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Afternoon sunlight glowed bright against the stone pavement.
Customers ate heartily at the tables of Good Hunter. Merchants and store owners alike had their voices hollering for the attention of customers. The flowing water from the fountain rang loud, as the cats and dogs laid sleepily on the warm ground. Timaeus nodded a greeting to him as he checked the scholar’s recent project. Children called out for their friends and ran swiftly passed.
Simply an average afternoon in the city of Mondstadt.
Lisa came into his office about thirty minutes prior to sweet talk him into getting some fresh air. Though he wasn’t thoroughly convinced, it was quite a surprising note on the lack of inspiration he’s had the past few days regarding his art. Xingqiu hasn’t begun the next volume of A Legend of Sword, which has left him without any major projects. Just a blank canvas or paper in front of him, and the feeling that he has painted almost everything he thought of.
Perhaps, redoing old works may invigorate him? Truly, there are some pieces he wished he could retouch or even restart entirely. Many factors that held him back doing so were either paint already dried or rather the duties he had to complete as a Knight of Favonius. There’s that day where it would seem that there’s not enough time for everything.
Flora stood behind the stall calling the attention of buyers to purchase flowers. While he’s bought a couple of Windwheel Asters for decoration in his house, he mostly stuck by to study the flowers she had for sale. Armed with his sketchbook and a charcoal stick in his hands, after greeting the younger girl and explaining that he’s only looking for creative inspiration with her flowers. The more eye-catching new arrival would have to be the pot of hydrangeas next to the currently dim Small Lamp Grass.
Just as he was sketching the stem did he notice incoherent mumbling from nearby. As his focus broke, he turned towards the source of the voice. It came from a young boy standing close to the fruit stand, huddled to himself with a single Cecilia in his hand. Stems and petals littered around his feet, just as he plucked another petal from the flower.
She loves me, she loves me not…
Once the final petal had fallen, he only groaned in defeat. The boy dropped the now petal-less Cecilia to the ground and only then did he catch sight of his face. It was one of Klee’s friends.
“Mr. Albedo! I didn’t notice you were there.” he exclaimed, eyes wide with his shoulders raised high. He noticed how the blond’s eyes were trained down upon the mess of stems and petals on the ground. “Oh, I didn’t mean to ruin those flowers. I was just… testing something…”
Albedo shook his head. “No worries, though it’s more accurate that Flora would be upset with you.” he answered, casting a side glance to the shop owner. Her stare kept onto the boy, with a tinge of disappointment in her eyes. “I’m curious about what you’re trying to do, however.”
The boy turned away bashfully, fingers fiddling restlessly as bright red reached his ears. “I was told by my big sister that plucking a petal from a flower would determine if who I loved would love me back…” confessing that only made the shade of his face deepen in color. “My last petal would always tell me that she won’t love me!”
He remembered reading about that game in some romance novels. Particularly popular in some publications from Fontaine. It truly couldn’t predict whether or not your romantic feelings would be reciprocated. But rather, it’s all about the number of petals. A Cecilia has six petals in total. To start with saying that “she loves me” would end in “she loves me not”. It showed a somewhat hopeful and giddy feeling for the main character when their petal says that their love is requited. A rather comical disappointment if the petal says no, and so they would try to verify its answer with every flower in the garden.
That boy’s big sister is quite the teasing one. Though a little white lie such as that won’t do much harm once he figures out the truth. Albedo knew he would discover someday so he merely smiled. “Perhaps, she doesn't like Cecilias.” he answered, while gesturing towards Flora’s display of flowers. “Try a Windwheel Aster, it is quite commonly liked by everyone. If the petals say yes then that would mean she prefers that flower instead.”
Brown eyes lit up with excitement. “You might be right!” he cheered, sounding giddy and excited. “Thank you for the advice, Mr. Albedo. I’ll see you later!”
He ran over towards the stall, bringing out his pouch of Mora.
Albedo only shook his head to himself while chuckling. Eyes its attention back to his sketchbook. Minutes later a simple drawing of a hydrangea was now completed.
