#enacrai

[aequitaes]

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 @enacrai + childe

𝐵𝑈𝑅𝐺𝑈𝑁𝐷𝑌-𝑀𝐴𝑅𝑂𝑂𝑁 𝐻𝑈𝐸𝑆 𝑆𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐿 𝐴𝑅𝑂𝑈𝑁𝐷 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐺𝐿𝐴𝑆𝑆 , evidently experienced. The evening progresses with another sip. Upon a bar stool, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius surveyed ( and judged -- though considering he was a frequent visitor.... ) with bright blue eyes over the regulars that would appear in Angel's Share Tavern. A prime location, close to the bartender, Charles. For a moment, his forearm rests on the mahogany as he lowers his glass. Only as he spared a glance down would he notice a stray thread that appeared to come away from his clothing.

A quiet little hum was attributed to nothing more than a minor snag. He watched with his forefinger and thumb naturally drawn to it, to see if it would detach without a hitch -- lest a tear emerge. Thankfully, it does,with little resistance, bringing it up to the light as he observes it between those fingers, rolling it just as a red head appears in his field of vision.

In addition to his clothing, the shape of his vision would be a telltale sign before any other indication that --

You're not from around here...

The regulars of Mondstadt were familiar to Kaeya, so it would be strange not to be acquainted with them. Thus, it wasn't difficult to decipher the obvious. There is a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he tilts his head to the side -- ever so slight --with interest.

A few tell-tale signs, for what he believed could be a member of the Fatui, but as though he was about to come to that conclusion ...

"Isn't that Childe? The 11th Harbinger?"

Commented by a mere resident standing by, announcing to the close-by group of listeners. The attitude of his demeanor changed from that moment forward -- weary, perhaps protective. After a nod to Charles, the glass is slid in his direction, before his full attention is focused on Childe.

" Oh, this is going to be interesting.... "

[aequitaes]

an abrupt ,  heated kiss during the middle of a fight . // from Rafe @enacrai

" Seriously? Seriously? " He shook his head in disbelief, " Unbelievable..." Tongue clicking at the roof of his mouth, an echoed sort of 'tutting' noise. His hands fell to his waist as he glanced around the cave, eyes eventually returning to the other. " Why couldn't you just have fucking listened for once ?? Huh? Would it have killed ya? -- Don't answer that." A step forward in haste, "Cause we might as well be -- dead! killed! if we don't figure out a way outta here.... Avery wasn't just gonna leave the treasure lying around with a big ol' flashing sign, "Rafe Adler, Find Treasure Here." Hands mimicking a dramatic fake sign gesture. It only served to rile Samuel up further as Rafe continued on, seemingly searching for something.

"Asshole."

"What did you say?"

" Ah, now he listens... Were you even paying attention to anything I just said? "

Following a shrug from the one in question, Sam advanced towards him. Perhaps the older man's near growl was caused by making direct eye contact, but it would have been his mistake to look at his lips.

" I hope y'know how much I hate you..." The tone of his voice became noticeably quieter then, instead of shouting across the room.

Rafe patted Sam's shoulder as he usually does to piss him off, matched with that smirk. "The feeling is entirely mutual."

" Why you---" He grabbed his shirt and launched him to the nearest cave wall. Gritting his teeth and growling. With his breathing notably heavier, he cannot recall what propelled him forward next. His vision plummeted into darkness as he closed his eyes, taking a leap into the unknown and kissing the one he was, by all accounts, supposed to hate. Brief respite, needing a moment to recollect his thoughts, but there was a natural pull ... Barely a moment between them; the man dragged Rafe deeper into the cave's crevices as he kissed him once more.

[tenebriism]

A brief touch of fingers against a gloved hand. Soft, barely there. Amber gaze drifting over to the fire that crackled in the hearth, a book held in his free hand. A moment of peace for the both of them. "Diluc..." His voice quiet, barely audible over the crackle of the flames. "Have you given any thought... to where you would wish to begin our lives together?"

There was many a thing he could say when asked what he loved about Zhongli. His intelligence, his gentle nature, his passion for history and the world itself, which oft, he wove into beautiful, riveting stories and lessons. Largely, though, he appreciated Zhongli's ability to just . . . exist in the moment. The winery owner was a skilled conversationalist; a trait that was NECESSARY if one wanted to run a successful business and keep patronage high and dependable, but in moments where he could be Diluc, and just DILUC, he loved that they could simply sit in silence and not feel FORCED to fill every moment with chatter.

Not that he hated listening to Zhongli's voice--- just the opposite, but that they enjoyed one another's existence so fiercely, to the point just that touch of contact, that KNOWLEDGE that the other person was there and close, was enough, meant everything to him.

