Red Dead of Night

THAT WAS THE RESPONSE HE WAITED FOR. after all, it was just some light teasing, and they both knew how well kaeya was with being sentimental right to one's face to some degrees. so, he considers it a win, laughing at his phone just a little.

TO: DILUC FROM: KAEYA

[ txt ] Oh, come on now. [ txt ] No need to be a batch of sour grapes coming back. [ txt ] What if I said those were for your welcome back party?

not exactly, but he could make it be the case if push came to shove.

#khaenriahn #putting him in a blender to mix up a smoothie

somehow he doesn't think it very likely at all, but who knows. maybe Kaeya had some reason for doing this. not that he approves of the method, and he certainly won't encourage it.

to: Kaeya

that's not what I meant and you know it. if you're planning someone's party, I think you might at least hide it. giving away secrets is unlike you.

HE SUPPOSES IT'S ABOUT TIME. there was only so much he could put off before going to the grocery store, that is. but he'd at least add a few more items to the list before going... so, he pulls up his phone, typing in the items.

TO: DILUC FROM: KAEYA

[ txt ] box of dates [ txt ] three bottles of cooking wine [ txt ] head of lettuce [ txt ] salt and pepper

@ragnvindrdawn

#khaenriahn #crying bc it's always a disaster when they have a thread

not even a hello or welcome back? he isn't sure what's worse, the fact Kaeya is using this to store his list to stock up, or not even realising his brother has returned. this must be some kind of joke because otherwise... consider him unimpressed.

to: Kaeya

stop sending nonsense. find somewhere else to note your supplies. and next time, try something like "it's good to see you around".

voidsapex

truth be told, musashi wasn't one who usually hung around this sort of scene. the dark and almost gloomy nature of the black fens wasn't what she preferred, but the saber wished to see how much this city had changed in her absence and what better way than a seasonal-themed ball with all the free food one could eat? besides, it was a nice change of pace to that god-forsaken haunted house.

rather than mingle inside, she had quickly grabbed a full plate of food before making her way to the gardens. of course, by the time she actually sat down on a bench, most of the snacks were already gone but at least they lasted the trip– and she avoided getting anything on her dress. but at the moment, such things hardly seemed to matter. her ears pick up on a warm and familiar voice. her body twists too quickly in her seat perhaps as she peaks over the small ledge behind her, eyes widening instantly.

" Well, I wonder who this distinguished gentleman is? " a laugh follows as the rest of her body follows her gaze, leading to the saber slipping off the ledge to be on even ground. " Didn't think I'd find you here, Diluc."

@ragnvindrdawn – VAMPIRE THE MASQUERADE

#voidsapex #☼ hallow's fes 2025

in all honestly, he'd stopped expecting certain people to be here whenever he returned. Musashi happened to be one of those no matter how he might wish otherwise, so seeing her after all that time almost felt like a trick, whether it was the stars' doing or his own eyes fooling him. but no, she's very much real and actually here.

he manages the slightest smile when she talks, happy to have the chance to see her again. "you know, it's polite to tell friends when you decide to depart for an adventure." a small joke of course, no one has ever left by choice. still, that does nothing to help what others feel when losing someone they've had time getting to know. "it's good to see you again." he means that. something about her presence changes the atmosphere of any place, lightening the mood as soon as she speaks.

now he gestures at the area, how quiet it is and not being somewhere he'd expect to find her. "what are you doing here by yourself? I thought you might at least have one person with you."

he could have happily fallen asleep in Diluc's hold, curled against his friend's chest that had its layers of fabric-fur keeping him warm. or, well, that would keep people warm, but he had knew about Diluc's natural warmth being more than others'. he looked up with a smile, a little surprised by the suggestion.

ϟ really? I didn't try to keep things tidy to get anything out of it. but going out shopping together would be fun. ϟ not that the idea would have crossed the man's mind. Kaeya's warning about there being humans out there who would take advantage of others for their own ends stayed with him, not wanting to make either of their lives more difficult by getting caught up in trouble by accident.

