05. kisses the others cheek unexpectedly and grins. (also from a younger Diluc c: c:)
THE STEM OF A SMALL HIBISCUS FLOWER is held with deliberate delicateness. Despite meeting the shade provided by an old oak tree, its petals remain a vivid rose. Most records would deem their colour alluring. Those tempted enough would answer their beckoning without thorough analysis.
... Alas, that does not seem to be the case for sir Adolin.
A case that displays more resistance than most.
«...» Lungs are filled with air, greedy to retain it for a few moments. Thus far, the young boy’s endeavours have not been met with much success. Growing a bit frustrated, he lets out a sigh, cocking his head to the side as a tiny eyebrow furrows with concern.
Can the breeze perceive the worries that fester within his young heart?
«Sir Adolin seems a bit off today...» He comments to the boy next to him, quietly. Almost as if he does not mean for sir Adolin to hear him. Then, he decides to attempt a different strategy.
«You’re not getting sick, are you?» Addressing the pet tortoise directly, he brings the flower closer to it, petals positioned at the entry of its mouth. At first, sir Adolin does not seem much interested. Even after having been taken for a “stroll” outside (as the two young masters have decided to call this activity), he shows little reaction to the beautiful meadow and the bright blue sky. Light persistence may be the key...
«I know flowers are like some kind of dessert for tortoises. To be eaten on very special occasions, because they taste that good. And hibiscus have always been your favourite, haven’t they, sir Adolin? It would be terrible if you let it go to waste... So...» Focused on his task, Kaeya fails to notice how the red-headed boy beside him is as concentrated as he is. As if being this in tune with the situation will somehow improve it.
Slowly, sir Adolin blinks. Clumsily, he sniffs at the little flower. Then, seeming almost resigned at first, he warms up to the idea, taking a small chunk of the rose petal into his mouth.
At this, Kaeya almost flinches with excitement, but then he is reminded that that might scare sir Adolin and let all their efforts go down the drain. And that simply cannot be. Nudging Diluc with his elbow, he whispers, contentedly:
«He’s eating...! He’s finally eating...!»
He does not need to be as careful as Kaeya is, and his joy is so pure that there is little chance he would be able to contain it. Unexpectedly, he giggles. As a means of celebration, a kiss is placed upon Kaeya’s cheek, which heats from the contact. A child slave of his shyness, indeed. But then again, it is not only from the shyness, is it?
«H-hey...! C-Careful, you’ll scare him...!» Kaeya attempts to hide his own distress, mixed with a huge portion of happiness and excitement.
This was a team effort. And they have been victorious for the day.
From below, sir Adolin stares at them, slowly taking another bite. How can something like this bring them such elation? Make their hearts beat so loudly, and their eyes sparkle so brightly?