#and now kaz is just... accepting his fate like “well okay fine i guess i have to play this game with you”

[greedbent]

He wasn’t just going to walk away from this. Kaz knew. Kaeya knew. Even if the former stood up, turned on his heel, and left the establishment without another word, he knew the ease with which he could do so would all be part of the illusion: the act they were equally unwilling to give up. The game seemed almost pointless at this rate, like two players seated side-by-side who had seen enough of a glimpse of each other’s cards to know a multitude of ways their hand could be played. But that was where things got complicated.

Kaz didn’t yet know what Kaeya’s play would be. And he personally didn’t enjoy engaging in a game with an outcome he couldn’t see.

While the captain rambled on, now fully performing on the stage he had set, Kaz idly shooed away a cat that came sauntering across the counter toward him, wrinkling his nose as its tail flicked—he’d say almost purposefully—in his face. He came close to laughing at what his companion proclaimed. Shockingly close. But all Kaeya got out of him was the knowing little twitch at the corner of his mouth before he obscured it behind his glass again for another sip.

“Just one glass?” he crooned once his drink was set back down. Kaz side-eyed him with a brow theatrically raised; if he insisted on this, he most certainly could play along. “An honorable man with respect for moderation. What an unbelievably perfect combination.” But his tone was as sickly sardonic as Kaeya’s was copiously cheerful. “And then what do you do with the rest of your evening?”

Kaz twisted his body enough to better face him—committed now that he had no other option. “Once you’ve finished that one drink to ease the stress of a day spent tirelessly protecting the city,” he went on. “Just linger here among the drunkards with that ever vigilant eye of yours? Always on the job even when you’re not, is that it? Sterling character.”

While the other didn't blatantly tell him to get lost, exasperation read in a sigh that heaved his frame. If Kaeya was as polite as he was pretending to be, he would take the less-than-subtle hint and leave the man to drink in the solitude he clearly preferred.

Unfortunately for Mister Brekker, Kaeya had the most fun being where he was wanted the least. Usually that meant the Angel's Share, but he was nothing if not adventurous. Might as well shake things up and pester a different callous, black-clad man while enjoying his evening wine.

Kaeya hummed his agreement into another sip. "As do I. Which I must have been successful enough at if you remember me so easily." For Kaz to already know of him before they'd ever met...what must he have heard about Mondstadt's friendly neighborhood Cavalry Captain? He'd admit to being curious. And a touch concerned that some of his sources may have become a bit too loose-lipped. Kaeya made a mental note to have a word with them.

Naturally, though, getting a name couldn't be that easy. Ah well, no matter. The other man's discretion proved his identity just as well as a name would have. At the mention of their surroundings, an icy gaze scanned the bar, observing raucous patrons and cheerful bartenders.

"Is it? I find the best way to finish off a hard day's work is with a glass of wine—though I do admire your stronger tastes." He put on a curious face as he glanced at the other's glass. "I consider myself a bit of a wine connoisseur, but I'll admit I've never been able to hold the stronger stuff. I once braved a sip of Margaret's signature brandy as punishment for losing a bet, and I found myself rather quickly indisposed," he chuckled, lies flowing from his lips smoother than his beverage of choice. It was pleasant enough conversation, but as all things Kaeya did, it had an underlying purpose.

Lets see what all you've heard about me, shall we? Innocent things first.