ϟ new furniture could be like a welcome home present. people say about new beginnings — it can be like ours. ϟ

that, he already understands well enough. Pikachu has never been one to do anything for a return, it isn't part of his nature, and Diluc only thought a little change might be nice. "I'm aware, but that's not why I offered. sometimes new additions can improve mood, so I figured you might like a chair or two. maybe some plants to liven things up."

he's not too sure what else the mouse might want but that's a list they can make note of on the day, unless Pikachu prefers browsing first and choosing on the spot. the beginning of the week seems a good time to plan the trip for. early enough for Pikachu to spend time getting used to his new items.

"let's say... next week. how does that sound?"

#lightoball

seemed like they kind of got away with it? maybe. he never mentioned Kaeya's name though, so he shouldn't get in trouble either! (unless Diluc had already figured that much out — in which case, all he could do was hope for the best.) he nodded fast, wanting to do whatever he could to steer attention away, just in case.

and hearing Diluc recognising his effort to keep the manor tidy meant a lot. Kaeya definitely helped too, but it might have been safer not to say that right now. ϟ I wanted it to be tidy so you didn't come back to lots of work. you always keep everything neat and it would be really sad if you came back to a mess, or to see everything covered in dust. like it wasn't cared for. but I care about this house a lot. ϟ

his eyes fell a little, thinking about how he couldn't protect it when the Glitched were around. ϟ I wish I could do more for you. ϟ

"well, it looks like you've done plenty already." which he appreciates more than he could say but shows it with a gentle rub of Pikachu's head. "as you said, I'd have a lot more work if you hadn't kept this place clean."

but for now, there's something he wants to tell his friend now he's finally back. gathering the mouse into his arms, Diluc gives Pikachu a few light scratches against the fur of his back, then rubs a paw. "what would you say if I suggested giving your room a touch up? it's about time we brought in some new furniture for you, isn't it? you can pick out the items you like most."

#lightoball

@ragnvindrdawn!

he'd been dodging the subject whenever Diluc brought it up — a promise was a promise. but he knew well just how determined the man was, and once more he tried asking. ϟ theeeey… were out of date! I didn't want you to worry about someone getting sick if they drank something expired. ϟ

#lightoball #unlikely story little man

"hmm..." the slight pause alone is enough for him to know that's not the case at all. Pikachu is definitely covering up something, or maybe for someone. "I doubt that, but I won't question further. as long as it doesn't happen again." he has a vague idea already but there's no way to prove it unless someone were to come forward and confess, which is not likely.

more importantly though... "I see you kept the place clean. from now on, I'll take care of everything, alright? you can take it easy."

TAKING THE BOX FROM DILUC, he's a little abashed at the sudden appearance of his brother, having thought to hear something more... perhaps visceral was too harsh of a word. still, there's a happiness to a familiar face, especially noting the outfit the other has taken to wear from his own birthday gift, even if he isn't exactly one to show his heart on his sleeve. ❝ Of course. I am the birthday boy, after all! As for something better, haven't you already taken the time in getting these for me? To receive fine wines from Master Diluc of the Dawn Winery himself... why, how can anything get better than that? ❞ perhaps that last part was a little dramatic, just as he always tends to be, but there was a sincerity in it. and after a beat of silence, kaeya speaks again, albeit a little reserved given the topic.

❝ Would you care to join me tonight...? I know a quaint little tavern that serves non-alcoholic beverages alongside its other menu. My only birthday request is no grape juice. How about it? ❞

openly claiming it as a special day, now that's a pleasant surprise. "so, you haven't forgotten this time. at least you're making progress." and for one, he's glad to see it in person rather than hearing it from someone else. such an opportunity hasn't been one he thought possible after all they've endured since childhood, but if there's a chance things can change, it isn't one he wants to allow pass by.

the invitation isn't something he needs to waste time thinking about, when there have been multiple occasions he already considered celebrating with his brother. "alright then, I'll buy since it is your birthday... unless you have any objections for some reason?" giving up his preferred drink for a while is a small price compared to a memorable day, maybe they could even discuss working things out between them, even if getting back on the right track might still be a long way off.

