Chapter Text
To Albedo, painting Aether was one of the easiest things in the world.
By this point, he’d memorised the traveler’s features by heart: his soft, fluffy golden hair; his gentle, yet determined amber eyes. His slightly chapped, yet irresistible…
His kissable, kissable lips.
The alchemist had never been one to deny his feelings towards things, preferring to be honest, but the grip Aether had on him was slowly making him lose his mind. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could do this for, how much longer he could hide his affections for the man who was practically sunshine incarnate.
Albedo sighed. He glanced up at the shelf above his desk, his gaze softening at the sight before him.
Albedo had never been one to decorate his bedroom much. He was hardly at home, anyway – most of his time was either spent in his lab, in his workshop in Dragonspine, or outside conducting field research. The few times he was home, it was usually just to spend time with Klee, make sure she was fed, maybe tuck her into bed and have a short rest himself. But that was all. He’d never seen any reason to decorate a place he was hardly in, and so the shelves of his bedroom had remained completely empty.
“That’s no good.”
The first time Aether had seen Albedo’s room, he’d sighed in disapproval.
“It’s so empty in here,” he’d tutted. “Have you seen Klee’s room? It’s filled with all sorts of neat – and, well, dangerous – stuff. She’s got her Jumpty Dumpties everywhere, lots of cool stuff, and plenty of neat trinkets from her adventures and friends. Where are yours, Albedo?”
The alchemist had merely blinked, crossing his arms. “...There are plenty of art and research materials,” he pointed out, gesturing to the stacks of books and unopened pots of paint chucked in the corners of his room. “It’s not empty, Aether. What are you talking about?”
His eyes narrowed. “And also, don’t you think it’s a little rude to criticise someone’s house when they’ve so kindly invited you in?” Albedo teased.
The golden boy grinned. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” he laughed.
Albedo rolled his eyes affectionately. “As you should be. Besides, I’m usually over at the workshop more than here, so there’s no reason to fill it with more things that will simply collect dust.”
Aether tapped his chin with his finger. “...I suppose,” he sighed. “But even so, it’s your very own room. And isn’t it nice to fill your space with happy things?”
“Happy things…?”
“Yeah, happy things,” Aether nodded, reaching into his satchel. With excited, yet gentle hands, he cupped something small, hard and blue, offering it to Albedo with a wide smile. “Here, Albedo. I’m gonna help you make this house a home.”
Albedo’s eyes widened. He stared at Aether, hesitant. “This is…”
“A Starconch,” Aether said brightly, placing the small shell in Albedo’s palm. “I got it while I was walking around some beaches in Liyue.”
Albedo blinked, not quite understanding. He rubbed his thumb over the weight in his hands. “You… want me to have this? But why?”
The traveler hummed, pondering the answer. “Well… I guess because I thought of you when I saw it,” he giggled. The answer was as simple as that. “Because this gentle shade of blue reminds me of you, and we went stargazing together that one time.”
Aether’s eyes shone as he continued. He took the shell from Albedo’s hands and placed it on his shelf. “There we go. It’s already looking a lot less empty.”
“A-Aether…”
The traveler smiled. “Albedo, from now on, whenever I travel… I’ll bring back a little something for you whenever I return to Mondstadt. How about that?” He said excitedly. “Your shelves will be full in no time!”
Albedo couldn’t help but crack a little smile at his enthusiasm. “You don’t have to, you know.“
Aether shook his head once more. “Nonsense,” he huffed. His voice dropped to a whisper. “And… If you feel bad because you think they’ll get dusty, then that’s just all the more reason for you to come back home more often.”
Albedo’s eyes twinkled at that last line. Though Aether hadn’t said it out loud, he quickly understood Aether’s ulterior motive. This had been the traveler’s way of telling him to go get more rest.
Now, over a year later from that day, Albedo’s shelf was filled with all sorts of trinkets from all over Teyvat. Sango Pearls from Watatsumi Island, Trishiraite from Sumeru, pressed flowers from every region Aether had been to…
He smiled softly at the small collection he’d accumulated. Aether had kept his word. Though he didn’t return to Mondstadt very often, whenever he did, he came bearing gifts for both him and Klee. Albedo loved each and every one of them, but more so than that, he loved being able to see and spend time with Aether.
He… He just loved Aether, really.
Not that he’d ever tell him.
Albedo glanced down at his canvas.
It had been a while since Aether’s last visit to Mondstadt, and Albedo had figured he would be returning soon. He’d been thinking of giving Aether a little gift as a token of appreciation for everything he’d given him, and had decided on painting him something.
At first, he’d considered painting Aether a portrait. He knew all his features by heart, after all; there would be no need for him to sit still and wait while Albedo filled his canvas. (Although, he would definitely ask him to at some point – Albedo would never pass up an excuse to spend more time with the golden-haired man.)
But for some reason, nowadays, whenever Albedo painted Aether, he always felt like something was missing. The canvas, albeit bursting with amber and gold and brown, felt empty; as if painting Aether alone just wasn’t enough. As if… someone belonged beside him, in canvas and in life.
