16 parts Ongoing (Cover art changed: 10/03/24)
Kaeya fears Diluc's vermillion eyes. He has ever since the other man returned to Mondstadt 2 years ago. He ignored it at the time, hoping it was a stupid irrational fear that would fade.
It hasn't though--- If anything, he thinks he's gotten worse in the last couple of months. Even just the color red is making him do a double-take every time it comes into his vision. He feels his perfected mask is slipping and he doesn't know how to fix it.
He can only hope that it isn't too noticable.
Meanwhile, Diluc wants to reconcile. The only issue is, he has no idea how to and Kaeya has been acting strange.
He wants to figure him out.
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(Note: This is not a ship fic. All interactions between Kaeya and Diluc in this story are purely platonic and familial. Don't like, don't read. Also, both Kaeya and Diluc are trans.)
((CONTENT WARNING (added 10/19/24): This fanfic depicts an unhealthy relationship between the brothers and goes into depth about their mindsets. If you are uncomfortable with reading depictions of unhealthy/toxic family dynamics, please turn back now and go hug a loved one))
Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning of any chapter that needs them, but general TWs include: suicidal thoughts, self-harm, alcoholism, paranoia, panic attacks, physical and mental trauma
Uploads are inconsistent (college student struggle)