#khaenriahn

❝ You know, I think tonight is a wonderful time to go out for a nice drink or two at the tavern. It's no Angel's Share, but it should do well enough to celebrate the moment, I think. ❞ now if only there were company to go along with it, it would likely make the time all the better...

#khaenriahn #brother... you can't escape

"planning an outing already? and before I've even had the chance to give you these? I'm a little disappointed." well, as long as Kaeya is happy then it's fine. he wastes little time holding the box out to his brother in offering to take off his hands. "don't expect much, it's just some fragrances and wine for now. I'll find something better when I have more time free."

@ragnvindrdawn!

even though he was used to this, it was always lonely. for whatever reason, the Stars like to take away his friends, like they were taunting him for ever getting close to humans. there was something comforting in the manor staying even though its owner was missing — it was a special home, not one that would still be here even if everyone left it. it was Diluc's home, so that meant he wasn't gone forever. Rain too. he always came back.

he had managed on his own. the bowl of candies left out for trick or treaters while he went out to take part was emptied out by the time he was home and he'd made sure not to make any messes. it was just... really quiet. and cold, in a way.

when the door opened up, his ears twitched. an eclipse had happened not long ago, but so had others and nothing changed. he was scared of getting excited, only to find out it was the same again. so it was curiosity that brought him to the staircase, looking down at who had walked in.

even though the door was open, the manor was warm again.

ϟ ...you're back. ϟ the corners of his eyes were so warm, they tickled from the damp, so a paw brushed against it, but right away afterwards, they hit the stairs like a rolling hill. ϟ Diluc! ϟ

#lightoball #☼ lightoball 03 #made me a little emo with this ngl

who could say how long its been since Pikachu had seen him last, but from the reaction alone, he could guess quite some time has passed. "I'm here." he takes the opportunity to approach once the door is shut, carefully gathering the mouse from the stairs to tuck into his arm, gently scratching Pikachu's head with the other hand. "I hope you've been taking care of yourself in my absence." it doesn't need to be asked as a question because he knows his little friend would never make him worry.

and while that lingers in his mind... "have you eaten yet? shall I make something for us if not?" either way, he could still grab a drink for himself even if Pikachu doesn't want anything just yet. for the time being, he steps into the kitchen and sits at the table, still fussing over the companion to give that reassurance he's not going anywhere so soon after returning. not so long as he could help it. the stars may do as they please, but staying with Pikachu is the priority—as well as that annoying brother of his... troublesome or otherwise.

it may be too early to say he's home, but there is comfort in knowing those he cares for most are here, with the exception of a few who are hopefully enjoying time back in their own worlds.

ϟ —oh... right. sorry. ϟ it was probably only because of Diluc that he hadn't managed to already.

but that wasn't the important part. ϟ i saw outside! there are lots of Pokémon i haven't seen before. or they feel like us. lots of people have them so i wanted to see if you did too. ϟ

#lightoball #that's not the point!!#those funds could be used to spoil Pika instead but you're like this

it was obvious the latest additions wouldn't escape the animals curiosity for long. but his own? he has too much in need of sorting to join whatever is happening. "I don't, but if you want to go outside and have a look at the others, you're welcome to do so.

make sure you're careful though, alright?"

ϟDIIIILUUUUCϟ comes from the staircase and growing louder really, really fast. he's not using Quick Attack indoors, what do you mean?

#lightoball #Pikachu on his way to ruin the house

once again, his little companion is well on the way to causing trouble, judging by how the volume of Pikachu's voice increases quickly. "what have I told you about using your abilities indoors? you might cause harm to yourself."

HOW LONG HAS HE THOUGHT THIS OVER? not too long, he would say to anyone asking him, yet the truth is embedded deep in his heart. time and again, it's relayed in his mind since a year ago, when his brother had reached into that inky ichor to pull him from the jaws of death. all around his birthday, no less. maybe it was just another essence of guilt meant to pile upon the pyre, awaiting the day diluc would set it aflame by his own hands, leaving kaeya to remain adrift in their ash. but that would be just another fanciful lie, wouldn't it? a thing to let him keep hiding, something to keep himself safe, than to start piecing back together all the broken shards they'd slowly been able to pick back up over time.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀a rift needing to heal, lest it become an irreparable maw.

only thoughts as those aren't meant for days like this, not when it should be about diluc's happiness, nothing more. so, the captain stands at the open door to his brother's home, gift in hand while facing the red-head. it's the least he could do — to try.