Albedo wanted that person to be him.
So when he first sketched himself next to Aether one day, his pencil strokes skilled yet shaky, he quickly grew addicted to the way it made him feel. The way his heart skipped a beat, the shiver he felt… It was intoxicating.
Soon, Albedo’s room was indeed filled, but not just with the little gifts Aether had given him. Now it was bursting with canvases and sketchbooks – with every single page filled, cover to cover – of drawings and paintings of the two of them together.
Strewn about the bed, the desk, the floor, were Albedo’s self-indulgent drawings of being a couple with Aether. Every possible romantic activity he could think of, he’d drawn it.
Them kissing, holding hands; the two of them out on potential first dates. (Albedo had planned out sixty-three variations. Depending on the weather, their moods, physical conditions and emotional levels, he would rule out the plans accordingly.)
It was… All-encompassing, to say the least. The moment Albedo had allowed himself to even slightly acknowledge his feelings towards Aether, a dam in him had broken.
But now he knew: he was addicted to Aether, addicted to the idea of being with him. He wanted nothing more than to make the scenarios in his drawings become reality.
And among said scenarios, fueling Albedo’s sinful indulgence were the two of them making love in every position possible. Albedo thought he had gotten quite good at drawing anatomy thanks to this. Sometimes, Albedo would take on the more dominant role; sometimes it would be Aether. Albedo didn’t particularly care, so long as he got to be with the traveler who’d so effortlessly stolen his heart.
The traveler who was now, apparently, standing right outside his bedroom door.
“Albedo?” He knocked on the door, his voice slightly muffled.
The alchemist’s eyes were wide with panic. “A-Aether?!” He stammered. He hadn’t been expecting Aether to return to Mondstadt for another week or so at least, so he hadn’t bothered to tidy up his room.
“Yeah, it’s me! Can I come in?”
Biting his lip, Albedo glanced around his bedroom. All his artworks of him and Aether were just lying about in plain view. There was no way he could let Aether see any of this, or he’d surely ascend to Celestia right there and then.
“Just a second,” Albedo coughed awkwardly, hurriedly kicking his canvases and notebooks under his bed and hiding them behind some boxes. “I, uh, just woke up from a nap, so I’m a little frazzled right now.” He lied. “You’ll have to excuse me. Just give me a moment.”
“Uh, okay,” Aether furrowed his eyebrows from the other side of the door, concerned. “Is everything–”
“Yes, I’m just fine,” Albedo quickly assured him, grabbing any stray papers and chucking them behind books on his shelves. “One moment, I–ah!”
“Albedo?!”
The blonde winced, clutching his elbow in annoyance. “I-I’m alright. I just hit myself on my bookshelf.” He shoved the last of his drawings under a thick book and sighed, finally letting himself relax. “Alright. Now you can come in.”
The door creaked open, revealing a very confused Aether. His hair was even longer than the last time Albedo had seen him, his body even more toned; he had gained a new scar that ran – as far as Albedo could see – from his left elbow to his neck.
“Just a scratch,” Aether shrugged when he noticed Aether staring at his scar. “It’s a long one, but it doesn’t hurt. Promise.”
Albedo’s gaze softened. He reached out his arm. “May I…?”
“Sure.”
Albedo ran his gloved hand along Aether’s exposed skin, sighing softly as he brushed the scar. “You need to take better care of yourself,” he chided gently.
“I’m trying,” Aether protested, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “And I see you are, too, if you just woke up from a nap. That’s good.”
“Isn’t it? Make yourself at home,” Albedo smiled.
“Oh, you bet!” Aether laughed, plopping down onto Albedo’s bed with a hum of content.
They chatted for a while, catching up on what each other had been doing since they last met. Albedo slowly relaxed. He really loved these moments they got to spend together. He cherished each one close to his heart.
“I bet you’re excited for your next gift!” Aether soon announced, doing a little dance with his shoulders. Albedo laughed. Aether was so adorable sometimes.
“I am,” the alchemist admitted. “I always look forward to your presents.”
Aether beamed. “I’m glad to hear it. ‘Cause this time, I got you… Ta-daa!” He reached into his bag to retrieve something, then opened his palms to his friend. “Look! These are Storm Beads.”
Albedo’s eyes widened in curious interest at the small purple orbs rolling about in Aether’s hand. “Storm Beads?” He repeated. “How beautiful. I’ve never seen them before. Where did you get them?”
Aether squeezed his eyes shut, as if trying to block out an unpleasant memory. “Amakumo Peak,” he answered. “What I went through to get them… Gosh.”
“Tell me the story whenever you like.”
“I will,” Aether promised. “But anyway, back to these. Even though they’re called beads, these are actually crackling Electro pearls. Aren’t they cool?”
Albedo took a seat next to him on the bed. “...They’re beautiful,” he breathed, admiring the pearls. “Thank you, Aether. You’re always bringing me such wonderful things. I–” He paused, remembering his initial plans and how they’d quickly spiraled into something rather embarrassing. “... I’d planned to give you something in return, but I didn’t expect you’d be returning so soon. I’ll try to have your gift ready next time you come back.”
