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"If the delusion broke apart into seven pieces, then we can mark seven areas here." Diluc agreed with your realization.
You grabbed the pen from Diluc, circling around the Anemo Hypostases' domain. "...What other places would they be?"
"Stormterror's Lair can count as one." He replied.
You circled around the large area. "The electro cube in Cape Oath too."
"That's five of the seven." Diluc put his hand to his chin. "...The Cryo Hypostase belongs to Mondstadt as well."
You nodded. "Just one more place..."
Both of you examined the map. Your eyes darted from one place to another, but you failed to find anything that could relate to some large anomaly focus.
"Maybe there aren't seven?" You groaned, closing your eyes.
"No. I've seen a delusion before and I know all too well about them. There are seven pieces." He reassured.
"But I don't know any other place that holds a large elemental source." You said.
"...Windrise." Diluc said quietly. "The wind flows there constantly, and sometimes, Eyes of the Storm will spawn."
You quickly circled Windrise, a small smile playing at your lips. You looked back at Diluc.
"You know, we make a great team." You teased.
He smiled back to your surprise. "I suppose."
"So, Stormbearer Mountains tonight?" You asked, standing up.
He stood up with you, nodding. "I suggest you find a new disguise, though."
"I'll just find another Fatui Cicin and steal hers." You laughed.
"Alright. See you then."
...
"Sleeping the day away again?"
You had opened your door once more after being awoken out of your sleep. Rosaria looked down back at you, raising a brow.
You yawned through your words. "What's today...?"
"Sunday." She said. "Have you forgotten?"
You looked at her with a confused expression. "Forgotten what?"
She sighed. "Kaeya's birthday."
You blinked. "Crap, I forgot we planned a surprise party..."
"I know you dislike him and all, but weren't you the one who planned it in the first place?" She asked.
You groaned. "I wish I hadn't."
"Everything is ready at the tavern. We're just waiting on you."
Despite Angel's Share being closed on Sundays, Jean managed to get through to Diluc about holding Kaeya's party there. You had told her about your plans, and she immediately agreed to help you.
"Alright. I'll get dressed and go get him." You closed your door, rubbing your eyes.
You walked to your wardrobe and pulled the outfit you had planned to wear for today. Putting it on and fixing yourself up in your bathroom, you headed out while minding the time.
Dusk was approaching, so you quickly made your way to the Knights' headquarters.
"Evening, Miss L/N." A guard greeted and saluted.
You saluted back and headed inside.
Just as you planned, Kaeya was talking away with Klee.
"...Miss Y/N! Hello!" Klee noticed your presence and rushed up to you.
You gave her a smile. "Hey, Klee. How have you been?"
"Good! I've managed to stay out of trouble for a whole week now!" She cheered.
You laughed. "I'm glad to hear it."
Kaeya walked next to you, smiling. "I thought I'd never see you again, considering your awkward sleeping routine."
You rolled your eyes. "I came to get you."
"Oh? And just where are you taking me?" He chuckled.
"Ohhh, can Klee come too?" She jumped up and down, looking at you with puppy dog eyes.
You smiled. "Of course. We're going to Angel's Share."
Kaeya rose his brow. "The tavern? But aren't they closed today?"
You held back your laugh. "Don't you remember? We still have to pay our bill from last time."
He sighed. "I thought I asked for the bill to be sent here..."
"You were flat out drunk and left without paying." You replied.
Kaeya looked at you and grinned. "It seems I did let it slip my mind. Let's go take care of it, then."
"Yippee!" Klee grabbed your hand as the three of you walked out of headquarters and made your way to the tavern.
When you arrived, Diluc was standing outside, putting a poster up onto the bulletin board.
"Master Diluc!" Klee skipped up to him.
"Klee? What are you doing here?" Diluc looked down at her and then back up at you.
"Evening." You started. "We need the bill from last time."
Kaeya chuckled. "Even though I thought I specified for it to be sent to the Knights."
"You still walked out without paying. I was too busy to write the tab up." Diluc crossed his arms.
"Oh? Busy with what, exactly?" He looked at Diluc, smirking.
Diluc sighed. "Nevermind. Come inside and I'll give it to you."
Kaeya hummed, watching Diluc unlock the door.
