A/N: Barbara and Kaeya Centric

SIX

Barbara & Kaeya

A year after Jean entered the Knights of Favonius, Kaeya too joined the organization. It has almost been two years since he joined the organization. Diluc, Jean, and he worked alongside one another and it was like a childhood dream had come true, at least that's what everyone would say when talking about the trio.

Well, not that Kaeya would dream of working with Diluc when they were kids.

But today was a pleasant afternoon which he was enjoying with Barbara. His much-needed break from the Knights. The two enjoyed each other's company since they were kids. Maybe it was because Jean and Diluc were too busy with each other that the two naturally came together. Or maybe it was the world matching two lonely people together. Either way, having each other for the company was something the two always looked forward to.

Barbara sighed, "I wonder when Jean and Diluc would realize their feelings for one another."

Kaeya chuckled, "The two are rather...slow," Barbara glared at him. "For not realizing their long-standing feelings for one another." He playfully rolled his eyes.

"Don't insult them, the two are just a little too focused on climbing the ranks in the Knights of Favonius." Barbara sipped her tea.

Kaeya looked at the garden, studying the beautiful flowers. The two were on a nice patio in the gardens of the Gunnhildr Estate.

"You are always defensive when it's about Diluc." He sulked and Barbara rolled her eyes.

"He will be my future brother-in-law." Kaeya chuckled at her remark.

"How sure are you?" He glanced back at her, resting his elbow on the table and leaning towards her, his periwinkle eyes sparkling. The thought of Jean and Diluc getting married was admittedly something the two have been wanting since they were kids. They were not blind to their siblings' affections toward one another. Unfortunately, Jean and DIluc seemed to be blind about their interest in one another.

"I knew those two liked each other the moment I met you and Diluc, they still do like each other now." Barbara's eyes were clear. A fact that could not be shaken from her.

"You rarely act like this in public," Kaeya mumbled his gaze was gentle on her as he admired her earnestness.

"I like to bring everyone happiness...but I admit… I get weary of acting cheerful all the time. So, I am glad for our friendship." She smiled at him and he blinked at her, avoiding her gaze.

"Yeah, well, we did grow up together." She chuckled in response. "You have matured greatly." She smiled quietly at him. But his words were carefully tucked into her heart.

"Barbara…" His tone had become serious and her heart fluttered.

"I don't want to talk about it." She immediately interjected and with pressed lips he nodded solemnly.

There was something she was trying to avoid. And what Barbara liked about Kaeya is that: he never forced her to do something she didn't want to.

Barbara was aware of the rumors about her parents, but for now, at least right now with her childhood friend, she chooses to ignore them.

"So, how are the voice lessons going?" Kaeya smiled politely. Choosing a topic that she would rather much prefer to talk about. It seemed to her that Kaeya was always willing to change his tune for her, even just by slightly.

It was odd because this was so different from the kind of persona he seemed to love to show to the public.

"Oh, fantastic!" Barbara smiled widely as she discussed with him animatedly what she had learned and showcased her voice a little for him. The look on his face clearly showed how much he treasured her. And yet, it seemed that she still cannot confide everything to him. Maybe it was for the best.

But he knew what she was going through even when she refused to tell him herself. Maybe it was because of a special connection the two formed, or the fact that a lot was talking about it, but who really knows?

~.~.~.~.~

When the news of Frederica Gunnhildr and Seamus Pegg's divorce reached Kaeya's ears, his first thought was to find the Gunnhilder sisters, particularly Barbara as Jean will always have Diluc in her corner.

The younger Gunnhildr– he didn't know when it started, but he always felt responsible for her first than anyone else.

He opened the door of his office to be greeted with the youngest Gunnhildr sister, his eyes wide as he tried his best to study her.

His mouth opened and then, "I couldn't think of anyone else to go to." She spoke looking at him, her eyes hazy, but her smile soft and gentle.

Kaeya hesitated then closed his eyes tightly, shutting the door behind him and then took a step forward and embraced her as she suddenly burst into tears in his arms.

Barbara cried for a few minutes before Kaeya suggested that she sit on his couch. The sight of her in his office wasn't something new, but seeing her in tears was something he didn't like since that time he caught her hiding away as she wept back when they were younger.

"I… I had just found out about the news and I had to cry, there is no one else other than my sister whom I would allow to see me like this." Barbara chuckled coldly but it was clear that she was feeling lost, this much Kaeya could tell. "We grew up together, you have seen me cry… so I thought— gosh, I hope I am not bothering you."

Kaeya knelt in front of Barbara, brushing the tears that had fallen a moment ago, off of her cheeks. "How could you ever pester me?"

Barbara couldn't help but stare at him and then she pressed her lips, "It is so odd seeing you act so gentle."

He chuckled at her remark, "That is a rather cold thing to say, Barbara."

"You were just…everyone says you're a flirt. And I do see it, but before anything– before you being a flirt, you have always been one of the reliable older kids that always looked out for me." She smiled at him faintly.