Aether laughed at that. “Aww, you’re so sweet, Albedo. But it’s okay!” He reassured him. “I give everyone little gifts like these because I want to, not because I expect anything back.”
Albedo’s heart dropped. He blinked, then blinked again, looking at Aether with wide teal eyes. “...everyone?” He repeated.
“Yeah,” Aether tilted his head. “Why?”
“I… Nothing.”
“I like collecting little gifts for people during my travels. It’s nice, and makes people happy.” Aether explained.
Albedo continued to stare. He wasn’t sure why he was so affected by this news – of course Aether would treat all his friends equally and give them all little gifts. He was beloved by people all around Teyvat, after all. To Aether, Albedo was just… Just another…
Why did he ever think he was special?
“... Albedo?” Aether asked, waving a hand in front of Albedo’s face. “Are you okay? You seem a little out of it.”
Albedo shook his head hurriedly, brushing back his hair with his hands. “Oh, um, of course,” he stuttered. “I just… Ah, like I said, I just woke up.”
Aether leaned close to him, setting the beads aside and placing a hand on Albedo’s forehead. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay…?”
The blonde felt his breath hitch at Aether’s proximity. He was so close, if he just leaned forward a little, tilted his head just a bit, their lips…
“I-I’m alright,” Albedo stammered out, pulling back before he let any of his selfish thoughts consume him. It didn’t matter how much he wanted Aether, because Aether didn’t want him. At least, not in that way. He just had to accept it.
Albedo heaved a deep sigh, trying to brush away his emotions. He felt like such a fool now, for fantasizing about being a couple with Aether and allowing himself to indulge so deeply in his desires. For thinking he was special.
“Thank you for the gifts, Aether. I’d definitely say this room – this house – has definitely become more of a home.” Especially when you’re here.
The traveler grinned. “Like I said, don’t mention it. I’m glad you seem to be at home more, too. Klee certainly seems happy.”
Albedo smiled softly. “Is that so? I’m glad.”
He paused.
“Aether, you place a lot of emphasis on ‘making a house a home’, but… What is home to you?” He asked. This was a question that had admittedly been plaguing him for some time. “Of course, if it’s too difficult, you need not answer. I know this isn’t something everyone is comfortable answering…”
“No, it’s okay,” Aether mused, staring up at the shelf where all the little trinkets he’d given Albedo lay. “I guess… I dunno. To me, home is wherever Lumine is. That’s what I always thought, at least.”
Albedo tilted his head. “And how about now?”
“Now…” Aether’s eyelids fluttered shut. “Now it’s where my friends are. I’m happy when I see them happy.” He glanced at Albedo. “I suppose that’s why I selfishly try to leave a little piece of me with each of them wherever I go. I’m sorry if I was a little pushy… But thank you, Albedo. I say these are gifts for you to make your house a home, but I guess in a way they’re for my own sake too.”
Albedo’s heart pounded. Aether was so… sweet, so thoughtful. Yet despite everything, he still seemed so lonely. He wanted to take that loneliness away from him. He wanted to be by his side. With a deep breath, he parted his lips, determined.
“Aether, I l–”
“I fell in love with someone,” Aether blurted out suddenly.
Albedo froze.
“...You…what?”
“I fell in love with someone while I was traveling,” Aether confessed, his voice softer this time. “I wanted you to be the first person I told, Albedo, because you’re my best friend in Teyvat. I’ve had feelings for them for a while now, and I guess, whenever I’m with them, those times are when I feel like I’m really at home. So in a way, I suppose–”
Aether continued to gush about his crush, but Albedo was no longer listening. There was a loud ringing in his ears now, a sinking feeling in his stomach; the realization that the only person he’d ever developed romantic feelings for liked someone else was crushing him and his artificial heart beyond repair. He thought about all the drawings he’d made of him and Aether, hidden around the room. Aether was the center of his world, and he didn’t even know it. Archons, Albedo was such a massive fool.
Why did he have to fall in love with Aether? Albedo thought to himself, his fingers beginning to tremble. They didn’t have a future. Hell, anything they could’ve had was over before it even began. To Aether, he was just a friend, just another person he’d met in Teyvat and would eventually forget about.
Who cares if Aether had changed his life? Albedo hadn’t changed his.
The next few weeks were tough for Albedo.
It was strange, how much Aether’s words had affected him. For someone who used to think relationships with others were a waste of time, Aether had changed Albedo’s opinion completely, but now everything just felt like it was falling apart.
It was never a mistake to love another, the alchemist realised, but it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.
A few special little Jumpty Dumpties from Klee and the paintings he’d done of him and Aether were no more. Albedo would forget about his feelings and move on; everything would simply return to the way they were. He would continue to be Aether's friend – his, ah, best friend – and keep on fulfilling his usual duties. That would be the end of it. That would be the end of everything.
Albedo would never paint Aether again.
(Or at least, that’s what he told himself.)