Chapter Text
It has been quite some time since Aether had visited Mondstadt, though his recent journeys throughout the distant nation of Inazuma is familiar to anyone within the Knights of Favonius. Indeed, he seemed rather busy. But there was something about it that prodded the chief alchemist, but he couldn’t put a finger to it. There was something rather irksome at the way the traveler would visit Mondstadt only for a day or two simply because it was within the convenience of a commission. Of course, in all instances, Albedo would hear about his prompt appearance through hearsay. Surely, there’s a logical explanation to why this is bothering him, Albedo assured himself.
Perhaps it was the way he was busy. The way he was given the title of an honorary knight, and yet he was absent most of the time. Though, perhaps that’s a rather minor detail, considering “honorary” meant that it wasn’t a permanent position. Ah, but permanence or not, the responsibility remains. Take himself, for example. Albedo may stay days in his humble camp on Dragonspine, but this is only without the expense of missing duties and paperwork. Punctuality is a natural trait for a knight of Favonius, so it’s an expectation to be had in the traveler. No, no. His duties differed from those outside of his department, so Aether must have different priorities.
Or maybe, just maybe, perhaps it was the lack of his—
“—Visit!” A voice perked from behind the heavy cedar door of Albedo’s study. It was Sucrose, stack of papers in hand, her glasses askew in front of a bright smile.
Hand on forehead, Albedo raises his head to look at her. He shakes his head, seemingly attempting to wipe an expression before coming to terms that there’s matters to tend to. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
“I’m here to visit, Mister Albedo,” Sucrose responds sheepishly. She places the stack of papers neatly on his desk before letting out a sigh of accomplishment. “Although you’ve said these research theses aren’t to be submitted until the end of the week, I figured I could send them over to you now on my way to deliver you some news.” She smiles, fixing her glasses.
Without looking up at her, Albedo begins to finger through the pages placed on his desk. “News, you say,” he continues to skim through the papers, his expression flat and focused. “What could be so important that you went out of your way to visit my study?” Not that it wasn’t common for Sucrose to come unannounced in his study, but rather he was aware of the hefty agenda he’s given to his apprentices; an agenda so large that any kind of unnecessary visit was unlikely. In recent days, Albedo has immersed himself in his research, studies consisting of both new ideas and archived theories, fully supported by his two students. One would say that the decision to study a lot at once was frantic, as if lacking direction. One would also say Albedo was tipping on the scale of both deathly bored, or unbearably focused. Regardless, it was uncharacteristic of the alchemist to tackle his studies in that manner, and naturally, his apprentices worried for their teacher, both in his well-being and the mountain of research they had to attend to.
But worry not, Sucrose thinks. A solution to Albedo’s sulking has arrived. Her confidence was at a hundred percent, a theory peer reviewed; everyone knew that the news would put a smile to Albedo’s face. It always had. This isn’t the first time, after all. She coughs a little, clearing her throat. “The Windblume festival is fast approaching,” she fidgets. “And just as it was last year, the traveler will be returning.” Albedo snaps out of his trance, quickly turning his head to look at her. His expression was a mixture of surprise, shock, and a bit horrified. Met with a reaction she surely didn’t expect, Sucrose immediately throws her hands up, waving them to and fro in retaliation. “Oh, uh, I’ve made sure it’s confirmed this time! The acting grandmaster herself has shared the news, after all.” She says, reassuring him. A confirmed visit from the traveler. Albedo ruminates on the thought for a little bit, emotions whirling inside him. He struggled to find words, resulting in silence that made Sucrose ever so anxious as time went by.
A weight pooled inside Albedo as he analyzed every single instance of meeting Aether within a second. Should he smile? Should he be direct? Should he actually not care at all? Why was this an issue now? Surely, there was something new this time around, something different. An inconsistency, an anomaly, a miscalculation of his feelings? Is it him, or is it Aether? It must be Aether; Albedo remembers naught of changing any of his ways since Aether has left. Yes, since he left. Albedo pauses in his thoughts.
“Mister Albedo?” Sucrose cautiously calls out to him.