Here, like this, he's truly at peace. A fire, beverages and snacks just within reach, and whatever piece of literature captured their interest in the now. He feels Zhongli's fingers brush 'gainst his hand, thumb extending to gently ghost overtop in return. When words lightly banish away the tranquil silence that had befallen them, Diluc is quick to lend his ear, always and forever one to LISTEN, no matter what Zhongli had to say. He's glad he had, for the inquiry is a profound one; they are, after all, soon to be married, and in binding themselves to one another, there was far more to consider, now, than quaint little date nights and gift ideas.

" Hm. " Now, his hand seeks that full contact, fingers lacing betwixt the older man's. With how meticulous he was about everything else in his life, from his wardrobe, to his schedule, and even to what RIBBON he wore in his hair on any given day, it was a wonder he didn't have an answer parked right at the tip of his tongue. Truthfully, he was just happy to live in the moment, day by day, with his beloved. " Not in depth . . . though, now that you mention it . . . I had . . . considered moving to Liyue. "

Permanently, that is, and not merely as a means to be close to whatever Liyue specific business that needed extensive tending to.

" It would mean leaving behind Mondstadt. Leaving behind my home, where I grew up, my winery and . . . majority of the people I've been fortunate enough to consider loved ones, but . . . the benefit to this line of work is that it is flexible. " Unspoken, as well, is the hidden life he lead in the darkness of night that he would, also, have to give up. That, though, needn't be disclosed. Not yet.

He could go into full detail about the trade market, communications, employee management and how he saw to the organization of many a facet of the Ragnvindr family business in every region, but none of that mattered. Not right now, when he was on the steady path to making a point that he hoped Zhongli would see was monumentally personal. " You are my home, though. Whether the winery in Mondstadt, or one built in Liyue to continue my work . . . anywhere, as long as you are there. That is where I wish to begin our lives. "

Diluc raises their joined hands to his lips, planting a chaste kiss atop Zhongli's, as a dimple-bordered smile tugged at his lips. " Is . . . that a suitable enough answer, my love ? "

@enacrai ;; ♥

[aequitaes]

      "  Well, well, well... look what the cat dragged in -- or should i say treasure?  "   Smirking, he tsked,   " Typical Adler... Always after one thing -- and you know!?  " His finger waggled in Rafe's direction as he leaned against the precariously unstable pillar, in continuation of his speech.   "  I bet ya thought you just mighta had the lead on me this time. Well, jokes on you doll! " The pillar began to crack at the top, a slow rumble reverberating on the ceiling.

  "  Hey -- Sam --- ?!  "  shouted his younger brother, Nate, in terror.

   "  What?  ( looking up ) Kinda busy gloating over here! "

  " No -- Sam! You might wanna!   "

Within seconds, the entire ruin began collapsing, debris falling with it as the structure crumbled.   "  Oh Shit!  "   And with that, Sam leapt forward, grabbing Rafe and dragging him with him to the pits below.

                  @enacrai​​  + Rafe <3

[tenebriism]

The celebrations were in full swing, people laughing with their loved ones, counting down to the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. For Zhongli, the biggest reason he was looking forward to the new year ahead was because of the man standing at his side. Neither of them truly willing to throw themselves into the heart of the festivities. His hand found Diluc's, entwining their fingers together. It was perhaps the most openly affectionate Zhongli had been. The year had been a learning curve for him, opening himself to the possibility of having someone as a permanent fixture in his life. Trusting that they would be there... learning to love once again.

All of that had come because of Diluc. Found in a place Zhongli never would have expected. Yet they worked so well together. Because of him, he was able to let go of some of the pain he held on to -- was able to feel less guilt and more happiness. He was looking forward to the future with Diluc by his side. He had fallen in love with him.

There was a soft smile on his face as he turned to look at him, watching as the colours of the fireworks reflected off Diluc's hair. In that moment he was struck once again by the beauty of the man, not just in appearance but in who he was. His heart was full, Zhongli was happy. More than he'd been in many years.

He leans forward, kissing him softly -- and for two who weren't openly affectionate in that way, it did take him by surprise too. Yet it felt right. "I love you, Diluc." He whispers, "Happy New Year... I'm looking forward to spending it with you... and perhaps if you'll agree..." A pause then as he reaches into his pocket, "Each one that comes after... for the rest of our lives..."

'Tis not oft, if ever, that Diluc indulges in New Years festivities. ALCOHOL was, after all, a highly sought after staple of the birth of the new year tradition, and he was MORE than happy to distract himself with the extra work. It made it easier not to dwell on the uncertainties of the upcoming year . . . of the reminder that his life, in particular, was never guaranteed on any certain day, the ghosts of his past bound to his ankles like that of chains, threatening to drag him down without a moment's notice.