"Oh, Diluc must be one of those reliable older kids." Kaeya almost taunted and Barbara simply nodded a small smile blooming on her face. Kaeya always loved teasing Diluc. No, in fact, he loved causing trouble for his brother and people in general really.

"You have always been gentle to me." Barbara said, placing a hand over his and then sighed as she leaned against the couch, "My parents have filed for a divorce and I will start living with my father. It has also been decided that I will join the Church."

Kaeya looked perplexed and then stood up. "The Church? Doesn't that seem a bit too sudden?"

"No, I have been thinking about it for a while now, but since father and mother have decided to end their marriage, it would be better if I just join the Church now." Barbara looked sad then added, "I think the four of us will no longer be like when we were in our childhood."

Kaeya's brows were visibly etched towards one another, "Why would you say that?"

"Mother… mother would rather we have a cordial relationship with one another… and you know, since that day Jean was grounded after she and Diluc ran away from her lessons, our relationship had not been the same. Perhaps this was all mother's doing and perhaps she had merely prepared for this outcome. Father and mother, after all, had not been getting along with one another for years now. Their marriage these past few years was nothing but a ruse." Barbara studied Kaeya's periwinkle eyes.

He glanced down at her, his lips pressed into a line "I swear, I never told anyone that your parents were out of favor with one another for years now."

Barbara shook her head, "Anyone with eyes could see that the Gunnhildr couple was on a rocky patch. Those rumors of them potentially breaking up were long there before I told you of the details of my family affairs. I am sure Jean also told you about them." Kaeya simply listened to her. "I am glad that you, Jean and Diluc are in the Knights together, at least I know that you three would have each other's backs."

There was a silence that followed. And then Barbara finally said, "I think I should go."

Before she could stand up Kaeya placed a hand on her shoulders as he shook her head, "No, please– stay."

And she did, she stayed and cried her heart out to Kaeya. But after this, she had to pick herself up and be the Barbara that everyone knows.

She had to be the cheerful one.

~.~.~.~.~.~

It was Diluc's eighteenth Birthday and Barbara was certain that Diluc would have plans to be with Jean. At least that was what she heard from the not-so-tight-lipped Kaeya: that Diluc planned to have a meal with Jean alone that day.

Of course, Barbara was more than excited and happy for the two. She had always been rooting for the two to finally realize their feelings for one another, and it seemed that maybe today was the day.

Kaeya, of course, had always been rooting for them alongside her. You could say that Barbara was the head of the fan club and Kaeya was the second-in-command even.

However, Barbara was swamped with voice training that day and she had not seen anyone else since lunch. But she carried on with her schedule as usual.

The sun had set long ago and Barbara was strict with her sleeping schedule. No one seemed to have reported to her the progress of this supposed date Diluc had with her sister, but she was already very tired as her bedtime had already approached.

A part of her expected that Kaeya would come to find her and tell her of her sister's date, knowing very well that he probably was watching them from a distance the entire time. But seeing that he had not looked for her, she figured that he was busy. Maybe Diluc had chased him down for spying on him.

The thought brought a smile to Barbara's lips. It was something that was likely to happen between the siblings.

Tomorrow, she was certain that she would hear good news tomorrow. After all, maybe Jean and Diluc were just having the time of their lives until late that evening. Maybe that was why Kaeya had not reported to her the juicy details yet.

Barbara woke up the next day a bit earlier than normal due to the chatter coming outside of her bedroom. At first she didn't think much of it, even though it was quite unusual, but then she heard bits and pieces of the conversation and it was not good at all.

Her theory of how Diluc's birthday would play out was absolutely wrong. She dropped her schedule and ran to Kaeya the moment she found out what had happened last night. It took her a couple of hours to find Kaeya, it was like he didn't want to be found.

The thought made her heart ache. But with her persistence, she found him, and oddly enough, she found him at his office.

"Kaeya!" She panted, all sweaty and untidy than usual. "I heard! What's- what's going on?"

Kaeya's lips were tightly pressed and his arms were clipped to his side. Barbara stared at him, thinking that it was so unlike him to be like this.

And Barbara realized her fault. Crepus was his father too. And so, she embraced him suddenly and she felt the tension in his body. He comforted her more times than she could ever count and could ever tell him, this time, it was her turn.

In the very least, to at least pay back his sincerity towards her.

Feeling the small figure against him shaking a little, made him remember that he had to look out for her. Even with everything he had done, he still had to protect her.

By the doorway of his office, Kaeya held the silent crying figure of Barbara as he too wept in her embrace quietly.

He didn't deserve any of this. He really didn't.

How he was able to have such a kind friend like her.

How such a relationship was so fragile. The thought of what she would think of him if he revealed what he had shared to his dear brother which made Diluc flee.

At the very least, Kaeya was certain that he had caused his brother to leave Mondstadt. He was aware that Jean wasn't even able to see him off, and that guilt he felt, was something that would follow him for a while.

And it did, every time he saw Jean and the KoF. He promised he had to do better for Diluc.

As for Barbara, at that moment, she decided that she had to be the bestest friend she could possibly be to Kaeya who seemed to have lost everything overnight. His father and brother, the two people he saw as his family– well, Kaeya had her and Jean. And that was something that comforted Barbara.

