The sharp 'clang' of heavy steel on steel reverberated across the open courtyard.
A crowd of new recruits for the Knights of Favonius had gathered around, quickly being joined by the some of the more senior members of their brigade as word spread. In the background, the sweeping green fields of Mondstadt lay open, giving way to the imposing mountain range in the distance.
An event was transpiring that not many had the opportunity to bear witness.
The training grounds were quickly abuzz with cheering and cries of excitement as the famous Ragnvindr brothers crossed blades in a flagrant show of phenomenal skill, the clear result of years of back-breaking training and dedication to the sword.
《~Earlier~》
It had been another ordinary day of training on the grounds behind their headquarters. The young recruits had been practicing their sparring under the blazing sun of midday and the watchful eye of their Captain.
This group showed promise so far, eager to build their skills quickly and earn their place amongst the Knights. Diluc couldn't help but inwardly find it endearing, watching as the new recruits came in, friendships bloomed and ease slowly trickled into the pack. Making way for personalities to show their true colours and those diamonds in the rough to shine through.
Naturally this also made way for the more unruly of the crew to become somewhat more 'excitable'. Talk from a couple of haggard recruits taking a break on the sidelines started to garner traction and intrigue from their comrades.
"Show us how it's done Captain!"
"Come on - Let us see how great our skills can become!"
Unfortunately it seemed some hadn't quite been broken in by their rigorous drills as yet..
Diluc had been circling the grounds with a careful and trained eye for correct poster. He was admittedly in a good mood, the sun was high and the times had been peaceful of late, nary a call or need for him to draw his sword. Why not humor them? A chance to show them how it's done and a good excuse as any to relish in the thrill of swordplay...
"Alright, recruits.." His smooth voice carried across the grounds, punctuated by the metallic drag of steel as he leisurely pulled one of the training swords from its rack. "Whom of you think you're up for a challenge?"
Only silence and open stares followed his words. Timid sparrows eyeing the neighbourhood cat, poised to flutter to safety at the slightest hint of movement. Clearly not expecting their jeers to be acknowledged. An amused hum rose from his chest, sparing a moment while the recruits ventured glances at each other, seeing who might be foolish enough to take on the revered and reputable young Captain.
A coy grin curled his lip as Diluc opted to make the decision for them, taking a step towards of the more outspoken of the group when-
"What a generous offer. Allow me to spar with you, Sir Diluc."
An icy grip stopped him in his tracks at the all too familiar voice..
All eyes crossed the courtyard back to their headquarters. Leisurely leaning back against the grey limestone with arms crossed, their senior knight-in-arms Kaeya had been keeping an eye on their training as well. It seemed he'd been conversing with Jean, the esteemed Dandelion Knight at his side.
Indeed, where Diluc went, Kaeya always followed. The brothers were renowned for being inseparable, both as dedicated to their work as the prestigious heritage that weighed heavily on their shoulders. Diluc was the one whom had true heritage running through his veins, so it was he whom had the greatest pressure of all to rise to the top - but his dedicated brother Kaeya was always there to have his back.
Both boys got on with Jean, she too bore the weight of her own heritage. It was already becoming apparent that she was being groomed for bigger things, but this did not taint her noble heart. A truly admirable woman, though in Diluc's opinion she had a tendency to place too much burden upon herself.. Not that she didn't rely on others, rather she didn't wish to pass her burdens onto them.
His relationship with the Dandelion Knight was markedly different to Kaeya's relationship with her. While to him she was considered an outstanding subordinate, to Kaeya she was more a close companion and confidant. Though his brother seemed to openly flirt with any woman in sight - it was she whom Diluc felt would likely end up the bluenettes obvious choice when it came to more serious conquests..
A small frown tugged at Diluc's features as Kaeya casually approached, despite the fact he was openly ignoring the offer. He'd wanted to seize the opportunity to take the more outspoken of this group down a couple notches.
However in distinct contrast, the recruits faces lit up with glee - likely a combination of the chance to see the fabled brothers clash head-on, and relief for not being picked out to face their Captain themselves.
"Kaeya's going to match up against the Captain!" One of them called out to the others.
"Yes Captain! Show us what you've got!" The rest began to chime in encouragement.
Kaeya made an exaggerated show of flipping his sword as it was drawn from its scabbard. "Now now my friends, he may be a tough opponent - but I'm no pushover.."
Diluc cast an eye over the growing excitement of his recruits. Admittedly it had been some time since he and his brother had sparred. While they kept up formalities and appearances at work, once the day was done, Diluc had pointedly been avoiding the bluenette ever since 'that night'..
Naturally this was not going unnoticed by his brother. The next time Kaeya attempted to enter his room in the dead of night, he found the door locked. Diluc only hearing one attempted turn of the knob. He was sure his quick-witted brother had easily gotten the message, but he seemed to stay lingering on the other side of that heavy oak door for some time.. before finally taking his leave back down the empty hall.
