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He waits for Aether to witness this small miracle together, to share this special moment with someone else. The peculiar seed is tucked away safely in one of his various pockets, and he readies the materials he needs for this experiment.
When Aether finally arrives to his campsite in Dragonspine – Paimon following closely behind – Albedo greets them both with a warm smile. “Welcome back. You’re just in time for this.”
Albedo goes on to explain the results of their little experiment together, watching with some amusement as Aether only deadpans once Albedo concludes that the Traveler is just like a normal human in Teyvat. Still, he enjoys the shifts in the Traveler’s expression when he listens to Albedo’s explanations. It’s a sign that he listens intently. Albedo finds himself keeping stock of Aether’s various expressions: the confused ones, and even the way he looks at Paimon when she says something ridiculous. They're all fascinating and exclusive to Aether.
Moving on from the Traveler’s results, Albedo presents them with his other findings on the otherworldly seed. He watches as Aether and Paimon turn their attention to the seed in his hands, their curious faces bringing out a small chuckle from him.
Albedo lets the seed bloom into a flower, the light from the flower illuminating the small campsite. The wonder in both of their eyes puts a smile on his face. If only he could remember this moment, sketch this moment into a piece of paper for him to cherish for all eternity.
The fascination in Aether’s eyes is nothing short of breathtaking, but Albedo pushes on with his words as the blooming flower dissipates just as quickly as it grew. He’d rather not think of the small jump his heart made at that moment.
“The transition from nothing into something, from shoot to stem…” Albedo watches as the flower disappears into the cold air, “And now to fruition.” His eyes stay on the small traces the flower left behind for a little longer. Albedo turns back to the other two, observing their reactions as he continues his musings.
He feels… touched almost, to hear Paimon considering him a friend. While he finds the thought of keeping relationships taxing, Albedo nods anyway, “…Thank you both. Even if dispelling loneliness is not essential for life, it certainly doesn’t hurt.” His eyes travel to Aether, and Albedo thinks that he doesn’t mind maintaining his relationship with this Traveler.
“In the future… If the need arises… Can I solicit your help again?” Albedo asks as an afterthought, watching as Aether’s lips stretch into a smile.
“Sure. Even if you just want some company, find me anytime.” Aether tells him, and Albedo’s taken aback by the warmth of those golden eyes.
Truly, he’s witnessed a small miracle today. Too bad he couldn't sketch it in time.
Albedo opens his eyes from the dream - to see a sight he’d never forget: that special Traveler from another world, golden eyes gleaming with tears.
Albedo thinks to himself, ‘ah, how beautiful. If only I had my notebook with me.’
He feels those tears on his face as they fall from Aether’s beautiful eyes, and Albedo can see the many emotions inside them – fear, confusion, desperation. He doubts his hand could even sketch those emotions down properly.
His hand reaches out to Aether’s cheek, thumb rubbing at it to wipe away his tears. Albedo keeps his hand there, like a tender lover’s touch – unlike the violent destruction he’d brought upon Mondstadt
“Albedo…” He hears the Traveler whisper his name, and Albedo shakes his head. Hearing how broken his voice sounds – unlike his small laughs or witty responses – hurts more than the sword piercing through his heart.
With the last of his strength, Albedo smiles up at Aether, though it didn't help much in reassuing him, “Don’t cry…” Albedo whispers back, and that only resulted in more tears springing up. He'd laugh if he could.
He can feel himself withering away, growing weaker by the second. His hand falls away from Aether's cheek, too weak to keep itself up, but unexpectedly, Aether reaches out and holds it back to his cheek. The hold Aether has on his hand feels tight, the sign of a desperate man unable to let go.
Albedo can understand his desperation. After all, they're both alike: two lonely outsiders who found some solace in each other's uniqueness. He regrets making Aether go through this pain, but it's for the best for everyone. Only Aether could stop him.
Albedo feels his eyes growing heavier by the second, and he could faintly hear the cries coming from the Traveler. He makes sure to remember the pain in Aether's cries - as punishment to himself for making the sweet Traveler suffer like this. It's the least he could do.
His eyes fall close, and Albedo releases a sigh, “Thank you, Aether… my friend… I knew I could rely on you.”
He etches the vision of Aether’s face blanketed by the white of the snow into his memory.
‘Farewell, Master. My journey has ended. I shall sleep beneath this white, shining silver... and perhaps this, too, is good.’
‘Farewell, O lovely traveler.’