses. Boneless and weak, he let out a shaky laugh as the pleasure settled into a burst of warmth through him leaving a satisfied hum of content bliss.  "I love you. With all of my heart. I could not have any one more dear to me. You're the first thing I think of each morning and the last thing on my mind every time I close my eyes."

Childe hummed softly as Kaeya kissed his temple and nuzzled into his hair. Utterly relaxed, he couldn't seem to summon the energy to move. With a satisfied sigh he allowed himself to feel comforted in Kaeya’s brief embrace, his eyes drifting closed. “..That was intense.”

“Hmm.” Kaeya removed himself from Childe’s back and sat on the desk like a pretty desk ornament. He stroked the Harbinger's hair. “Feeling better?”

Childe leaned into the captain’s touch. “Mmm, yes much better. I…I didn't know I needed that so badly.”

Kaeya laughed softly. “What? You've never confessed to loving someone in the middle of them jerking you off before?”

Childe snorted, then groaned in embarrassment as the captain's words sunk in. He felt a blush coming on as he recalled confessing his feelings in the heat of the moment. “Mmm, no I haven't. It was a first for me...A bit embarrassing, I must admit.”

Kaeya smiled, satisfied that he finally got a straight answer out of the man. “Don't be embarrassed. It helps me understand you better.”

“Really? You're not put off by my admission? I know it's a bit intense to confess my feelings in the middle of…well, you know.”

Kaeya looked at him tenderly, a growing fondness for the man beginning to take root again.He patted him on the back. “Come on, you can’t be comfortable down there on the desk.”

Sprawled out on his desk, Childe nodded, not really wanting to get up, however the loss of Kaeya’s touch motivated him to. “Yeah…you're right I should probably get up.”

Kaeya giggled and kicked his feet adorably as he sat on the Harbinger’s desk watching the man sway as he tried to stand, and taking in sight of the aftermath of his ‘interrogation’. Childe clumsily tucked himself back into his pants and zipped up, seeing the captain go from being so dominant and bratty to..well, this. 

 “What, you find this amusing, do you?” He joked lightly as he stretched his limbs.

“A little, yeah.”

Childe rolled his eyes. “Well, I suppose it is a bit funny when you think about it. Confessing your feelings in the middle of that isn’t your typical Tuesday activity.” he chuckled.

“Do you have anything for…?” Kaeya held up his hand that had taken all of Childe's spend.

Childe flushed with embarrassment as the captain held up his hand, still slick with his release. He quickly rummaged through his pockets. “Yeah I have a cloth here.” He handed the captain a red handkerchief from his jacket pocket.

Kaeya raised a brow. “This a regular thing for you?” He asked, looking inquisitively at the cloth.

Childe chuckled. “No, no it's not a regular thing. I carry it around just in case you know, in case I well, in case I need it…for um blood…and stuff…” He trailed off as he pondered the situation more. Archons…he must have looked like a mess, sprawled out on the desk with his pants around his ankles getting a handjob from the captain.

“Ahh, of course for wiping the blood off your hands doing Harbinger things, right?” Kaeya teased wiping his hands.

Childe snapped out of his doom thinking. “Mmm yes exactly for wiping the blood off my hands.” He chuckled, feeling a bit relieved that the captain wasn't making a big deal out of his indiscretion. He knew how awkward and embarrassing things could get when- “You're not going to tell anyone about this, right?”

“Of course not, loverboy.” Kaeya said dramatically, batting his eyelashes at him. 

Childe snorted. “Loverboy, huh? You think you're funny, don't you?”

Kaeya handed him back the cloth. Childe chuckled as he took the cloth back from the captain - seeing the evidence of his indiscretion staining the fabric made him swallow a nervous lump in his throat. “Th-thanks, I’m sorry about this, I guess I got a bit carried away.”

“Carried away?” Kaeya tilted his head. “Is that not how you feel?”

Childe bit his lip - he could deny it, maybe he should. But the way the pretty captain was looking at him…the man could see a lie from a mile away regardless. “No, no it is how I feel. Completely and utterly.” 

Kaeya blinked. “So you're actually…you have- you're in…”

Childe’s heart pounded as the captain's words hung in the air. “Yes, I am completely and utterly in love with you.” He let out a shaky exhale, his eyes fixed on Kaeya, waiting to see how he would react to his confession.

Kaeya simply smiled. Childe was weak to that smile, but he stopped himself. He couldn't quite read the captain's expression, nor tell if his words had been well-received. “Is…is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

The captain frowned slightly. “Why would it be a bad thing?”

Childe chuckled softly, feeling insecure and shrugged. “I don't know I guess…I guess I just wasn't sure if you felt the same way.”

Kaeya didn’t. He really didn’t. So what - the Harbinger confessed to liking him? He was a giant tool the day before and until he got to know him better he wasn’t falling for him. Regardless, he wasn’t going to say that to the Fatui Harbinger who just poured his heart out under ‘duress’. Kaeya was many things, but cruel wasn’t one of them. Instead, he pulled Childe into a hug and didn’t respond.

Childe sighed in relief. He wrapped his arms around the Kaeya's waist and buried his face in his shoulder, breathing in his scent and soaking in the comfort of his embrace. He closed his eyes and enjoyed being held by the captain, feeling safe and secure in his arms. “This is nice being able to hold you like this.” He spoke softly, his words muffled against the captain's shoulder. 

He could feel the captain's breath against his hair, and he could smell the faint scent of his skin. It was a comforting and soothing sensation, and he felt himself finally beginning to relax.

“You like when we're not fighting?” Kaeya murmured.

Childe chuckled softly. “Mmm yes…yes I do. This feels much better than fighting.” He pressed a kiss to Kaeya’s shoulder. “But don’t get me wrong, I enjoy our fights. They have their own charm, I suppose.” His little quip earned him an exasperated laugh.

“So…What do you want to do now?” Kaeya asked, uncertain how far the Harbinger wanted to take this. However he had to admit, the man was surprisingly tender and he’d be lying if he said the man’s words didn’t touch him at least a little.

Childe pulled back from the hug just enough to look up at the captain. He was struck again by how handsome the captain was, his features lit by the warm glow of the desk lamp. “Hmm…I want to spend more time like this just being here with you holding you…I like being close to you.”

Kaeya checked the clock. “I have about ten minutes until a meeting with Albedo, all thanks to you brilliantly cocking up with Dragonspine.”