…
He loves me…
…
Hilichurls circled him, weapons raised and growling. The sack of Sal Terrae’s salinated soil fell to the ground. Ah, he was so certain that he was light on his feet. The monsters suddenly became alert of his presence. An unfortunate situation that he’s in.
Albedo summoned his sword, Geo energy gathering in his palm. He released it onto the ground beneath, bringing forth a Solar Isotoma. They all staggered back, golden flowers burst upon impact, and further did they bloom with each swing of his sword. The smaller hilichurls dissipated into black dust from his swift and elegant slashes.
He heard the crack of a crossbow. Dodging the arrow infused with Pyro quickly before it could even scratch him. A critical eye towards the row of three shooters. Albedo ran towards them before sending all three of the hilichurls backwards with two strikes. A transient blossom crystallizes to further amplify the damage.
The smaller enemies now down, all that is left is the mitachurls wielding large axes. Large hands dug into the dirt to bring out a Pyro Slime. Weapons now infused with fire, they came charging forward. Immediately, Albedo leaped onto the locus of the isotoma. A platform raises him above the monsters. A quite graceful swing of his sword while he plunged below to summon more blossoms that staggered the enemies back. Still not enough to fully defeat them.
Just as he was about to stand up, a swing of the axe had caused him to fall on his back in an attempt to duck. His sword had been sent far out of his reach. The mitachurls along with hilichurls holding torches loomed above him.
Eyes quickly shut, hand raised in the last resort to conjure a shield.
A loud clang echoed in front of him.
Albedo opened his eyes, mouth dropped slightly open in shock. A whirlwind of teal and the essence of Anemo. It sped through the whole group of hilichurls, turning many of them into black dust upon getting slashed.
His savior was a man about his height. Short, dark hair with verdant green streaks that stood out against it. Sharp golden eyes, narrowed into a glare. His attire was of a white sleeveless top with a high black colar. Purple pants and dark boots. Golden ornaments upon his belt with a mask hooked onto his hip. His Anemo Vision glowed brightly atop the turquoise and black gloves he wore. The long flowing sleeve on his left arm flapped with the winds that surrounded him all while the jade tattoo on his right arm pulsed alongside his attacks.
Hilichurls fell each second, the assault of the man’s power over Anemo paired with the deadly strikes of his polearm rendered them unable to fight back. Axes lost their fire as the mitachurls fell on their knees. Grass charred to brown once the smaller hilichurls let out their wail of defeat. The gold blossoms exploded in sync with each attack. All until the last hilichurl crumpled onto his feet.
The isotoma disappears, the sounds of water rushing return to his ears. Heavy breathing along with the whistles of strong gale coming from Dragonspine behind him. With a twirl of his wrist, the man banishes his spear. A critical eye meets Albedo’s shocked gaze, before sighing quietly to himself. Footsteps came his way, stopping in front of him to bend down. Gloved hands grasped firmly on the sleeves of his coat, hoisting him up to his feet.
Upon closer proximity did Albedo notice smaller details of the man’s appearance. Red eyeliner and a purple diamond upon his forehead. Cloud-like patterns on his top and that flowing sleeve on his left arm. Scratches along his toned arms. An almost permanent frown embedded in his mouth.
Just as Albedo was about to voice out his gratitude, the mysterious man spoke up first. “Tread this area with vigilance, mortal.” came the ice cold tone, though faintly it held a bit of concern. Eyes looked down to the glowing Geo Vision on his chest. “Fortunate that you are blessed with a Vision, otherwise your blood would’ve painted this ground.”
He did not stay longer after those words were said. The man disappeared leaving only teal and black particles in his wake.
The blond blinked once, twice, then thrice. The events happened all in a blur. It almost brought him a headache to even try and remember what exactly happened. All Albedo knew was that whoever saved him… he was eternally grateful for him. Through the limited books from Liyue he’s read –courtesy of Xingqiu– he was aware that this man might be an adeptus. His aura was different from a regular allogene such as himself. Something of divine power intertwined with the gift of the Anemo Archon’s powers. A mix of both cleansing light and whispers of darkness that blew obediently in the direction of the winds he has control over. That man is not simply an immortal, but something of Celestia’s level of divinity.
Unfortunately, Albedo wasn’t able to catch his name.
