Melting Moments {nsfw/18+}

two: strangers and scents from the land of knowledge

Even though the two boys were in an unfamiliar setting, the silence that came over the pastoral house and the comforting scents of warm food soothed their hearts. The new resident of Springvale was a wildcard, and they could not wait to dig deeper into the secrets you were hiding. But today, they had erred, thus any information seeking would have to wait for another day.

Kaeya stole quick glances at the device you were wearing. "What is that?" he nodded at the strange contraption over your ear. You lifted your hand to it and ran your finger on its edge, and spoke, "Oh, this is an Akasha Terminal. It is quite common in Sumeru City." The boys watched on with great interest as you took it off, the luminescent green material tinting your skin. "This one, however, has been extensively modified by a dear friend of mine."

Diluc sat in a gentlemanly manner as years of etiquette teachings had seeped deep into his bones, but he was still a child, excitable and easily flustered. You watched him, an image of elegance, and were reminded of another elegant figure, someone who had a crueller air around him, who seemed infinitely more sinister than the youth sitting at your kitchen table.

Diluc noticed you staring at him, or rather his hair. He cleared his throat, in hopes of making you realise your error. However, you seemed unfazed, and kept your dazed eyes on his person. Your lips parted lazily, and spoke in a dream-like tone, "I suddenly seem to have an appetite for cherries." Diluc's face went as red as the fruit you had mentioned.

He remembered the cherries his father had brought from his one of his work trips once, ripe and bursting with sweet pulp. What would it look like if you were to eat them? The sweetness of the cherry swirling in your mouth, the juice staining your tongue... and your lips. Could you perhaps tie a cherry stem into a knot using just your tongue?

He caught himself thinking strange thoughts and straightened in his chair. Kaeya, who had been observing him, let out a hearty laugh. "Miss, I think you broke my brother's brain."

Then, as if awakened by his laughter, your eyes widened slightly. "Oh, the food must be ready!" You stood up from the chair, scurrying to the sink to wash your hands and wiping them on your kitchen apron. "Hehe," you giggled, "You guys are not ready for this."

The large pot was sealed by a layer of dough which you reckoned was hotter than you could handle. The boys watched you boost yourself up on your toes, trying to reach for something on a high shelf. "Ah, curses, why did you keep it up there?" you grumbled. Standing from the chair, Kaeya smiled at your antics and walked up behind you. You were oblivious to his presence behind you until you felt the sturdy chest gently hit your back.

His hand grazed yours as he picked up the thick kitchen mittens from the high shelf. Holding in his laughter, he stepped back and held them out to you. "No need to thank me." His smirk was playful, untainted by the flirtish behaviour of adulthood. You giggled and took the gloves. Kaeya felt his smirk get wiped off his face as a strange feeling bubbled in the pit of his stomach.

Diluc observed from the table, clearing his throat to interrupt, he approached you two. "May I?" he asked, and touched the pot handle. "No!" you gasped and grabbed his hand. "Are you alright? Did you burn yourself?" Seeing the panicked look on your face, Diluc's eyes widened. Unable to hold in his laughter, Kaeya started to cackle. "Hahaha! Delicate little Master Diluc! Did you burn yourself?" He comically wiped fake tears from his eye.

The redhead's cheeks flushed indignantly and he snapped at his brother, "Will you stop it, Kaeya?" You let the two bicker and continued to examine Diluc's hand. Turning it upside down, you could see the unmarked palm, calloused from years of combat training. "Huh?" you could not help but be shocked.

"Don't be surprised, miss." Kaeya informed you, "My brother has a Pyro vision, and therefore, is more resistant to fire and heat than the average person." Well, that explained it. Diluc's hand was still in your own and the realisation made your face heat up. As you let go of his hand, he felt the cool touch of your fingers leave and stared at his empty hand for a few seconds before letting it drop to his side.