All of you stepped inside the quiet space, while Diluc went behind the counter and grabbed a slip of paper.
Kaeya tsked. "The tavern just isn't the same without the people here."
"Ohhh, so this is what the tavern looks like!" Klee looked around. "It smells weird, though..."
"Don't worry about it, Klee. You're going to enjoy a lot of good cake tonight." You said.
"Cake? Since when did the tavern start serving that?" Kaeya looked at you.
You smiled, clapping your hands. "Since today."
"...Wh—"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"
The lights in the tavern flickered on, and the various people inside arose from their hiding spots.
Kaeya's eyes widened as he looked back at all his friends.
You laughed. "Happy birthday, Master Kaeya."
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"I will say, I had no idea about this."
The party commenced after everyone gave Kaeya their hugs and birthday wishes. Now that the surprise had settled down, everyone sat on the balcony at a large table, enjoying the drinks and cake.
"Of course you didn't." You teased, sipping on your wine.
"Oh? So it was you who planned this." He gave you a warm smile. "You may have just earned the title of 'Best Disciple'."
You rolled your eyes. "Don't get ahead of yourself."
"Klee wants more cake!" She said after finishing her third plate.
"You've had a lot of sweets, Klee." Albedo protested. "Here. Have some juice."
"Alright, alright..."
"Ohhh, this cake is good!" Amber smiled widely.
"Indeed." Eula stated.
"So, Kaeya, have you made a birthday wish?" Lisa asked.
"Hmm..." Kaeya closed his eyes, thinking to himself. "...Done."
"Oh, what was it?" Klee asked.
"Haha, it would be bad luck if I told you, Klee." He said.
"Really...?" She pouted. "Can Klee just have a hint?"
He sighed and laughed. "Alright. But you can't tell anyone else."
You grabbed another slice of cake and stood up. Walking over to Jean, she was busy talking with Diluc by the ledge of the balcony.
"...Oh, good timing." She said, turning to look at you.
"For?" You asked.
"Master Diluc just brought me up to speed about the situation." She replied.
You gave him a glance. "Situation...?"
She nodded. You bit your lip, thinking he had revealed his identity to her.
"Yes. I'm grateful that you've managed to clear out the hilichurl camps across Mondstadt."
You blinked. "Oh, uh... of course. It is my job, after all."
She smiled. "He was just explaining to me how he had noticed you battling off Abyss Mages and wolves."
You felt your body relax. "Really. It was nothing. I brought you some cake."
You handed her the plate, and she gave you a thankful nod. "I should go check up on Klee before she gets a sugar rush."
She walked off, leaving you and Diluc alone together.
"...And just why did you lie to her?" You crossed your arms, looking at him.
"I figured you're the type to like praise." He said.
You blushed. "So she doesn't know...?"
"Of course not. You and one other person are the only ones who know."
You tilted your head. "Who's the other person?"
He groaned and glanced at Kaeya. "The birthday boy himself."
A question came about your mind. "Isn't he your brother?"
"Unfortunately." Diluc muttered.
You laughed. "Yet you still gave him a gift."
"And you planned him a surprise party. Guess we're even."
You scoffed. "I'm not heartless."
"I never said you were." He looked at you.
You put your hands on your hips, grinning. "Hm... I probably had a bit too much wine."
He sighed. "If you're going to throw up again, go back inside."
You quickly looked him up and down and gave him a teasing look. "You're right... I'll clean up my wine glasses as well."
Before he could protest, you walked off back to the table and grabbed your two empty glasses.
"Oh? Is someone leaving already?" Kaeya looked at you.
"That's none of your business. I'm going to sleep. Planning parties is exhausting." You said.
"Ah, then let me share my thanks with you before you leave." He stepped closer to you.
You couldn't help but smile. "As my superior, it's my job to make sure you're well."
He chuckled. "And as my subordinate, it's my job to always be there for you. But seriously... thank you."
You shared a hug with him, causing Amber to let out an 'awe'.
"Ugh, okay. Enough of the mushy stuff." You said, pulling away from him.
He laughed. "Alright, alright. Goodnight, Y/N."
You smiled back at him before heading inside. "Goodnight, Master Kaeya."