Perhaps, Aether must know him. It wouldn’t hurt to ask him…
…
He loves me not…
…
Albedo hadn’t asked the question. His duties had him thoroughly occupied to the point it slipped off his mind.
The Investigation Team worked tirelessly on new gadgets to assist knights in expeditions. Stun traps made of the essence of Electro slimes, a better developed version of the NRE and effective stamina potions. Eula had also asked for his assistance upon a discovery of a mutated whopperflower (Seems she’ll never forget what happened last they ventured together in Dragonspine). It was rather a powerful variant than of its usual kind. Slightly bigger in size and a larger range of its projectiles. Once it was momentarily weakened, Albedo snipped off a sample of its leaves before his fellow captain dispatched it immediately.
Along with picnics upon Starsnatch Cliff with Klee to make up for the time they both spent apart, his days have been busier than ever.
Until one fateful day, just as he was finishing the last of his paperwork did the door creak open.
“Albedo, good afternoon!” Paimon greeted cheerfully. After placing his pen down, teal eyes looked up to see the white fairy waving.
“Hey Albedo, I hope we didn’t come at the wrong time.” the Traveler looked down at the two stacks of paper to his right.
The alchemist merely smiled as he stood up from his chair. “Not at all.” he answered, while shaking his head. “It is quite the surprise to see you both here after your trip to Inazuma. Is something the matter?”
Aether and Paimon looked at each other in slight hesitation.
“Similar to that, you could say…” Aether finally replied, while scratching the back of his head. “I have a commission from the Adventurer’s Guild that’s a bit difficult for me to complete on my own. I didn’t wish to ask for assistance but I have to admit that without extra hands, it would be impossible for me to finish this.”
Ah, so this was the dilemma. Albedo looked back into his schedule. So far, all his pending projects have been completed. Sucrose is currently supervising the laboratory, he has no new expeditions and majority of his experiments are undergoing improvement. Given his full focus on finishing paperwork, his entire day was now left vacant. His hands are itching to find new creative inspiration. He had been unable to do any form of art since weeks ago.
Without wasting another second, he nodded. “Of course, you caught me at the best moment possible.” he said, reaching for the bag hung onto the side of his chair. “I’m very much free for the rest of the day. If it’s help you need, I’m willing to assist you.”
Paimon clapped her tiny hands. “That’s great!” she exclaimed, bouncing in the air. “It’s all the way in Liyue so we’ll stop by Wangshu Inn for some snacks and to call for Xiao.”
Xiao? It’s a name he’s never heard off, yet it sounded familiar too…
Aether answered the question in his head. “Someone else is also joining us, if you don’t mind.” he scratched the back of his head bashfully. “He stays at Wangshu Inn often, so we’ll see him there.”
“That’s fine by me. Now just wait a moment, I’ll pack a few things.”
…
The journey to Wangshu Inn was mostly uneventful. Along the path, Paimon retold the story of their adventures across the ocean to Inazuma. From joining a resistance, almost getting killed twice by the Electro Archon and meeting the owner of the Yae Publishing House. Before the journey, Aether gifted him a blue mushroom that came from the now deserted Tsurumi Island. Hearing the tales from their supernatural experiences on the island was quite the excitement to listen to.
They found a hilichurls ravaging the cart of a terrified merchant, they quickly defeated the enemies before continuing their way to the inn.
Now he stood upon the second floor, the view of Dihua Marsh below the sheer height of the establishment. The smell of the gentle Silk Flowers danced with the prominent scent of spices and garlic. The sun shone through the yellow leaves and created little spots on the wooden floor. Aether and Paimon were downstairs having food, Albedo declined joining them as he wasn’t in the mood to eat.
This was exactly what he needed. His clipboard within his hand, he sketched the scenery before his eyes. The air was faint and somewhat weak. The tourists visiting were quite loud, distracting. Was there another floor that he could escape to?
Albedo turned behind, and another stairwell indeed led to the top-most balcony of the inn. Although, he has heard from the boss of the inn that it is prohibited for guests to go up there. When he questioned Aether and Paimon about it, the pair only looked at each other with knowing faces. Paimon explained that Xiao did not enjoy being around people with Aether being one of the few exceptions. Though, it is unlikely that he would be at the balcony at this hour. Which is why the Traveler had to call for the man himself.