~.~.~.~.~

It had almost been five years since Barbara had last seen Diluc. She could tell that her sister was still waiting for him and that she was heavily hurt when Diluc left the way he did. Barbara and Kaeya's friendship recently had seemed to have gone rather cold.

This was something that hurt Barbara deeply, but something she could not say aloud and something she could not understand. But it was clear that Kaeya was trying his best to pretend that everything was alright. And so, as the good friend she is, she followed his lead.

Kaeya was before her, in the garden of the Knights of Favonius headquarters. This had always been their thing, even before her parents got divorced, they always met at least once a week to have tea and snacks together, whenever their schedules permitted it.

And today was just that day.

The place isn't the same venue when her parents were still together, but it was still a garden and the company was still the same. Their tea time was always something sacred for the two.

Barbara picked up her cup and took a sip, "There are a lot of rumors about you and Jean."

Kaeya looked startled with wide eyes and quickly spoke, "No, don't believe them, they aren't true!"

Barbara couldn't help but smile at his reaction. He wasn't the kind to be nervous, but recently he has been quite the nervous wreck, it was truly odd, yet refreshing but ultimately unsettling for Barbara. The thought of who caused this man to change like this was something that would pop up in her mind every now and then.

She chuckled, "Don't get me wrong, Kaeya, it would be best if you two got together instead." Barbara placed her cup down and gazed at the red roses behind her companion. "I know that it was always you and me wanting the Jean and Diluc to finally realize their feelings for one another… but it seems like Diluc has no plans to return and..." She paused a rueful smile on her lips. "Sister doesn't say it, but I know she is sad. It would be best to have her heart heal, and if that means that you will help her through it, then you have nothing but my support."

"No! I would never betray Diluc like that!" Kaeya almost screamed and Barbara merely glanced at him, he paled at his words.

Barbara fell quiet, knowing that Kaeya did not intend to raise his voice on her. She frowned and told him, "You know, since that night, I believe Jean, has been silently waiting for him. I am sure that you have talked to her about it, and urged her to find someone else. But if that someone else is you, I truly implore you to make her happy. I can see the deep sadness in her eyes whenever she thinks that no one is looking." She sighed and gave Kaeya a faint smile. "Kaeya, you grew up with her too, I am sure such things are not hidden from you."

Kaeya inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly, "I am not interested in the Acting Grand Master that way." His tone was serious and his eyes firm.

Barbara smiled at him weakly, "Acting Grand Master, if Diluc was still here…" She shook her head. "Well, I am sure if he knew how high Jean has risen in ranks, he would be proud of her… or at the very least, I hope he would be."

Kaeya merely observed the grim expression pass through Barbara. "I am serious Barbara, no matter how crazy and believable the rumors are about me and Jean. There is nothing romantic going on between us."

Barbara's blue eyes glanced at him and in that alone he could tell that she believed him. She smiled but whispered, "But it would still be great…"

Kaeya smiled with pressed lips, seeing that the thought of him and her sister as a couple was something that could not be easily erased from the young deaconess' mind.

"Ah, yes, how are you doing, now that you are the deaconess?" Kaeya tried to move the conversation along and when the question was fully out, he saw the young woman's eyes sparkle and the corner of her lips tugging up into a warm smile.

"Oh, well–" And he marveled at her quiet enthusiasm regarding her new post and her graceful demeanor as she spoke of all the things she now did as a deaconess.

She was so different from that little girl crying behind a bush.

~.~.~.~.~.~

The sun had set a couple of hours ago and Kaeya and Barbara agreed to meet each other that evening. Kaeya had literally begged her to go out with him because he had been so caught up with work and needed to relax, particularly with someone that would not judge him and that was Barbara.

Kaeya spotted Barbara talking to someone from the Knights of Favonius and they were animatedly chatting then suddenly, he saw how her face slumped and her eyes became wide in shock.

How she had placed a hand a little above her stomach as she almost took a step back.

Her shaking blue eyes blinked and so happened to shift to where he was. In that moment, her shock felt like it had transferred to him, then it became fear in the next second.

His leisure walk turned to a sudden dash as he met her.

"Diluc is back?" Her head turned to him and he stopped right before her. His eyes twitch involuntarily. He didn't expect her to react so strongly upon hearing his brother's return. If he didn't know any better it would seem like she had liked his brother all this time.

"Does Jean know?" She asked with a shaky voice as she closed the small distance between them.

He had wanted to tell Barbara the news himself but didn't expect a fellow knight to tell the news himself. He glanced at the man who stared at the two with guilty eyes.

"Captain, I–" The man whispered and Kaeya's eyebrow moved slightly which made the knight eat back his words. "I shall excuse myself." He ultimately said and bowed a little and left Barbara and Kaeya alone.

"Were you going to tell me?" Barbara then added the moment the knight took a step away from them.

"Of course–"

"Then Jean?" She cut him off, her eyes told him everything she wanted to say.

It seemed that the night of relaxation that he had wanted was going to play out differently than planned.