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[Ooh, this guy!! Of course Reim wanted a hint, maybe in the form of a puzzle if Kaeya isn't just going to tell him so he can noctigoogle it one-handed on the way there— which, of course, means he was never going to get any of that. He's already learned to expect this much, which is... hm! Well, familiarity breeds something or other; for now, it's fine.

He settles for rolling his eyes, but like, in a grudgingly endeared way. It's that evening air.]

This may be our second meeting, but I know you know that I like to be prepared. [That's his most obvious trait... Anyway, he takes Kaeya's hand in a hold that is not too spicy but not too loose, like - a buddy system kind of hold. Endure.] And that I prefer not to dawdle, so please...

[kaeya loves nothing more than crafting elaborate puzzles, actually, so we are putting a pin in this for later consideration. anyway, though: of course kaeya knows that reim, he who spent ten minutes jotting down desserts in his tiny notebook, likes to be prepared; it's half the reason kaeya has elected to keep their Very Cool Destination a secret, but he simply hums as reim takes his hand, pleased that things are off to an easy start. and, you know, hand-holding... he's still tickled...]

Of course. Your time is valuable.

[is he teasing? probably. no, definitely, because as he turns, gently tugging reim right along with him:]

In fact, I'm curious as to what you were you doing before I messaged you. Organizing another list?

[this is good-natured fun.]

[Please seduce him with an escape room made in his own apartment, that won't be weird at all. But listen to this sass! Reim should demand his hand back. No, no-]

I was doing research, so yes— of a kind. [He refuses to be embarrassed by his Useful Lists, like the smartypants ones; the cakes, those are more free range...] Just to get the lay of the land before stumbling into something I shouldn't, out here.

[It's a big wide monster gem people world, after all, and he is but one pool noodle trying his best. In fact:]

I should thank you, actually, for contacting me when you did. There's always more reading to be done, but not all in one sitting.

[Which he would attempt, so. Take his should-thanks.]

What have you been up to?

[reim sure is a pool noodle, huh. it's fine; in fact, it might just be one of his charm points. who can say! but oh, thanks for this perfect set-up:]

Research. Of another kind.

[no lists here!! smartassery aside, though: kaeya's been out and about, meeting people and noting important places—but does he really want to tell reim that he's spent a majority of his time poking around the ruby underground? tricky.]

I find the best way to learn about something is to experience it. There are many interesting places in this world. [hmm—] Perhaps we should compare notes, one day?

[show him ya lists, sir, or accompany him to even more mysterious places. it's the give-and-take—but also, with both a light laugh and a light squeeze of reim's hand:]

And of course, if you ever do stumble into something, you do know a knight.

["Another kind" can only be poking around where he shouldn't, aggravating more strangers, or horny stuff, but sure, leave Reim to decide which one is the most likely. Maybe it's all three... even though it's been a few days... can't rule out the possibility!

That said, put a pin in comparing notes—]

Somehow, were I in dire need... I suppose you would be the logical choice to call for help. [The only other person he knows here is like a shorter, grumpier version of himself, which just won't do. Nerds, right?? Dang.] Don't let it go to your head.

[Ha ha. Jokes.]

You've been experiencing taverns, but what else? This city is a lot to take in without getting a headache.

[From the neon. And the electricity. And the tiny text on the phone.]

[ooh, the logical choice. love that, mr. practical! really, hence another light laugh as kaeya leads them around a corner. he is respected, back in his world; people know that he is a capable captain (tm), but thanks to his wily ways, he is not, like, the first person most come to for help—so this is just funny, really. it, like holding hands, is the sort of thing that reminds kaeya he is definitely not in teyvat.

and, you know. all of this neon helps with that, too, because damn... wild...]

How cold! And to think I was hoping for a compliment.

[he wasn't, but let him joke.]

But this city is strange, isn't it? Far different from the city I'm used to. [ye oldes, unite. but as kaeya is kaeya:] I did find a few interesting shops, at the very least. Oh—and a bakery, not far from here.

[sweets man, who currently has him by the hand... he's watching you...]

That wasn't a compliment? [It was half of one... give him time. His preferred strategy is just to stay out of the dire straits in the first place, but look: Kaeya's Okay. Reim is holding his hand in public and everything.

He holds up his other hand, though, like wait, thank you, do not sass his Cake Tier List.]

Tell me about the bakery later. [And he will take notes, thanks, but his burgeoning tiny text migraine only wants ye olde commiserating right now, so first:] These differences— Is it... the colorful decor?

