Chapter Text
It had been... a bad look on Mondstadt to hide one of their most esteemed chiefs. Especially when Mondstadt had suddenly climbed in the ranks as one of the best alchemically advanced nations. All thanks to one very brilliant man who turned up out of nowhere, with little to his name and reputation except for a single recommendation. Before the Kreideprinz's sudden and mysterious arrival, alchemy was not a practice whatsoever within the city walls. Albedo changed that.
The rest of Teyvat, especially the Fatui, wanted to know what had changed that reputation almost overnight. For the sake of remaining on good terms and redeeming that trust, Mondstadt would have to let the world see their brightest and best. The longer the Knights of Favonius hid the alchemist behind their walls, the more wary the world would be of Mondstadt. And the danger of Fatui infiltration would rise exponentially. Who knew what would happen if they discovered Albedo's full capabilites.
The Knights needed a way to settle the question of “how” Mondstadt had become so successful so fast. Thus, Jean had the idea to bring their Chief Alchemist to their annual nation meeting. It was a risk to take him. Albedo was an important member of the Knights. He worked on projects not even the Knights were usually privy of. He held enough potential to bring harm to the entire city. He was a genius they held under guard of the Knights, despite being capable of handling things on his own. But he was too valuable of an asset who posed a threat in the wrong hands. While he was famous amongst Mondstadt, and he was rather renowned amongst other alchemical scholars around Tevyat, he was still an enigmatic figure that left too many questions.
But as long as Albedo fulfilled his role in this contract, and could avoid speaking about his research (which would be a feat for the blond, ever excited about his new projects), then the Favonius could save face.
And that is how Diluc and Albedo ended up here. In an empty ballroom.
“Why am I coming again, exactly?”
“You know why. You are the Captain of the Investigation Team, Kreideprinz. Your title holds weight to it. The rest of Tevyat would do good to see who our most esteemed alchemist is.”
“I’d prefer if I wasn’t in the spotlight. I’m a scientist. I’m not a politician. I’m not someone the Knights send on diplomatic missions. You’d be better off with Kaeya.”
He scoffed. For being an investigation captain, it really showed just how behind the scenes the Knights kept him.
“First of all, no. Jean made her decision. Kaeya is a threat and a nuisance. The Fatui know him and distrust him. Meanwhile, they have little dealings with me. I’m a neutral party. This is the best way we could think of to politely get the Fatui off our backs. If they got wind of you and your work, the entire continent would erupt into chaos,” Diluc said, “And if I recall, I heard from a certain traveler that our fancy alchemist was stealing the Festering Desire from the Fatui. We must put rumors to rest.”
Albedo shifted uncomfortably at being caught red-handed. “When you mention that, I can see why I would be under suspicion,” He noted, putting a hand on his chin. “It is interesting to me that you would choose to join the Knights for a mission such as this.”
“I may not like the Knights and their incompetency, but you, on the other hand, are competent. People like you are the kind of people we need in Mondstadt.”
“All I do is study and share my research. I contribute very little in the defense of the city.”
“No, that’s not-“ The redhead sighed and rubbed his face. “Albedo. Just stick to the story. This will be over soon. You’re my plus one.”
“Understood.”
“We will also have to rehearse your lines later. But we have other business we should address first.
Albedo, what do you know about dancing?”
“...Very little, if not next to none.”
“Well, we will have to change that.”
Albedo frowned. “I’ve never been apart of an undercover investigation before. Do they usually involve dancing?”
“Not all of them, but this one does. I grew up learning how to ballroom dance. Here. Just follow my lead.”
Albedo was hesitant at first. This would require having to get up close to another person. Making physical contact. Something he would never initiate with just about anyone. Much less... was he feeling embarrassed? Is that the word for this? Insecurity for his own skills washed over him.
His teal eyes drifted to the floor. “I can’t promise I will be any good.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you.”
Naturally, Albedo was a quick study. He started off hesitant, unsure where to put his hands, concentrating on every movement his and Diluc’s body made, his eyes filled with confusion as he took in the process. Albedo’s hand was cold, almost freezing in his. The pyro user wanted nothing more than to pull him closer, to warm him up. There was a startle when Diluc’s hand touched his waist. This was well outside of the alchemists realm of knowledge.
“You’re going to have to get closer,” the redhead spoke in a low tone, looking down at Albedo, “Listen to what I tell you to do and you will learn well.”
Albedo nodded and followed his command. The instant response to Diluc’s words perplexed him for a moment. Albedo couldn’t tell why he was so eager to learn how to dance. Normally he would decline any sort of... physical activity. It wasn’t mentally stimulating.
But this tango was rather stimulating. He had to learn how to control multiple body parts as well as interpret what his partner would do next. There was also the comfort of Diluc being a familiar, patient teacher. He felt the urge to draw them dancing later. For studying purposes.
Diluc was pleasantly surprised by Albedo’s vigor to master this. Albedo was catching steps that took Diluc weeks of practice to perfect in mere hours. When he made a mistake, or tripped over his feet, he asked what he did wrong, and how to fix it. A lot of touching followed.
Put your hand here. Sway this way. A hand reaching behind his back to straighten out his posture. A nudge in the right direction. A shoe pushing the other’s foot in the proper position. Hands on hips and waists and shoulders as they tried out different positions.
It didn’t take longer than one session for him to catch onto the dance. He was graceful with his sword; it wasn’t a surprise how quickly he was able to master sliding across the ballroom floor. Diluc would be lying if he wasn’t enamored by the smaller man’s body movements. Diluc was slightly sweating by the end. Dancing for several hours in a long, dark coat would do that to you, not to mention the close proximity to a very pretty man who had all of his undivided attention focused on him.
Albedo had not a single drop of sweat on him. Did the man just not perspire?
By their second lesson, they moved together with ease. He couldn’t get his mind off of how the shorter man was the perfect size to compliment Diluc’s height.
At the end of the session, Diluc’s head was spinning, and it wasn’t from twirling Albedo around his hand. This was a rare chance to get closer to the reclusive alchemist. He was teaching him how to dance, for archon’s sake. It did not help that Albedo was absolutely enchanting in whatever he did. Even as inconspicuous and humble as he may hope he is, the alchemist always had at least one pair of eyes on him. While he wasn’t a proud man, he was confident and just, had a very noble reputation, and very easy on the eyes. There was no doubt would have all the attention on him at the party. Which is why they had to get this act right.
At the party, it would not be Diluc dancing with him. Albedo would most likely be taking the hand of aristocratic women every so often to cover appearances. Diluc would do the same, even if it was the last thing he ever wanted. Women fawned over him and asked him to dance, and he usually came up with every excuse to politely decline. He never felt chemistry with anyone while dancing. Dancing was just something he grew up learning from private tutors. It was a formal activity, nothing more. It wasn’t as close or intimate as this moment was.
Everything ended between them once they left the empty dance-floor.
They had a reception to prepare for.