He hadn't tried again since.
Diluc had to admit it had left somewhat of a pit in his stomach, unable to prevent the look of rejection on Kaeya's face ghosting his mind.. but it couldn't go on like this.
That night... that night had become something different between them. It spelled a monumental change that Diluc had to desperately snuff the embers of before the flames could take hold. He was turning eighteen in less than a week, Kaeya would soon follow... They had to grow up and move on.
He can go on pretending nothing has changed at work. He will continue ignoring those longing sapphire stares from across the room.. He will force his brother to move on without his body to slake his needs.
It was for the best.
No matter how good it felt...
With this weighing heavily on his mind, Diluc couldn't help the sensation of unease brewing in his chest. The recruits were already forming a circle around the training field as they cleared the way for their spar. He watched as Kaeya entered the field with pointed grace as he lifted his sword into battle ready position. There was a mischievous glint in those diamond eyes that told Diluc he'd have to be on his guard.
Diluc stilled his mind and did not express any of his reservations in front of the impressionable recruits.
"As you wish."
《~Present~》
Their sparring match seemed to be drawing even more attention than Diluc had first considered. Clerks were seen peering from their offices from inside the headquarters, the recruits cheered loudly and some of the gathering Knights even seemed to be taking bets on who would come out on top.
Well, there was no question in Diluc's mind.
Despite his preference to wield a claymore, he was still perfectly well practiced with a sword. His body moved with graceful fluidity into each clash and counter. Well versed in Kaeya's moves and fighting style.. His brother would side-step and thrust, Diluc would spin and counter, before retaliating quickly with an upward slash.
It was captivating to watch, their bodies moving in rhythm, mastered in the art of facing one another. The graceful ebb and flow of leaves in the wind, the tide with the moon.
Diluc studied Kaeya's body, the subtle tension of lean muscle under his form fitting clothes disclosing his next move. He was already two steps ahead, like a game of chess - he could visualize his next maneuver, his next counter.
But it's this studying that triggers an intruding memory in his mind's eye... The sight of that tanned body, naked on top of him- fucking into him mercilessly, glistening abs tensing with each unyielding plunge. Kaeya's silken voice laced heavy with lust as he moaned his name..
Diluc's heart pounded hard in his throat as he caught himself from such sordid thoughts- cheeks heating up as he hastily shook his head, as if physically trying to shake the memory from his mind.
"Do you want more, Sir Diluc..." Kaeya teases, as if somehow realising what had plagued his mind. The double-entendre lost on those who watched on from the sidelines.
Its then the redhead notes a subtle shift in Kaeya's grounding, before abruptly disappearing from his sight..!
"Has it been too long..?" A hushed whisper on the back of his neck, sending a chill down his spine.
His instincts take over, body stiffening on reflex as Kaeya's hot breath brushes the strands of red hair at his neck - he twists his body away whilst simultaneously swinging his sword behind him at the grinning boy poised so close, luckily it seemed Kaeya anticipated the attack and blocked with his own sword. That smug look never faltering.
The crowds excitement kicks up a notch at the close call.
Since when did he learn to do that...
"Why the look of surprise?" Kaeya cocked a sapphire brow and smoothly shifted back into his preferred fighting stance. "I guess you've left me to my own devices for too long, you're out of practice!" Diluc couldn't help noticing that familiar heated look creeping back into those caramel features..
"Well it certainly looks like you've been keeping yourself busy." He flashed a glance in Jean's direction, whom had perched herself on the limestone wall nearby.
"Come on, Diluc... We're putting on a show are we not?" He teased coyly.
"Cum for me... Diluc..."
Ruby eyes widened as another memory flashed through the back of his mind. Something ignited in his chest, something hot. He bit the inside of his cheek as frustration bloomed and threaten to overtake his rationale.
Get out of my head - stop toying with me...!
The cheers of the crowd around them had all but faded out of his mind. It was just him, Kaeya and the training grounds.
Diluc launched at Kaeya, the battle stepping up in intensity. His heart began to pound fiercely in his chest, pushing him harder, pushing him faster. Their once fluid dance of swordplay becoming an outright battle of might.
Kaeya parries a heaving strike, "More Diluc, show me what you've got!"
The redheads Vision stirs on his belt, as if sensing the tenacity in the air and wishing the burst forth... but even in the fevered heat of battle, Diluc will not release it upon his Visionless younger brother.
Another ruthless swing of his blade, but rather than countering the attack, Kaeya opted instead to barely dodge the blade. "Oho, careful brother, you might hurt me." He mock pouts as he deftly steps out of harms way.
Diluc's frustration was starting to reach boiling point but he refused to lose his composure, even with Kaeya seeming to drop the formalities. "Then pay attention." The red-head snaps back. In the next movement, he uses the momentum from his swing to twist around and swing down hard at Kaeya's shoulder.
