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Winter was, by far, Albedo’s favorite time of year- especially in Mondstadt. He had always preferred the cold, it was one of the many reasons why he was so dedicated to spending his time researching in Dragonspine, after all. So, it only made sense that Albedo preferred to be home in Mondstadt during the annual winter festivities, simultaneously blessed by both the comfort of civilization, and the familiar crunch of snowfall under his boots.
It seemed that Aether also enjoyed winter in Mondstadt, if the way he’d shown up to Alice’s home the very day the snowy season started and hadn’t left since was anything to go by. Whenever Aether was visiting Mondstadt during his travels, he had a habit of staying with Albedo. Whether the alchemist was staying in the city at Alice’s house or tucked away in his small Dragonspine camp, the Traveler would always spend his nights in Albedo’s company.
Albedo sighed, staring up at the ceiling of his darkened room. If he had to guess, it was probably somewhere around three in the morning, but he couldn’t find it in himself to sleep. Albedo was no stranger to insomnia, whether it was born of his homuncular nature or his tendency to put off rest in favor of continuing his work, but for this night in particular, it was his running thoughts that were keeping him awake.
He’d like to think that if Aether wasn’t currently curled into his side, arm draped over his waist and leg slotted comfortably between his own while he quietly snored away, then Albedo would have gotten out of bed to at least keep himself preoccupied until he was tired enough to actually sleep. The reality of the matter, however, is that even if they weren’t sharing a bed, leaving Aether’s side for even a minute would be unbearable to the alchemist, so he stayed.
Even without Aether saying anything about it, Albedo just knew that the starry-eyed Traveler would be reaching the end of his journey soon. He couldn’t put his finger on the exact reason why he knew, other than the fact that it only made sense- Aether had visited all seven of Teyvat’s nations, had mastered their elements, and solved all their major issues… If this lifetime was a fantasy novel series not unlike the ones he had illustrated for Xingqiu, then the next major plot point would be the finale, the showdown that leads to the Traveler’s happy ending.
It was something that Albedo was deeply conflicted about- one part of him was upset that Aether was wasting his precious time away in his company, but the other part relished in the fact that he was able to spend just a little more time with his beloved Traveler, before he no doubt would leave both the world of Teyvat and Albedo’s life forever. He wondered if Aether had companions in the other nations who were much like himself; people who had been nothing short of captivated by the enigmatic Traveler, who would surely continue to feel the pain of his departure for the years that followed.
A darker part of Albedo wondered if Aether’s other hypothetical companions were as close to him as he was, if they also shared their beds and stole chaste kisses when nobody was there to notice.
How selfish. Aether was akin to a shooting star, here for a single transient moment and destined to disappear the next, who did Albedo think he was to be the only one allowed to behold such a sight? Albedo lifted his hand to tangle in Aether’s hair and gently massage at his skull while he slept, the golden tresses let loose from their usual braid and cascading down his back and across Albedo’s sheets like a sunlit waterfall. Aether let out a contented hum at the sensation, nuzzling further into Albedo’s side to bury his face against the alchemist’s neck. At least right now, in this moment, Albedo was able to indulge in a world that existed only for the two of them.
“I can hear you thinking, Bedo.” Aether spoke against Albedo’s skin, so softly that he wouldn’t have heard him if it weren’t for the stillness that came with the late hour.
“I apologize, did I wake you?”
“You didn’t, don’t worry.” Aether replied drowsily, his quiet breaths evening out once more. Albedo almost thought that he’d drifted back off to sleep, only to be proven wrong when he spoke once again. “What time is it?”
“I don’t know for certain, but I assume it is somewhere around three o’clock in the morning.”
“Bad Albedo,” Aether chastised, reaching up to pinch at Albedo’s cheek. “How do you expect to keep up your reputation of being Mondstadt’s very own beautiful genius Chief Alchemist if you can’t get the proper amount of sleep?”
Albedo huffed, amused. “I fail to see how the matters are correlated.”
“If you’re tired, then your brain won't work the way it’s supposed to,” Aether spoke, stroking his thumb against Albedo’s cheek, always needing to be doing something with his hands. “And not getting enough sleep is bad for your skin.”
“I’m hundreds of years old, Aether, I think I look quite good for my age.”
“And I’m a god who has been alive longer than this world has even existed,” Aether laughed, the quiet sound causing a smile to form on Albedo’s lips. “You should respect your elders.”