“He’s an adeptus!” Albedo remembered the white fairy saying. “He’ll be cold at first, but once he knows you’re part of the group then he’s going to warm up to you eventually.”
That being said, Aether told him that it would be best if Albedo waited for the pair to finish eating before going up to meet Xiao.
The adepti are held at such a high regard in Liyue, for they are the ones who assisted Rex Lapis during the Archon War. Signing a contract to forever protect the people of Liyue against the forces of darkness. However the Geo Archon was now dead, and the declaration of Liyue being a nation led by man has spread through the entirety of Teyvat. Albedo has heard stories of some adepti retreating to the mountains in solitude, and some chose to live amongst the humans themselves. Paimon emphasized that whoever Xiao is, he is a guardian of Liyue.
Alas, the noises from downstairs hindered him from focusing on his sketch. Without much thought, his legs took him up to the third floor. The view reached far at the height of this balcony. A vast river right in front of him. A pot placed nearby the railing had a strange rock shaped similarly to a mountain. Lanterns hung either side of the entrance. Birds chittered from the branches above and the voices sounded almost inaudible. Not completely silent, however the atmosphere of this area filled him with serenity.
The wind blew slightly stronger, the pages of his clipboard fluttered. Blond hair tickled his cheeks. His charcoal stick met the paper once more, continuing his progress from a while ago.
Upon taking another glance of the scenery, he caught a glimpse of another figure standing beside him.
“What is your business up here?”
It was sudden, Albedo instinctively flinched away from the source. His clipboard fell at his feet.
Facing to his right did he see… It was him…
Dark hair, sharp amber eyes with red eyeliner. Anemo Vision upon his gauntlet and a mask hung onto his hip. This was the man who saved him! Was he the Xiao that Aether had said would join them in his mission? He was right to infer that this man was indeed an adeptus.
Teal eyes were wide in recognition, and seeing from the look upon Xiao’s face that the adeptus recognized him too. Albedo’s body was frozen in shock, brain rattling to find a response to Xiao’s question.
“I…” he began —then remembered— he wasn’t meant to be up here. He was told that Xiao didn’t enjoy having visitors up here. Albedo had only gone thinking the man wasn’t present. Archons spare him from this embarrassment. He’ll be seen as a mindless fool for going up a prohibited area. “F-Forgive me for intruding. You must be Adeptus Xiao, am I right? Aether mentioned you were also helping him in his commission. I had been asked for my assistance too.”
Xiao’s glare softened into fondness at the mention of Aether’s name. Then, the man shook his head, returning to his impassive expression. “Ah, he did mention you indeed.” was all he replied. “Where is he now?”
“Downstairs in the kitchen.”
He swore that golden eyes brightened with happiness. Though carefully masked under the permanent stone face Xiao always presented himself with. The man nodded.
This silence in turn was suffocating. Xiao walked a few steps back to lean against the entrance of the balcony. Eyes closed in meditative focus. Albedo bent down to pick up his fallen clipboard, slightly trembling at the presence of Xiao. Awkward, as it would be called. Something about Xiao’s aura deemed him unapproachable. Simply meeting his eyes is an outward message telling you that it would be a waste of breath trying to talk to him. It did not help that Albedo himself was a man of few words. The many reasons that maintaining such certain friendships was tiresome.
Though being quiet didn’t help him either. This was the man who saved him from possibly getting fatally injured that day. It was quite lucky that Aether knew him indeed. How was he supposed to thank Xiao without sounding like a worshipper first encountering their god?
“You… left immediately before I could say thank you for your help last we met.” he uttered quietly, turning to face Xiao. “When I was attacked in Sal Terrae. I hope it did not cause much trouble to you.”
One eyelid opened to look back at him. A perplexed sigh escaped XIao’s lips.
“Think nothing of it.”
Four words that were said monotonously. It was clear Xiao did not wish to engage in a conversation with him.
Minutes later, Xiao straightened up and headed downstairs, without calling for him. After another few minutes, Paimon called for him as they were about to depart.
