𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 (𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐱𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

Chapter 6: When You Showed Me Beauty

"Who says you're staying for free? Oho, there is plenty you can do for me in return - if you are up for the challenge."

Upon hearing those words, your mind ran wild, running through a plethora of scenarios, before settling upon one. "Hold on, is he insinuating something extremely unprofessional?" For a split second, an image of you and Kaeya being in extreme closeness had been conjured, and although the sight was quite delightful, you were also not stupid. "Surely Kaeya doesn't think I'm like THAT. Maybe, just maybe, he intends to blackmail me."

Your trail of thoughts was interrupted with the sound of deep laughter.

"Where did your mind travel to, Y/N?" Kaeya slyly spoke. You stared directly into his eye, admiring his features once again, but also realising that you were growing tired of his lulling and almost flirtatious nature. It definitely drew you in, but something still didn't feel right. You didn't know what. One thing was for sure, you did not wish for the Cavalry Captain to win all the time. If he was going to stick around for a while, you may as well have a bit of fun.

"Me? Oh Kaeya, I was just wondering whether Jean knows of this arrangement. It would be a shame for her to not know about what these challenges may be!" you smiled cheekily. Nonchalantly, Kaeya stood up and strolled to the door, clearly unaffected. Before leaving, he turned back and held your gaze. 

"She most certainly will know, all in good time of course. Now Y/N, do meet me outside the Mondstadt gates at midday. And don't be late, I have many things to do with you." And with his signature smirk, the Captain disappeared.

Jumping up in response, you exclaimed, "What does he even mean?" Pacing the wooden-floored room, you eventually concluded that since he had decided to meet you outdoors, it was most likely going to be some Knight duties, rather than him sleeping with you. A tiny part of you felt slightly disappointed, but then shrugged it off, happy overall to now have a place to reside. A place that you now could call home.

After devouring the absolutely delicious plate of hash browns and getting ready for the day ahead, you made your way out of the Knights' headquarters. "Hm, I didn't get a chance to actually see Mondstadt properly." Finding a bench nearby, you sat down and slowly absorbed the surroundings of what was to be your new home. The baby blue sky, dotted with fluffy clouds, was vast, representing the endless opportunities that Mondstadt had to offer. Towards the left, you made out a detailed, colossal statue. You didn't know who the statue was of, but appreciated the intricacy of the art anyway. In the background, high-spirited chatting could be heard, from people conversing about food to children playing tag. Moving your gaze from the statue, it became lost in the emerald, towering trees, which swayed gently with the wind. "This place is so stunning," you noted, smiling and thankful. Feeling lighter, you rose from the silver bench and continued your journey to the gates.

"Y/N, I did not expect to see you here. You appear eager for the challenge." Kaeya greeted you, however you ignored the greeting. You were fixated on the long list that he held in his semi-gloved hand. The curiosity was like a super annoying itch, and this was apparent. The list was abruptly pocketed, and Kaeya simply smiled.

"Let's get moving, Y/N. We aren't frozen in place after all."

You chuckled at the pun, and you both left for your journey. For the first 15 minutes of your journey, a comfortable silence floated between the two of you. You were unaware of Kaeya's occasional glances at you, surveying your expression, before continuing to lead the way.

"Do you recognise this place Y/N?" he asked, whilst staring at the path ahead.

"Erm, no ahah! To be honest, a lot of outside Mondstadt looks the same. I've seen a lot of grass... and cliffs, so it's tricky to distinguish one place from another."

"Ah, that is understandable for someone new to Mond. You will become accustomed with time and experience." Kaeya smiled.

"How long have you lived here for?" you asked, intrigued to know more about Kaeya.

"Aha, I have lived here since I was a child. I do not remember much of where I was before though. When first arriving in Mond, I was stunned by its' beauty, just like you. I mean, it is a spectacular place, isn't it Y/N?"  You nodded happily in response, and the conversation fell back into a comfortable silence. As the walk continued, at one point your senses heightened noticing the closeness between you both. It felt oddly nice. Kaeya abruptly stopped, causing you to stumble a bit before stopping also.

"Here is your first task, Y/N. What do you see?"

Confused, you stared at the view in front of you.

"It's all truly so beautiful," you murmured, enraptured by the sight. Towering in front of you was a sturdy oak tree, with branches exploring all directions, and its' leaves protecting the ground and statue below. The scenery was quiet and peaceful, nothing could be heard except the soothing chirps of the birds nearby. Upon closer inspection, the statue was dusty and cobwebbed, but also possessed by a menacing scarlet aura. Treading slowly towards the statue, you felt for this piece of art. It didn't deserve to be so neglected and uncared for, left alone to dust. Placing a hand onto the statue, you were greeted with a cold touch. You frowned as you felt the cold transition to a sudden warmth.

"Huh!" you jumped back as the statue began to glow. Stronger and stronger the statue glowed, until your eyes could look no more, shielded. Once the glistening glow had faded, you opened your eyes cautiously. The statue had been cleansed, the scarlet aura having been replaced with a silvery one.

"The world opens itself before those with noble hearts."

Turning around to face the Cavalry Captain, you were surprised to see his arm extended, offering you a light red flower, with petals that resembled a windmill. You could feel a gentle bloom inside your chest, and were unsure of what this feeling was; one thing was for sure, twas a good feeling. You reached forward, carefully accepting the flower from Kaeya's hand, feeling the brief contact. 

"He seems too nice," you mentally questioned. "What is going on?"