Albedo didn’t have a response for that, so he continued with his ministrations of massaging soothing patterns into Aether’s skull. Clearly Aether didn’t mind the lack of response, more than accustomed to the way Albedo wouldn’t speak if he didn’t have anything he felt that he needed to say. If Albedo closed his eyes for a moment, he could picture the circumstances being somewhat domestic- a world where the two of them could simply stay as lovers, growing old together before eventually dying. Unfortunately, this was a reality where their relationship was destined to be as ephemeral as the stars that the Traveler was born of.
“What’s got you thinking so hard that you can’t sleep, hm?” Albedo’s eyes slid open at Aether’s question, finding his golden irises trained on him, almost glowing in the pale light of the moon. The sight made Albedo’s heart clench, trying his hardest to commit it to his memory so he could recreate it on canvas later.
“You,” Albedo breathed out, causing Aether to laugh softly. There was no point in lying about it- if this was earlier in their relationship then perhaps he would have, brushing the Traveler’s concern off by saying it was something work related. But as they were now, Albedo had nothing to hide. That; and given their limited time, Albedo would only grow to regret it if he didn’t lay his heart bare for Aether to see.
“Only good things, I hope?”
“Always.”
Aether stared at Albedo’s face, contemplative, before sitting up and turning to light the oil lamp on Albedo’s bedside table, adjusting it until it emanated a glow that was bright enough to see what he was doing, but still dimmed so as to not greatly disturb the natural peace of the late hour.
“Since neither of us will be getting to sleep any time soon,” Albedo watched as Aether turned back to face him, gripping his forearms and pulling him into a sitting position as well. “Let’s talk.”
Albedo averted his gaze, teeth absently worrying at his bottom lip in thought. As much as he wanted to let his feelings be known, he didn’t want to burden Aether with the weight of them- especially not when he was so close to the end of his journey. Clearly Aether had noticed his hesitance, narrowing his eyes slightly before moving to sit cross-legged behind Albedo, a habit he’d formed after realizing that the alchemist hated being watched while talking about his feelings.
“Is this something that you do with your companions in other nations?”
“This?” Aether echoed, asking for clarification as he wrapped his arms around Albedo’s waist from behind.
“Staying at their homes while visiting their nations, I mean.”
“Nope, just you.” Aether nuzzled into the nape of Albedo’s neck, sighing contentedly. “Whenever I’m out of Mondstadt I just stay in the teapot, it makes journeying easier when I don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay.”
Of course, the Serenitea Pot, a genius invention born of Liyue’s adepti arts. How could Albedo forget- he’d stayed in it himself, whenever Aether visited him on Dragonspine the cozy realm within was much more hospitable for the two of them than the cold hard ground of Albedo’s mountainside camp. As much as Albedo’s more possessive side reveled in the information, it also sparked a sudden realization in his logical side.
“I must apologize, then. Staying here while you’re in Mondstadt must be a hindrance to your work.”
“Hm? Don’t apologize, it doesn’t make as much of a difference as you’re probably thinking it does,” Aether pressed a gentle kiss behind Albedo’s ear, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Honestly, I’d never leave Mondstadt if that was an option.”
Albedo sucked in a breath, holding it in his lungs in an effort to stop himself from blurting out his immediate thought of but that is an option. It is an option, sure, but it’s entirely selfish and would only serve to benefit himself- Aether was destined to leave once he fulfilled his purpose and found his sister. Aether had noticed the reaction, perceptive as always, but decided to not follow up on it, instead leaning back to rake his fingers through Albedo’s loose hair and weave it into his usual braided hairstyle.
After several moments had passed in silence, Aether opened his mouth to speak once again. “What are your feelings toward reincarnation, Albedo?”
“Reincarnation strikes me as something that can only exist in fantasy.”
“You say that, but I’ve been to worlds where the very idea of controlling the elements and living among divine beings are considered nothing more than fantasy too,” Albedo stayed silent, allowing Aether to continue with his line of thought. “But you and I both know that those are fundamental parts of reality here in Teyvat. Does reincarnation really seem that outlandish in comparison?”
Albedo hummed, thinking of the matter from this new perspective. “I suppose not. Still, as far as I know there hasn’t been any recorded instances of reincarnation in Teyvat.”
“It’s not really something that can easily be proven though, is it?” Aether combed his fingers through Albedo’s hair, letting the braids come undone so he could start again. “Are you familiar with the story of Morax and his past lover, the Lord of Dust?”
Albedo nodded. “Guizhong, correct? She was a highly intelligent strategist with a particular interest in mechanics. I visited Liyue some time ago to study the Guizhong Ballista myself, actually.”
