#//Long; long af jbdfgdkrg

[dutybcrne]

@strdstd said : [ TO THE THREAT ]: " i think it's time you were leaving. " {…Boothill for Kaeya- 👀👉👈 Maybe set after Dain takes the throne, yet him & Kae are still vibing in Khaenri’ah.} 『 Meme || Accepting 』

       ・⊱ Oh course Kaeya was well-aware he was no Dainsleif. And likely never would compare in the eye of the people–that he could tell mere moments after taking the helm of their people ( yet one more place he'd have to work his hardest to into, yet again ). Of course he was well-aware that as an Alberich, he'd deal with his fair share of dissenters and gripes about how he dealt with things–it may as well be the family tradition, Rethel had once said. No matter though; that, he could take in stride quite easily ( surely anyone would, having had his level of practice managing the Fatui and Lawrence clan on the daily for half a decade ). One way or another, by silver tongue, shadowy hand, or sword, those complaints would be dealt with, again and again. He had been more than capable of handling them and himself no matter the situation back in Mond, and he would continue to do so even now, in the Mirage.

        Yet at times, like this...well, he'd be lying if he denied utterly preening in being stood up for like this. In knowing that person was forced between a rock and a hard place; standing a mere trigger's click away from truly regretting their boldness, or being forced to bite back their damn pride and step back.

        Between Boothill's threat and the cold, razor-sharp smile Kaeya bared in hearing it...it seemed they'd acquiesce the latter option, a venomous glare in their eyes and a just as bitter mutter ( was that a 'you'll regret this' he heard just now? Oh, the fun he'll have taking care of that later- ) before they'd turn tail and part.

        Even as that person made their hasty retreat, the grin never once left Kaeya's lips. Not for a moment, as he turned his back on them without a second glance, arms wrapping loosely around Boothill's torso with a bright laugh.

        "Well, howdy there, Stranger~"

        Yes, he loved the thrill and pride in rending such responses himself, sure. Preferred to take care of such things himself, as he always had ( old habits and comforts were a pain to break ), but really letting another take the reins his stead, and with such conviction, too...well, could anyone blame his heart for stirring so?

        Especially in hearing that menacing growl underlying that already perfect voice-

        "Impeccable timing on your part," Kaeya crooned, a hand moving to grasp the front of Boothill's jacket and tug just enough to give him ample reach to bunt his head to the cyborg's. "Y'know, I was almost started to worry where my loyal guard had up and went." Ha–as if Boothill'd ever stray too far. As if Kaeya had any fear of that guy at all to begin with. Still- "I suppose I owe my hero my thanks now though, don't I?"