Archive of Our Own ^beta

Kaeya gently held the feather between his fingertips. He hummed and traced a finger along with the soft plumage. The feather shinned against the light of the fire. It was iridescent amongst the silver and the soft black. It was amazing. He leaned back in his chair and waved it around. From the corner of his eye, an alchemist’s hand was out. He chuckled and sat up in his chair. He handed the feather over to Albedo and watched as he went back to his desk.

“So tell me of this bird again.” He said.

Albedo inspected the feather before attaching it to the base. “It was a bird of prey that flies above Dragonspine. They usually take refuge high in the mountains and only come down to feed upon the smaller animals here. Lately, yet, due to the number of hilichurls and now Fatui agents they hardly come down.”

“Ah, I see.” Kaeya nodded. He said that in a way that sounded like ‘Ah yes of course, how could I be so stupid'. He looked at the other desk looking for something else to play with as Albedo worked.

“So you collected this mighty bird’s plumage for…” He found a pen and paper and doodled instead. Nothing like Albedo’s, Klee could do a better job.

“I am making a glider.”

Kaeya looked at him. “Oh?”

Albedo continued to work. “Yes. This bird is rather silent and blends in well with the mountain and the snow. I hope that in my time where while I need to glide I won’t catch the attention of certain...enemies.” He hesitated that last word.

Kaeya pouted. Rarely did he hesitate in his words, but for now he decided to ignore it. Standing up he walked over to Albedo and stood over his shoulder as he tinkered away. By now the alchemist was used to Kaeya leaning over his shoulder as he worked.

“You know if it is an issue. I could arrange a batch of knights to clear out the area.” He put a hand on the table and leaned forward. “I wouldn’t want our favorite alchemist to be in any danger while up here.”

Albedo scoffed. “Why do that when you’re here already.”

Kaeya chuckled, “I’m not here all the time. But it’s nice to know you actually do enjoy my company.”

“I never said I didn’t.”

They’ve been colleagues for years, but friends even less so. It wasn’t until recently that they grew closer. Kaeya saw the wonders of Khemia at Albedo’s fingertips. He understood that like him he wasn’t of Mondstadt either. Kaeya knew of Albedo not being human and Albedo knew of their mutual connection to Khenri’ah. They found peace within each other. Kaeya was a fool and liked Albedo more than he expected. Especially when he was in this soft lighting.

“I don’t have any real issue with the Fatui, they don’t go so far up the mountain anymore. I think I heard them saying it was too cold. There was no need to waste resources.”

“Fine,” Kaeya sighed. “If you say so. I’ll just make my little trips up here and clear them out myself.”

“I thought you were up here on official Knight Business.”

Kaeya smiled, “I’m a knight, you’re a knight. You’re working and I'm overseeing. I'm sure that counts.”

“Ah, so that’s where Klee gets it.” Albedo held up the glider pack.

“Get what?”

“Her fibbing.”

Kaeya put a hand on his chest and gave a gasp. Any chance to be dramatic. “Excuse you, I’m a wonderful influence on her.”

“Mhm, Jean’s letters tell me different.”

Kaeya crossed his arms. “So rude.”

Albedo laughed and held the pack out to Kaeya. “Relax. I am actually grateful for the time you spend with Klee. I hate leaving her alone as much as I do. It brings me comfort knowing that she has someone to look out for her when I cannot.”

Kaeya took the pack and Albedo turned around. He shrugged off his coat and let it catch around his elbows. He held his head forward letting his hair fall over his shoulders. The shirt he was wearing was sleeveless and Kaeya could not stop staring at his shoulders. The way that his hair revealed parts of his neck.

“Kaeya?”

“Hm? Uh-oh yes.”

As he stopped ogling his friend he placed the pack on his back. And he tried to keep his composure as his fingers touched the tips of his hair. He took a step back and cleared his throat. That was embarrassing, he wasn’t a teenager anymore.

“Right then,” he adjusted his coat. “Shall we?”

Kaeya blinked at him. “Shall we what?”

“A test flight of course.”

So the two left the warmth of Albedo’s lab into the snow. Not that it mattered to either of them. Kaeya being a cryo wielder and Albedo being used to the climate it was hardly a big change for either of them. They climbed higher and higher to get to a comfortable altitude. Kaeya lost his breath. Albedo offered a hand out to him and hoisted him up on the snowy peak next to him.