[please he is suffering]

[you have to hold his hand in public and tell him that he's pretty, duh? his looks directly correlate with his ability to help someone out of a pinch; it's, like, science or something. but hmm, yes, the bakery was not outright ignored, which means that it is something to file away for a later time. first, though: these bright lights.]

Ha! That is one difference. [let him just gesture to the shopfronts they're currently passing.] I wouldn't call Mondstadt quiet, but it is certainly less... vibrant.

[electricity? what? never heard of it. stoves? we cook over open flame like real men. but while kaeya can connect the dots here, he still cants his head, giving reim an openly curious look.]

Is it the same for you?

[Telling Kaeya he's pretty is a third date activity, please understand. Reim has an itinerary for precisely this kind of gentlemanly courtship. But more importantly, thank god, understanding about the many lights... now he feels real kinship...]

Yes... It's the evening and it's still so bright out on the streets. [Wild! Where's that good old Victorian Grimness! There should at least be a few pockets of pitch darkness between every oil lamp that illuminates only a couple feet in diameter, obviously. This is so much.]

It is quieter at home, however. Now that the recent excitement has passed... [and he shakes his head slightly, since they do not have time to unpack The Recent Excitement,] Well, it was finally starting to be peaceful.

[And he didn't have to hold hands to eat, but jury's out still on whether that's a pro or a con.]

[damn! yeah! where are the shadows... how is a shady man supposed to Lurk... 😔 but oho. "recent excitement" sure does sound interesting, hence the way kaeya studies reim after taking in that short shake of his head—but while he's nosy, he's not, like, tactless. something to ask about after a few more get-togethers, and/or a few more drinks...

...but that requires planting some seeds now, huh? or: when it comes to fun details, you only get as much as you give! and kaeya has given very little, really, so.]

That, I understand, [he says, as though he genuinely prefers peace and quiet. spoiler alert: he doesn't, but listen:] We recently went through our own troubles, as well. Dragons have quite the temper.

[he says it so casually, tbh, because guardian spirts/creatures/whatever going a little wild... it happens, right? it happens. anyway:]

But even without such surprises, Mondstadt is a city of bards—and wine, of course. A gift, from our beloved Anemo Archon. [venti, somewhere: sneezing.] Our late evenings tend to be... boisterous.

[and he's part of the problem, lbr, but it's fine. just take these fun facts (tm) for what they are: an attempt to show that, cagey though he may be, he isn't above bonding.]

[Dragons... eaux. Reim gives him a look for that, curious— but in a distinctly tired way. Already, he is exhausted hearing about dragons, and he has heard only the word. Weird wonderland monsters truly were bad enough just to make eye contact with, he needs a month off before he can hear about dragons.

If anyone turns into a dragon in his presence here, they're on the shit list!! Anyway.]

Boisterous... well, it sounds like fun. [So obviously not his kind of fun, here on their way to drink. Suddenly, Reim wonders if this tavern is going to be Rowdy... oh no.] In moderation.

[Mentally, he circles "in moderation" a few times. Underlines it. Draws an arrow pointing to it. Please, take note... it's implied.]

You know, you strike me as more of the bard type than a knight.

[it's the tits]

[dragons!!! sometimes it do indeed be like that—but if reim is going to look Tired, then kaeya is going to take full advantage of it. truth be told, he doesn't want to explain mondstadt's history; that isn't his specialty, so: a laugh, instead? not mocking, no, but... oh, it's genuinely amused! and why shouldn't it be? both because mondstadt sounds like fun (true) and because dragons are pains (double true!).]

Do I? [hahaha.] I'm afraid I've never had an ear for music.

[most bards play, like, a harp; far be it from kaeya to play anything at all, but as he hums, pretending like he isn't too amused:]

Though when it comes to love poetry... [hmm!] I've heard I'm not too shabby. Should I write a poem just for you?

[he's half-joking, half-serious.]

[Yes yes, laugh it up. Reim has decided to think about Kaeya the Bard instead of these dragons, even if they are in another world, and Kaeya the Bard does merit a little chuckle. Thanks for appreciating his very good joke, which is definitely what Kaeya is laughing at, as well...]

Do you write enough love poems to have that kind of reputation? I'll pass.

[Ha ha... spare him. That's mostly a joke, just like this next bit is mostly serious, in a conversational kind of way:]

If you wrote me a song, on the other hand... It would only be fair after I painted you that portrait.

