video; un: ragnvindr

Even by Teyvat's terms it would be strange to be able to say you're personally acquainted with an Archon, let alone two, but their actual existence isn't disputed.

[Then he laughs, because... gods, Chuuya is right. The Archons are one thing - real, tangible, proven to exist time and time again - but Celestia itself is something else entirely.]

Celestia is... [He makes a vague gesture with one hand.] There's no way to reach it save by ascending, though you can see it in the sky from almost any point on the continent. Whatever or whoever is up there, they don't seem to pay too much attention to us save for some key, cataclysmic moments in history.

[Diluc's attention goes back to the Vision again and he sighs softly. He rolls his head to one side to look at the other man, then offers the object to him to look at.]

Here. It won't hurt you.

So what, do they like... put in regular appearances every couple hundred years just to go 'Yeah by the way I'm not a myth!', or something?

[It's said like he's not sure if that's the case or not, really. It sounds ridiculous, even as the words leave his mouth, but--] Gods in my world are like... you believe in 'em, you don't see 'em, you know? At least from what I've heard. Not really a religious guy.

[His eyes narrow as Diluc describes Celestia, however. It seems less like some sort of heavenly divine realm and more like... a watcher in the sky. Not necessarily a nice one.] So if you can see it... why doesn't someone fly up there and check it out? Find out what's going on? Flip them the one finger salute for being less than useless, even?

[Wait, does this Teyvat even have easily accessible means of flight? Hm.

But when Diluc offers over his vision, Chuuya's focus switches instantly to it. It looks... well, gaudy. Like one of those eye catching accessories someone would tie to a belt chain or a bag or something. But when he takes it in his hand, it's warm. Like something alive.

He's silent for a long moment, eventually raising one hand to tug a glove off with his teeth, letting it fall to the ground below so he can touch the vision properly. He runs fingertips gently over the smooth glass surface of the orb, expression contemplative and more than a little curious.]

I expected it to feel like glass or stone. It does, but... It feels like... something alive, almost. Warm.

Edited 2022-07-17 12:20 (UTC)

You could say they pop in now and then. [He watches Chuuya examining the Vision, sitting up once he's handed it over, and though his posture is relaxed perhaps something in the way he clasps his hands together in his lap conveys how his mind is twitching to snatch the thing back despite how willingly it had been given.]

It depends on the archon. The anemo archon is fairly reclusive, preferring to let his people live as they will. The geo archon of Liyue was always more present, but... in a rather lofty way. Inazuma's electro archon is more easily accessed, but that development is only a recent one. You get the idea.

[He leans forwards slightly then, his eyes turning faintly amused.] As for Celestia, even if such a thing were possible, do you think a place capable of razing civilisations would sit back and tolerate simple mortal curiosity?

[If he only knew...

He presses his lips together then reaches out. Without removing the whole thing from Chuuya's hand he presses a clasp on the housing of the Vision and the metal falls open, allowing the bauble itself to drop into Chuuya's hand. It's perfectly round, and does indeed seem to be giving off its own faint heat.]

There is a great amount of power in it. [He murmurs, shaking his head slightly.] After so many years I'm highly proficient in its use, but even then... I sometimes doubt I've unlocked its full potential.

'pop in'. That doesn't exactly make it sound any less bizarre, actually.

[Chuuya lets out a snort at the mental image of a god just popping in to check out what's new in town. Maybe take a look at that new bakery in the central shopping plaza. Sure. Okay.]

You know, Kaeya mentioned that Inazuma place, and I still don't understand why a country would be named 'lightning'. Like plain and simple, no punch, no grandeur whatsoever? Really? As for celestia... I don't know, I figure eventually someone would get fed up. But I guess they probably raze down any civilizations that get ideas, huh?

[Said with a grimace, and he watches as Diluc frees the orb from the metal housing, grasping the vision carefully when it drops into his hand. It's...]

...It looks like a fancy paperweight like this. No wonder you keep it in that thing.

[What! It does! However, he hums in consideration at that last admission.] But it's your power, isn't it?

...Proficiency with anything like this is pretty subjective, in my opinion. I've been using my gift as easy as breathing for as long as I can remember, and I've still learned plenty of things over the years. Still learning, even.