“Are you alright?” Albedo asked. “The air is thinner here, I should have thought of that. I don’t need to breathe often.”

Kaeya exhaled and inhaled trying to keep his breaths even. He stood up straight before nodding. “Yes, I just–it’s been a while since I’ve climbed like that.”

Albedo nodded and stepped out further onto the cliff. “There,” he pointed to a yellow beacon of light that shinned past the snow winds. “That is our destination. Do you think you can make it, Sir Kaeya?”

Kaeya smiled, “I’ll be just fine Sir Albedo. I’ll follow your lead.”

Albedo smiled and turned back to the cliff. He rolled his shoulders before taking a leap. 3 seconds after he deployed his glider. The wings were silent and unfurled beautifully. Kaeya saw how well they complimented him. Albedo was so beautiful in every sense of the word. Even now as he was gliding down Kaeya was enchanted by him. Soon after he took off the mountain too and deployed his glider. His glider mimicked the night sky; it had the symbol of the moon and stars on each wing. It was a gift from long ago and while he knew there were different styles he couldn’t bear to part from this one.

Albedo was a good distance away but still visible against the winds. He looked over his shoulder with a smile as he saw Kaeya gliding behind him. In his mind, it was a success after months of collecting the feathers he was glad to see the work paid off. He continued to steer towards the beacon with it in clear view as Kaeya floated behind.

From Kaeya’s perspective, the glider was working well. With the wings already built for the climate, Albedo was picking up speed faster than he expected. Luckily it wasn’t a race else he’d lose.

Then amongst the pine trees growing off the mountain, Kaeya saw them, Fatui agents. He furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of them. What were they doing so high up here now of all times? Either way, as long as they stayed out of range it shouldn’t be a problem. That’s what Kaeya thought until one, one in red, took aim with their weapon.

Kaeya snapped back to Albedo. It didn't look like he saw them. The winds were loud but he would still try to call out to him.

"Albedo!"

Kaeya moved his wings forward to reach him closer. The Fatui still had their weapon aimed, following Albedo's path. No, no!

"Albedo!!"

Kaeya yelled over the rushing winds. He could see Albedo turn his head, but it was too late. Kaeya heard the shot. A red light came from Fatui's weapon. A pyro-infused shot ripped through the air and hit right through Albedo's glider.

The fire around it burned at the feathers on one side. Albedo frantically looked back as the feathers became ashen crisps in the air. He was losing altitude and control too fast. The offset weight caused him to tumble through the air. Another shot fired hitting the other wing. The same happened with that one until the feathers scattered ash in the wind.

Albedo was falling.

Albedo was falling fast.

He evened himself out but now was falling on his back. He saw Kaeya gliding over him. The shots of pyro barely missing him. Albedo didn't need to breathe but he inhaled as soon as he saw Kaeya put away his wings.

Kaeya put his wings away and straightened out his body. He ignored the shots, his body falling too fast for the Fatui to track. They weren't on his mind. The only thing on his mind was Albedo.

The ice-cold air scratched at Kaeya's skin as he made himself move faster to catch up to him. There was still time to reach him before they hit the ground. The snow on the ground would be soft. But at this height and at this speed no one would make it as soon as they reached the ground.

Albedo saw Kaeya and saw his plan. He could see he was acting on impulse. In a pinch, like when Bennett fell, he could figure out what to do. But now he was the one falling. There wasn't a plan in mind. He thought of creating a construct to aid in breaking his fall but nothing came to mind.

When he saw Kaeya dive after him he felt tears sting his eyes. He could die, they both could die. But Kaeya was determined. Albedo reached out his arms. He saw his tears flying up before him.

"Kaeya!"

Faster.

Kaeya needed to fall faster.

If he didn't, Albedo would reach the ground before he could. Kaeya gritted his teeth as he fell through the air. The tickle in his stomach went away. The feeling was disorienting; it was getting harder and harder to breathe. Kaeya heard Albedo call his name. He couldn't afford to lose his mind now.

His vision glowed at his hip. That feeling he knew it well. Sometimes if the stars were right he would be able to move just a little faster. A burst of cryo and he would be behind his enemy. Never before did he ever try it in the air. With his vision bright he reached out his hand. A shield of cryo surrounded him before he just blinked forward.

In an instant, he was only mere feet away from Albedo. He let out a breathy chuckle. He was closer now. He kept his body straight; he was falling faster.