❝ Here. Take it. ❞ kaeya holds out the small package, wrapped elegantly with a flourish, in an array of colors to thoughtfully match its recipient. and were diluc to accept, he would find a beautiful set of clothes tailored to his tastes. a dark suit, garnished with a deep red silk vest and ashen gray patterns etched upon the coat in perfect precision, lined with dashes of dark crimson to accent it. there were also a set of gloves to pair alongside it, if he chose. ❝ Days like this are worth celebrating and today is certainly no exception. ❞

@ragnvindrdawn

#khaenriahn #☼ khaenriahn 04 #very late but it is what it is and such

were this any other ordinary day, he might believe it to be a casual visit rather than some sort of reminder. lucky for Kaeya then he remains unbothered. even if it is something that no longer holds any meaning. while he doesn't appear too impressed by the gesture, Diluc does in fact appreciate the effort. "worth celebrating? hardly. you and I both know it hasn't been important for a long time." still, he stands, staring at the package in thought for a while more.

their usual opposition isn't present which should be surprising but this is preferable to longstanding disagreements. he hums, quiet, an attempt to figure out what the next course of action should be. they can't continue forever as they have done, and yet, there's an uncertainty in forgiveness for the moment. trust takes time to repair, as do broken bonds and both need to find some sense of it again.

"is that all you came for, or was there some other secret purpose to this?" perhaps he doesn't really want to know. it's a miracle his brother even bothered to set foot anywhere near his home, it might be better to give the benefit of the doubt. "never mind... I guess you should come inside for now." if Kaeya wants to, that is. the door now wide open in invitation as he waits on a decision.

that may be expecting more than the captain is willing to allow, of course. whatever the choice, he'd respect it. "unless you're too busy with whatever it is you normally do."

sendousha

@ragnvindrdawn

Since day one, she had always been there, just a little ahead. The two of them had been through everything and managed to lean on one another when need. When Kai and Elatha weren't here, there was still each other. But then... the house fell so quiet. It was a possibility they'd both considered, even if never spoken of; anyone was subject for release from Spirale and return home — their friends, their boyfriends, even them.

Still, all the belief in the world that they would be ready couldn't truly compete with the gravity that dragged his heart down to open the door in check to find Misaki's room without her. Every decoration remained in place, like a snapshot in time, but she... wasn't anywhere to be seen.

He'd kept busy to keep the full force of such change from overwhelming him; let it come in smaller waves, like the staged filling of a cup. His greatest fear had always been isolation — to be lost in that world of utter darkness where not a soul could be found no matter in which direction he looked. Though candle-lights of others' company fizzled out across the passage of time, he was never entirely alone. Until now.

Running a palm along Wingal's mane to High-Beast's coos had been a source of comfort in knowing that he wasn't entirely by himself, but it was only a bandage. One that peeled some with the unprovoked knock of the front door, bringing the canine's head up and darting for toward the source. A little dazed, Aichi's follow was staggered, having to take a moment for slow breaths and steel himself for what might be waiting — he daren't get his hopes up, not if they were at risk of collapsing and slashing at his heart with them.

A pull ushered in sunlight and the towering stature of the visitor — a double-edged blade when the ease of his appearance came with the realisation Misaki was likely his intended receiver. "Diluc— Uhm... this might be a bad time. I— I mean—... you're welcome to come in, of course, I just mean... uh..." Sagged shoulders let clear the frustration he'd stumbled at the very first hurdle.