The sketch of the river… Albedo never finished it.
…
He loves me…
…
Sal Terrae seemed to always be the place they were destined to meet.
“Have you not learned from what happened last time you were here?” was the first thing he heard from Xiao. Following their first meeting, Aether had always chosen the both of them for helping him with difficult expeditions. Seldom additions would be Diona from The Cat’s Tail or even Tianquan herself. Since then, Xiao’s words held less bite to him. Not that it ever did from when they first talked to each other. They were a bit closer than acquaintances, with the adeptus acknowledging his abilities being able to support him amidst the battlefield.
“We’re quite far away from the camp that attacked me.” Albedo answered, while twisting his wrist. “I returned to this area to test certain gadgets the Investigation Team has been working on. The camp was quickly dispatched of, you needn’t be worried for my safety.”
Just as the jade polearm was lowered, Xiao’s eyes narrowed at his words. “Tested certain gadgets?”
The alchemist nodded. “Indeed. Less land destructing mines that work a quite similarly to my little sister’s bombs. The explosion is only enough to weaken enemies before the knights themselves land their deadly strikes.” he explained, taking down notes on his clipboard. “The result was just as I hoped for it to be. I was able to fare well against the enemies in contrast to last time.”
Albedo tilted his head to the side, gesturing to the Yaksha. “You look as if you have finished your patrol around this area. Care to sit and talk for a bit?”
It was strange for him to request that. Inviting an immortal in mundane small talk. Skilled hands compiled all his research notes away in a folder, leaving a fresh page to sketch on. Rustles of fabric and the jingles of golden ornaments came close to his ear until Xiao sat down beside him. Weapon left on the ground as he closed his eyes for a moment.
Crystalflies descended from atop the treetops. Albedo could sense the essence of Geo from their wings. Sunlight glinted against their shiny cores, mesmerizing. That was what he was going to sketch today. Simply dancing up above without much care in the world.
He turned to check on Xiao, who had still kept his eyes closed. Back leaning against the Sandbearer Tree they sat under. Letting out a long breath, the man raised his hand in front of him. A finger raised ever so slightly.
Astonishing. Albedo witnessed as the crystalfly came down to sit itself upon Xiao’s waiting finger. The man kept his hand still, just as the creature fluttered its glittering gold wings. Truly, it was only a few times he would see Xiao this gentle and serene. His face was not twisted in anguish nor were his hands firm and unyielding. In such little moments was he able to see how Xiao still held adoration for the world around him.
Only, it was forced to be masked under the duty to protect this world. The price the Yaksha had to pay? He must forever face the ugly side of it too. Of which it cost both his and his comrades’ sanity.
When he had first met Xiao, Albedo couldn’t help but wish to learn more about him. There was more than just what he saw before his eyes. A strong and selfless warrior who is distant towards everyone who comes near him. A prominent distaste in present day human culture, finding it ridiculous. Admitting that he only sees himself as a tool and nothing more. Albedo knew that can’t just be it.
And he was right indeed. This warrior harbored fondness for people whom he’s close to. Held back from his desire to learn about humankind due the possibility of his karma tainting them. This man who has been tormented for many years suffered alone. Believing there is no hope for him until many came and showed him his worth.
Albedo initially wished to learn of his strength and his battle prowess. The details of his abilities as a divine being, an illuminated beast. Like that of the Traveler did he want to study a man of his kind.
Yet now… that seemed pointless. He’s fought alongside him several times now and he’s seen it all. Instead, something in his heart yearned to be that person for Xiao. Another someone who would show him that there is more to him than simply being the Conqueror of Demons. There is more than just slaying the remains of fallen gods.
He did not know where these feelings came from.
So, he shook his head. The crystalfly had flown away from Xiao’s finger. Albedo set his clipboard down, reaching for a twig that was nearly buried beneath the grass.
“Adeptus Xiao, are you perhaps interested in attempting to combine both alchemy and adeptal energy?”
Amber meets teal, seemingly impassive albeit there were tinges of caution in his tone. “That is a foolish idea.” came his reply, while shaking his head. “It is already enough that you must stay in close proximity with my karma. If my energy were to enter your body, you might as well break and disintegrate.”
