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The evening is cool and calm, only a soft buzz of activity in the background of the Angel’s Share. Albedo doesn’t often go out drinking, but today he decided to indulge Rosaria and Kaeya’s offer. The atmosphere is pleasant, and it’s good to get out of his usual routine.
Well, the atmosphere would be more pleasant if the two drunkards weren’t heckling Diluc. It’s been going on for quite a while at this point, and although it’s been funny, Diluc has been starting to look quite peeved.
“Why the long face, Master Diluc?” Kaeya drawls, sliding an arm around Albedo’s waist, his other hand running around the rim of his glass. “Lighten up. It’s such a fine evening.”
Rosaria snickers, leaning her head against Kaeya’s shoulder. “Maybe someone put some sour wine in his grape juice.”
“Ah yes, alcohol never treats you well does it, Master Diluc.” Kaeya’s free hand snakes around Rosaria’s shoulders as he rubs his cheek against her headpiece.
Albedo watches Kaeya’s slightly flushed face, it’s more open and friendly than usual, he must be tipsy. Well he is, considering how handsy he’s being.
Albedo takes a sip of his drink. Kaeya recommended Death Before Noon, but frankly Albedo hasn’t felt the buzz of his drink yet. Maybe it was due to his nature, or perhaps he’s just a heavy weight. He’s never really gone out of his way to drink enough to find out. It would make for a fascinating experiment though.
The fingers at Albedo’s side tickle as the fidget with his belt, and Albedo rests a hand on top of Kaeya’s. It relaxes, the cool of Albedo’s skin seeping through their gloves. Albedo can faintly feel Kaeya’s warmth through the leather.
“Kaeya, are you alright?” Albedo murmurs, and a silly little grin forms on Kaeya’s face.
“I’m fantastic. I have my girlfriend on one side, my boyfriend on the other, and we have some great wine.” Kaeya moves his hand on top of Albedo’s and squeezes his fingers. Albedo gives a tiny smile.
“Aww so cute.” Rosaria raises a hand, ruffling Albedo’s hair. It seems she’s a little tipsy as well. Her hand is also warm, and it’s comforting against his head.
“Anyways, enough about us, back to Mr. Sourpuss.” Kaeya lets out a little giggle. Albedo looks up at Diluc. His face is sullen and annoyed, and honestly it’s quite funny. The richest man in Mondstadt, being made fun of by a pair of drunkards.
“Mister Won’t Drink Alcohol.” Rosaria holds up her glass in a mock cheers.
“Mister Too Good For Alcohol.” Kaeya removes his hand from Rosaria’s shoulders, clinking his glass against hers. “Despite being the owner of Mondstadt finest wines, to choose grape juice over that is so sad. Almost as sad as not being able to go to your own house.”
“Kaeya…” There’s a tone of warning in Diluc’s voice, but Kaeya doesn’t seem to notice. Albedo can’t help but wonder just how much Rosaria and Kaeya drank before he arrived to get like this. Certainly no small amount.
“Little Master Diluc, who’s keeping an ugly vase in his house.” Rosaria snickers, her words ever so slightly slurred.
“Hey, I thought it was a nice vase, maybe it shouldn’t be displayed so ostentatiously.” Kaeya says before taking a big drink. He’s obviously much more drunk than Rosaria, judging by his giggly and friendly demeanor. It’s nice, though, seeing him with the usually high walls around him down. He’s obviously comfortable in their company, or he wouldn’t be acting like this. And it makes Albedo a little happy.
Kaeya’s head knocks against Albedo’s shoulder, resting there, and Albedo reaches up to caress his hair. It’s soft, softer than one would expect from a knight.
“Mphgh.” Kaeya makes a sound suspiciously like a cat purring, and Diluc sighs.
“Alright Kaeya, I’m cutting you off.” Diluc moves Kaeya’s glass away and crosses his arms. “No more service tonight.”
“Dearest brother, I’m barely even buzzed, just because I make a weird noise or two doesn’t mean I can’t drink anymore.”
“I have never heard you make a weird noise while tipsy.” Diluc rolls his eyes at Kaeya’s flimsy attempt to reason with him.
“Well I haven’t been able to drink with both my significant others before.” Rosaria snorts into her drink as Kaeya stands dramatically, draping an arm around her and Albedo’s shoulders. He’s certainly drunk, with all his theatrics and drama that he’s now acting with.
Diluc groans, then sends a plea filled look towards Albedo, hoping the most logical minded of the trio would talk some sense into Kaeya. Albedo shrugs his shoulders, taking another drink, before speaking.
“It would be a fascinating experiment, seeing how your company affects your drinking habits, Kaeya.” Diluc’s eyes go wide and Rosaria sputters on her drink a little, holding back a laugh. It’s rare for Albedo to be non compliant and make jokes, much less in the face of someone’s well being. Kaeya let’s put a bark of laughter.
“I knew you would understand me Albedo.” He pulls him and Rosaria together in a hug. His face against Albedo’s neck is hot and flushed, a great smile spread across his face.
“But perhaps you’ve had enough to drink.” Albedo pats Kaeya’s head, and Rosaria nods in agreement. Against Kaeya’s protests, they stand, balancing him between the two of them. Now that whatever drunken euphoria has worn off, he’s tottering around an awful lot. Albedo brings out a mora pouch, counting off coins.
“This should cover our bill, I believe.” He puts the coins down in front of Diluc, who nods.
“Get him home safe.” A surprisingly caring utterance for someone who seems to be on such bad terms with the cavalry captain, but Albedo nods.
Taking the stumbling Kaeya between them, Rosaria and Albedo leave the bar and exit the tavern, a refreshingly cold rush of evening air blowing against their warmed bodies. Patton greets them as they leave, and in relative silence they walk the streets of Mondstadt, their path illuminated by small streetlights. Once they’ve arrived before the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Albedo leans Kaeya onto his shoulder. He’s calmed down a lot, but he’s still a little unsteady. Perhaps he got drunk off the atmosphere. Albedo smiles. It’s cute.
“All right, I’ll leave you to take care of him.” Rosaria herself has a little stumble, but she’s in a much better state than Kaeya.
“Do you need any help home?” Albedo asks.
“Of course not, who do you think I am.” Rosaria scoffs. Well she certainly wouldn’t need any help even tipsy, and there are still knights patrolling the city, so it should be safe.
“Alright then, good night, Rosaria.”
“Good night Albedo, Kaeya.” And she disappears into the night. It’s always fascinating how she manages to do so. Hoisting Kaeya up a little, he starts up the stairs into their headquarters.
“Cmon Kaeya, let’s go to sleep.”