Here, now, as he stood at Zhongli's side, hand in hand, he felt . . . strange. Not so much in a way that warranted concern--- nay, it was OPTIMISM, which had, once, felt like so foreign a concept that he had simply deemed it not personally POSSIBLE. There's childlike wonder in his eyes as he watches the fireworks soar into the sky, bursting into various shapes of all sizes and colors. Nostalgia hits him in waves, memories of him, Crepus, and Kaeya nestled together 'neath a blanket outside, watching the fireworks as a FAMILY, leave a bittersweet taste upon his tongue.

He distantly thinks, mayhap this year will be the year he attempts to make amends with his brother. It was . . . a thought to dwell on later.

Pulling him from the deep depths of his thoughts, Diluc happily turns his attentions towards his beloved. Zhongli, too, looked a marvel, the earthen hues of his attire and hair thriving against the rainbow of fireworks still bursting in the distance--- and, oh, his eyes. How the eldest Ragnvindr ADORED gazing into them, catching that amber glow that made him feel warm, hopeful.

L o v e d.

" I love you, too, Zhongli, " he whispers into that kiss, greedily going back in for a second. One was never enough, even outside the comfort and preferred privacy of closed doors. For Zhongli, he could, and would always, make an exception. " And Happy New Year to you, as well. To be able to bring it in with you is . . . an honor I shall never take for granted. " He'd assumed it would end there . . . that Zhongli may suggest they head down and further immerse themselves within the bustling crowds and activities arranged for their leisure.

Ever a bringer of surprises, his beloved. His presence, his continued support, and now . . .

" Zhongli, are . . . " Diluc's voice catches in his throat, and before he can even register what's happening, there are tears. Endless, ceaseless. Yet, he doesn't even bother to tuck himself away or hide from Zhongli, as he normally would. Nay, the fireworks keep popping off, the murmurs of the crowd not once lulling to a silence, yet all Diluc hears, and sees, is Zhongli afront him, holding out that ring. " You're . . . are you a-asking me to . . . marry . . . " Archons, if his mother and father could see him now. It's all they'd ever wanted for him, a life of comfort and happiness, and for so, so agonizingly long, it had felt far out of reach. IMPOSSIBLE, until Zhongli had proven him wrong.

He cries. SOBS. Quickly raises an arm to cover the upper half of his face as the emotions, finally, prove too much. Now, though, he hides himself--- not from Zhongli, but from curious onlookers who may suspect aught is amiss from the redhead who was SURELY recognized by some, if not most of them. His face presses into Zhongli's shoulder, his sobs heavy, yet muffled . . . yet, he manages a soft " Yes " amidst the chorus of overwhelming tears.

Of COURSE he would marry Zhongli, in this life, in the next life, in every life. " Yes . . . I'll ma . . . m-marry you . . . gods, y e s . . . "

And if he's dreaming, may he NEVER wake up.

@enacrai . ♥

[aequitaes]

Hank @ Gavin 😒

Hank @ Gavin when he’s in front of him at a coffee shop deliberately taking his time ordering and then taking the last doughnut Hank wanted 😠😤🤬

[kanedoji]

@enacrai​ -- ;

“It was nice seein’ ya, too, Yan-chan! Don’t let me keep ya!”

He had to admit, the notion of having friends from abroad was likely one of the best things about the Sakoku Decree ending. Yanfei had taken time out of her day to meet with him for lunch at Heyu Teahouse and they’d spent the better part of the afternoon chatting about their lives since the Chasm, but as for the reason for his visit? Why, he’d traipsed there from Sumeru, of course! A little break from his self-proclaimed TCG Safari, as he’d come to declare it. 

As the lunch hour had worn on, people had steadily trickled to the terrace that became filled with people engrossed with the Story Master regaling them with tales that he also paid attention to, yet he noticed his table was the only largely vacant one, and there was a guy who looked like he could use a seat.

“Yo! Uh... no one’s sittin’ there if ya need a seat to chill with your buddies at one of the other tables, just sayin’.”

[worldly-diversity]

@enacrai​ ○ 𝕫𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕚 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕖 ○

         ⤷  『  When Childe would come to seek out Zhongli , he'd find him laid across a sofa. Book upon his chest -- very clearly asleep. Yet once the door would click shut behind him , amber hues would open open slowly and a tired little smile would cross his face.  』

He hadn't expected the other to wait up for him after telling the other he'd be away for work the rest of the evening, had even told him not to wait up and yet what does he see upon his return but the former archon asleep on the couch with a book on his chest. It's an endearing sight, admittedly, but part of him frowns at the idea that the other had waited after all. Zhongli should be taking care of himself rather than fussing over him. He's more than strong enough to handle a few measly late night errands after all.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Nevertheless, concern is the first thing he vocalises when he joins the other in the living room to find his eyes open and emitting a soft glow in the faint light coming from the lanterns outside.

"You didn't need to stay up for me…" He mutters in pointless protest, after all what was done was done, and it wasn't like the other would listen to him if he didn't want to. "In any case, sleeping there can't be comfortable. Let's go to bed, unless you'd rather have a cup of tea first?"

.