A smile curled up Albedo’s lips. “Your karma is corrosive, I would’ve merely disintegrated within seconds in our first battle.” the alchemist explained. “Alongside your ability to fight, you use adeptal energy to purify the poison of fallen gods. I use Alchemy to birth new life, yet like everything else in this world it would eventually wilt. My inference is that… perhaps divine powers such as yours would yield a different result.”
He could see that Xiao remained hesitant. In a bold action, he reached for the man’s hand.
“I trust that you can control yourself.”
His words caught Xiao off guard. Eventually, he gave in. Albedo held the twig between his fingers, and the adeptus placed his palm above the blond’s hand. A faint glow emitted around the branch. Eyes closed in focus, in the darkness he could see shining gold dancing like ribbons. Flowing like the ocean and free as the wind. It found its essence in the ground before sprouting into a beautiful flower.
The small twig transformed into a fully grown Qingxin.
Xiao was amazed. He pulled his hand back in order to pick up the created flower. While he’s heard from Aether that Albedo is an illustrious alchemist of Mondstadt, it was only now did he witness his ability of creating new life. Three flowers with smooth white petals, a stem in a healthy shade of green. It looked as if it was freshly picked from the highest peaks of Huaguang Stone Forest. Almost indistinguishable from an ordinary Qingxin.
Though Albedo could tell. This flower was different. While many of the flora he’d created would precisely imitate its natural kind, this particular Qingxin was not like those. The texture of the leaves and the light fragrance of the flower…it’s exactly similar.
Except this Qingxin will last an eternity. A specimen of which would never wilt.
…
He loves me not…
…
“Albedo!”
It was a bright morning in Mondstadt. He carried bags of groceries from the General Goods store. The blond raised his head up to see Aether and Paimon running towards him.
“Traveler and Paimon, it’s been awhile!” Albedo greeted, setting the bags down onto the ground.
It had been a little over a couple of months since he last saw the pair. Aether had thanked him for his help in all the difficult commissions and also adding that he had bothered Albedo enough with all his chores. Since then, he has regained focus on his experiments. Much progress was made and many were impressed with the immortal Qingxin that both he and Xiao had created.
He kept the flower safe in his personal laboratory. It was… something special. Something he shared with the Yaksha that he wished to protect.
Albedo couldn’t understand why he felt that way for such a simple plant. Perhaps, because it’s one of a kind. Xiao would also be upset if something happened to their creation.
“Do you need help with anything?” was his opted question Aether.
Upon asking that the Traveler suddenly blushed. Paimon had this smirk on her face while nudging her partner on his shoulder. Gloved hands came up front for his fingers to fidget. Strange… was it something embarrassing to tell him?
The white fairy groaned. “Aether’s heard you made an immortal flower.” she answered instead with a big grin. “In order to find the so-called perfect way to confess his undying love to Xiao, he wants you to help him make something similar.”
“Paimon!”
“Don’t look at Paimon like that, tomato face! You won’t get what you need until either of us says it.”
Something in his chest sank.
What in Celestia is this? Aether only asked to make another flower that wouldn’t wilt. For Xiao. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there? The one specimen that he and the adeptus created together. Aether would use that to tell Xiao how much he loved him. Why does his heart feel heavy? Why did it feel like something shattered inside? He’s meant to be happy! Happy that…
Happy that Aether is taking interest in what they created…
Xiao was a colleague, not quite a close friend yet they shared common interests. They spoke in silence, needing no words to feel comfortable with each other. They marveled in the beauty of nature, basking in its serenity. Albedo learned much of Liyue’s culture through Xiao, just as Xiao learned the human customs of Mondstadt through Albedo. They both shared a plate of Almond Tofu and they are an unstoppable force in battle.
That’s how he interpreted their peculiar friendship.
Aether is in love with Xiao. He was well aware of how the two met and how Aether managed to melt his cold heart. His own purifying qualities made him immune to Xiao’s karma. His presence is the only thing needed to protect mere mortals who wished to be in the presence of the Yaksha. Xiao had been more open than anything.
All because of Aether.
