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It was the start of December usually the best time of the year for many citizens in Monstadt. The atmosphere and the aura around the city was felt as the wind became colder and the citizens were starting to get into the spirit. Venti has been spreading the cheer by going out and playing songs in his lyre as always. Jean and Lisa had decided to decorate the Knights of Favonius headquarters and ended up decorating the rest of Monstadt with a lot of very helpful citizens along. Eula and Bennett had went back to Dragonspine to start giving gifts to the trainers there. Angel's Share also got so much more costumers as Christmas was nearing making Diluc work extra shifts and Amber and Noelle ended up making hot chocolate and cookies for everyone in the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The entirety of Monstadt was in the spirit as everyone spread around the Christmas cheer.
"Hellloooo~!" Amber cheerfully, barged into the room carrying many mugs of hot chocolate. Kaeya being a gentleman, stopped what he was doing immediately to help his fellow co-worker out. "Ah! Sorry, Kaeya!" Amber apologized with a grimace as she watched her superior carefully carry away the mugs out of her clumsy hands.
"No worries, Amber" Kaeya said as he carefully placed the mugs on his office desk. "I shall help you carry all the other stuff. Don't worry about it!"
"Thank you, captain!" Amber went back to her cheery mood as she wandered her eyes around the cavalry captain's office. Everything seemed to stay the same only a couple of decorations decorated around the office. Not very festive looking Amber would have guessed it was either Jean, Lisa and Albedo to be the one to force Kaeya to even decorate his office for the special holiday. But, Amber's eyes paused as her eyes landed on a particular decoration that caught her attention.
There it was hanging from the doorframe of Kaeya's office door. It was rather a big decoration but it was pretty as it hanged there. A mistletoe. Wow, Amber never would have guessed Kaeya would pull of something like this. That was a joke. Everyone was betting on it and Amber and Eula betted on him getting one. Amber gave herself a pat on the back in her head before admiring the mistletoe. It was rather well-made and Kaeya must have made it himself.
The mistletoe was grouped with pink berries and other leaves and tied together with a blue and yellow ribbon. Amber only smirked at that as she shook her head. She now knew who he made this mistletoe for now.
"So….a mistletoe?" Amber joked as she opened the door. Kaeya only chuckled at that as he handed two mugs over to her and he held the other two. Kaeya decided not to think too much how Amber even carried these many mugs in her own two hands. "Yes, Amber. And I'm guessing you betted on me getting one? Congratulations on winning"
Amber's mouth gaped as she stared back at the cavalry captain as they exited the office. "H-How did you know?"
Kaeya chuckled at that as he started handing out the other cup in his hand to a nearby guard. The guard had thanked him and he only nodded at him back. He sipped his own cup in his right hand as he accompanied Amber to hand out the other mugs to the guards outside. As they were outside the headquarters she handed the two guards outside and they thanked both her and Kaeya "Word does spread around quite quickly, you know?"
"Well, thank you!" Amber said with a usual smile on her face. Amber looked adorable as she showed of her white teeth. Kaeya only laughed as he softly patted Amber's head and ruffled her brown locks. She truly was the sunshine of the Knights of Favonius. Usually, this job would be overwhelming and hard at times but Amber was always there to reassure everyone and that was something everyone was grateful for.
"But…" Amber paused, looking at Kaeya. "What are you planning with that mistletoe?"
"Well…" Kaeya let out a breathy laugh, "This may sound stupid. But, I don't know what to give to Albedo this year…"
Amber clicked her tongue as she shook her head, clearly disappointed in him. Although she was only teasing him Kaeya took it a little personally but he brushed it off. Kaeya sighed, "Clearly I'm not the most creative person out there. It's all I can think off what do you think, Outrider?"
Amber stopped to think as she hummed as she eyed the guards enjoying their hot chocolate. "Hmm..well it's the thought that counts whenever you give gifts to people, right? Then there's nothing wrong with your gift for Albedo. As long as you thought about it and gave it with your whole heart I think Albedo would like it nevertheless, Captain!"