[Crap art for crap art!! It's the sentiment of it, because like, he doesn't not believe Kaeya is decent at poetry, but a Terrible Song just because he asked for one is a lot more... hmm! Well! Funny, yes, but also genuine, in its terrible art way.]

[how many love poems does kaeya write? answer: enough. or, well: enough to satisfy the masses, which may be a little, may be a lot. it depends! anyway: god, reim, you sure are asking for a lot. a song... has kaeya ever written a song in his life...

...no, and yet maybe that's what makes it special? just... the thought of writing anything for this particular person who doesn't know anything about him. wild.]

Is that what you want? [hmmMMM—] If it would make you happy...

[there may be someone he could ask for assistance??? someone he could ask for guidance. anyway, he'll file that away for later consideration; for now, as he tugs reim down this street—well! there's an innocuous-looking building tucked off to the side; kaeya tugs reim toward it, and after greeting the bored-looking hosting standing by some plain-looking podium...

...well. at least there is no wait to enter; the hostess leads them right to the bar, situated at the center of the restaurant (tm), and their surroundings are—it's no cheesecake factory? there are tchotchkes on the wall, sure, but they're of the sports variety; there are mittens, and bats, and who knows what else, framing such odds-and-ends as a carousel horse, which no one seems to have any problems with. who cares, you know? what does it matter. people do not come here for the decor; people come here for the absurdly cheap Specials, which the bartender serves up sans smile. take this cheap margarita and go...

so maybe they do! the margaritas/long island iced teas are cheap, as are the appetizers; maybe they order more than their fair share of each, simply to pass the time. it's not like their server cares! their server is too busy loitering by the bar to pay too close attention to them, so they are free to talk, to banter. to argue over who eats the last boneless wings, which are too drenched in sauce to be Crispy.

but eventually—well, you know! they can't loiter forever? that table is their server's livelihood, which is why kaeya leaves a decent tip‐because he pays for it all, of course he pays for it all—before leading reim outside. and this is where they should part ways? they've shared more than enough drinks; reim has every right to turn on his heel and leave kaeya standing in the (flickering) glow of the restaurant's sign, but—ah. what happens, instead, is that reim and kaeya find themselves lingering by the front door for no real reason whatsoever. kaeya should at least offer to escort reim home; that would be the gentlemanly thing to do, but as he lifts his chin, taking in the sight of reim looking back down at him...

...it's just interesting, is all. the way reim looks at him without taking a step toward him, or grabbing him; they're simply two equals exiting a mediocre establishment—after enjoying, like, far too many cheap drinks on kaeya's dime, so:]

Interesting, didn't you think?

[all of it! any of it. kaeya is practically radiating Pleased energy, because reim has made no attempt to leave him in the dust.]

[Thanks, write him a good one, he'll look forward to it. Or he won't, because while the idea that he would be impressed is true, the actual suggestion is just conversation; he will instead be pleasantly surprised, especially if the song is mechanically very bad...

Anyway, put a pin in it, etc. This new drinks place is somehow even more— incoherent? Is that a thing restaurants can be? It's more incoherent and confusing than the last one, which at least had some cohesion in its decor despite the questionable everything else about it. Reim spends an undue amount of time peering at the kitsch on the walls, complete with leaning in far too close and fumbling through taking a photo of that carousel horse once he's a few margs in. It's... lively! For sure!

A very lively outing, one which turns, then, into a quiet sort of suspension when they finally leave and stand there just outside. There's propriety in knowing when to end an outing with someone instead of stretching it out past the point of what was planned or what is necessarily polite, but Reim considers— and he thinks it's been a decent time, and a decent time doesn't merit a politely abrupt exit. Probably.

He considers this while scrolling through his not-very-good pictures of the carousel horse, before looking to Kaeya, and ah— hmm!]

It had... personality. [In a good way! He glances briefly away, down the street, then back again. Hmm!!] I'll concede that it was more enjoyable than the place I found, that first time...

[Anyway. Best not to stand here pretending time no longer passes outside of questionably bad restaurants, so:]

It's still warm for this time of night, so would you like to take a walk?

[i sure did write an applebee's essay last night, huh. the trauma runs deep. anyway: you know, were reim to end this outing here and now, it's not that kaeya would be bothered? reim staying for more than one (1) drink was a victory in and of itself; it gives kaeya hope that, just maybe, he can convince reim to come out with him again, because the nerd vibes are—well! charming, in a way. reim does make for (surprisingly?) good company.

and perhaps reim thinks the same about him, because—oh! an evening stroll. kaeya's smile remains in place, but as he follows reim's lead, his eye sliding to the side as he pretends to study the bit of Street behind the man before him, it does... soften. just a tad. he has no doubt that this walk will just be a nice, quiet Walk, and that's cute.]