"I'm almost there!" He yelled.

Albedo smiled as their hands were so close. Kaeya inched forward and their hands were so close. Albedo used both hands to reach for him. Their fingers grazed each other. A pine tree went past them. Albedo turned around and saw the ground rapidly approaching.

"Look at me! Don't look down!"

Albedo looked back to Kaeya. Tears were falling right out of his eyes. He didn't know if it was due to the cold or fear. He wouldn't keep his eyes off him though.

Their hands were almost touching. In their panic state, it was hard to get a grip. They had each other and then they slipped.

"Don't let go," Albedo whimpered.

"I got you," Kaeya assured him.

Albedo used both hands to make another grab for Kaeya's hand. As soon as he gripped his hand Albedo felt the pull-up. Kaeya pulled him close and used his other hand to grab his arm. More trees flew past them as they were reaching the bottom of the mountain.

Albedo did not let go as Kaeya pulled him close. He grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into his chest. Albedo gripped the back of Kaeya's shirt for dear life as he buried his face in his shoulder. They were still falling. There was a jerking motion as Kaeya deployed his glider. But there were many trees.

One wing hit a branch and set them off balance. Kaeya put one hand on the back of Albedo's head. Gliders could only carry one person. Kaeya turned them both. If they were going to hit the ground then his body would act as a cushion.

They hit branches and the landing was not by means soft. The branches did slow down their speed so when they did finally hit the ground it wasn't as hard. Perhaps that's what saved their lives.

They slid in the snow before finally stopping. Albedo shook as the feeling of falling wore off. They were on the ground. They were alive. He didn't want to calculate how many feet they fell. It felt like he could pass out at any moment. Covered in snow and tree branches Albedo lifted his head.

Kaeya's hand was still on him. He didn't think his grip would be so hard. He looked down at Kaeya. His breath hung in the air. Blood leaked from his forehead as he looked at him. His mouth moved like he was saying something but nothing came out.

"Kaeya?" Albedo brought a hand to his cheek. "Kaeya look at me."

Kaeya's breath slowed down before his eye finally closed and his arms went limp.

This feeling was worse than the free fall. Albedo felt his heart grow cold. Kaeya stopped moving.

"Kaeya!?" He took his face in his hands.

Small puffs of air came from Kaeya’s nose. Albedo's shoulders relaxed. He was alive, but they couldn't stay here. He wasn't exactly sure where they were on the mountain but he could get a rough idea.

First things first. He needed to get Kaeya out of the snow.

“Kaeya!” Diluc ran up to him.

Kaeya couldn’t stop crying. “I fell down and it hurts!”

Diluc tilted his head and looked at Kaeya’s scrapped knee. He put a hand on Kaeya’s head and gave small pats.

“There, there. It’s gonna be okay.”

“Diluc!” He continued to cry.

Diluc smiled and shushed him. “Don’t cry. Come on climb on.” Diluc kneeled down and turned around.

Kaeya sniffled and climbed on his brother’s back.

“We’re gonna go home Kaeya. Don’t cry okay?” Diluc looked back at him.

Kaeya wiped his eyes and nodded.

His body jerked bracing for impact. Kaeya’s eyes shot open and felt sore and nauseous at the same time. He couldn’t place where he was. He only saw a faint glowing light of a fire and someone hear him.

Albedo sat in front of the fire staring into it. It looked like they were in a cave, but it was well constructed. There was an opening at the end in the shape of his flower, tall enough for someone to walk through. He must have constructed this with his vision. Then that meant they made it.

“Albedo,” he whispered.

Albedo looked up from the fire. He didn’t look too injured. All his limbs were attached and he could still walk. He walked over to him and put a hand on his forehead.

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

Albedo smiled down at him and caressed his forehead. “How are you feeling?”

Kaeya looked into his eyes, “Like I fell a thousand feet.”

Albedo shook his head and put his other hand on Kaeya’s. “You’re fine if you’re well enough to make jokes.”

“That’s me,” he smiled. “Where are we?”

Albedo looked to the opening of the cave. “Somewhere at the foot of the mountain. I haven’t been able to check.” He looked back down at him. “I’m not much of a healer, I did what I could for you.”

Kaeya closed his eyes and held Albedo’s hand tighter. “You’re so sweet.”

Albedo huffed. “You saved my life. Don’t close your eyes…I think you have a concussion. I’m not prepared to help you out of a coma.”