Childe groaned softly, his eyes flickering to the clock on the wall. He didn't want to move, didn't want anything to disrupt the peace and closeness they had cultivated in this moment. “That’s all? Seems like not enough time.”

Kaeya smiled softly - okay, so maybe Childe’s addiction to him was kind of adorable. “And after work?”

The Harbinger perked up at the captain's question, hope flickering in his eyes. “After work? Well, my schedule is clear, is yours?”

Kaeya shrugged. “I have dinner with the Mondstadt delegation, but I can be persuaded to be absent....”

Childe grinned, excitement brewing at the thought of spending more time with his favorite knight. He wrapped his arms more tightly around the captain's waist, pulling him closer. “In that case, what do you say you ditch the dinner?”

Kaeya chuckled. “Oh? And do what, Lord Harbinger?”

Childe’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Oh I can think of a few things, captain...” 

Kaeya shook his head and tutted in amusement. “I completely drained you. You're going to need more than a few hours to recharge.”

Childe scoffed, knowing that he was right. ”Yeah…you're right, I might need a bit of time to recharge, especially with you drawing out everything I had…So let’s hold off on anything too intense, for now. Until I've had a chance to rest and recover, that is.”

“And what should we do instead?” Kaeya probed, wondering if the man had more in store for him than just sex.

“How about we spend some time together, maybe talk and relax, you know? Just a chill night in?” 

Kaeya raised a brow. “That’s the best you’ve got? You know...that dinner with the delegation was going to be at a really nice place. I’m not sure spending my evening with you is going to be worth it.”

Childe raised a brow at the captain. “Oh, really? What kind of place are we talking about here?”

“The upscale Fontainian one just across from the palace with the 10 course menu.”

Childe let out a low whistle. “Sounds fancy…and expensive.”

“Mhm and I'm going to give that up for what…chatting with you?”

“Hmm…I guess I'll have to come up with something better than chatting, huh? I can't just ask you to give up a fancy 10-course meal just for my company.”

“Seems like a bad trade.”

Childe laughed softly, unable to suppress the cheeky grin on his face. “Mmm yeah, it does seem like a bad trade, doesn't it? A fancy 10-course meal versus spending some time with me is not exactly a fair deal.” He leaned in closer to the captain as he continued to tease him. “You’re right, you deserve something more…like a night out? Hm? Is that what you want, baby? For me to ask you out to dinner? Like a real date?”

“Well, you can't confess to being in love with me and then treat me like a fling.” Kaeya challenged. “Unless you want me to think you didn’t mean it?”

“You're right, you're right. I was just teasing you. So, let me try this again. ” He took a deep breath and looked him in the eye with sincerity. “Kaeya, would you…would you like to go out to dinner with me? Like on a real date?”

Kaeya brought his arms up from Childe’s chest to drape around his neck, the act bringing a smile to the Harbinger’s face. “Where to?”

“Somewhere fancy with good food and a good atmosphere, you know? Maybe that Fontainian place your team is going to?”

“Oh? Can you get a booking on such short notice? Not to mention…with the Monstadt delegation there…Childe…did you want to show us off?” Kaeya asked, not entirely sure this man thought anything through. He was brash, quick to action, and yet spontaneity seemed to always work out well for him. 

Childe chuckled softly, feeling mischievous. “Yeah, they don't take walk-ins, normally but I have a feeling they'll make an exception for us, especially after some proper persuasion.” He winked. “And as for being seen by the delegation well, that's just a bonus, captain. What, are you afraid people will talk?”

Kaeya rolled his eye at him. “No. You made it quite clear to Albedo the other day how obsessed you are about me. What harm’s a little dinner going to do?”

Childe groaned at the reminder. He knew that he had been a bit intense in the moment, perhaps a touch too possessive, obsessed and desperate for his captain. “I suppose I did, but that's because I’m in love with you.” He grinned. “Besides, can you blame me for wanting to show you off, though? Just look at yourself.”

This man…Kaeya thought, giving him an exasperated expression. “Alright then after work, I'll go get dressed. I expect you to look nice too.”

Childe chuckled, a playful smirk on his face. “Oh, don't worry, I'll clean up real nice for you. I'll make sure I look my best. I have a reputation to maintain, after all…And speaking of dressing up, care to give me a hint of what you'll be wearing, captain?”

Kaeya snorted. “Very classy, Childe…White suit, and expect a few buttons to be loose because,” he points to the chest window of his uniform. “It would be a shame to hide this, no?”

Childe bit his lip, his mind conjuring up an image of Kaeya looking sharp in his white suit with just enough buttons undone to give an enticing glimpse of his chest. “Captain…now you're just teasing me.”

“Come on, Childe. Me without my chest exposed? Is it even me anymore?” Kaeya joked.

Childe chuckled softly, his eyes trailing over the captain's chest, lingering on the open window of his shirt. “Mmm yeah, you're right I can't imagine you any other way.” He reached out and let his fingers brush lightly over the captain's chest…now what would it be like to slowly undo his buttons and reveal more and more of the captain's skin? “I can't wait to see you in that suit.”

Kaeya smirked and started to head over to the door. “Well, then let's get to work and see the rest of this day through.”

Childe shook away his thoughts and tried to focus on the task at hand. “You're right let's get this over with.”

Chapter Text

Kaeya entered the hotel suite and found Albedo and Sucrose working hard with the investigation team on uncovering the details around the avalanche on Dragonspine. As he entered, Albedo looked up at the captain with a frown.

“Where were you?”

“I was speaking with the Harbinger the Fatui who passed in that avalanche work for.”

“And?”

Kaeya shrugged. “There's definitely something fishy, but he was in no state to tell me. So I worked my charms to get him on side instead.”

Albedo gave Kaeya a slightly reproachful glare, not at all pleased with Kaeya’s “charms” in this investigation. “ Worked your charm s? Don’t tell me you’re flirting with the Harbinger.”

“Well, he's not going to be so abrasive during meetings anymore, I can guarantee that.”

Albedo sighed, his concern deepening by the second. “I hope you have a good idea of what you’re doing.”

“Of course I do. I have Tartaglia wrapped around my finger.”

Albedo was exasperated and confused at this point. Of course, of course Kaeya would change his mind and throw caution to the wind! Of course all of his talks about prioritizing the negotiations, he was eventually going to cave. Of course, even though the Eleventh Harbinger was untrustworthy and volatile, he would still play with fire.