Kaeya smiled at that response. He set his hand on Amber's head and turned her head away from the headquarters. Exactly what he'd do to little Klee. He'd place his hand on her head and turn her head gently to show her what he wanted to show her. He'd did it to Amber because he thought it was adorable. He saw Amber as his little sister and he thought, she needed to be protected at all costs. Besides, Eula would beat him up if he did something bad to her girlfriend.
"Let's end this discussion. We have to help Jean out. We don't want her being over-worked again like last time, don't we?" Kaeya joked but Amber knew he was being serious. Kaeya didn’t look like it but he cared about the Knights of Favonius and he took care of everyone under it. Amber only smiled, nodding before they set of to the square.
Kaeya paused and turned his head as he started thinking about Albedo. He really did miss his boyfriend. He had been busy for the last couple of days and had been missing his company. He only hoped he'd come back soon to celebrate the special holiday with him. This was the second time he'd spended Christmas with the Alchemist and they had always been the best of days. He had taken Klee and Albedo out on a stroll that night and he and Albedo held hands as they watched Klee play around. They had kissed under the moonlight and Kaeya had never felt more happier in those moments. As he thought more about Albedo the more he started missing him.
He only hoped Albedo would come down Dragonspine soon and see his little surprise for him. He wasn't saying so soon but he missed him. "Oh, Albedo dearest. Please do come down from there soon"
- -
Albedo sneezed as he covered his mouth. He sniffled before continuing on his work. Sucrose's head turned to him and was full on concerned, "Mister Albedo, are you alright?" Sucrose asked, concerned as she looked up from her notes to glance at her companion. Albedo only yawned as a response and shook his head, tired. "I'm alright, Sucrose. No need to worry"
The duo was back up in Dragonspine, the two had conducted to go and do some experiments. Sucrose had been studying her notes while Albedo was quite pre-occupied with something at the moment. It was the start of the Christmas season yet Albedo had not even gotten Kaeya, his own lover, a gift. He had almost gotten everyone in the Knights of Favonius gifts but completely forgot about his own boyfriend.
So, he had resigned to Dragonspine for a couple of days to make his gift for him. Although, he had been separated from Kaeya and had missed him dearly for these past few days he knew this was all worth it as he admired the finished product. He wanted to make it extra special and valuable because he deserved the best. Kaeya had always done his best for him and loved him so much that Albedo never knew a single person could hold so much love for him yet Kaeya was right there. He smiled to himself as he admired the gift he had prepared for him.
It was a beautiful gold necklace. It's charms were a blue moon with a golden star right next to it. Albedo had thought of this little idea one day as he gazed the stars with Kaeya a week ago. The moon reminded him of Kaeya and the stars represented his birthmark. He touched the birthmark on his neck, briefly before looking back at the necklace. It glittered as he picked it up and admired it by the flames near his camp.
Kaeya would certainly love it. He hoped so anyway as he carefully placed it into the box. Sucrose had peeped from his shoulder as she admired the necklace.
"Wow, Mister Albedo. That sure is a beautiful necklace!" Sucrose complimented as she looked away, starting to collect her notes together. Albedo only smiled at that as he closed the box, hiding away the necklace and keeping it safe. He placed it in his coat pocket as he turned to Sucrose.
"Thank you, Sucrose" Albedo said with a small smile on his face. "Are you about ready to head down to Monstadt? I see you collecting your notes and assumed we're about to start our climb down"
Sucrose nodded with a smile on her face, "I-I am about ready to come down, Mister Albedo…Are you done preparing your gift for Captain Kaeya y-yourself?"
He placed his hand on his coat pocket to feel around for the necklace and felt the lump of the box near it. The gift was safe and secure and Albedo felt a wave of relief wash over him. It wasn't even near Christmas yet he was excited to give him his gift as soon as they were down in Monstadt. He just couldn't wait to see Kaeya proudly show off the necklace as soon as he gave it to him. Kaeya was that type of person.
He nodded with a satisfied smile staying on his face, "Yes, Do you need any help by chance?"
"I-I do! Thank you, Mister Albedo!" Sucrose thanked him with a smile on her face. Albedo smiled back at her as he grabbed some of her notes in her hands and started carefully descending the mountain.