[He tilts his head head slightly, glancing sidelong at Diluc with a quirked brow.] It's the same with you, right?

[He keeps the housing held in his own hands, idly playing with the small metal wings that mark its place of origin. The comment to Inazuma's name only gets a faint smirk - he will make no comments on the imagination of the electro archon, but the name of the place certainly seemed to be an afterthought. Diluc was almost hit by lightning more times than he cares to count while he was there, so he isn't going to question it.

Instead he studies Chuuya while he speaks, then tilts his head in quiet thought.]

No, not entirely.

[Some details don't hurt to talk about, or at least not as much as they did. He's prepared for any questions that come with what he says next. He frowns briefly, but the expression clears as quickly as it arrived.]

If someone's Vision is taken from them, or they abandon it, they can no longer access the elemental ability that comes with possessing it. I went without it for four years, when I left it behind after my father died. [Diluc pauses for a moment, thoughtful.] You're right to say that we're always learning, but the power we get from our Visions... it isn't entirely ours. Do you understand? It's a gift from Celestia, and we don't know why they give them to us.

[And given everything he has said about Celestia already...]

But they are a gift none the less, and everyone who is given one develops a different way of using it.

[Chuuya pauses, listening, a frown gracing his features. Not entirely?

...So the vision is a gift, but one that can be contained. Taken away. That... did beg some questions, certainly.]

...Considering everything you've told me about Celestia... that raises more questions than it does answers, doesn't it? They don't exactly seem very giving, from what you're saying.

[He raises the bauble in his hand up to eye level, as if merely looking at it more closely would provide more answers. Unfortunately, no.

After a moment, he passes the vision back over to Diluc, shaking his head with a wry grin.]

Well, as far as I can see, you've certainly made it your own. And you don't rely on it completely, either.

[Which was almost always a crutch, when facing gifted. Having fought side by side with a guy who could nullify gifts for years, Chuuya understood how very easily people could become helpless without their unique power.

He rests his chin in the palm of one hand, the lingering warmth of Diluc's vision sinking into his skin. It takes him aback a moment, but...]

...I'm sorry about your father.

[With the Vision returned to his hands Diluc secures it back in its housing and slips it onto his belt again, fiddling with it for a few moments while Chuuya continues to speak.

What a Vision is and what it means is something that he has often had cause to question, but despite having theories of his own he has been able to confirm only a few of them. In the end, though... it was a useful tool, and it had served Diluc well in the years he had had it. Even in those he hadn't - could he have withstood the corrupting influence of his father's Delusion so well if he hadn't already been blessed?

But then there are those final words. The condolences that Diluc would always say he doesn't need to hear. His posture grows still for a moment, eyes downcast, his hands falling away from the Vision and down into his lap. He lets out a soft exhale through his nose.]

... Thank you. [Diluc replies quietly with a faint, distant smile. It still stings, and even more so now that he had let so many of those protective walls down over the time he's spent in Nippon.]

I was very angry for a long time after he died, and I don't talk about him much... but I still think about him. [Finally he looks up, another exhaled sigh pushed through parted lips. A tension seems to slide off his shoulders between one moment and the next.] Did Kaeya tell you that we grew up together?

[Chuuya wasn't really sure how those last words would be accepted, but they felt like the right thing to say nonetheless. Parents were a complicated concept for him, and 'concept' is about as close as he's come to having the subject himself.

He'd made that choice himself, though.

Chuuya struggles with the impulse to reach out, do... something. Comfort him? Offer support? He isn't sure either would be welcome, with this subject.

Luckily, Diluc provides a direction for the conversation.]

Yeah, he did. It sounded nice-- growing up with someone you're closer to than anyone.

Mm.

[His expression slips into an easy smile, then. Warm, charming and a little crooked to one side as his thoughts move to more pleasant things than the sudden loss of his father.]

He was picked up by the side of the road when I was eight. I didn't mind, in fact I remember being delighted that there would be another little boy around for me to play with all the time. [Being a nobleman's son could be surprisingly lonely. There was no shortage of children in Mondstadt at any time but they did not always want to spend time with him, so Diluc had spent a lot of his childhood with very few friends.]