I do have the time.

[don't they all. but as kaeya looks back up at him, canting his head:]

Alright, then. I accept. [hmm—] And I won't even ask for you to hold my hand—though you didn't tell me the price of every drink you ordered.

[they were all cheap as hell, so this is clearly just Teasing. accept it, reim.]

[You did and it was very true to life. Next time they'll go to an On the Border where instead of bull skulls they hang bike seats with handles attached on the walls, a real thing I once saw. But for now: it is time for a quiet Walk, arguably the better bonding experience than being confused about kitsch in a noisy restaurant. The social aspect of drinking can go only so far...

And: wow, sir.]

Would you like me to? You can ask.

[About holding his hand or listing the drink prices? Both. Either. Who knows! He's not drunk, so of course he remembers what kind of tab he ran up, but he's got just enough alcohol in him to push right back about the PDA.

But! Let's head down this street; it's broadly back towards the government apartments, but not a straight shot; Reim would like to enjoy the experience of actually going for a walk but also not get super lost at 11pm in this neon city. It's a delicate balance, and mostly just means he diverts them down a path through the first park they pass on their way down the street.

Even here, everything is very... neon and lit up... lordy. It's still So Much.]

Somehow, I thought a park would be less... vibrant. [hmm!] Oh— look there.

[He nods in A Direction up ahead, and behold: it's a cute little tree grove at the end of this cute little path. There's a gazebo. He's saying look but he means let's go spend some quality time in a gazebo, actually.]

[sorry to say that their cheesecake factory date is now the stuff of legends? from reim running low on funds to reim's cheesecake list to—well, you know. reim is a funny guy, hence kaeya's laugh as he—you guessed it!—files that away for later reference. you can ask. hmm! maybe he will.

but for now—yes, yes, heading back down the street with no real destination in mind. it is kind of nice to just Wander while chatting about everything and nothing; it's, like, a refreshing change of pace from exploring sumarlok's shadier areas, so stumbling into this (admittedly gaudy) park? love it. finding a quiet little nook within it? really love it. another thing to file away for a rainy day, just Because...]

Shall we?

[of course they shall! of course they do. and it's just, you know, a simple gazebo, the leaves scattered about its floor letting them know that it isn't the most popular spot in the park. wild, really. kaeya nudges a small pile o' leaves with the toe of his boot, humming quietly as he checks out the far edge.]

It seems people prefer the brighter areas. [shocking. truly. but a beat, then, before he turns back toward reim, corners of his lips curling upward. trouble!] It's romantic here, don't you think? The perfect place to share... secrets.

[a secret rendezvous... ooh la la... or: he's just after a reaction.]

[Hm, this gazebo is dirty, they have to leave actually... Or: Reim is the only person to ever live who doesn't delight in stepping on leaves, and he delicately steps over a pile of them to join Kaeya.

Not without giving him a Look; of course there's a Look. But it's in good spirits! He's having a good evening, even if Kaeya is determined to Try It.]

Is that what you consider romantic?

[Idly, and not that Reim should be trusted when it comes to what counts as romantic, given his whole life is written down in his little notebook, but secret dirty gazebos aren't that sexy, Kaeya. There will be no secret trysts out here in this well-lit park, so instead:]

I once put a sleeping draught in my duke's afternoon tea so that I could have a few hours away from his endless onslaught of orders.

[Which he says very gravely, while looking straight ahead out into the trees, like this truly is the most criminal act a person could ever do. Behold him, Reim: criminal at large.

But when he looks down at Kaeya again, he drops the Serious Tone.]

There— a secret for you alone.

[a secret dirty gazebo is peak sexy, thanks. or: it's fun, flirting at reim? not because kaeya is uninterested, no, but because reim continues giving him those Looks before moving right along. kaeya likes those Looks. in his world, most of his free time is spent cavorting with criminals—and criminals always have something to prove. they did this; they did that; they are so strong, and so clever, and so eager to impress everyone around them.

but while this may be the second time they've spent time together, reim is, so far as kaeya can tell, just... unapologetically Reim. like, look at him now! telling this story with such a straight face—which kaeya studies in the dim (re: romantic!) light, smile turning that much more playful.]