“She lost her life about 3,700 years ago, during the Archon War. Apparently the current Tianquan bears quite the abundance of similarities to Guizhong, some people believe that lady Ningguang is the Lord of Dust herself reincarnated.”
Albedo frowned slightly. “Surely it’s just a story to complement the status the Tianquan holds in Liyue, how can the citizens truly compare her to a god who lived and died almost four thousand years ago?”
“I actually heard about it from, uh…” Aether paused, stilling his hands while he thought. “Let’s just say he's a reputable historian in Liyue.”
Albedo’s eyebrows shot up, instantly recognising who it was that Aether was referring to. Perhaps ‘recognising’ was the wrong term to use, Albedo had never met him as far as he knew, but this apparent historian could be nobody other than the being who is responsible for his very own vision.
“Hypothetically then, if reincarnation does hold true in Teyvat…” Albedo mulled over his words for a moment, hoping that the path of conversation he was about to follow wasn’t too presumptuous to the reason Aether brought up reincarnation in the first place. “While I may not be human, I am definitely mortal, my own death is an inevitability.”
Aether hummed. “I assumed that was the case.”
“You, however,” Albedo’s tongue darted out to wet his lips, his mouth going dry at his line of thought. “I can only assume that your, ah, status means you’re immortal.”
“And if I’m not?”
“And if you’re not, then, you’re still not native to Teyvat. Perhaps if you were to meet your end here, then there may be some cosmic chance that you would be reincarnated here… But I would never allow you to die while in this land in the first place.”
“Aww, that’s sweet.” Aether leaned around to press a kiss to Albedo’s cheek as if he’d just given him a compliment, not theorize about him dying.
“So, then, while there could be a possibility that I am reborn in another life, you…” Albedo sighed, letting his head fall back to rest against Aether’s shoulder. “Regardless of whether you live or die, once you leave Teyvat, there shouldn’t be any reason for you to reincarnate here.”
“You seem to be pretty certain of that. Isn’t this meant to be a fantasy scenario?”
Albedo frowned, unable to catch on to whatever it was that Aether was alluding to. “It’s only logical that one would be reborn into the world that already recognises them, is it not?”
“Just because I wasn’t born in Teyvat and I won’t die in Teyvat, it doesn’t mean this world doesn’t recognise me. I’ve left traces of myself all over this land, I’ve been acknowledged by all seven of this world’s ruling Archons,” Aether wrapped his arms around Albedo’s chest, resting his hand over his heart. “And I’d like to think that I’ve left so much of myself here, with you. If your heart desires me enough, then maybe, someday, the celestial beings may allow me to return home to you.”
Albedo stayed silent, unsure of how exactly to follow something like that. Usually Aether was a man of few words, and whenever he did speak he tended to play into his reputation as an eccentric, cheerful outlander. Sometimes, though, he would say things like this that betrayed the reality that the enigmatic Traveler was actually a god who’d seen the birth and death of stars themselves, and every time he did it always left Albedo speechless.
Aether paid no mind to Albedo’s silence, simply pressing a kiss to his temple before unwrapping his arms from his lover’s waist to continue his task of braiding Albedo’s hair. He tied it off this time, securing the woven strands in place before taking the vase of Cecilias from the bedside table to rest it in his lap. Aether had gifted the bouquet to Albedo when he arrived at the start of his current stay, bringing flowers every time he visited the alchemist had turned into somewhat of a tradition ever since the first time he’d given him one during the Windblume festival.
Carefully, Aether began taking the Cecilias from the vase one-by-one, weaving them into Albedo’s hair. Finally broken from his thoughts, Albedo noticed what it was that Aether was doing. He tilted his head slightly in confusion, but not enough to disturb Aether’s actions.
“Isn’t it a bit late to be doing this? I’ll feel bad messing it up when we go to sleep.”
“Don’t worry, I can get you some more Cecilias tomorrow.”
Albedo hummed in response, too content with the undivided attention from his beloved Traveler to protest. “Why the sudden decision to do this, then?”
“Just felt like it, I guess.” Albedo felt Aether pause for a moment to shrug his shoulders, before picking back up on his work. “It’s nice being able to see my prince with his crown.”
“Is that truly the only reason?”
Albedo didn’t have to turn to look to know that Aether’s face had dropped, likely to some form of a melancholy expression, based on the way he sighed and his careful hands slowed. “You’ve picked up on it, haven’t you? That I won’t be here for much longer.”