Albedo took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, mentally steeling himself for the worst. “He’s wrapped around your finger? Kaeya, don’t go making false assumptions based on just a few conversations. This is a Harbinger we’re talking about.”

“Yes, conversation .”

Albedo sighed deeply and looked Kaeya up and down. “You had sex.” He stated bluntly. There was no point in beating around this bush, especially when it involved Kaeya and the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. 

The diplomats and Sucrose stopped their work and looked over at Kaeya who shook his head in response. “No, not quite…Though perhaps we should save this discussion for when we have privacy?”

Albedo nodded as the diplomats and Sucrose thankfully went back to working, though he couldn’t help but notice the small looks they kept throwing at them, clearly interested in the discussion. Kaeya picked up a report and the lot of them continued on with their work…despite the revelation. 

When the workday was done, the investigation team had left and Kaeya, Albedo and Sucrose were busy getting ready for their dinner.

“So…I won't be joining you all for dinner tonight seeing as I have…other plans.” Kaeya said to Albedo and Sucrose after setting the hairdryer down.

Albedo raised a questioning brow as he polished his shoes. He had a feeling he knew what ‘plans’ the captain was talking about. “Oh? And what kind of ‘plans’ do you have, Kaeya?”

Kaeya laughed. “I was asked to dinner.”

Albedo exchanged an amused glance with Sucrose. “A date, then? And who has the honor of being your date tonight, if I might ask?”

Kaeya froze. “Uh…” Considering the last encounter Albedo had with Childe was the Harbinger miserably hungover in a diplomatic meeting, Kaeya was bracing himself for harsh judgment. “It's Tartaglia.”

Albedo certainly hadn't expected the captain to say that name. “The Harbinger? You're having dinner with Childe?”

“...Yes.”

As far as Albedo was concerned, Childe aired out every red flag he had in the past 48 hours from being an obsessed, possessive creep who flirted with abusive and manipulative tactics, as well as lacking in decorum by turning up to an important meeting inebriated - that the esteemed Cavalry Captain Kaeya Alberich would give him the light of day was- “...Interesting. And how did this dinner date come about?”

Kaeya shrugged. “Well, I'm beginning to wonder if the hangover potion Sucrose made for him wasn't actually a love potion. You see, things got rather…handsy after I gave it to him.”

Sucrose panicked and quickly checked her potions making sure she didn’t mix them up. Albedo folded his arms. “You’re telling us he got a bit affectionate after taking the potion, did he?”

“Mhm. It was quite the ordeal. I had him bent over his desk as I stroked him off whilst interrogating him about his extreme persistence to pursue me the past few days, until I got the post-nut clarity I needed from him and he admitted to being in love and being afraid I'd reject him - hence the manipulation. He just really badly wanted me to like him.” Kaeya smiled sweetly at Albedo.

Sucrose fumbled with a vial. It took a moment for Albedo to process Kaeya’s words. Once the meaning sank in, his eyes practically bugged out of his head and he stared completely dumbfounded. “You-you what?!”

“You heard me, as did Miss Sucrose…”

Albedo's mouth dropped open in shock. He turned to Sucrose, who was blushing furiously and looking like she wanted to sink into the ground and disappear. He turned back to the captain, unable to come to terms with what he was hearing. “You gave him a hand job while questioning him and he admitted he was infatuated with you?!” Albedo couldn’t believe Kaeya sometimes. “Is that what you’re telling me?”

Kaeya chuckled and headed into his bedroom, Albedo following after him not letting this conversation drop. “Hence why he asked me out to dinner.”

“Evidently.” Albedo just stared at him for a moment, reeling from the revelation. “Well, I have to hand it to you, Captain. You certainly know how to snag the attention of powerful people.”

Kaeya threw the towel around his waist onto the floor and grabbed his suit. “He's tameable. I just have to give him attention every now and then it seems.”

Albedo remained unconvinced, but took a seat in an armchair as he watched the man get ready for his date. “Is that so? So all it takes to "tame" a Harbinger is a bit of attention and affection?”

Kaeya zipped up his trousers and threaded his belt on. “It's all it takes to tame this one. Let him lavish me in sweet nothings and kisses, and I'll give him the occasional romp.”

Albedo was used to the captain being unpredictable and making questionable decisions in his private life, but this was something else. “Are you seriously saying that you plan to use your charms to keep the Harbinger at your beck and call, is that it?”

“It helps that he's in love with me.” he said, adjusting his vest over his crisp white shirt.

He scoffed. “In love is a bit of a strong term, don't you think? Is it really just love if it takes less than a week to be tamed?”

“You're right, but he did say: 'I am completely and utterly in love with you, Kaeya'.” the captain repeated, altering his voice in a mock imitation of Childe’s heartfelt confession.

“He said those exact words?”

“Oh he did. He also said: I love you. With all of my heart. I could not have any one more dear to me. You're the first thing I think of each morning and the last thing on my mind every time I close my eyes. - He said that. He said that after he came.”

Albedo’s lips formed a thin line at that admission. “I suppose that's certainly evidence of his devotion.”

“Oh trust me, Albedo, there was certainly quite a lot of 'devotion' there.”

“Uh huh…I don't doubt that. Childe certainly doesn't seem like the type to…hold back.”

Kaeya chuckled as he spritzed on some cologne. “Albedo, if I'm completely honest. I think he was attached the moment he laid eyes on me.”

“He certainly made that clear the other day…” Albedo mumbled, recalling that aggressive desperation Childe had shown. “Though I suppose I can't say I'm too surprised. You do have a certain appeal as evidenced by your past entanglements.”

“True…Except this one isn't like past men. This one is dangerous.” he sighed as he brushed through his hair, styling it as he always did, but adding a neat black silk ribbon to tie his hair - he didn’t want to put the extra effort in for Childe, not…really at least, but…the man was kind of sweet and vulnerable today. “...And yet I feel safe with him. Which makes me wonder…who will he be dangerous with? A man who flirts with me at a tavern? A shopkeeper who tries to haggle with me?

“He is as dangerous as he is mostly because he is so unpredictable. I wouldn’t let my guard down if I were you. You know what they say about playing with fire.”

Kaeya groaned and rolled his eye. “Oh trust me. My brother is Diluc, of course I know that.”

Albedo nodded sagely at that. 

“Speaking of Diluc, we are never to tell him about my little fling with Childe, alright?”

“I’m no gossip mill, Kaeya.”