#sendousha #☼ sendousha 02 #can't believe it's only their 2nd thread

behind the door, he finds the home's owner looking a little more than worse for wear. understandable considering that discovery he'd make earlier. Diluc would have stopped by sooner but he hadn't wished to cause disturbance so soon. "she's gone... yes, I know. that's not the purpose of my visit. I thought you might want some company." after all, Aichi has known Misaki much longer and is undoubtedly used to seeing her every day.

steps lead him inside which he wastes no time in heading for the kitchen, a place all too familiar from many past occasions he joined them for meals, or a simple conversation. although, it does seem much emptier without her presence. a silent note to drop by more often in future so Aichi shouldn't feel as if there's no one left to turn to.

"I brought leftover pancakes from this morning if you'd like some? Pikachu wasn't able to finish them, even after reassuring me he could manage. I believe the appetite of his eyes is much larger than his stomach at times." he calls out just enough for the boy to hear until Diluc looks over as Aichi enters the doorway. "there's also something I've been working on for those who don't drink alcohol. perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing your opinion?"

he's quick to unpack the treats and place them on a plate, then seating himself at the end of the table, brief pause of silence following. "...will you be alright? it's a difficult question to face, I'm sure. I just need to be certain. Misaki wouldn't wish for her departure to spoil the rest of your time here. you know that as well as I do."

genesismaiden:

She’d initially been prepared to respond with a downplayed invitation; one he could turn down should it not fit with his preference — camping wasn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. Though that hurdle would never need crossing as the man voiced clear his acceptance, and there, Misaki found herself somewhat stumped. He was so prepared to do what may need to ease his soul of its turmoil and ease its pain, even go out of his way without batting an eye. Going so far as to fund the trip if need be. She couldn’t take that generosity without something said in return; instinct urged her to reign him back from such an extreme, and yet silence seized her voice by a lump swollen in her throat.

For all the friends who had passed through and returned onto home, there were still those who remained. Few they might be, she was never one for large gatherings in the first place — and the two of them shared a great deal in peace. Misaki never took for granted those who passed her way, holding on their memory even once their faces became nothing more than that, like a time capsule. It instilled a reluctance to settle and feel entirely comfortable. The gaping hole within her could never close, not so long as Elatha remained absent — but that was not Diluc’s job, nor that of anyone else. She had spent the time since carrying on as best she could, and anticipated the same were true of others with similar experience.

Her lips twisted ever so, faintly smiling at the notion they could escape. Just for a while. And perhaps succeed in blocking out the noise. The familiar sights that lacked full colour. “You don’t have to go that far. We’ll split the cost — my way of saying thank you. You’re going above and beyond as it is — I couldn’t possibly let you foot the bill”. A fingertip traced circles upon the table, with purpose no more than a simple scratch without risk of chipping. “Would after the weekend be too soon? It’s going to take some preparation, so I’d rather give you the necessary time to have your ducks in a row where friends are concerned”.

“perhaps not, but you are the one in need of respite. it’s no trouble for a good friend. I’d prefer if you allow me to pay.” and if she were to continue trying to persuade otherwise, he would only insist just as stubbornly. it was his idea, after all. Diluc would not take no as an answer in this instance. should she wish to return in kind, there are plenty of things she can do so with. lending an ear to listen to his day was more than enough to suffice. no further actions are necessary when she already has enough to consider.

this weekend seemed like sensible suggestion. “that should give me enough time to sort everything.” there is another thing though. perhaps she’d like to make it a small group outing, Misaki might consider inviting another along in that case—to be around friends in a different environment than her usual visits may even help more than she believes. “why not ask Aichi if he’d like to accompany us? he’s the only one who is most familiar to you. if you’re worried about the cats, I’m sure you could find someone willing to take care of them while both of you are away.” surely there are plenty of people who’d gladly step in, even when both cats can be mischievous at times, Misaki’s terror more so than the other.

#genesismaiden #☼ genesismaiden 02 #if you say so then I'll do my best

genesismaiden:

Run so deep in her thoughts, Misaki had to repeat what he had spoken to ensure she’d heard right — always so stubborn, she had been one to go against the grain rather than fall in line, and here he was, highlighting how desperation gnawed away at that resistance so natural. Changing herself had never been a part of the equation before, so why had the prospect crossed her thoughts now? As if blame lied with her for the isolation of past months, while grief and longing swirled with suffocating potency.

