Where the Heart Lives [haikaveh]

23

"Stop overworking yourself," Kaeya sighed, shaking his head. 

"I'm almost done. Just a few more finishing touches to the blueprints and..." 

"Just, stop, okay? Just stop," Kaeya grabbed Kaveh's shoulders and flipped him around. "Every time I see you, you've found excuses to overwork yourself. Whether you're stressed, sad, or eager to go home. Just go. I'll figure out the rest from here." 

"Are you sure?" 

"Don't make me tell you twice," he frowned. "Just go." 

"Thank you!" Kaveh ran and jumped into Kaeya's arms to give him a big hug. He kissed his cheeks and ruffled his blue hair then popped off and ran to the stables to fetch his horse. 

"What was that all about?" Kaeya was frozen in place hugging an imaginary person since he was too shocked to move. Dainsleif walked up in front of him and fixed his hair.

"I believe he was simply overly enthusiastic," Dainsleif offered, moving the last strand back in place. A thought of mischief ran through Kaeya's head and he jumped up into Dainsleif's arms, ruffling his hair, mimicking Kaveh's gesture. Dainsleif stumbled back but caught himself. He held Kaeya tightly to make sure he wouldn't fall off and injure himself. This attempt to fluster Dainsleif had instead flustered Kaeya. He wasn't used to Dainsleif embracing him like this and all he could think about was Dainsleif's hands on his ass. 

"Okay, okay, that's enough, put me down," Kaeya hid his face in Dainsleif's hair. 

"You're holding my head, you need to let go first," Dainsleif said. 

"I can't show you my face, I'm too embarrassed!" Kaeya shook his head, nuzzling his face further into Dainselif's blonde hair. Dainsleif's face got pushed closer and closer to Kaeya's exposed chest. 

"Prince, please let go," Dainsleif requested. Kaeya felt his breath against his skin and all rational thought left his body as he leaned back just enough to adjust so Dainsleif's face would be in the direct center of his chest. 

"W-wai-" Dainsleif couldn't stop Kaeya and with his mouth half open was pressed up against Kaeya's chest again. His teeth grazed his skin, although Dainsleif didn't mean for that to happen, and the more he tried to get away the less he was able to. The two tumbled to the ground since Dainsleif's foot came into contact with a tool Kaveh forgot to put away. 

"I think that'll leave a mark," Kaeya sat up on top of Dainsleif and looked at his chest. There were red teeth marks already there. They'd probably bruise. 

"I'm sorry," Dainsleif apologized, sitting up. He brushed his thumb against Kaeya's chest as if that would wipe away his teeth's markings. 

"No, it was my fault, don't apologize," Kaeya laughed awkwardly. The two no longer knew how to act around each other. Both were equally as flustered but Dainsleif had a better time hiding it. 

"Do you wish to see those two happy together?" Dainsleif asked. 

"Who? Kaveh and Alhaitham?" Kaeya wondered where that question came from. 

Dainsleif nodded. 

"I think it would be nice," Kaeya smiled. "Don't you think they are a bit like us?" He pointed at Dainsleif and then at himself as he said it. 

"I am meant only to protect you," Dainsleif shook his head. Kaeya sighed and cupped Dainsleif's face. 

"When are you going to get it through your thick skull that our customs don't mean anything if our home is gone!" 

"You deserve the world," Dainsleif placed his hand over Kaeya's. He moved Kaeya's palm to his lips and closed his eyes. "I am broken, my hands are stained with blood, and my body is scarred from the abyss. If I were a phoenix, I would rise from the ashes to be someone worthy of you," he took both of Kaeya's hands and held them in front of his face by his forehead as he looked down, "but I am the furthest thing from that. So, please, staying by your side is enough, one day you will find someone far better than I." 

"Dain," Kaeya pulled his hands away and watched Dainsleif's fall to the ground. "Dain, look at me, please." Dainsleif shook his head and remained staring down. Kaeya grabbed his hair and forced his head up. 

"I don't want anyone but you," he stated firmly, releasing his grip on Dainsleif's hair. His face inched closer as his lips moved closer and closer to Dainsleif's. 

"Ahem," Zhongli cleared his throat and watched as the two jumped out of their skin and scrambled to their feet. 

"Duke!" Kaeya's voice cracked. 

"Pardon the interruption but do you know where Kaveh left the blueprints?" 

"Yes, of course, I think he left them right there," Kaeya pointed and Zhongli nodded, stepping in that direction. 

"How much do you think he saw?" Kaeya held his face in his hands, turning bright red. Dainsleif didn't have an answer.