Albedo felt a smile creep up on his face as he looked off into the city of Monstadt not too far away. The view here from here was always beautiful built as he looked from a far he couldn't help but miss Kaeya more although it had only been a couple of days. Albedo had never been like this but once he started dating Kaeya he had started changing like that. He felt so in love with him just as Kaeya was the same with him. He couldn't wait to see his boyfriend again. Although it had only been a few days he felt restless without him sleeping by his side. He couldn't wait to surprise him once he was down there. Best of all, he couldn't wait to give him his handmade gift to him.
"I'll be there in a few hours, my love. Just a little more" Albedo whispered to himself before looking away from the beautiful view and start ascending the mountain
- -
As night rolled around, Kaeya and Amber had finished decorating the square with Jean and the others. He headed back to his office to rest and take a nap. Sure, he could go back to his apartment to rest but he didn't want to return there just yet. He and Albedo shared the flat together and he felt a little depressed with the fact that he had to go home without him. He'd be restless even if he slept on his comfy bed without Albedo by his side.
He yawned as he laid his head on his arms that rested on the desk. He closed his eyes and laid there for a few minutes. Sure, it wasn't near Christmas yet but Christmas sure didn't feel like Christmas without Albedo at all. Kaeya only sighed as he tried his best to catch some sleep. He felt awful and needed at least just a wink of it.
He was about to doze off but he heard a few knocks on his door. He only sighed as he closed his eyes and tried to ignore it. He was a little too tired to be occupying a guest right now. Sure, usually Kaeya would let them in but not right now. He heard the door creak open and hear it closing behind him. He heard footsteps nearing him but decided to close his eyes so that the intruder would now leave him alone once he saw he was asleep.
The intruder, well was none other than the person he was longing for a while ago. Albedo quietly approached his, so he thought, peacefully sleeping boyfriend. He kneeled by his side and started stroking his hair. He smiled to himself as he felt the soft blue locks through his fingers. Although Albedo had missed Kaeya a lot he didn't want to disturb him while he slept.
Kaeya opened his eyes to come face to face with his intruder, Albedo. He blinked for a couple of moments to make sure this wasn't just a figment of his imagination. Albedo only chuckled as he watched Kaeya. He sure was adorable in these moments. He continued to stroke Kaeya's hair as Kaeya continued to stare at him. Kaeya chuckled as he sat upright in his chair to pull Albedo towards him. Albedo gasped as he felt Kaeya's strong arm wrap around his waist and feel his strong grip pulling him to him. Albedo had ended up on his lap and Kaeya enjoyed the moment of peace as he felt Albedo's body warmth.
Albedo only sighed with a shake of his head. He let Kaeya rest his chin on his shoulder as he turned to look at him. "Did you miss me this much, Kaeya? You do know it had only been three days?"
"I know" Kaeya mumbled into Albedo's shoulder. "Three days too long"
Albedo chuckled. He only sighed as he relaxed himself in Kaeya's arms. He leaned his head on Kaeya's head and closed his eyes for a minute to embrace the peace for a minute or two. The office was filled with peaceful silence as the two lovers cuddled on the office chair. You could practically feel the heavy atmosphere lift off from the office as the two let themselves relax against each other.
"No worries then" Albedo finally responded after a few minutes. He lifted his head to let Kaeya lift his head to turn to him. Kaeya did turn to him to come face to face with his lover again. Kaeya only smirked as he tilted his head. "I missed you a lot as well" Albedo said. He leaned over to kiss Kaeya on the lips. Kaeya only chuckled as a response but let Albedo have his way and kiss him back. After a while, he let go though. Albedo raised an eyebrow at that but didn't say anything.
"I'm glad I don't have to convince you otherwise, dear" Kaeya responded with a cheeky smirk on his face. Albedo only rolled his eyes to that. "Because it's obvious you missed me more than I did. How adorable"
Albedo blushed. Kaeya smiled. The two were reunited and were being disgustingly cute now. Albedo sighed as he shifted in Kaeya's lap. He felt the box in his pocket and remembered what he was here to do. He felt around his pocket as he spoke, "By the way, Kaeya. There's another reason why I left"
"Now show me what that is, dear" Kaeya responded, with a raised eyebrow. "I'd like to know what kept you away from me for this long?"