“Good.” Kaeya smiled before throwing on his suit jacket and spinning around. “Anyway, how do I look?”

Albedo looked the captain up and down and gave an appreciative nod. “You look a little more dashing than usual. I’m sure your date would want to keep you hanging off his arm all night.”

Kaeya smirked. “Thank you. Maybe don't expect me back tonight?”

Albedo exhaled and gave him a knowing smile. “I wasn't planning on it, Captain. I have a feeling you'll be quite busy tonight.”

Kaeya smiled and waved at Sucrose as he passed back through the common room and left on his hot date.

Kaeya waited outside of the restaurant. Sucrose and Albedo would be visiting soon with the delegation, and he was hoping to be able to slip away with Childe without everyone knowing. 

Childe soon arrived, spotting the captain waiting. A smirk spread across his face as he approached, happy that he wasn’t being stood up for once. 

"Good evening, Captain." He said, his eyes roaming up and down the man’s frame admiring his suit and the way it emphasized his figure like elegant gift wrap.

Kaeya was impressed that Childe dressed up and was out of his stuffy Harbinger garb. “You look good.”

Childe bit his lip to get rid of the dorky smile threatening to ruin his bad-boy vibe. He ran a hand through his hair, offering a charming smile. "And you look beautiful, as always." He said, his gaze doing a suggestive assessment.

“Mhm. My eyes are up here, sweetie.”

“Ah, but your body is down there. And I must say, it's very distracting." He said, his eyes raking over his form again, taking in every curve and contour before stopping at his most favourite area with unabashed appreciation.

“Don't make me do up my buttons.”

"That's no fun." 

Kaeya rolled his eye. “I thought we were here for dinner, loverboy?”

Childe chuckled, finally tearing his gaze away from the captain's chest. "Of course. Let's go inside." He said, gesturing towards the entrance to the restaurant and guiding his date in with a hand to his lower back as they walked.

They were led to a private spot in the back of the restaurant, a candle already lit at their table. It was a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, secluded and intimate with its dark decor and dim lighting. The soft glow of the candle on the table added to the atmosphere, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance.

"This is perfect.” Childe said, before pulling out Kaeya’s chair for him.

Kaeya was surprised by the gesture - who knew Tartaglia could be so romantic? “Thank you.” he said softly as he sat down.

Childe took his seat. "You never expected me to be capable of romance, did you?"

Kaeya raised a brow and gave him an unimpressed look. “No, not after you called me a prick this morning.”

Childe chuckled sheepishly. He reached out and took the captain's hand in his own, his thumb tracing circles on his skin. "I suppose I did say that, didn't I? But to be fair, you were irritating."

“Oh? How dare I do my job and ask you questions during a meeting while you were fighting a hangover.”

"Hey, I never claimed to be a morning person. Especially after a night of drinking. You can't really blame me for being a bit crankier than usual."

Kaeya laughed. “That's fair. I'm pretty awful in the morning too.” He picked up a menu. “Hmm I'm not familiar with Fontanian cuisine, are you?”

Childe smiled at the light-hearted banter, feeling like he was killing it at this date already as he also picked up a menu, flipping through the pages. "I admit, I'm not an expert either. But the menu looks decent enough." He looked over the choices. "See anything that catches your eye?"

Kaeya shrugged. “Hmm, I can't pronounce half of these names.”

"Oh? Is the Mondstadt captain having trouble pronouncing the fancy Fontaine names?" Childe teased, a glint in his eyes.

“And the Snezhnayan Harbinger can do better? How do you pronounce these?” Kaeya said pointing to the words 'Boeuf Bourguignon' and 'Poulet Vallée d'Auge'.

"Ah, the 'Boeuf Bourguignon' and the 'Poulet Vallée d'Auge'?" Childe recited with almost perfect pronunciation, rolling the words off his tongue with ease.

Kaeya scoffed at being proven wrong by this infuriating man. “Well that still doesn't tell me what they are.”

Childe snorted and rolled his eyes. "The 'boeuf bourguignon' is a beef stew cooked in red wine. And the 'Poulet Vallée d'Auge' is a chicken dish cooked with cream, mushrooms and wine. Satisfied now, captain?"

Kaeya folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at Childe. “You've spent time in Fontaine, haven't you?”

Childe nodded, a smirk on his face. "I have, yes. I've spent enough time there to become somewhat familiar with the cuisine." He answered, carefully leaving out the part where he was falsely imprisoned in the Fortress of Meropide.

Kaeya set his copy of the menu down. “Good. Then you'll pick. I'm feeling seafood.”

Childe’s eyes lit up at the request. Seafood was his specialty, after all. "Alright then. Seafood it is." He said, setting his menu down and signalling for a waiter.

The waiter arrived, looking dapper in his coattails and proceeded to bow. “Yes, Monsieur?”

Childe gave the waiter a charming smile. "We'll start with the Coquilles Saint-Jacques and the Bouillabaisse, please."

“A very fine choice. The head chef would also recommend the special today which is the Colin à la Bordelaise. Does this interest, Monsieur?”

Childe raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the chef's recommendation. He considered the offer for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, that sounds delightful. We'll have a serving of the Colin à la bordelaise as well, if you’re happy with that?" He asked, his eyes flickering over to the captain, wanting to make sure the choice was acceptable.

Kaeya had no clue what anything was and just nodded. Childe seemed amused by the captain's laissez-faire attitude and smirked, leaning back in his chair and eyeing him with a playful glint in his eyes. "You have no idea what you just agreed to, do you?"

“No clue, but if the head chef is recommending it I am sure it will be lovely.”

Childe’ss smirk grew wider as he shook his head. "You never fail to surprise me, Captain. Just blindly trusting the chef and agreeing to eat something you have no idea about."

“Well, you're eating it too.”

"That I am. But I at least know what it is. You, on the other hand...” he teased, before nodding at the waiter to add the dish to the order.

The waiter was satisfied with this. “And anything to drink?”

“A bottle of your finest red will do.” 

“Certainly, Monsieur.” The waiter bowed and carried their order to the kitchen.

With the waiter gone, the couple were left alone once again in the quiet of their secluded booth. Childe looked at the captain, his eyes roaming over his face. "You know, you look quite ravishing in this lighting. The soft candlelight really brings out your eyes."

Kaeya looked thoroughly unimpressed by that adjective. “Ravishing? Really? What are you? In your mid 40s?”