She’d learned well that allowing the door to close and lock itself would do harm only unto herself — the world would continue onward without mercy for a singular occupant, it could not afford to. Had he remained confined within his own emotions, Diluc wouldn’t be the person he was today, able to make rational decisions and extending sage advice. Despite the length of her time away from home, it wasn’t just in body had she remained a teenager, her heart and spirit still battled too with the clouding of complication that adolescence ushered. Wrought with a mixture of emotions clashing, the small curve ruptured without losing its earnest shape. “Thanks. I really needed to hear that. It’s hard to talk sense into yourself when it feels like you’re just shouting into the void, the sound of your own voice matching the one that feeds your doubts”.

Fingers ran across her lashes, sweeping away the tears that swelled, coming faster and warmer with his final sentiment. Misaki had never been much of anything — just an ordinary girl with an incredible memory, but that was it. In Hitsue, she was a remarkable student who was rough around the edges. In Hive and Spirale after, she was little more than a civilian just like those native to the cities; perfectly plain and easy to ignore. She was never one for the spotlight; in fact, she took lengths to avoid it, if necessary, but she couldn’t help the sheer disheartenment to feel nothing of value to offer, watching from the shadows, from far behind the strong.

“You’ve got a point. I’ve been cooped up a lot and visiting a handful of places for some air, but not more than that. Maybe a little trip to the City of Glass — it’s been a while. Is camping your style? You’re probably busy and mean it as a retreat for some soul-searching, but if you’ve got some time spare, it might do well to have a wise friend tag along”.

his reply comes in form of a nod first. “I understand. it takes time to lessen the voices within your own mind, if at all. one cannot expect to always be the perfect picture of happiness.” this he knows to be true from many encounters with others—and from his own past. nobody can possess a life entirely free of grief when things could go wrong at any moment.

“you’d like me to go with you? it has been a while since I’ve stayed outside overnight.” Diluc thinks on it carefully though not long, he doesn’t need much time to consider an answer. if it’s company she’s after, he could oblige on this occasion and perhaps a trip may refresh his mind as well. “alright then, I’d be happy to join. if you don’t have the necessary equipment, I can purchase what we’ll need. consider it my treat.” pulling a small piece of paper and a pen from his coat pocket, he makes quick note of the requirements then tucks them away for later.

now all that’s left is to set a date and time. not too soon, but not so long that Misaki misses the chance in case she returns home. it would be a shame to let an opportunity to spend more time with a friend slip by. “do you have an idea when you want to leave? I’ll need to plan in advance and make sure everything is in order.”

#genesismaiden #☼ genesismaiden 02 #brain is too weak for long replies rn I'm so sorry #listen ik you always tell me not to feel bad but I do anyway

heavensvoid

that was just like diluc and his words earn a somewhat amused smile. yes, she didn't have to but she wanted to. one thing about the swordswoman is that nobody could make her do anything that she didn't want to do and even that extended to something as simple (or catastrophic in her case) as making some sweets for a good friend. one who she takes the time to quietly admire while his gaze remains focused on their hands.

it's an indulgence of sorts. while she's always been one to admire others without any sort of shame, speaking her mind regardless of the sorts of reactions it would garner, she doesn't quite do the same when it comes to him. it was something unspoken, and had remained as so for a long time. at least until his brother had rather casually pointed things out to her. (not that she'll ever speak of that encounter. kaeya has kept her secret thus far and so musashi will do the same in kind.) it has not changed anything: she continues to treat diluc as always. after all, even if this existence ends up being like an ephemeral dream, she would rather any memories he's left with remain untainted.

an effort to spare him the pain that ritsuka and mashu had to suffer.

" If you want to, I won't stop you. But this was a gift, okay? So don't worry too much about it!" here, finally, she lets go of his hand, choosing to clasp her own together and resting them in her lap while her gaze focuses off on something in the distance. " I'm not too good at being patient sometimes but for you, I can wait."