Albedo nodded once in response, suddenly losing trust in his own ability to vocalize his thoughts. Of course he’d picked up on it- ever since he met the Traveler he knew it was an inevitability, but with the way Aether had been practically glued to his side these past few days it was obvious that his departure was closer than either of them had been expecting.
“I don’t know when it’ll be, but any day now I’m going to get a sign that it’s time to go.” Aether leaned forward, burying his face between Albedo’s shoulder blades as he wrapped his arms around his waist once more. “I’m here now because I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible before then.”
Albedo wasn’t sure how he felt about the matter. He was elated that Aether cared about him so much that he was all he wanted to see before he left Teyvat once and for all, but it only served to make the separation harder. Aether should be out in the world, seeing everybody he’d met through his journeys one last time, but he was wasting it away by devoting it entirely to Albedo.
Still, there was no changing what had already been done. Albedo rubbed at his eyes to will the tears that were forming to disappear, before turning to face Aether properly, climbing into his lap to wrap his legs around his waist as he wound his arms around his shoulders in an effort to cling to him as much as possible. Albedo felt a little childish, doing to Aether what Klee would often do to him whenever she was upset, but his desire to be close to the Traveler greatly outweighed any potential feelings of embarrassment that came with the action.
“Albedo?” Aether questioned, surprised by the sudden display of affection. He didn’t shy away from it though, bringing his arms up to tightly wrap them around the man in his lap, holding him close to his chest.
“I’m sorry, Aether, but if our time truly is short,” Albedo tightened his own grip, burying his face further into Aether’s shoulder. “Then could you please allow me to be selfish, just for a moment?”
“Of course, Bedo,” Aether shushed him, gently rubbing circles into his back. “Anything for you.”
The pair stayed like that for a while, Albedo seemingly intent to soak up as much of Aether’s essence as he possibly could, as if the Traveler would disappear into thin air at any given moment. Aether honestly thought Albedo had finally drifted off to sleep as he gently rocked him back and forth in his arms, given how still and silent the alchemist was.
The sun was beginning to rise over the roofs of Mondstadt when Albedo finally pulled back, rubbing at his eyes with the heels of his palms and offering Aether a shaky smile. The sight caused Aether’s heart to lurch in his chest, instantly recognising that Albedo was trying to hide his feelings in an effort to not worry the Traveler.
“You should go, Aether. See everybody one last time.”
Aether frowned, raising his hands to hold Albedo’s face. “I want to stay here with you, though.”
“You’ve touched the hearts of so many people, not just me.” Albedo sighed, leaning into his lover’s touch. “They all deserve to give you their proper farewells too.”
Aether glanced out Albedo’s window, taking in the sight of the pink-tinged sky. Albedo was right, suddenly disappearing without a trace wasn’t the right way to leave everybody in Teyvat who had been so hospitable to him during his travels. Nodding to himself, Aether turned back to face Albedo, leaning in and pressing a lingering kiss to his lips.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay if I leave now?”
“Of course,” Albedo whispered, punctuating his words with a kiss to the corner of Aether’s mouth. “You have the freedom to go wherever you wish, Traveler.”
Aether laughed softly at the nickname, unused to hearing it in Albedo’s saccharine tone of voice. “Before I go, can we dance?”
Albedo raised his eyebrows in question, but moved to climb out of Aether’s lap and stand regardless. “With no music?”
“We don’t need any,” Aether followed Albedo, taking his hand to stand in the middle of his small bedroom. Aether rested one hand on Albedo’s waist, holding out the other for him to take.
Their dance wasn’t proper by any means, less of a waltz and more like two people just swaying back and forth in each other’s embrace, guided only by the quiet sounds of birds chirping outside and the beating of their own hearts. Aether watched Albedo’s face as they turned about the cramped space, trying his hardest to commit the sight to memory. This was a version of Albedo reserved for Aether alone- eyes somewhat puffy from exhaustion and emotion, crumpled Cecilias woven through his messy hair, and a serene expression gracing his features.
“What are you thinking about?” Albedo’s voice broke the silence, echoing Aether’s question from several hours ago.
“How much Cecilias remind me of you.”
Albedo hummed. “Why’s that?”
“They only grow on Starnatch Cliff, right? Despite the harsh winds up there they flourish, growing into beautiful flowers where nothing else would be able to survive.” An unreadable emotion flashed through Albedo’s eyes at Aether’s words, the two of them slowing their dance until they came to a stop. “You’re strong, Albedo. I know you’ll be fine without me.”
“I’m going to miss you,” Albedo spoke, barely a whisper.