"Mid-40s? Seriously? You wound me, captain." He said, feigning insult, placing a hand on his chest dramatically.

Kaeya laughed at his melodrama. “How old are you? I know you're the youngest Harbinger but you can't be younger than me, can you?”

"And what makes you think I can't be younger than you?"

“I don't know. You're a big guy .”

Childe chewed his lip, a hint of pride in his eyes at those words. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "Mmm, you like that I'm big, do you?" he asked, his voice low and playful.

Kaeya snorted. “You're not huge so don't get too ahead of yourself.”

"Not huge, but still big enough, hm?" he asked, his tone suggestive.

Kaeya rolled his eye. “So how old are you, big guy?”

“Twenty-five. You?”

“Twenty-four, though I’ll be twenty-five in a couple of months.” He chuckled. “You're at that age where your mother is probably pestering you to get married, right?”

Childe groaned. "Oh, you have no idea. My mother never misses an opportunity to nag me about settling down. Says twenty-five is too old to be single."

Kaeya laughed and thanked the waiter as they poured their wine. “Have you brought anyone home to meet her?”

"No, not yet. I haven't met anyone worth introducing to her. The thought of bringing someone home to meet her is intimidating, honestly." He admitted, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping through his usual confident facade.

Kaeya smiled. “What's your family like?”

Childe took a sip of his wine, contemplating the question. "My family…they're a lot to handle, to be honest. Loving, but overbearing. Especially my mother. She means well, but she can be quite much." He paused, taking another sip of the wine before continuing. "My father is more laid back, thankfully. But they're both very traditional and they have certain expectations for me."

“I see. Any siblings?”

Childe nodded, a small smile on his face. "One younger sister, Tonia. She's clever, responsible and I adore her. She's got a mouth on her though, so don’t get on her bad side." He said, chuckling at the thought of his younger sister. Childe's eyes softened, a hint of warmth and affection in his gaze. "And I have a younger brother. Teucer, he is a lot like me, in many ways. Curious, adventurous, stubborn, a real handful, but also cute and well-meaning. Not to mention my other younger brother Anthon. He is a more quiet and reserved, bookish kid who asks lots of stupid questions haha." He said, a hint of pride in his voice as he spoke about his family. "My family can be a lot to handle, and they have their quirks and eccentricities. But they love me, in their own sometimes overbearing way. And I love them, too. We're close."

He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on Kaeya. "I always worry that they wouldn't accept me if they ever found out about well, about the things I do for the Fatui." He said, his voice low and serious. 

Kaeya gave him a gentle smile. “Oh? What do they think you do then?”

Childe sighed. "They think I have some respectable diplomatic job. They have no idea about the true nature of my work and the blood that's on my hands." He said, his expression hardening as he spoke about the darker side of his life as a Fatui Harbinger.

Kaeya’s expression softened - so Childe was aware of the controversial nature of his role? It confused him, as far as he knew, Harbingers took great pride in the chaos and destruction they sowed, and yet here Childe was seemingly conflicted. “I see. It must be hard to put up such a front for them.”

"It…yeah. It's exhausting, honestly. Having to pretend to be someone I'm not in front of them, hiding my true self and the things I've done from them. But-" He paused, taking a deep breath. "But I do it to protect them. To shield them from the ugly truth of my life. I don't want to disappoint them and I…don’t want them to look up to me either."

Kaeya placed a hand over his, gathering that this was more than just Childe being a Harbinger. “I understand. Well, I know the truth and I'm not running for the hills. I'm sure, maybe not your siblings, but maybe one day your parents might understand.”

Childe chuckled softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're either very brave or very foolish, captain. Probably a bit of both." He said, his eyes glimmering in the soft candlelight as he looked at Kaeya with admiration in his gaze. "But I appreciate your optimism. I doubt my parents would ever understand. They're very traditional and set in their ways."

“I can only imagine what that's like.” he said softly.

Childe chuckled and shook his head, his expression growing somber. "It's complicated. They have a certain image of me, the ideal son who can do no wrong. And the reality is far from that. But I do my best to make them proud, even if it's all a facade." He took another sip of his wine. "But enough about me. What about you? What's your family like?"

Kaeya's eyes widened, not ready for those tables to turn on him so quickly. “Uh…it's very complicated.”

Childe raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Let me guess, you have a secret royal lineage or something?" He teased, a smirk on his face as he took another sip of his wine, eyeing his date curiously.

Kaeya froze and then laughed nervously. “Ahahaha…what gave you such a crazy idea? Hahaha…”

Childe grinned at the reaction, a knowing look on his face. "You're terrible at lying, Captain. Your laugh just now told me everything I need to know." He said, leaning back in his chair looking all smug.

Kaeya rolled his eye. “Oh please, so you think I'm a prince?” he said, having removed his hand from Childe’s lest it shake.

Childe shrugged. "Who knows? You're evasive and mysterious enough to be royalty. Plus, you have that whole regal air about you." He said, admiring his beauty and grace.

Kaeya took a very large gulp of wine. “What would I even be a prince of? Don't be silly.”

"Oh, I don't know a prince of a far-off kingdom, perhaps? Maybe a prince of a forgotten empire? You never know." 

Kaeya drank more wine - where the hell was Dainsleif when he's needed?

Childe chuckled softly as he watched Kaeya pour out another glass of wine at speed. "Trying to hide your flustered response with wine, are we?" 

He put his newly emptied glass down. “Don’t be absurd, I’m merely…flattered by your suggestion. Sadly, I am not a prince. I'm the adopted son of the late Master Crepus Ragnvindr of Dawn Winery. I have one brother, Diluc Ragnvindr - we don't get along. ”

Childe's smirk faded, replaced with an expression of surprise. "A Ragnvindr? Damn. They’re like…a big thing in Mondstadt, no?" He sat back in his chair, looking at Kaeya with a mixture of awe and intrigue.

“I-I'm adopted. I'm an Alberich.”

Childe blinked rapidly. "An Alberich? That's an old Khaenri'ahn name, isn't it?" He said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Something like that.” Kaeya poured out more wine. “I don't recall anything. My father didn't speak much about our family.”

Childe watched the captain pour more wine, his eyes fixed on him intently. "So you don't remember anything about your family? Nothing at all?" He asked, his voice low and serious, all traces of playfulness gone. “Nothing about the fact that they’re founders of the Abyss Order?”

Kaeya swallowed nervously; this isn't exactly a first date conversation. The waiter returned with their meal, Kaeya thanked him, and was glad to have the interruption.