Albedo rolled his eyes again, "Sweetie, you're going to be slightly upset by the answer…"
"Of course I won't" Kaeya interjected with a flick of his wrist, showing off that that he didn't really care that much to over-react over it. "I was just over-exaggerating"
Albedo pulled out the box out of his pocket and showed it off to Kaeya. Kaeya raised his eyebrow with a smirk on his face. He looked stupid but Albedo didn't speak up about it. He opened the box, carefully and let Kaeya peer into the box. His eyes softened as he saw what was inside. A golden necklace with a blue moon and a golden star. It shimmered a little under the lights and it looked beautiful and perfect even.
Kaeya smiled as he looked back up at Albedo. Albedo only smiled back as he placed the lid on the desk and took out the necklace, carefully. Kaeya chuckled as he looked away as to hide the blush that spread on his face. This was too cute. He really wouldn’t have guessed that he would wake up to his boyfriend stroking his hair and just giving him a necklace, looking all adorable out of the blue. Kaeya was usually the more romantic between the two and Albedo only initiated and was flustered most of the time. The role switch between the two was something rare between the two but Kaeya really didn't mind.
"So, this is what has been keeping you away from me, dear?" Kaeya cockily said. Albedo only sighed with a smile on his face. "Basically, yes. It's my gift…for you because I…love you" Albedo shyly said as he turned away from him. Kaeya only laughed as he cupped Albedo's cheek in his hand to turn Albedo's head in his direction. Albedo turned to him.
Kaeya leaned in to whisper into Albedo's ear, sending shivers down his spine. "I need help putting it on. Would you assist me, darling?"
Albedo sucked in a breath to get his composer together. He nervously shifted into Kaeya's lap. In response Kaeya rested his hands against Albedo's hips to stop him from shifting in his lap. "Now, don't do that. You don't want me getting excited when we're not home now do you?" Kaeya whispered, seductively in his ear, making Albedo blush furiously.
He put it around Kaeya's neck and leaned closer to him. He rested his chin against his broad shoulder to put it on him. Kaeya chuckled softly making Albedo bite his lip. The office isn't place for this. Not like they haven't done it here before but this could wait. Albedo only chuckled softly into Kaeya's neck as he put the necklace around his neck. He leaned away to face Kaeya now. He smiles as he reaches his hand out to adjust the necklace on his neck to face upfront. Kaeya looked down to watch Albedo's hands at work. His fingers softly touched Kaeya's skin that made his spine tingle.
Albedo giggled as he admired the necklace that was now proudly shown off on Kaeya's neck. He looked back up to make eye-contact with him and Kaeya responded with touching his cheek again. He let himself admire Albedo's beauty while he sat in his lap. The moment was romantic and peaceful and neither one of them wanted to ruin that.
"I love it, dear" Kaeya whispered against his lips as he leaned against Albedo again. He sighed with content as he wrapped his arms around Kaeya's back while Kaeya's hands still rested on his hips. "Thank you ever so much….but you do know that it's too early for a Christmas gift?"
"If you say another word, I will go back to Dragonspine" Albedo responded.
Kaeya chuckled as he leaned away and glanced at the mistletoe hanging there. Kaeya sighed as he leaned on his chair's backrest as he stared at Albedo again. "Well, since you have given me my gift early this year I will give yours as well"
Kaeya patted his hip to signal Albedo to get off of his lap. Albedo raised an eyebrow as he got off of Kaeya's lap and gesturing for Kaeya to show him what his gift was. He laughed as he held Albedo's hand in his and walked towards the door. Kaeya opened it and stood under the doorframe and turned to look at Albedo. Albedo pursed his lips and asked, "Are you…stupid perhaps?"
"Albedo dear…just come here" Kaeya said with a chuckle. Kaeya pulled him to him and Albedo let his body go to Kaeya's direction. The two stood under the doorway and Albedo only looked from left to right to look for where his gift was but his efforts were fruitless when he found nothing. Kaeya laughed as he took Albedo's chin in his hand and turned his head towards his direction. Albedo's heart beated faster as he stared into Kaeya's eyes. They were filled with so much happiness and love in them that Albedo couldn't help but feel his heart soften at the sight. He saw his own reflection in them and he only smiled.