“I know, I’m going to miss you too.” Aether lifted Albedo’s chin to press one final kiss to his lips, hoping that it conveyed everything he wanted to say, but couldn’t find the right words to match. “Wait for me in the next life, Albedo.”
Albedo watched as Aether gathered up his things, leaving his home for the final time.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
“Do you two really have to be all gross and affectionate right now?”
Lumine’s voice rang out from the tinny speakers of Aether’s laptop, the video call maximized so her face took up the entire screen. Aether lifted his head from where he had it buried in the nape of Albedo’s neck in order to turn to face the webcam, sticking his tongue out at his sister who simply rolled her eyes in response.
This was the first time the twins had ever been apart during the winter festivities, but they still wanted to celebrate together, deciding the best way to do that would be through the power of modern technology. Lumine and Mona were too busy with work to visit Mondstadt, and Aether didn’t want to go to Fontaine if it meant Albedo couldn’t celebrate with Alice and Klee, so this was the next best option.
“I’m helping him cook.”
Lumine narrowed her eyes. “You’re just cuddling him, not helping.”
“I’m helping by being his emotional support.”
“I don’t think Albedo needs emotional support while cooking dinner.”
“Yes he does!” Aether pouted, tightening his arms where they were wrapped around Albedo’s middle. “Tell Lumine I’m helping you.”
“Stop bickering with your sister or you’re not getting any presents tonight.” Albedo replied, a smirk settling on his face. Aether’s ears burned at the connotation, the hidden meaning not slipping past Lumine either, if her exaggerated gagging noises coming from the laptop were anything to go by.
Aether pressed a kiss to Albedo’s jaw, begrudgingly unwrapping his arms from his boyfriend so he could move to where the laptop was open on the island counter to speak to Lumine properly.
“Finally I’m safe from your PDA for five minutes, assuming you can even last that long away from him.” Lumine laughed, her bright smile betraying her true feelings behind her words.
“Aww, it’s alright Lumi, I’m sure you won’t be painfully single forever!” Aether said cheerfully, simply meaning to tease his sister, but the way she didn’t say anything and let her expression shift into one of her smug smiles caught him off guard. Aether blinked, his jaw dropping slightly. “You’re joking.”
Lumine shrugged. “You never asked, so I never told.”
“Since when?! Are they nice? Do I need to give them shovel talk?”
“I don’t know, do you need to give me shovel talk?” Mona entered the frame, sitting next to Lumine on their couch and handing her a plate of food. “And we’ve been together much longer than you and Albedo have.”
The two girls laughed at Aether’s dumbfounded expression, piecing everything together in his head. If Lumine and Mona have been dating longer than him and Albedo, then they’d definitely been together while they were all living in Mondstadt. “I can’t believe I never noticed.”
“Yeah, well,” Lumine leaned over, resting her head against Mona’s. “Some of us are private with our affection.”
“I guess the Fontaine apartment only having 2 bedrooms makes sense now,” Aether laughed, stepping to the side so Albedo could fit in the webcam frame with him.
The four of them stayed on video call for several hours, chatting away as they ate dinner together, moving on to play some online multiplayer games when they were done. As the hour drew closer to midnight, Lumine and Mona signed off, ready to go to bed since Mona had to work the next day. Aether decided to put on some holiday movie, though it ended up serving to just be background noise while he and Albedo quietly cuddled together on their couch.
“I’m still shocked that I didn’t realize they were together.”
“I knew about it,” Albedo laughed when Aether’s head shot up, giving him an incredulous look. “I didn’t say anything because I thought you knew!”
“I can't believe this,” Aether pouted, burying his face in the crook of Albedo’s neck. “My own boyfriend, conspiring against me with my twin sister. How cruel.”
“Sorry, sorry.” Albedo laughed again, busying himself with untying Aether’s long braid, combing his fingers through the golden strands to loosen them. “I can make it up to you, if you want?”
Aether hummed, contemplative. “In a bit, I wanna stay like this right now.”
Aether sighed contentedly, reveling in the feeling of Albedo’s fingers massaging at his skull. To think, if he’d never made that last minute decision to stay in Mondstadt rather than boarding the flight to Fontaine with Lumine and Mona, then he wouldn’t be tucked away in Albedo’s arms at this very moment.
Albedo brushed Aether’s bangs away from his face, leaving his palm to rest against his cheek. “What are you thinking about?”
“How lucky I am to be here right now,” Aether opened his eyes, leaning further into Albedo’s touch. “It feels like I’m finally home.”
Albedo let out an amused huff, leaning in to press a kiss to Aether’s lips.
“Welcome home, Aether.”