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“Oh, Mr. Albedooo!” Klee shouted from outside his laboratory at the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
You were on babysitting duty and therefore stuck with Klee all day. You didn’t mind, of course. Despite the occasional trouble, she was really fun and adorable. You had planned to take her on a picnic in Windrise. But Klee insisted on inviting Albedo to come along. You knew Albedo was really busy these days, so you weren’t expecting him to join.
The door didn’t open at first. Klee took this to mean her 1,000-decibel shout had somehow not been heard. She proceeded to bang her fists on the door. Just to make her presence known.
Once the loud banging started, the door immediately flew open. But it was Sucrose instead of Albedo. “Oh. Klee, y/n, what are you doing here?” She asked.
“We’re here to see Albedo,” Klee said. “We’re going on a picnic!” She tried to look around Sucrose to see if Albedo was hiding inside.
Sucrose noticed Klee eagerness and moved to the side. When she moved, you could spot Albedo sitting at a desk. There were vials and books laid out in front of him. His gaze never once wavered from the work in front of him. He was lost in thought and didn’t even notice you and Klee had come to visit.
It was inspiring to see someone so passionate about their work. Anyone could tell how dedicated he was to his experiment. It just happened to be that, as his lover, you got many glimpses into his scientific world.
“Mr. Albedo!” Klee shouted. “Let’s go on a picnic!”
Albedo quickly looked up from his work. He was surprised to see you. “Ah, I’m afraid I can’t today.” He looked apologetic.
“It’s okay,” Sucrose said, “I can finish the work for you. Enjoy a day off, this will be a good experience for me too.” Sucrose smiled and clasped her hands together. She was eager to get involved in Albedo’s work. Being the assistant wasn’t always fulfilling.
“Are you sure?” Albedo raised an eyebrow.
“Of course. I’ve read and memorized all the experiment procedures.” She eagerly said.
Albedo stopped to think for a moment. He realized he hadn’t been spending much time with you or Klee. He always thought he’d make it up to you later. Now, it seemed like later. He decided that spending the day with you and Klee would be best.
“All right.” Albedo nodded his head. “I am entrusting this experiment to you, Sucrose. I’m sure that you will not disappoint.”
“Yes sir.” Sucrose nodded in return. You could tell she was excited to be taking on her teacher’s work.
“Yay!” Klee cheered. She was happy to be spending the day with her two favorite people (after Aunt Alice, of course).
Klee took the picnic basket from your grasp and held it out to Albedo. “Noelle made lunch for us! There’s lots and lots of things.” She exclaimed.
Albedo chuckled at Klee’s enthusiasm. “Sounds delicious.” He said.
Now Albedo carried the picnic basket and the three of you started on your journey to Windrise. Klee was somewhat impatient. She skipped on ahead, not a care in the world. Dodoco swung wildly as Klee bounced around. Poor guy, hopefully Dodoco didn’t get too dizzy.
Once you were outside the gates of Mondstat, a refreshing breeze blew past. There were dandelion particles in the wind and they tickled your nose. Overhead, the white and fluffy clouds were passing quickly before the pale blue background. The sun was high in the sky and its bright rays fell on your face, a pleasantly warm feeling.
Albedo stopped and turned to you before offering his hand. Your cheeks flushed, but you gladly held his hand. It was warm and soft. Your fingers gently intertwined, causing your heart to flutter. He smiled and his bright eyes crinkled at the corners. It felt good to be spending a day with him. It was the first time in quite a while.
On the bridge ahead, Klee had stopped to talk to Timmie. She had accidentally scared the pigeons away and it caused Timme to pout.
“It’s okay. They’ll come back later.” Klee apologetically said.
Albedo, seeing Timmie's distress, took a piece of bread from the picnic basket. “Here,” Albedo offered the bread to Timmie. “This will surely bring them back.”
Timmie smiled and happily took the bread. “Thank you Mr. Albedo.”
Klee skipped on ahead again, but not before waving bye to Timmie. The kindness wasn’t returned, however. Timmie wasn’t one to forgive so easily. He stared at Klee with an icy gaze as she pranced along. If Timmie wasn’t a child you’d be genuinely frightened.
You and Albedo continued walking with linked hands. You couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward due to the silence. Should you say something? Albedo wasn’t one to talk much. Maybe it’d be best to just enjoy the sounds of nature. Like the birds chirping, the wind blowing, and the bombs detonating. Ah, how pea- THE BOMBS DETONATING?
Klee had encountered a dendro smile along the path ahead. She wasted no time sending it to the slimy afterlife.
“Klee,” you scolded. “Jean said no bomb use today.” You had to enforce the rules of the Acting Grand Master. You felt bad ruining Klee’s fun, but imagine how the slime felt as it was burned to death by a child.
“Aw, okay y/n.” Klee lowered her gaze and fidgeted with her hands. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, just remember for next time.” You said.
Klee nodded and continued on her way again. Jumping from stones like she was a parkour master. You couldn’t believe her energy. She never stopped moving, and that made her somewhat difficult to babysit.
You and Albedo continued along at a steady pace. He kept his eyes on Klee as she roamed along. Partially to make sure she didn’t cause any trouble, but also because he didn’t know what to say. He was satisfied by just being in your presence. Words wouldn’t do his feelings justice anyway.