Kaeya chuckled once again as he admired his boyfriend. He sure was lucky to have him and be his as well. Sure, a few moments ago they had a nice moment but this felt even more romantic and Kaeya couldn't help but shake his head. He leans closer to Albedo and whispers against his lips like what he did only a few moments ago. Albedo held in his breath as he felt Kaeya's hot breath near his lips.
"Look up, love" Kaeya whispered. Albedo looks up and finds the mistletoe. Albedo could only observe it was leaves that was grouped with pink berries and other leaves and tied together with a blue and yellow ribbon. He couldn't real get a good glance at it when Kaeya genteelly pulled his chin down to have his focus on him again.
"This is my gift" Kaeya smiled and Albedo felt his heart melt again because Kaeya's smile was absolutely beautiful. His teeth showed and he even saw a blush on his face. He looked handsome as ever. "Merry Christmas, My Dear"
Kaeya closed the gap between them and kissed Albedo under the mistletoe. Albedo did not understand what the gift was or what even was going on but he kissed his lover back regardless. He wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Kaeya smirked into their kiss as he placed his hands back on Albedo's hips and pulled his body close as well. They shared an intimate and romantic kiss under the mistletoe and the two enjoyed that kiss. That kiss was probably the most romantic one they've ever shared and neither one of them ever wanted to be separated from each other.
When they had separated for air. They let each other catch each others breath. Albedo leaned his head on Kaeya's chest and heard his very fast heartbeat. He smiled as he closed his eyes and let himself rest against his chest for a while. He was sure Kaeya wouldn't mind anyway. Albedo sighed with content as he rested his head there and Kaeya only laughed as he leaned down to give his lover a forehead kiss and let him rest there for a minute or two.
Albedo furrowed his eyebrows though. Something bothered him. What exactly was Kaeya's gift for him?
- -
The two lovers had gone back to their apartment and Albedo rested on Kaeya's chest like a while ago and he let himself be relaxed by the rise and fall of Kaeya's chest as he peacefully slept beside him. He placed his hand on his hip and caressed it his hand as a sign to relax his boyfriend. He heard him let out a sigh of release and he could only smile at that.
Sure, His boyfriend was asleep peacefully beside him. But, Albedo felt restless. He bit his lip as he thought about what Kaeya's gift really was. He really didn't get it. He told him to "look up" and he did and he saw a couple of leaves there and then he just kissed him? Isn't that a bit odd? He looked up to come face to face to his boyfriend's peacefully sleeping face. He reached out and caressed his cheek and removed a few hair strands the started covering his face. He softly caressed his cheek and felt his soft skin.
Ever since the two have started living together. They had started sharing the same bed and cuddling each other every night. They started being each other's warmth whenever it started getting cold. Kaeya did not like the cold despite wielding his own Cryo vision he didn't like feeling cold. He associated the cold with being alone and he didn't like being alone. The feeling of his cold bed was something that bothered him for a long time until Albedo came along. Albedo felt the same way. Kaeya served as his warmth despite being a Cryo user. He felt warm and safe and completely what he was used to back in his camp in Dragonspine. It felt nice and the thought only made him scoot closer to Kaeya. He pulled the blankets closer to both their bodies to keep them warm.
But, anyway back to Albedo's troubles. He was truly troubled with the question on his mind. What exactly was his gift? It was just a bunch of leaves hanging from his doorframe and that was a sign to kiss him? What a strange item. Albedo didn't even know anything about a such tradition of such. A few leaves tapped on to a doorframe is a sign for kissing the person you're under with? That's a really weird tradition of you asked Albedo. Maybe during Christmas you have to kiss your significant other under every door frame. But that wouldn't explain why Kaeya told him to look up so this must be about the leaves on the door frame.
Albedo only sighed. He'd figure out the mystery behind it tomorrow. Think of it as a sort of experiment. Testing out a hypothesis. He couldn't help but have a love for experimenting. Even though this was technically his vacation he still couldn't bear to part with his love for experimenting and with that he fell asleep with the full decision to experiment with his hypothesis in mind.
The next morning, Albedo had decided to test out his little discovery. He stands in the door frame and patiently waits for his boyfriend. He pursues his lips and turned his head from left to right to look for his boyfriend. Kaeya had went out early because of a commission issued to him by Jean and he only gave Albedo a kiss on the cheek to say goodbye to him. Albedo didn't want to say it out loud but he truly didn't feel satisfied with just that lousy little kiss.