He was my best friend. We did everything together. I used to take the blame for him so he wouldn't get in trouble, defend him against people staring at him in the city, and I'd always eat the things off his plate that he didn't like. [Diluc settles himself back into the grass then, tucking his forearm under his head again. The grass and warm earth feels nice under his skin.]

I doubt I would have got as far as I did without him. He supported me in everything and never once complained about always being in my shadow.

[He gazes up at the sky silently for a few moments then draws in a quick breath.]

... You know, I like you, Chuuya. You're easy to talk to and I don't think you realise that that's a rare find for me. [A quick glance is shot the other man's way.] If Kaeya decides he feels the same, be good to him, all right? He deserves it.

[Chuuya is quiet as Diluc speaks, expression soft and oddly understanding. Eight years old on the side of the road, huh...?

It's hard not to relate, in a way.] You looked out for him. Took care of him. You guys sound like you were cute kids.

[and a short, breathy laugh escapes him when Diluc says that last part-- never complained? Really?] ...And of course he didn't complain. You were probably his whole damn world back then, Diluc.

[And the tone in which it's said-- it's clear Chuuya understands in a way that isn't just passive agreement.] I won't lie: You're just as easy to talk to for me. Spending time with you is comfortable. In a different way from what I'd find back home in the Mafia, even.

[He reaches over, tucking a lock of that unruly hair behind Diluc's ear.]

As for Kaeya... I think he and I could get along well. It's surprising, but we have some things in common it seems.

[His whole world, huh? Diluc supposes he would have been. Crepus loved them both but when it came down to it, Diluc was a Ragnvindr and Kaeya wasn't, and it would only be by Diluc's own generosity that Kaeya would inherit the business and any holdings once his father passed away. Of course, neither of them had expected it to be so soon, nor the events that came to surround it.

Briefly lost in those thoughts his eyes snap sharply to Chuuya when he reaches out, though he doesn't quite flinch from the gentle brush of fingers through his hair.]

Is that right? Hm. [He snags the smaller man's waist and pulls him in against him.]

Glad to hear it. It's always easier that way. [Since the two of them tend to come as a matched set these days... one of them not getting along with someone the other one likes can be slightly awkward.] But I think I've talked about myself enough. Your turn.

[It wasn't about money or assets in Chuuya's mind, but connection: When you had nothing, the people around you became your everything. He knew from experience and from observation both: there were far, far too many orphans in his world after the Great War.

You'd be surprised just how many people joined the Mafia because they had nothing and no one else.

Chuuya lets out a soft, amused huff as Diluc tugs him closer by his waist, and he drapes himself against the larger man comfortably, zero shame in the action.

He does, however, seem taken aback by Diluc's suggestion.] Huh? Me?

[...] I guess that's fair. What do you want to know?

[In the back of his mind Diluc knows that - it's not about money. Diluc was Kaeya's world because he was his brother and his best friend, and he had not been the only person who had lost everything that he cared about that day.

He makes a pleased sound when Chuuya drapes against him so easily, and he rests his hand against the base of the other man's spine to idly rub his thumb against the dip there.]

Good question. [Strange, how Chuuya seems surprised that someone would want to know anything about him.] I suppose... in the spirit of the current topic, what was growing up like for you?

[Diluc is nice and warm, not to mention solid, which makes him very nice to hold. Chuuya sighs softly at the thumb rubbing against the base of his spine.

Oh that just isn't fair how nice that feels.

Which is good, because that question isn't one he gets asked often. In the mafia, asking people questions like that was loaded to the extreme. Many of them came from less than stellar backgrounds, and no one wanted to talk about it. Chuuya included. The people who knew were few.

He lets out a wry huff of laugh, resting his head against Diluc as he ponders it. Chuuya doesn't particularly mind the question from him, he finds. It's a fair one, given what Diluc's told him.] Geez, you're lucky I like you.

[He stretches out a bit-- Diluc's big enough he can just sprawl on him as he ponders where to start.] 'growing up' started at age 8. All my memories before that are gone, and I know enough about the why now to not particularly be bothered about it. I was found by a group of street kids calling themselves the Sheep, and they took me in. It helped that I had my ability, even back then.

