Chapter Text
One knock. Two knocks. Albedo looked over at the door, the direction from which the sounds came from.
"Permission to enter granted," he said, turning back to the experiment he was working on. Assuming the knocker was Sucrose, he started listing off things he needed for the experiment to work. "Remind me to get more parchment, as well. Klee used up all of what we had last time she was here."
"Well, good morning to you as well, Mr. Alchemist," an all-too familiar, smooth voice said, stalling at the door.
"...Kaeya," Albedo acknowledged. "How can I help you this time? I told you to leave your gifts with Sucrose. She can deal with them."
"Ah, but this time it's special. I've brought you breakfast." Albedo turned to the door, just to see a smug-looking cavalry captain leaning against the doorframe, holding a plate of pancakes. "Noelle's specialty. I asked her to make something that I could take you. I know you haven't eaten yet."
"You've surmised correctly," Albedo said, moving back to his desk to sit down. "Although, I don't intend to for a while. I'm not hungry."
He could hear Kaeya make his way further into the room. "But darling, you'll starve if you don't. Can't you do it, even if it's just for me?"
"Do... do not call me that. Darling. I detest pet names."
Kaeya must have been able to tell he was starting to fluster. Albedo could just feel the smug smile he always had when he did that. He set down the plate on the desk. "Ah, well. Whenever you get to them. I've also come bearing another gift."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"Turn around."
He did. Once he was facing Kaeya, he could see the tall cavalry captain holding a flower-like object, crystalline in nature. It was quite remarkable, the alchemist noted.
"Blossom-like shape, created from ice... similar in nature to... by the archons, is this a crystalline bloom? Where did you even get this?"
"I crafted it, specifically for you. It's certainly not the real thing, but I did my best."
"It's... beautiful," the alchemist breathed, taking it gently in his hands. He lowered it to the desk. Kaeya stood above him, smiling as he studied it.
"I hope it's to your standards."
"It is. Kaeya, this is... you didn't have to do this."
"But of course I did. It's for you, of course. I'd do anything."
This got a small smile from Albedo. "You're quite the charmer."
"Oh, am I?" The tall captain was certainly smirking now, taking Albedo by the hands and twirling him around. "Why don't you prove it to me?"
"And how do you suggest I do that?" the blond man asked, being dipped by Kaeya.
"Dance with me for a while."
"You know I can't dance. I'm an alchemist." He tried to hide it, but Albedo was panicking a little. He genuinely had no idea how to dance.
"Come now, is that any way to face a challenge? I'll be here guiding you. Just do what I do."
"You're certain?"
"Positive. Now, just..." Kaeya took Albedo's hand and rested it on his waist. "Perfect."
Together the pair whirled around the study, nearly toppling book piles and in-progress experiments. When Albedo stumbled, the charming cavalry captain caught him gently in his arms, and they continued.
He hazarded a glance up at Kaeya.
"You look worried," he teased, his back facing the table.
"I am not."
"Can I put you at ease?" The captain muttered, pulling Albedo close.
"How do you plan on doing that?"
"May I kiss you?" It was a simple request, but one that surprised Albedo. "Take your time. I'm in no—"
Albedo reached up and took Kaeya's face in his hands. "Permission granted."
Kaeya stumbled back onto the table as Albedo leaned forward. At first, the kisses were soft and quick but they soon deepened into something more. Quicker, messier. Not the precision you'd assume an alchemist would have. Kaeya seemed surprised, too, but he didn't pull away. As Albedo rested his hands where they were while they were dancing, Kaeya moved his up to his shoulders. They broke apart for a moment.
"Maybe I should bring you your gifts in person more often," the captain smiled, gently brushing a strand of Albedo's hair behind his ear.
"Perhaps you should. Or, perhaps you could go get me the parchment I needed," Albedo replied, one gloved hand resting on Kaeya's chin, tilting it up, and the other on his thigh.
"Will I get the same reward, by any chance?" Kaeya asked, leaning in.
The alchemist followed suit, leaning in till he was almost muttering into Kaeya's mouth. "We shall see."
The door swung open suddenly, startling both.
"Albedo, Albedo! Guess what, guess what, g—" Klee yelled, stopping as she saw what her 'older brother' was doing. Was that a dead fish she was holding in her arms? "Why is Mr. Kaeya on the table? You told Klee she shouldn't sit on your table!"
Albedo immediately helped the captain off the table, although he certainly didn't need the help. "Yes. Ah. Well—"
"Ohhh, Klee gets it now! Were you having a tickle fight? That's what Miss Lisa calls it when I run into the library and Master Jean is on the table with her."
Kaeya snorted before bursting into laughter. Albedo's face went red. He went over and kneeled down to talk to Klee.
"I was working on something, and Mr. Kaeya—" Albedo shot the laughing man a glance. "He was helping me out."
"Oh... was Klee bothering you?" The little girl asked, cradling her dead fish sadly.
"No, no. It's my fault for not putting our secret code sign up on the door. You didn't know I was busy. Don't be sad. Also, what's... the, um, the fish for?"
The little girl brightened immediately. "You! Bennett took Klee to play out in Wolvendom with Razor, and we went fishy blasting! Now you can make us some grilled fish for dinner! There's even enough for Mr. Kaeya to eat with us!"
"How sweet of you, Klee. I'm sure Kaeya would love to join us for dinner. You will, won't you?"Albedo asked, turning to Kaeya. The man smiled, over his laughing fit.
"Of course I will. Grilled fish sounds amazing."
"Well then, I suppose we should head to the kitchen first. Klee, lead the way."
"Yay! Cook, cook, cook the fishy!" The little girl yelled, running out of the room holding up the fish as if it were a victory laurel. Albedo and Kaeya trailed behind. The captain caught Albedo's hand and intertwined their fingers.
“Are you actually going to make me get you parchment?” Kaeya asked, leaning in as the pair walked towards the kitchen.
“Yes.”
“Why not Sucrose?”
“I thought you wanted a reward.”
“I’ll get it as soon as we finish eating,” the captain smiled. Albedo rolled his eyes.
“Are you guys coming? Master Jean said I can’t op—oper— use the oven by myself anymore!” Klee yelled from the kitchen.
The alchemist smiled. Klee’s happiness was absolutely priceless to him— just like the time he spent with Kaeya. He remembered when he used to push everyone away, in fear of the work a relationship required. In fear of hurting someone else, or himself. And now, here he was, standing hand in hand with the calvary captain of Mondstadt.
“Well, you heard her. Shall we cook some fish together?” Kaeya asked, smiling.
“Lead the way.”