“Ah,” Albedo reverts, shaking his head once again. “Yes, the traveler. Just like last year, yes?”
Sucrose breathes, seemingly relieved. “Yes,” Her smile returns to her face. “He’ll be celebrating the festival with us again. It’s plenty exciting.”
Albedo relaxes himself as he steadies his posture on his seat. “Of course. Perhaps the traveler could assist you in your research as well?”
Sucrose stiffens, recognizing this tone of his all too well. “Huh? Uh, was there… Is there something amiss in our theses?”
Reaching for the papers once again, he flips to a relevant page. “Coming to the conclusion that this specific ore can maintain its shape during the rubedo phase considering it has these properties listed,” his eyes darts back to her, an eyebrow raised. “I wonder—”
It only took a few seconds before Sucrose jumps to her feet, ears perked, quickly recognizing her mistake. She immediately reaches to pick the papers back up, fumbling on the way. “That was an oversight, I can’t believe I missed it!” With the stack back in her arms, she hunches over as she bows her head in shame. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mister Albedo. With all the fuss about the festival, it’s hard not to get excited. I apologize for being distracted, really—”
Albedo waves his hand. “It’s quite alright,” A small smile spreads on his face. “The due date isn’t until the end of the week, and you were a tad bit early. Assuredly, you’re on the right track.” Sucrose can only smile back, before bowing her head to excuse herself. As she hurries herself out the door, Albedo sinks into his chair, his breath slipping out of him.
His mind reaches a moment of respite as Albedo catches himself from recycling through the thoughts he had earlier. This particular issue has been nagging at him for the past month or so at a grueling gradual pace, and nothing bothers him more than not being able to figure out the cause of the effect. Albedo realizes this to be some sort of anomaly in him, as he fully recognizes that the issue is trivial, and yet he finds himself reacting to it unexpectedly. He leans back in his chair, elbow on the rest, chin in his hand. The festival’s next week, the imminent meeting with the traveler approaching him. There was absolutely no way that Albedo would let Aether see him like this. Not until he figures out what this is.
The fated day arrives, and Aether stands at the grand gates of Mondstadt. The refreshing aura of the bright and busy streets as everyone bustles about in preparation for the festival was something he could never compare to other places he’s been to. The winds perpetually carried the scent of flowers, the cold gusts flush against his skin. Although he’s been here quite recently due to a commission, every visit felt like ages apart. Aether breathes in, and breathes out. “Here we are!” Paimon floats ahead, twirling in her path happily. “Everyone’s all excited for the festival, you could pretty much feel it!” She chimes, in awe of the crowd ahead. Aether smiles, nodding in agreement. The energy was contagious, and as he walks towards the Favonius headquarters, he has a pep in his step.
In every visit he makes to Mondstadt, it was a routine to check in with Jean at the headquarters to catch her up on recent affairs, as well as anything else of importance. These check-ins last only a few minutes (Aether tends to be hasty in his summaries due to Jean’s tight schedule) and are mostly casual conversations. It was always nice to catch up with friends, after all. But more importantly, this time, Aether felt the need to visit someone else. He hadn’t seen Albedo in awhile, and he was eager to hear what he was up to. That’s all there is to it, really. Besides, he was here for an extended visit, there’s no harm in seeing a friend along the way, right? Except, out of everyone else, Aether wanted to see him first.
“Huh? You want to see Albedo first?” Paimon tilts her head.
“Yeah,” Aether scratches his cheek. “It’s been awhile.”
“Shouldn’t we check in with Jean first?”
“That can wait.” Aether waves his hand dismissively.
“Well, okay then,” Paimon hovers ahead. “Lead the way.”
“Uh, wait,” Aether tugs lightly on Paimon’s arm, stopping her dead in her flight. She turns, confused.
“I want to go alone,” Aether looks away, sheepishly.