He leaned on the door frame as he patiently waited for his boyfriend. Sucrose and Lisa caught sight of him quietly waiting there and looked up to see the mistletoe and decided not to question it. Sucrose bit her lip as she blushed walking away from the scene and looking for Timaeus to possibly gossip about what she saw. Lisa only giggled as he turned her back from him and started working…and by working she means sitting on her desk with tea in her hand.
Albedo cleared his throat as he avoided all eye contact from the other workers that came across him or crossed his path. He only looked away shyly and tried to seem cool and collected and tried his best not to make any eye contact with them. He sighed with relief as soon as he caught sight of his boyfriend. He waited for him to walk towards him. When he did Kaeya only greeted him with a smile and a wave before questioning why he was just standing in the doorway.
"Dear..Good morning?" Kaeya said sounding more like a question more than a statement. He raised an eyebrow at Albedo who still had his back leaned against the door frame. He gave him a look of confusion. "What are you up to?"
Albedo didn't exactly want to be so bold. Being bold just wasn't his thing at all. He pursed his lips together and just grabbed Kaeya's hand in his and pulled him near the doorframe with him. He gazed up and made sure 'the leaves in a ribbon' were still there hanging from the doorframe. Indeed it was. Kaeya looked up as well and remembered the mistletoe he had put up there. He smiled as he leaned down a little to be closer to Albedo's height.
"Well…" Kaeya said and then pressed his lips against Albedo's. That proved his hypothesis in thought to be right. Those leaves must be special that whenever you go under them you have to kiss the person you're under with. He smiles as he thought to himself what a successful experiment. He wrapped his arms around his neck to secure himself. He kissed Kaeya back and couldn't help but hold on to him a little more as soon as he made that discovery.
- -
For the next couple of weeks, Albedo would drag Kaeya to the doorframe at least three times a day. Although Kaeya did not mind it he sure was confused with Albedo's weird behavior. He was dragging him by his hand all day and then lead him to the mistletoe. Kaeya only laughed at how adorable Albedo was and just let him be. He didn't know why Albedo wouldn't kiss him anywhere else but he'd only kiss him but near the doorframe.
It's been weeks and Albedo's strange behavior would go on like this for what seemed like forever. Today was Christmas Eve and Kaeya had finally figured out why Albedo has been acting the way he was and only figured that now would be the best time to bring it up. As soon as Albedo came to his side, tugging on his hand he knew it was time for him to be dragged off again. He only sighed as he trailed behind his adorable boyfriend. He was cute.
As soon as they reached to the doorframe. Albedo turned to him and looked at him as if he knew what to do. He laughed and leaned down and whispered into his lips, "Babe, you do realize this is a mistletoe right?"
"What's that?" Albedo whispered back and pouted at him. Kaeya's heart melted as he saw him pout. He was so cute. "It's a mistletoe, It only works on Christmas time" Kaeya responded as he reached down to hold his hand in his.
Albedo hummed in response and nodded. "and you don't need it to get kisses from me. You can just always kiss me you know? All you need to do is ask…" Kaeya added while giving his hand another squeeze and keeping a smile on his face.
A silence stretched between them before Albedo finally spoke and Kaeya only smirked when he saw a blush spread on his pale cheeks, "Kiss me, Kaeya"
"Already on it " Kaeya whispered into his lips before closing the gap between them and kissing each other again. Kaeya could never get enough of how soft Albedo's lips were. Albedo tasted sweet and Kaeya couldn't get enough of his taste. Albedo had wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Kaeya let go of Albedo's hand in his hand and instead digged his hands into Albedo's hips and kissed him deeper.
Albedo moaned softly as he entangled his fingers messily into his ponytail and Kaeya only smiled more at that. He separated himself from him but not letting him go just yet. He whispered into his lips and what Kaeya said only made Albedo smile again.
"I love you, Albedo. Merry Christmas"
"and I love you" Albedo responded as he pulled him back towards him and kissed him again. The moon and star necklace that Albedo had given him dangling around Kaeya's neck.