"Kaeya!" Jean is vaguely heard crying out in warning from the sidelines. The boy in question only glances her way for a moment as he skillfully parries the swing, but manages to send a playful wink at her as if to show he's ok.
Bitterness coils with the anger in Diluc's gut at the sight of it..
They were panting hard now, sweat beading on their skin as the sun beamed down across the grounds. Their grunts and battle cries punctuated by the clash of steel. Kaeya matching Diluc's fervor, but rather than the anger that fueled the redheads strikes, he seemed to be trying to provoke him, pushing him harder and harder.
It was starting to work.. Making Diluc want to wipe that taunting smirk from his brothers lips.
The crowd cheered louder, clearly captivated by the display.
"Let's see the fire!"
"Captain, use your Vision!"
Shut up..! He'd wanted to scream back, and Diluc took stock then- realisation dawning that he was forgetting himself and forgetting that this was merely a display of skills for the recruits, he'd allowed himself to be intricately sewn into a web.
A web that Kaeya was carefully weaving.
And like a spider, Kaeya was patiently watching for that moment to strike- his normally composed brother becoming flustered as he was distracted from the fight for that mere moment. Thanks to a lifetime of training together, only Kaeya could have noticed the opening...
Its then the crowd is thrown between stunned silence and gasps, as Kaeya ducks under Diluc's swing and swiftly tackles the Cavalry Captain to the ground.
Diluc blinks back the shock as he suddenly finds himself on his back with Kaeya perched on top of him, looking quite impressed with himself. The redhead swallowed hard at the sensation of his brothers body pressing down on his after so long...
The tanned boy playfully shakes his head and leans in close to Diluc, so only he can hear him whisper, "No brother.. you need to pay attention.. I've waited long enough."
He feels his pale cheeks flush and reality slams him hard, his pride suddenly felt as if it hung perilously in the balance. Having his brother straddle him like this in front of their peers-
Too far..
Diluc retaliates, sheer desperation seeming to fuel the strength needed to and shove Kaeya from his body and quickly find his feet, sword hastily in hand he stands over his brothers tossed body and points the tip at his face. "Enough!"
Kaeya's sapphire diamonds are staring back up at him in naked shock, Diluc had clearly lost his temper.. He feels a small pull in his chest at the look on his brothers face, his fury losing its vigor in the same moment, quickly snuffed out.
It's then the crowd seems to erupt into cheers, all of them completely oblivious to the conflict stewing between the two brothers.
Diluc watches them for a brief moment as he catches his breath, before looking back down at Kaeya.. Maybe he had overdone it a little. With a heavy sigh, Diluc tosses the blade aside and extends his hand down to his brother.
The act on its own seems to do the trick, gently brightening Kaeya's features as he graciously takes the offered hand, accepting Diluc's assistance to help him stand.
Kaeya had gotten slightly taller than him, the redhead muses absently. Why hadn't he noticed that before... It's then he realizes their proximity and that he'd been caught staring.
"Ugh, I.. I have to.." The fumbled excuse dies in his throat as he attempts to remove his hand from the grasp- but Kaeya holds him firm.
Diluc's heart is pounding in his ears at the gesture, finding himself unable to meet Kaeya's gaze.
"Diluc..." Kaeya's voice is surprisingly gentle. "Please, can we..."
As if to his rescue, the crowd of jovial recruits and knights alike move in, separating the brothers as they showered them in praise and amazement at having witnessed such an intense battle.
Diluc found he was most certainly not in the mood for socialising right now, but at least it gave him a moment to calm his mind and steady his voice after gaining some distance from Kaeya.. "Alright alright, you're dismissed for lunch, recruits. Knights- head back to your duties at once." He projected authoritatively, forcing those addressed to instinctively stand to attention and obey.
"Yes sir!" They acknowledged in unison and dispersed. He noted the new vigor in the recruits he'd been training that morning and knew he'd be hearing about this for a while to come..
Diluc couldn't help but chance a look back to Kaeya, who apparently was being dragged away by the other Knights, doubtlessly wanting to get the full rundown on what it took to face the esteemed Cavalry Captain himself.
He could see Kaeya was already gloating about the fight, which made an amused smirk gracing the redheads lips briefly, before he noticed Jean soon caught up to fawn over Kaeya as if checking for hidden injuries.
It's for the best...
A heavy sigh dragged out of Diluc as he ran a hand through his fiery tresses and turned his back, collecting the training sword he'd used and returning it to its scabbard.
As if divined, it was in that moment that Kaeya turned his gaze back to his brother as he was hauled away.
A/N
I know I know I'm a little rusty, but I gave this pair a go and the story just took off on it's own!
You can probably tell it was initially going to be a one-shot, but now it is too fun to keep the drama going 3
Let me know if you're into it!