“You, alone? But—”
“Please,” He claps his hands together to plead. Paimon could only ponder at the idea of what could possibly be the reason for Aether’s pleas to go alone, but when it comes to stuff like this, she’s never in the position to question. He knew what he wanted to do, and he’ll do it regardless. She sighs, puffing her chest as she crosses her arms. “Okay, but don’t take too long! Paimon doesn’t like waiting, especially when we haven’t gotten to eat in awhile.”
Aether soon finds himself standing in front of the large door to Albedo’s study. He’s very well aware that the alchemist has been busy with experiments and research and whatnot; it wasn’t hard to find that out. It’s been so long, so long, and Aether is eager to tell him everything that’s happened so far. The thought of being able to see his face and hear his voice made him feel anxious and excited. But hold on, maybe he doesn’t want any visitors right now. His hands freeze at the knob. Oh, but he came all the way here just to see him, and they haven’t seen each other in awhile. He should be excited to see him. He could feel his heart knocking against his chest. Though truly, giving him some space while he works would be the best—
Suddenly, the door swings open. The door slams right onto Aether’s face, the impact knocking him backwards. All nervousness washes away as his entire mind focuses on the searing pain on his nose, even as far as ignoring the culprit behind the opened door. Which is Albedo, of course. He’s absolutely bewildered at the fact that Aether was standing in front of his door just now, let alone almost destroying his face. He actually didn’t think much of the latter, he was more focused on his fight or flight response upon seeing him, his emotions whirring as he tried to figure out what to say to him. Considering the thoughts he’s been having, it’s painfully awkward to see him now .
“Aether?” Albedo somehow manages to muster to speak, mostly out of concern for Aether’s well-being.
Aether reacts quickly, almost automatic, and springs up. “Albedo!” He dusts himself. “It’s been awhile.”
Albedo blinks. “Yes, it has. Have you been standing at my door?”
Aether shakes his head. “No, of course not. I just arrived here.” He would’ve stood longer if not for this, actually.
Albedo stares at him for a bit, warmth building up in him. It has been awhile, and it was hard to ignore the pleasure in seeing him again. “Was there something you needed from me?”
“No, I just wanted to see you and hoped to catch up.” A smile.
Somehow, the warmth fades a little, and a weight of anxiety begins to sit at the pit of Albedo’s gut. Why does he feel this way now? Is he that nervous to know what Aether has been doing while he was away? None of these matters meant anything to Albedo, nor is it relevant to him. But would it be comforting if it was? He fights off this feeling hard, and attempts to put on a calm facade. “Of course, if you’d like to talk, I could spare some time for you.” He opens the door completely, making way for Aether to come inside his study. “I believe it’s more comfortable if we could have this talk inside.”
The inside of Albedo’s study mirrored the atmosphere of his camp. Bookshelves and pin boards lined the walls, all neatly organized by category. A small space in the corner held alchemical instruments, with each beaker and vial occupied from a recent experiment. Finally, the centerpiece of the entire room is his desk, littered with papers, notes, and stray pages from books, successfully being the least organized area of them all. Albedo motions towards a chair next to his desk, inviting Aether to take a seat. As Aether obliges, Albedo sits on the chair directly next to him. While the inside of the building was definitely warm and comfortable, there was something rather chilly about this room that Aether can’t particularly describe. For now, he ignores this, facing Albedo who was sitting in front of him.
“I haven’t been in here in awhile,” Aether’s eyes wandered around the room curiously as he spoke.
“It has been awhile,” Albedo echoes, folding his hands in his lap. The fact that Aether seems to be constantly bringing up how long he hasn’t been around made Albedo slightly irked, but the facade stayed.
“I see that you’ve been really busy,” Aether returns his gaze towards him. “Have you been eating well?”
This catches Albedo off-guard. “I,” A slight stammer. “Yes, enough to sustain energy for the day. There’s no need to worry.”
Aether smiles. “Good, you were never good at that.”
“There’s been improvements,” Albedo regains momentum. “A lot has happened since you were away, time in which, I pray you’ve spent productively?”
“I’ve been in Inazuma, and a lot has happened there.”
Albedo nods. “Please, tell me about it.”