Kaeya smiled nervously and looked at the food. “Wow, this looks tasty.”

Childe smiled back, recognizing his attempt to change the subject. He decided not to push further, for now at least. "Yeah, it does look good, doesn't it? Let's dig in then." He said, reaching for his silverware and taking a serving of the Colin à la Bordelaise.

Kaeya hoped he'd forget most of this conversation with enough wine. Dainsleif would likely have a field day with him over it. “Mmm! The fish is so good!”

Childe chuckled, fully aware of Kaeya trying to steer the conversation back to mundane topics. He decided to follow suit and humor him. "I agree. This Bouillabaisse, don’t you think?" 

Kaeya smiled. “I'd say the company is the star of tonight.”

Childe hid his smile with a bite of bread. "Careful there, Captain. You flatter me too much and I'll start getting a big head." 

Kaeya rolled his eye as he took a serving of the Coquilles Saint-Jacques. “You already have a big head. Oh your poor mother when she birthed you…”

Childe snorted. “What can I say? She’s a tough woman." He said, grinning broadly as he took another sip of his wine. “How are the scallops?”

“And she went on to have three more children…masochism must run in the family.” Kaeya teased. “The scallops are great.”

“Ah, my siblings. Ever the source of headaches and frustration. Still love them though." He said, taking another small bite of his fish.

Kaeya’s heart warmed at that. It was clear the Harbinger’s love of his family was deep and wholesome - it was something he longed for. The most he’d get is an awkward side-hug from Diluc on his birthday and constant berating. “It's nice you all get along. The most I'd get out of Diluc is probably a grimace.”

Childe raised an eyebrow. "You weren’t kidding when you said you don’t get along, I take it?"

Kaeya laughed. “Not at all! Well, to be fair…it's complicated.”

"Care to elaborate?"

Kaeya sipped at his bouillabaisse. “He almost killed me in a fight. And ever since then he's kept his distance and found me to be endlessly irritating. He is still my older brother so he can be overprotective, but he likes to step in and take over whatever I'm doing because I am 'inefficient' or because I 'make bad decisions'.”

Childe listened intently, a frown knitting his brow. "Hmph. Sounds like he has a superiority complex. Thinks he knows best all the time, doesn't he? Always trying to assert himself and show you up. Yeah, I’d probably be ‘complicated’ with him too if I were you.”

“Something like that. He certainly won't approve of me being on a date with you…maybe that's why you're so appealing to me.” Kaeya said with a smirk.

"So you're rebelling against your brother by dating me?" He asked, enjoying the idea that Kaeya was doing this to defy his brother's disapproval.

“Oh you have no idea…” Kaeya chuckled. “I can just imagine the look on his face when I bring you to the Angel's Share during one of his shifts. Be warned, he's a Pyro Vision and isn't bad with a claymore. I mean, he's the reason why I…” he points to the eyepatch.

Childe could picture the shock and disbelief on Diluc's face as the captain waltzed into the tavern with him. He made a mental note to watch out for any burning glares from Diluc when that time came. "Sounds like he packs a punch. He did that to you?" He said, eyeing the eyepatch with curiosity.

“Yeah, that fight turned ugly.”

"I can only imagine the things you both said and did to each other in the heat of the moment." He said, his voice softer now, lacking its usual teasing tone. 

“Like I said he tried to kill me.” Kaeya drank his wine. “You know how you always get granted a Vision right at the moment you most need it? Well, after Diluc slashed my eye, I was granted a Cryo Vision. I suppose I should thank the Tsaritsa in person one day for that…I always wondered: why the Cryo Archon? What did she see in me? I would have thought maybe Barbatos would have granted me one or even Kusanali, but the Tsaritsa?”

Childe thought for a moment, a contemplative expression on his face as he mulled over the question. He couldn't answer for the Tsaritsa, of course, but he had his own theories. "Well if I had to guess, the Tsaritsa saw something in you that she deemed worthy. Perhaps she saw the strength and resilience within you, the ability to withstand and survive even in the face of adversity. As for the other archons, who can say why they didn't grant you a Vision instead?"

“I'd say Barbatos was probably too drunk.”

Childe chuckled softly, as he pictured the drunk and carefree Venti stumbling around, too intoxicated to grant anyone a vision. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Too busy getting smashed and playing his harp to grant anyone a Vision."

Kaeya laughed. “Well I guess you have more reasons to thank your Tsaritsa. Without her I wouldn't be alive. The Vision really turned the tide on that fight with Diluc.”

"I agree. She granted you a Vision, which saved your life in that fight. And here you are now, sitting across from me enjoying a lovely dinner." He said, a small smile on his lips.

“Maybe she planned this.” He smirked. “Maybe she thought "Oh look at this pretty boy over here, he'd be perfect for that new Harbinger of mine. Let's give him a Cryo Vision so one day he'd be put on a diplomatic mission to Snezhnaya". See? She planned it right from the beginning.”

Childe laughed loudly at the captain's words, a broad grin on his face. "Ha! You have a wild imagination there. The Tsaritsa is powerful, but I don't think she is powerful enough to have such foresight. But the thought that she orchestrated this is appealing, isn’t it? Perhaps fate does have a sense of humor after all."

“I think she ships us.”

Childe snorted and raised his glass of wine, saluting the captain playfully. "Oh, absolutely. I bet she's gossiping with the other Archons about how adorable she thinks we are together."

“She's gossiping with Focalor about who's going to top.”

Childe let out a loud bark of laughter at the captain's words, nearly spilling his wine in surprise. "Ha! Now that's an image. I wonder what they're saying about us."

“Oh Focalor thinks you're a bottom.”

"Oh really? She thinks I'm a bottom, does she? Well, I hate to disappoint the Hydro Archon, but she's sorely mistaken. And I'll be making sure to prove her wrong." He said, his voice low and seductive.

“Uh huh, well I'm sure the Tsaritsa wouldn't want one of her Vision bearers to be the bottom.”

"Ah, the Tsaritsa is a shrewd woman. She wants her Vision bearers to be strong and assertive which isn’t normally associated with a bottom. However, you on the other hand…" He said, his voice dripping with innuendo as he looked into the captain's eye.

“Oh am I her exception?”

Childe smirked, his eyebrow raised in amusement. "Perhaps. Though I don’t think you’re entirely as submissive as the norm." He said, his voice playful.