For me alone, [he repeats, pretending as though he's oh-so awed.] Oh, I can imagine why you'd keep such a heavy secret to yourself. If we were back in Mondstadt, why, I might just have to take you in for questioning.

[haha! you bad, bad man, you! but anyway:]

So if you offer tea to me in the future, I should decline?

[To be fair, anyone but Reim's particular duke would probably have had him fired and left in a gutter for a stunt like sleepy tea, all things considered... The perks of working for a weirdo: the boldness is somehow appreciated.

Still, he chuckles, turning around to lean back against the gazebo railing (after he has brushed it off enough to be less dingy, of course).]

Now, that's unnecessary— I already don't have to listen to you. I could simply go elsewhere.

[Ha ha... but there is something nice about talking to someone who seems to prefer it when he says whatever comes to mind instead of politely deferring, so really, why would he have to serve Kaeya the sleepy tea? Not that other people here have demanded the polite deference from him, as such, but once you're overly polite to somebody once, they do expect it...

Anyway: take a chance on his tea, obviously.]

Well, don't think of me as some sort of serial tea-poisoner... I would do just terribly in an interrogation.

[No he would not, but never mind.]

[kaeya has handled many interrogations, in his time; kaeya is thus fairly certain that reim would be a tough nut to crack, hence kaeya's light laugh. with reim, maybe kaeya would have to forgo the usual tactics in favor of, like, ripping out the pages of his notebook one by one? leaving him handcuffed in a dirty, dusty room for a day. quelle horreur.]

We could easily put that to the test. How many secrets are you hiding...

[kaeya narrows his eyes, so serious—except just kidding, he's off duty Forever. it's more good-natured play-acting, just before he, too, joins reim in leaning against the railing. he doesn't care about whatever dust may or may not be there, but he does keep a few inches between them? they're close enough for, say, their arms to brush if they just barely lean to the side, and yet kaeya isn't infringing upon reim's personal space. he's being Respectful.]

But don't worry; I'll keep this one to myself. [and this is where kaeya should be offering up a secret of his own, but, naturally:] Though I am curious: did your duke discover what you did?

[he's stressin' that your, because you know he picked up on it.]

[He's tall because he's full of secrets, obviously. None of the actual secrets he happens to know mean a thing in this wild neon world, so he simply shrugs; maybe, one day, Kaeya will learn some more totally unimportant secrets, just because! Until then.]

If he did, he didn't mention it... Deciding to do nothing to hint that he noticed at all in order to make me wonder about it is exactly the kind of man he is, unfortunately.

[It's incredibly stressful to be Reim, thanks for asking. For a moment he's way too distracted by Thoughts of Rufus Barma, Crazy Boss, but then, ah— Yes, perhaps context would help clarify things, here. So:]

I'm his personal valet, by the way.

[It clarifies nothing at all. Good one, Reim. He deserves a Kaeya secret for this, please play with him in this space, thanks.]

[everyone has secrets! some far more interesting than others, but if people want to share them, then who is kaeya to judge. he just wants to Know—while remaining a mystery himself, even though that a) isn't fair and b) probably isn't going to fly here and now. hmm.

but putting aside the fact that reim's boss sounds right up kaeya's alley—hey, time to once again turn to study reim, bringing a hand to his chin in the process. like he's connecting the dots here, or something.]

Oh? It suits an... organized person such as yourself.

[the list-making. that nerdy, fussy aura.]

Is this where I share something about myself? I'm afraid that I'm not as interesting as some think. [that's a gd lie, but don't worry about it; just let him lean closer, arm bumping reim's as he says, with all the gravitas of a grand secret:] But I did take an important book from the library, once—without checking with the librarian. She's been after the thief for some time.

[he's such a rogue! lock him up! this also may or may not be true, but shh.]

Edited (there? this? jesus) 2021-04-12 21:34 (UTC)

[Does it... Is there a connection between being a valet and being like Reim, he must wonder... Given every other servant he's ever met, he feels like the outlier, but thanks, Kaeya. He will be taking that as a compliment.

In any case, wow, this poor woman? Talk about an actual criminal.]

I can only imagine the stomachache she's had this whole time...

[Is that a weirdly specific ailment to pick? Is it because he's speaking from experience? Yes, his stress stomachaches are constant and killer, he really does Empathize with this possibly-fictional librarian's struggle.

Then, as he looks at Kaeya, frowning slightly as if to indicate that the answer to this question will have Serious Far-Reaching Consequences, he asks:]

What was the book about?

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