[An 8 year old who could easily destroy any adult who tried to screw with them-- it was a huge advantage, for a bunch of kids trying to get by.] They were my family. That was my life up until I was about 15.

Edited 2022-07-21 21:25 (UTC)

[Chuuya settles, stretches out, sinks in against him... and talks, and Diluc listens. He takes in every word and the potential meaning behind it, deciding what questions might be asked now and which ones he ought to keep to himself, and he doesn't stop idly stroking his thumb back and forth at the base of the other man's spine.

It's funny. Just like Kazuha, Chuuya feels so small against him and yet just like the Inazuman he knows he would be a fool to underestimate him based only on his size. There's power in him even relaxed as he is, and there is a certain feeling of privilege in being so close to power like that and knowing it will not be turned on you.

Maybe Diluc just likes chasing danger.]

Hmn. [No wonder he said that he and Kaeya might have a couple of things in common. He could say he's sorry, but sympathy feels out of place.

Diluc glances down at the top of Chuuya's head and what of the other man's face he can see. While he's sprawled up against him like that, Diluc's free hand curls around the one on top of his chest, thumb skimming the knuckles.]

Simple question, but I never asked... just how old are you?

[It's a valid feeling, really. Chuuya's reputation in the mafia was one of respect and awe, as well as a healthy amount of trust as a leader who valued his subordinates lives. Not just anyone back in his world would lay there casually stroking Chuuya while letting him drape all over them.

And it's nice, relaxing like this after an enjoyable fight, soaking in Diluc's warmth, Diluc's touch. It's a different kind of intimacy than Chuuya is used to.

There's a quiet hitch in his breath at the touch of fingers skimming his knuckles, skin hardened from countless fights but clearly well cared for. He quietly acknowledges that Diluc doesn't ask and... he's grateful. He'd be willing to tell the man more, but this relaxation is nice and he doesn't want to lose it. He meets Diluc's gaze with his own, resting his chin on his chest.]

Twenty-Two. You? I always kind of figured we were close in age.

Edited 2022-07-21 22:05 (UTC)

[It is nice. Chuuya's weight on him is hardly a bother even with the distant ache in his ribs, and he privately enjoys the quiet hitch he hears in the other man's breathing when he touches his hand. Naturally, he keeps doing it.]

Mm, we are. I'm twenty-three.

[He may have pegged Chuuya for younger if he didn't know so much about him already, but it doesn't surprise him to know that they are actually that close in age.

When he's looked up at like that he glances down again, letting out a little chuff of laughter.]

Fuck. [He chuckles and drops his head back against the grass.] You're really cute.

[And really, how many people would go toe to toe with someone like Chuuya and still have the nerve to find him endearing? But with him peering up like that and so comfortably sprawled on him Diluc can't help but think it and it pops out of his mouth before he even thinks about it.]

Thought so. [It's a good thing he didn't assume him younger, if only because Chuuya has only grown 5cm since he was 15 years old. The amount of jokes he's endured in the past has been... quite a lot.]

Shouldn't I be saying that about the guy getting cuddly after a spar? Not that I'm complaining.

[Far from it, actually. If anything, Chuuya enjoys it.

Which he proceeds to demonstrate by shifting a little, leaning upwards to press a kiss to Diluc's lips.]

Think I'd know about it if you were complaining. Heard what you sound like when you're raising your voice.

[He smirks faintly in the moment before their lips meet, and the hand that had been idle at the base of his spine splays out over his back to draw him in closer while he lightly tightens his grip on Chuuya's hand.

The kiss is nice, even if the shift in weight makes his ribcage twinge with discomfort. It isn't so bad now, though, and easy enough to hide.]

Not used to this kind of thing, are you. [He says then, voicing and observation that he had put together though Chuuya's reactions to him. Not the intimacy part, but the other things. The parts where Diluc would be gentle with him or give him a sincere compliment.]

Pity. [And he kisses him again, leaning up a little into it.] Really.

And what's that supposed to mean?

[It's said in a playful sulk: he knows he's loud, volume control has never really been his strength. He is capable of quiet, but it doesn't come as naturally.

