𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 (𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐱𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

Chapter 19: When We Were Strong

"Y/N!! Wake up!! You're okay, your Kaeya is here." a familiar voice whispered urgently, brimming with care and concern. Body electrified with fear, you found yourself gasping as you woke up, but found yourself alive in Kaeya's tight, protective embrace. His strong arms enveloped you as your body uncontrollably shook from the nightmare, and your breathing slowed as one of his hands gently stroked your hair in a consistent rhythm. "You're okay Y/N...you're with me, everything is alright," he continued to reassure. A surge of nausea overwhelmed you, threatening to spill forth as each and every haunting nightmare pierced your chest sharply, forcing you to recall all the memories you desperately tried time and time again to bury. Your slow breathing turned to heavy, silent sobs, ones that closed your throat and stopped you from breathing. Sensing the change, Kaeya immediately pulled you closer, pressing your tear-streaked face against the warmth of his chest. You could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your cheek, and this began to ground you, as your mind focused solely on the beat's consistency. In that tender moment in the darkness, Kaeya was your shield and your glistening icicle of hope. "You're stronger than these thoughts. These thoughts may surface and then resurface, but the power is in your hands to understand them for what they are – thoughts, Y/N. Your thoughts are not facts."

You took a moment to process these words and felt a newly found sense of strength – it had been a long time since a loved one had truly seen you so vulnerable.
Taking a deep breath, you raised your gaze to meet Kaeya's calm expression, gratitude shining in your eyes along with a few tears.
"Thank you Kaeya. I needed to hear that," you spoke softly. His expression softened in response, and Kaeya gently kissed your forehead, as if he was wishing you all the happiness in the world.
"If you ever need me, I'll be there, Y/N. Every step of the way. Please don't struggle alone, my love."
You blushed and internally spun with joy – these pet names, they sound even more beautiful when he says them, you thought. Your body relaxed as Kaeya began to kiss your head and face, and the gentle pressures eventually lulled you to sleep.

As the morning sun cast its golden glow over chilly Snezhnaya, you and Kaeya prepared for the journey back to Mondstadt. You felt happy to be leaving; Snezhnaya is definitely not a place to live in, you thought as you boarded the boat. Inside the cozy boat cabin, for the entirety of the journey you were in Kaeya's arms, with nobody to disturb. The boat cabin was like a bubble of peace, where the outside world faded away, leaving both of you to cherish each other's company and warmth. Hours passed, marked by soft whispers, stolen kisses, and other moments of love.

Once you had arrived in Mondstadt, you went immediately to the Knights of Favonius HQ, dropped your luggage off in your room, and met with Jean to share the valuable intel that you had gathered. As you relayed the information, Jean listened attentively, her eyes reflecting approval at your dedication. You thought it best to leave out the squabble between Kaeya and Tartaglia for now. With the mission accomplished and your duties fulfilled, the day stretched before you like an open canvas. Jean, recognizing the need for rest, granted you a well-deserved day off.

"Any particular preferences on what we could do...my love?" You asked, carefully adding on the endearing term of affection at the end. It sounds so awkward but hey, hopefully he doesn't notice, you inwardly cringed. As both of you walked out of HQ, Kaeya smirked at your obvious discomfort.
"I couldn't hear you, sweetheart. Care to repeat that to me?" he innocently asked, yet you could hear the cheeky undertone.
"I shan't care, Captain!" you playfully said, and punched his arm gently.
Kaeya laughed with your joke, before replying, "Unfortunately for me, I have another trip to Liyue for the Knights." He leaned towards you, planting a sweet kiss on your lips, and then smirked, "Otherwise we would have gone on a date..."
You couldn't hide your slight disappointment, to which Kaeya hugged you. "It's okay my love, I will return to you in a few days – then I'm all yours...after all, we have unfinished business."
Immediately you clapped your hand over Kaeya's mouth and shushed him.
"Not here Kaeya!" you hissed, eyes scanning the area.
With a hug of farewell, you watched Kaeya disappear into the direction of the boats.
I hope he comes back soon, you sighed to yourself.

You felt that there it was important to delve into everything that had happened up to this point, as well as what more you wished to know about Kaeya. He was known by the town for his charm, but nothing beyond the surface. You also thought about the ethics of technically dating your boss, so decided a stroll through Windrise would be best. It was a peaceful, introspective walk, with nothing other than the sound of the grass and leaves on the ground. Your mind was carefully processing each thought, failing to notice the crackling of the leaves growing louder with each step.
BANG!
Your head spun as you dropped to the ground, knocked out.