Kaeya sipped his wine and laughed. “I am proud of that.”

Childe chuckled, his smile widening at the captain's response. He loved the captain's willingness to roll with his teasing. "Oh, you're proud of being a bottom, are you? That's admirable, I suppose. Taking pride in one's role, even when it might be considered submissive. It's cute."

“Submissive?” Kaeya raised a brow. “Taking it up the-” he remembered where they were and cleared his throat. “Being the receptive partner doesn't necessarily make one submissive.”

"Oh, really? So you don't consider yourself submissive at all, even when you're the ah, what did you call it? The 'receptive partner'?"

“You know what they say in the Knights of Favonius? Save a horse, ride a cowboy. Let's just say for a cavalry captain, I've saved a lot of horses.”

Childe's smirk widened into a devious grin. "Well then I am very glad I'm not a horse." He said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. He raised his glass of wine with a nod. "To saving horses, then." Kaeya clinked his glass with Childe's before drinking. “So, if you're not submissive even when you're the ah, more 'receptive' partner, how would you describe yourself?"

“Hmm, I guess you'll have to find out. I did have you bent over your desk under me earlier today while I-” Kaeya suggestively stroked the stem of his wine glass. “That's the sort of the vibe.”

Childe nearly choked on his wine at the captain's forwardness, his face turning a light shade of pink. "R-right. So you're the one who likes to be in charge? I didn’t take you for being…dominant."

“Hmm, I'd say it's more like a battle for control. I'm a switch and a brat. I'll be whatever the situation requires of me…defiantly.” He smiled sweetly.

“A brat, eh? Well, that's got my attention. I like a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to take control when the situation calls for it." He said, digging his nails into his thigh to distract himself from what this conversation was doing to him. "I guess I have my work cut out for me, then."

“Maybe? Who knows? You might be awful in bed.”

Childe scoffed, but he wasn't one to back down from a challenge, and Kaeya's jab at his abilities had him bristling with determination. "Believe me, I'm quite skilled at what I do." He said, his voice dripping with confidence as he leaned forward, a devious gleam in his eye.

“Mhm, well you certainly don't have the reputation I do so…I haven't seen any peer reviewed study.”

"I guess you'll just have to wait and see for yourself. As for the scientific method…trust me, I have enough empirical evidence based on my own performance." 

“So anecdotal only? Albedo would say that's awful, low-power evidence.”

"I suppose he would. But I'm not trying to write a research paper here, am I?"

Kaeya laughed. “I wouldn't be surprised if Albedo has written a research paper on my sexual proclivities.”

"Oh, undoubtedly. Albedo is the type who would meticulously catalogue and analyze every detail. I wouldn't be shocked if there was already a secret file on you in his lab."

“I mean he certainly draws me a lot.”

Childe snickered. "Really? Has he ever drawn you in intimate moments?"

Kaeya snorted. “Oh I hope not. We've only slept together twice.”

Childe raised an eyebrow at the revelation, his expression somewhere between disbelief and curiosity. "Twice? Albedo managed to land you twice? I'm honestly a little jealous." He said, his voice a mix of playful jest and genuine surprise. He hadn't expected the studious, quiet alchemist to have had intimate encounters with Kaeya, especially more than once.

Kaeya shrugged. “We work closely a lot and we practically share a kid.”

"Wait, you have a kid with Albedo?” He exclaimed.

Kaeya mentally cursed himself at that revelation. “Uh…yeah…”

Childe's eyes widened even further at the confirmation, his brain trying to process it. "You have a child with Albedo? As in, the chief alchemist? The shy, quiet, almost socially awkward chief alchemist?" He couldn't fathom the idea of Albedo, of all people, being a father and having fathered a child with…Kaeya!

“It's not what you're thinking!” Kaeya said hurriedly, waving a hand dismissively. “She's a ward of the Knights of Favonius. Albedo and I are her main caregivers.”

Childe's expression remained skeptical. He didn't quite like the whole 'caregivers' thing, but he tried to remain calm. "So basically you and Albedo are raising a child together, but the kid isn't biologically related to either of you. Is that correct?"

Kaeya laughed. “Well I can't exactly get pregnant.”

"True. Although if you could…"

Kaeya rolled his eye. “Yeah, yeah. Our kids would be cute.”

Childe smiled, imagining them having offspring - the thought wasn't an unpleasant one. "They would, wouldn't they? Just think a little version of you, with your good looks and wit. And maybe just a touch of my own wild side, for spice. They'd be a handful, that's for sure.”

“So long as they don't get your orange hair.”

Childe feigned offense and clutched his metaphorical pearls. "Hey, what's wrong with my hair? It's a natural, fiery shade that suits me perfectly. And if our hypothetical offspring got my hair, they'd be beautiful and striking."

“Come on, would you rather your kids have orange hair or blue hair?”

Childe paused for a moment, pretending to consider his options before answering with a smirk. "Hmm, that's a tough choice. On one hand, my beautiful orange hair would make our kids look fierce and unique. On the other hand, your blue hair would make them look elegant and dignified. But if I had to choose…I think having that beautiful blue hair would be preferable."

“Just as I thought. Of course they'd probably have your lighter complexion, maybe your cute freckles too.”

Childe chuckled, secretly pleased that the captain thought his freckles were cute. He often got teased for them, especially back home. "True. But they would also have your lovely eye. That star would add another layer of uniqueness to their striking looks."

“Hmm, I don't know if they'd have the eye of a Khaenri'ahn.”

"Who knows? Genetics can be weird. Regardless, our kids would still have my good looks and your intelligence. They'd be a force to be reckoned with, guaranteed."

Kaeya smirked. “Yes, better my intelligence than yours.”

Childe pouted at the jab. "Hey, now. My intelligence is not to be underestimated. I'm sure our hypothetical children would be quite smart with the perfect blend of your intellect and my creativity."

Kaeya raised a brow. “Creativity? Is that what you're calling it?”

“Yep! Creativity, 'thinking outside the box'. Our kids would be attractive at least, I don't think either of us is lacking in the looks department."

“Good thing we're both men. Our kids would be so cute they'd cause the next Cataclysm.”

Childe let out a bark of laughter at the captain's remark - Archons…he loved his sense of humor and how effortlessly easy it was to talk to him. "Yeah, our cute little offspring would be irresistible. We'd be unleashing a new breed of destruction upon Teyvat. Our kids would be so adorable, they'd bring down entire nations with their cuteness."

