𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 (𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐱𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

Chapter 16: When I Melted

Author Note: If you would like to experience this chapter in its' entirety/true vibes, then check the comment for a link to the song ->
If not YouTube, feel free to listen to the original on Spotify or whatever pirated shi~ you use. Onwards!

Both of you stood to the side, mouths agape in awe at the sheer extravagance of the venue. The ceiling soared to dizzying heights, whilst the vast room was decorated with a mesmerizing blend of white, green, and purple – cold colours. The atmosphere was chilled, yet the warmth of the alcohol-filled glasses on trays gripped by sleek, masked waiters cut through the coolness, as they skilfully maneuvered through crowds of rich Snezhnayan citizens... and Fatui members. Glancing at Kaeya for his reaction, you instead were momentarily impressed by how easily he fit in with the sophisticated setting. He seemed to be eyeing up a casino table in the distance, before he turned to you.

"The casino table awaits. If you need assistance, give me the signal." Kaeya spoke confidently, his voice now more professional. You offered a subtle nod with a small, poised smile. Kaeya acknowledged your response with a slight bow, reaching out to hold your hand. His lips just about brushed against the top of your hand in a gentle kiss and kissed it gently, before he swiftly disappeared into the drunken crowd. If you were not so concerned about your task tonight, you would have instantly pulled your hand back as a reflex. He is really into this role, you rolled your eyes.

As a waiter skirted by, you picked up a drink, immediately hit by the strong scent.
"Hey girlie, seems you haven't drank anything Snezhnayan in a while!" a lilted, pleasant voice laughed, before you felt an arm around you. A huge smile spread on your face as you turned your head to see Tartaglia beside you.
"Hey you! It's been a long time!" you greeted – were you truly happy to see him? You weren't sure, and did not want to know the truth.
"Indeed it has, cutie. Shall we go find somewhere more private to catch up?" he asked eagerly. You could feel Tartaglia's heated breath on your shoulder too, and you smiled. He was in the perfect state. Coyly smiling, you chuckled, covering your lips with your hand.
"Of course! I want to hear all about how Tonia and Teucer are doing!" you replied, upon which Tartaglia reached for your hand, and the two of you slid away to a corner of the venue. Although you felt Tartaglia's warm breath, you had failed to remain observant, otherwise you would have spotted an icy, piercing stare fixed on you.

As you and Tartaglia had reached a dark, intimate corner, lit only by a single, crimson candle, both of you sat down opposite each other.
"Must I say girlie, you look absolutely hypnotising tonight. It's a shame though I only see you at these parties," Tartaglia complimented with a hint of admiration and sadness.
"Ah, thank you Tartaglia! You are just dashing as always! Now, what have you been up to nowadays?" you giggled, tipsy yet fully aware. Tartaglia tilted his head to gaze at you; he knew that both of you were intoxicated. Leaning closer to you, he maintained unwavering eye-contact.
"Being a Fatui Harbinger has been busy, with Dottore on holiday in Sumeru, I've had to remain in Liyue for a long time. None of the other Harbingers are remotely interested in leaving Snezhnaya – talk about being loyal to the Tsaritsa! Now, if only someone stunning, engaging, and infectious in battle was by my side, maybe I would be enjoying myself more." Tartaglia flirted. You smiled with radiance – gotcha. Taking that as a sign of interest, Tartaglia shifted towards you, until your noses were close to touching. Gracefully snaking an arm around your waist, he murmured, "Say comrade, let's get out of here and-"

"And what? My, my, this is quite the scene. It would be a shame though, if I were to let the 11th Fatui Harbinger steal away my partner to this event," Kaeya remarked, tutting. Your head whipped up and Tartaglia sprung away from you, as the Cavalry Captain towered over both of you. Tartaglia slowly, effortlessly, rose from his seat to meet Kaeya eye-to-eye with strong arrogance.
"If you were truly invested in your partner, you wouldn't let such a precious gem be left alone for even a second. I noticed you at the poker table, foolishly gambling away at a Fatui gathering. Do you honestly believe you stand a chance winning anything against a Fatui?" Tartaglia laughed, however there was an undertone of coldness.