It stung at first, then suddenly it began to ache. A feeling of despair and many emotions he cannot describe. All carefully masked as if he were thinking deeply.
He chose to push it away, replacing it with a teasing grin. “I see…” he chuckled, before picking up the bags again. “Well, the first flower I made, I actually had some help. Perhaps to make it slightly more personal, would it be alright if you helped me recreate it using your powers? You purified Dvalin’s corruption and you are an immortal yourself. With your love it might as well work.”
Saying that left a sour taste upon his tongue.
Aether brightened, placing his hands together. “Thank you so much, Albedo!” his sunny smile spread across his face. For some reason it made him bitter to look at it. “Here, I’ll help with your things so we can get started right away.”
Albedo didn’t answer, not when anguish burned more at the pit of his stomach.
…
He called for Xiao underneath the large tree in Windrise.
Albedo almost forgot why he still came along. His throat was clogged with unspoken words of confusion. His emotions were everywhere. His chest was hurting. Overwhelming, he didn’t understand why he felt this way.
In a flash of green and black, the Yaksha came. Wide-eyed and worried about why Aether suddenly called him. From his distance, Albedo couldn’t fully hear what they were saying. The sun was setting, once blue skies were painted pink. Orange glow made Xiao look ethereal against it. Sharp eyes and stern eyebrows… smoothed into something gentle. His hand did not carry a weapon, and therefore fingers were relaxed and not clenched.
This wasn’t a warrior he was looking upon right now, it was simply a man.
Behind his back… Albedo could see the undying Qingxin within Aether’s hand.
Their mouths moved, and blush filled their cheeks. Each second passing amplified this bitter feeling within Albedo. He could almost hear the bashfulness in the Traveler’s voice, and his face turned an even deeper shade of red once he brought out the flower in front of Xiao.
The look on Xiao’s face. Initial surprise that melted away into sweet adoration. He took the flower from Aether, and suddenly wrapped an arm around his waist. Of which it shocked the other.
When their lips met, Albedo knew it was time to leave.
…
The feeling didn’t leave him alone after that day. It was difficult to focus on his work. It was difficult to find inspiration for his art. It was difficult to leave the house fearing to meet Aether once more. He would stare at the Qingxin flower listlessly, caressing its petals if it were a certain someone’s hand he desperately wanted to hold. His thoughts would drift to crystalflies and shared desserts and a spear that commanded the wind’s course. All of which filled his tongue with sweetness but churned an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
He wasn’t sad. He certainly didn’t feel like crying. Though, it felt close to that. Even mentioning Windrise was enough to make him choke on his words. Thinking of braided golden hair simmered both anger and insecurity.
Xiao. Even thinking of him brought a bittersweet feeling. Recalling the bliss of their silence or their occasional conversations. The vigor and adrenaline when they fought enemies alongside each other. The melancholy of hearing his past, and therefore the start of his mission in convincing Xiao he was everything but simply a tool. The warmth he felt in his heart when Xiao would ease upon seeing him. Observing his mannerisms and enjoying his unintentional jokes.
Huh… he thought those were all for him.
Relationships are difficult… Albedo knew this. Yet with Xiao, it was so simple. The man didn’t ask for much. Even staying apart didn’t affect anything. They could simply go a day without talking and it would be a wonderful experience even so.
His heart was beating, it would flutter and tickle whenever he thought of Xiao. Even if it hurt thinking of him, it was enough to make him smile.
Albedo once only thought of helping him. Being a few of those who can listen to his woes, despite his insistence of keeping his pain hidden. For what reason? He’s a dear almost friend. He enjoyed hearing his voice and witnessing the delicate gestures his hands made when away from the battlefield. The unconscious curiosity he held for Alchemy and human culture. The determination to protect, to withstand his burdens for the sake of others.
Now? He had helped but he wanted to give him more.
Albedo wanted to love Xiao.
Oh.
The bitterness came tenfold. Mixed with jealousy and despair.
The windows of his bedroom were wide open and yet the air felt suffocating. Sucrose has visited his home each day to knock and check on him. He would never answer, however.