Kaeya snorted - he enjoyed their playful banter, even when it became ridiculous.“What a stupid conversation.”  He muttered - finishing off the last of his meal. 

"Maybe so, but it's still fun to imagine. Imagining a future with you, and our little munchkins running around causing chaos. It's a nice thought, even if it's just a fantasy."

“Oh don't worry my ward is exactly that.”

"You mean the kid Albedo and you are fostering?"

“Yeah. Her name's Klee. She's a handful.”

"Klee, huh? I take it she causes her fair share of chaos and mischief."

“She has a love of explosives.”

Childe chuckled. "Does she? Sounds like my kind of kid. Maybe she'll grow up to be one of the most feared and effective explosives experts in Teyvat."

“Oh don't worry, she's already flattened parts of Mondstadt.”

"I’m impressed by the cute little landscape artist. She sounds like a firecracker quite literally." 

Kaeya laughed and finished his wine. “You’re not wrong.”

Childe smiled, enjoying the captain's laughter and the sound of his smooth voice as felt himself sink deeper into that scary emotion he couldn’t help feeling around Kaeya. He watched as the captain drained the last of his wine, his own glass still more than half full. "You really can hold your alcohol. Most people would've been drunk by now, but you're as sharp as ever."

“Or perhaps I hide it well?”

"Maybe. Or maybe you're just secretly a heavyweight. But I have a feeling you're not as unaffected as you appear."

Kaeya smiled at the challenge. “We'll see.”

Childe was thoroughly enjoying this little game of theirs, each trying to outdo the other in wit, skill and charm. "Alright then. Let's play a little game. If you can walk out of here without stumbling or slurring, I'll admit defeat. But if you can't, I'll know I've got you drunker than you're letting on."

“Sure.” Kaeya said, waving the waiter over for the bill. “I assume you're getting this seeing as I'm the bottom.”

Childe laughed at the captain's casual mention of their dynamic. "Oh, absolutely. I invited you out, so I'll be taking care of the bill." He said, a sly grin on his lips as the waiter brought over the bill.

Kaeya raised a brow. “Oh, so you're my sugar daddy are you?”

"Seems that way. Paying for dinner, treating you to a nice night out, and later well, I'll be treating you to something else entirely." He said, his voice lowering to a sultry whisper as he spoke the last part.

“Spoiling me?” Kaeya perked up at that and checked his watch. “It's late though…perhaps another time to drown me in fine gifts.”

Childe rolled his eyes. “A shame, isn’t it?” he said, paying for the bill. 

Once the water left graciously, the pair stood up and adjusted their jackets. 

"Ready?" Childe asked, offering his arm. 

Kaeya took hold of Childe's arm and let him lead him out of the restaurant and into the streets lit with lamplight.

It was cold that night, and Kaeya found himself clinging to Childe to stay warm. Perhaps a coat would have been wise even if it was soon to be summer in Snezhnaya. Childe smiled as Kaeya held onto him. He liked having Kaeya so close that he could bury his nose in his neck as he pulled him into a side-alley. "You're enjoying yourself a bit too much. I can practically feel the mischief radiating off of you."

Kaeya huffed softly, Childe’s warm kisses to his neck stirring something in his chest that he didn’t want to feed right now. “We’re in public…” 

Childe groaned and took a deep inhale of his cologne. “Gods, you smell so damn good.”

“Childe…”

“Alright, alright. I’ll behave.” He looked back up at the man of his dreams. “Shall we take this somewhere private?”

Kaeya hesitated for a moment. Yes. Absolutely. Was what he wanted to say, but no, he couldn’t relegate himself right now to being Childe’s quick tumble in the hay, not now. He couldn’t risk this going bad too early, not while the negotiations kept going on. 

With a regretful expression, he placed a hand to Childe’s chest and said. “Remember? I want you to court me.”

Childe frowned before his face lit up in understanding. “Sorry. Got a bit ahead of myself just then.”

Kaeya chuckled. “Mmm, you did. I know I’m very tempting and all but-”

“I know, you’re taking this seriously.” 

No, not quite, well sort of… “Of course. You did say you love me after all.” he placed a gentle hand to Childe’s cheek, watching the man lean into his touch - the action almost hurting him with the guilt. “So…we should take it slow. You can’t say such…beautiful words, and then treat me like a fling.”

Childe kissed his palm and Kaeya almost tore his hand away. “You’re right. I should court you properly. You deserve it after all.” he gave the man a fond, almost loving smile. “Then I’ll take you out tomorrow, all day. Show you around the city, have lunch, buy you gifts…make you fall for me.”

Kaeya really hated himself sometimes. “I’d love that.”

“I didn’t expect you back tonight, what changed?” Albedo asked, working late into the night and catching Kaeya stepping into the suite.

Kaeya shut the door behind himself and smirked. “A change of tactics.”

The alchemist raised a brow and set his pen down. “The date went well, did it?”

Kaeya smirked, shrugging off his jacket. “It went quite well.”

Albedo frowned - so, Kaeya was taking this rather seriously then which seemed at odds with the captain’s usual handling of relationships. “Are you sure this affair with the Harbinger is worth it, Captain?”

“I understand your concern but this isn't an affair. I'm doing this for Mondstadt.”

Albedo looked at him incredulously. “So you’re intending to engage in a relationship with a Harbinger for Mondstadt’s sake?”

“I told him to take it slow, nothing is labelled. It's not really a relationship, rather a…hmm, mutually beneficial exchange? He gets a dip of me, and I get Mondstadt's security.”

Albedo sighed and gave another exasperated look. He was at a loss for words. Kaeya’s methods were truly unorthodox and often questionable, despite their effectiveness. “Right, so this “mutually beneficial exchange”. What exactly are you intending on 'favouring' the Eleventh Harbinger with?”

“I think we both know the answer to that one.” Kaeya laughed before placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I can take care of myself.”

Albedo groaned. He was well aware of the Eleventh Harbinger’s appetite “Right, but you are a captain. You need to be cautious. This is far more complicated than a simple “fling” and toying with a Harbinger’s heart doesn’t seem...well thought out. Don’t compromise the negotiations.”

Kaeya nodded - the concern was warranted, but call it cockiness if one may, the captain had a feeling it was unlikely to hurt the negotiations as opposed to assist. In order to get that assist however, he was determined to do whatever it takes. 

“Trust me, Albedo. It will be fine. I have him wrapped around my finger.”