You turned your head to look at him. He pretended not to notice your staring, but his flushed cheeks gave him away. His blue-green eyes sparkled in the light of the midday sun. The breeze gently brushed his platinum locks across his forehead. He looked gorgeous as ever. You knew he wouldn’t agree, but you wanted to tell him anyway.
“Albedo,” you said, your voice laced with admiration. “You look really good today.”
Finally, he turned to look at you. His face was redder than before. “You think so?” He was surprised by the sudden compliment. And he didn’t always know how to take them. “I didn’t do anything special today.”
“Well,” you started, “You always look good.” You gave him a smile.
Rather than speak, he kissed your forehead as a thanks. He pulled back with a small smile, clearly satisfied with his display of affection. He looked too cute to ignore. You lightly pecked his lips. You could feel his hot breath with your faces so close together.
Klee suddenly noticed your pda with Albedo, “Hey! What are you doing?” She called from a distance.
“Hey look, Dodoco is flying,” Albedo shouted and pointed behind her. Klee, being gullible, turned her head to see.
You laughed and Albedo quickly kissed you again. There was more force than the last kiss. His soft lips crashed against yours, meeting for only a second. In that time, Klee realized that she’d been fooled by the alchemist.
When Albedo pulled away he looked smug as ever. He smirked down at you and continued walking, pulling you along by the hand. Klee was angry at him, and made noises of dissatisfaction. She wasn’t really speaking, but at least she didn’t scream like some kids (Diona).
At this point, the giant tree in Windrise was about a hundred meters away. You and Albedo slowly crossed the grassy field while Klee continued to run around. The long, soft grass tickled your ankles. Once you were in the shade of the tree, you laid out the blanket to sit on. Albedo then set out the food. There was a wide array of food thanks to Noelle. Hash browns, ham sandwiches, cookies, bottled water, and a fruit punch juice box among other things.
“Wow, this is a lot,” you exclaimed. But you were hungry so that wasn’t a problem.
Klee had still not settled down to eat. She was jumping all around the roots of the tree and attempting to climb its trunk.
“Klee, want your juice?” Albedo held it up and called out to her.
She ran over right away. “Thank you,” she said as she drank. “But I’m not hungry yet.”
“Alright, go play.” Albedo nodded and took the juice back. Klee ran off immediately. She began picking up sticks and flowers while she roamed throughout the grass.
Now you were sat alone with Albedo. The leaves overhead rustled lightly while you both began eating. The food, as expected, was delicious. Noelle’s cooking sure was impressive.
Albedo noticed your satisfaction with the food. “Like it?” He asked although he already knew the answer. Albedo could read you easily. You didn’t always have to use words, he just understood you. And in a way no one else ever had. You could relax around him.
You nodded your head as you chewed. In the distance, Klee was giggling as she dug through the dirt. Hopefully, not burying another bomb you thought. Other than the fact that the child had bombs, the scene was picturesque. A small and loving family enjoying a picnic lunch and in a beautiful spot.
You finished eating before Klee had even started. She was still playing. Neither you nor Albedo were going to stop her. You were enjoying your time together. Albedo had shifted and was now sitting with his back leaning against the tree’s root. You moved next to him, leaning your head on his shoulder.
Albedo began gently stroking your hair. It was comforting. And now that you were leaning into him, you could smell his cologne. It was subtle and mixed with the scent of laundry detergent.
“I’m glad you were able to come with us today,” you said.
“Me too.” Albedo replied. He stopped stroking your hair and took your hand in his own. His skin was warm and soft. He began tracing the lines on your palm. The touch was so light that it almost tickled.
You let out a sigh of satisfaction. Today was everything you could’ve hoped for. You were with Albedo and Klee, you had a delicious meal, and the weather was beautiful. Albedo was feeling the same. He planted another loving kiss on your forehead. You closed your eyes to enjoy the moment. And Albedo continued fidgeting with your hand.
You didn't realize it, but you had fallen asleep. You awoke, moments later, to a child poking you in the face.
“Albedo, y/n.” Klee said as she poked you even harder. “Wake up.”
It seemed like Albedo had also fallen asleep. Your head was rested on his shoulder, and his head rested on yours. Your hands still folded together, even after you both dozed off. But now you were being awakened. You opened your eyes and the bright, afternoon light almost blinded you.
You saw Klee standing in front of you. In her hands were two flower crowns made with windwheel aster. And atop her head was another. She had been busy making the crowns while you and Albedo slept.
“I made these for you,” she beamed. She was clearly proud of her handiwork- and rightfully so, they looked great.
Klee placed Albedo’s crown atop his head before moving onto you. She stood back and admired her work. “You guys look pretty. Do I look pretty too?” She began fidgeting with her hands as she waited for an answer.
“Of course,” you said and gave her a smile.
“Thank you, Klee, I love it.” Albedo said, also smiling.
Klee was happy to have her hard work acknowledged. She ran at you with her arms extended for a hug. She crashed into you both and you hugged her back. She was having the best day thanks to you and Albedo.
You were also having a great time. Being with Klee and Albedo automatically ensured that you were happy. Klee’s childish antics always returned your lively spirit. While Albedo’s calm nature made you relax. You felt as if your worries had been swept away in the sweet-scented breeze.