He lingers in that kiss for a few brief moments, but when Diluc pulls away finally and says that, a light flush comes to his cheeks.]

Yha mean cuddling and shit? Not really something I can do with one night stands, usually.

[Or quick and dirty fucks, just because both parties are pent up. He's had a few of those.

Diluc, meanwhile, is certainly something more than either of those.]

[He doesn't elaborate because he's sure Chuuya knows what he means. The man is loud, and while Diluc doesn't object to this he's certainly not wrong about it either. The blush has him smiling though, because that's pretty cute too.]

Hmn. [Diluc murmurs, letting go of Chuuya's hand to brush one side of his hair back. His fingertips linger on the shell of the other man's ear, just lightly brushing over it.] Hope I'm not overstepping in saying I'd like to think I could mean a little more than that.

[It hasn't been long, but... he's trying to deny it less when feelings are there, no matter how small they might be.]

Or are one night stands more your style? Hmph, I won't be offended.

[Chuuya leans into the touch, just a little, his smile amused and fond at the statement.] You are more. I would think that was obvious.

[Diluc was a friend. Someone he liked to spend time with. Someone he felt comfortable with. Was that what you called friends with benefits, maybe...? Chuuya wasn't sure, he was new to this whole thing.]

Back in Yokohama? Yeah, one night stands are more my style. I'd have a lot more people dead because of associating with me, otherwise. I'm an executive-- meaning I'm one of the people who ranks just under the Boss.

[And kidnapping and assassination of loved ones is one of the oldest tactics in the book. Verlaine had shown him that, when he'd gone hunting down every single person Chuuya might have an attachment to. Chuuya was too social to avoid befriending people, couldn't isolate himself like some might, but more normal things like dating he could do without.]

All right, Executive Nakahara Chuuya. You've made your point.

[Diluc says this almost gently and gives the shell of Chuuya's ear a tiny pinch before he lets go and drops his hand. If he came from the same world as Chuuya then maybe he would have reason to dislike the guy. Maybe they'd even be enemies. Diluc's sense of justice could be so easily warped by his emotions.

But likewise, it could be swayed in other ways by them as well.

And maybe it was obvious, but Diluc knows well enough that things are not always what they seem and having it confirmed is far more comforting than simply guessing.]

This isn't Yokohama. No one has to die to pay the price of getting close to you. [He tips his head a little, one of those warm, fond, charming smiles alighting on his face again.] I'd like to. Get to know you better, I mean.

Fucking hell, don't go calling me that. It's just 'Chuuya'. [His lips twist into a grimace, more from the words than the ear pinch. He's never been fond of formality, let alone throwing around his title willy nilly. As Diluc has long learned by now, he pointedly eschewed the usual Japanese manner of address.

And Chuuya wouldn't mind having Diluc as an enemy, though he certainly prefers him as a friend. Plus, he gets the feeling the man realizes at least that sometimes the criminal underworld is necessary.

That flustered expression returns again, scowly but mostly embarrassed.] Hey, you don't have to put it like that. I have plenty of friends, yha know? I ain't a social misfit!

[He reaches up, tugging lightly on one of those fluffy locks framing the sides of Diluc's face.] ...But yeah, agreed. I'd like to get to know you better, too.

Hah... good. I'm glad.

[And he sounds genuine about it, too, having done several things in short order to throw Chuuya off-centre and getting the desired result. It settles as a warm feeling in his chest and once again he isn't sure if it's his own emotions or kizuna influencing how he feels... and once again he decides that he really doesn't want to know which it is.

Either way, it makes him happy, and isn't that the more important thing? Far more important than isolating himself because he can't be sure if how many of his feelings are real. He wouldn't have always said that, but it's just a testament to how far he's come.

Chuuya tugs his hair and he catches hold of the man's hand, pressing a light kiss to the side of it.]

I'd say I don't have many friends back home. [He says thoughtfully. Speaking of social misfits...] I keep everyone at arms length. Even the people that care about me. Especially those people.

[Diluc lets out a little huff. Smiles.]

So, being able to be like this now... it's important. Do you understand what I'm saying?

[Don't make me regret it.]

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