Kaeya hummed before he opened his eyes. He stared up at Albedo and kept their fingers interlaced. He chuckled as he caressed his thumb over his.

“What?” Albedo tilted his head. “What’s so funny?”

“This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen,” Kaeya whispered.

Albedo leaned in closer, “What?”

Kaeya tilted his head up. “I was supposed to be the one standing over you. Worried if you were going to be okay, holding your hand tight. I’m glad that you’re alright.”

Albedo blinked at him. This man.

“You’re ridiculous. You saved me Kaeya. I wouldn’t have made it if you didn’t fall after me.” He shook his head. “You can’t be that reckless again.”

Kaeya turned his head to lean into Albedo’s touch. “I’ll fall for you a thousand times more if I have to.”

Albedo went still. Surely he was joking not at all using a play on words. “If you're going to say things like that I want you to be serious.”

Kaeya turned his body and ignored the pain. He reached up to hold Albedo’s cheek in his hand. “I am serious when it comes to my feeling towards you.”

For the umpteenth time, that day Albedo was breathless. He leaned down, closed his eyes, and touched his forehead to Kaeya’s. He could feel the man put his head on the back of his neck, tangling his fingers in his hair. Then everything went in a fluid motion. Their lips were together. Albedo’s were cold compared to Kaeya’s but the Calvary Captain didn’t care.

He kissed him deeper making up for those looks of longing. Those months of going up and down the mountain only to see Albedo. He would do everything all over again if it meant this moment, this kiss, would happen again. He couldn’t stop himself. Guiding Albedo’s mouth open his tongue touched his. Albedo let out a soft moan as their tongues moved together. Albedo held his hand tighter as deepened the kiss. The thought of being close to Kaeya, kissing him, crossed his mind several times more than he would admit. Now that he was finally doing it, the chalk heart in his chest was beating so loud he could hear it in his ears.

Then Kaeya slowed down he was less desperate the kiss was softer. Albedo noticed and pulled away. Their mouths hung open as they parted. Lips were shinning with each other's spit. He went back to lick at Kaeya’s lips again. He didn’t know why only that felt right. Finally, he moved away before Kaeya could trap him again. He could see the knight’s breath hanging in the air. Albedo took one hand to his own chin to wipe away a line of spit.

“You need the air,” Albedo whispered. “You’re still concussed.”

Kaeya licked at his lips, his grip on Albedo still strong. “Mm. So when I do, will you kiss me again?”

Albedo smiled. He loved this man’s spirit. “Yes, as soon as I get you to a healer. I’ll kiss you again.”

“Don’t stop after that.”

Albedo huffed a chuckle and kissed the man’s forehead. “Never.”

It would be a few more hours before Kaeya was strong enough and they made their way down the mountain. With the help of the guild, they were back in Mondstadt. Albedo hardly left Kaeya’s side the whole time. It wasn’t until he was told to leave the room as Barbara and the other sister went to work healing.

When he was finally allowed back in the room the Captain sat up in bed nursing over a hot cup of tea. Albedo wasted no time making his way over to his bed.

“Ah, I forgot to apologize,” Kaeya said as he approached. “Your glider after you worked so hard for it, the feathers burned up.”

Albedo brought a knee onto the bed and took Kaeay’s face with his hands. “Doesn’t matter,” he mumbled before pulling him in and kissing him.

It was like he was trying to recreate the same kiss they did on the mountain. Just as intense and filled with love as before. Kaeya leaned back onto his pillow taking Albedo with him. Their chests pressed together and Albedo rested his hands on Kaeya’s shoulders. He could feel Kaeya’s hand on his lower back. Their noses rubbed together as they angled their hands for a deeper kiss.

Albedo let out a soft moan when Kaeya held him and felt his tongue on his. Kaeya pulled away wincing. No way could he have hurt him, then Albedo saw a bit of hot tea dripping onto Kaeya’s lap.

“Oh,” Albedo exhaled, “Sorry I got carried away.”

Kaeya chuckled and moved the cup from one hand to the nightstand. “No, no I was just as excited.” He then took Albedo’s chin in his fingers. “Keep kissing me like that and you can do whatever you want Mr. Alchemist.”

Albedo smirked, “Ridiculous.” He scoffed and kissed him short and sweet. “A ridiculous man that I love.”

Kaeya hummed and returned the kiss. “I love you too.”