Aether begins his story of Inazuma and the Vision Hunt Decree, diving deep into the details of the struggle between the resistance and the Shogun. Of course, Albedo only listened intently, his concerns waving back and forth from worry to relief. Aether had always been extremely reckless, a trait that made Albedo uncomfortable, considering Aether’s selflessness. But as if to balance it all out, he was impressively reliable. “As you are here now, it’s as expected that you’d be able to handle it all by yourself.”
Aether smiles, slightly bashful at the compliment. “I wouldn’t have done all of it if it wasn’t for the help of others.”
Ah, others. Of course there would be others. Albedo knew he would never be part of that as he had his own responsibilities anchoring him in Mondstadt and in Dragonspine. He wouldn’t be so anxious about the traveler if he could be present, seeing the world’s wonders right next to him. The thought was painful, and all the more confusing. Albedo still doesn’t have a firm idea of why these thoughts haunted him and filled him with a bitter sensation, knowing full well he didn’t before. His facade cracks slightly, his hand touching his forehead for a moment. “I see.” It was all he could say from the overstimulation of emotions.
Aether sensed something was amiss, considering it was now visible on the alchemist’s actions. But he was still too anxious to pry, considering the state of his study, Albedo must’ve surely been busy, none of which was Aether’s business. But still, perhaps a discussion of his studies could ease whatever he may be feeling? “Enough about me, how about you, Albedo? What’s been going on with you lately?”
Unbeknownst to Aether, this question was painfully ironic. Albedo almost shuddered in response, still analyzing his own thoughts. His anxiety from not knowing what this is to knowing that Aether is in front of him only grew. “It’s nothing you should concern yourself with,” was an automatic answer.
As well as uncharacteristic. Aether picked up on this quickly, noticing his tone. “As your assistant, shouldn’t I at least have an idea?” He now begins to prod.
“Supposedly, perhaps,” Albedo closes his eyes. “But your involvement isn’t necessary this time around.”
Somehow, Aether didn’t like that. Usually, he’d be more understandable on the occasion that it was something Aether can’t physically help with, but this time wasn’t like that considering his tone . Something was wrong. “Are you sure there isn’t anything that I can help with?”
“I’m absolutely positive.”
“Surely, there’s something I can do…”
“Believe me, it’s not something you can help with or involve yourself in.” Albedo’s tone hardens.
“That only makes this even more suspicious,” Aether pushes. “What’s going on, Albedo?”
“Please stop asking any further.”
Now it’s clear. “You’re hiding something.”
Immediately, Albedo’s defense pulls up. Wrapped up in his own confusing emotions, his thoughts were clumsy, and he fumbled for an answer that could satiate Aether’s curiosity enough to stave him away. But this failed almost instantaneously, when uncontrollable feelings inevitably overtook logic. “There’s nothing for me to hide, but you may have had an idea if you had tended to your duties here a lot more.”
“That’s…” Aether stammers, unsure of how to respond to something so unexpected from Albedo. “That’s none of your business...” He says this, almost trailing off.
“Then, I suppose it’s safe to say that anything we do isn’t each other’s business.” There was bitterness in Albedo’s voice this time. The words were equally painful to both of them.
Silence. The two sat silently for a few moments as they simmered in the tension. Albedo was frustrated, both in himself and in Aether, for having feelings he did not understand and for Aether to pry when he shouldn’t have. Aether was equally frustrated, at himself for feeling guilt in not visiting a friend he treasured more than anyone else, and for Albedo being unnecessarily uncooperative. The atmosphere was cold and heavy, and none dared to say a word. The silence continued to loom over them until Aether finally breaks it by standing up from his seat, heading towards the door. “I’ll be heading out now,” he says, almost whispering.
Albedo opened his mouth to say something, but no words escaped his lips. Tongue-tied, he remained silent, unsure of what to say in the palpable awkwardness. Aether staggered a little in his walk, almost as if hopeful that Albedo would say something to stop him, but nothing came out. Disappointed, he proceeds to open the door. “Have a great Windblume,” he steps out, not looking back at the alchemist. “I wish you, and whoever you give your Windblume to, the best.”