Klee came and left. When she is around, he’d act normally. He would cook their meals and talk, before she decides to leave and play with her friends. Albedo had asked her to deliver a letter he wrote to Jean. A couple of lies about feeling unwell which would hinder him from working properly. Her reply was given the night Klee returned.
“I wish you a speedy recovery. This was bound to happen due to how long you’ve drowned yourself in work. Rest well, Albedo. I’ll have Sucrose take care of the Laboratory over here…”
When left alone, he was mostly in his room, staring idly at the wall. He would draw a line on his sketchbook, then crumpling the paper in frustration. He would calm down at the sight of the Qingxin. Before repeating the cycle again.
It all made sense now. The explanation for his feelings was finally given.
The wish to hold Xiao’s hand, to see his face and hear his voice. To share moments of peace with each other. Whether it be wordless or an entire story. The feeling of his warmth when they created the flower together.
“I… he makes me happy…” Albedo whispered to himself, and despite saying that it made his chest ache and yearn. “I fell… hard…”
He sank onto the hardwood floor, unbraided ash blond hair covering his face.
For reasons now known, the first tears fell.
…
He loves me him…
…
From curiosity and intrigue then later becoming mutual understanding; it transformed into adoration and love. It wasn’t strange anymore, for he finally understood.
When he thought of kisses, it sent butterflies in his stomach. Soft lips against his own, endearing and gentle. Along with their comfort in all things quiet, kisses were enough to do all the speaking for the both of them.
Fingers that intertwined, clasped together in an unbreaking hold. Warm and calloused hands that claimed to only destroy what it touched, held his own hands with a promise of eternity.
Embraces would smell of qingxins. Flowers found atop the highest mountains, isolated from mankind. A herb that is also known for its healing capabilities and for creating medicine. Only those with great resilience may be able to pluck this flower off the stone peaks. Fortunate that you are to taste its bitterness yet indulge in its light smell.
Albedo could only imagine what all of that would feel like.
Here he chose to assist in an expedition. Aether was worried that almost nobody had seen him for many weeks. Jean, Lisa and even Kaeya knew why. They held their mouths shut, and obliged with Albedo’s request of him doing the majority of his paperwork at home. How could they say that the reason for the Chief Alchemist’s lack of appearance is due to the wish of avoiding the Honorary Knight? An embarrassing excuse but quite necessary due to the turmoil of his thoughts.
But he cannot escape when it’s Aether looking for him. Despite everything, the Traveler is his friend. His feelings cannot— should not-– get in the way. Aether briefly mentioned that Xiao was looking for him too, it made his heart skip a beat.
His moves were slower than they should've been, and somehow he couldn’t keep up with Xiao. The isotoma bloomed with each of the Yaksha’s strikes. He forced himself to match up the momentum. Distracting it was to fight alongside someone your heart desperately yearned for.
They have returned to Wangshu Inn. Aether and Xiao retreated to the balcony upstairs. A place of which Albedo is even more forbidden to go up to.
It was nightfall. The moon had peeked from the horizon, slowly rising up the sky. A cool breeze swept through the entire room, and the chains on his jacket jingled in sync.
Teal eyes met the ivory flower. It looked as if it were freshly picked. Smooth white petals and fresh green leaves. To him, he could sense the eternal life given to this flower. Life of which granted that the flower should never wilt like the rest. Traces of the touch of Anemo, with the purity of adeptal energy.
Xiao loved Qingxins, perhaps because these flowers enjoyed solitude just as he did. It was common to see it in the Realm of the Adepti. Thus, granting it to thrive many years alongside the divine beings until a mortal stumbles by to pluck it from the ground. Xiao ate them as part of his medicine to soothe his corruption. The shine in his eyes when he created the undying Qingxin with him was something Albedo could never forget.
He reached for the first petal of the first flower.
Pluck.
“He loves me.”
Why would Xiao love him? They fought alongside each other. They were quite the formidable pair. Enemies would fall at their feet from the deadly combination of Geo and Anemo. Xiao’s fierce and agile swings coupled with Albedo precise and graceful strikes. He withstood the karma Xiao would release when the Yaksha would don his mask. Spears of sharp wind that knocked all opponents off their feet while Albedo would release a tectonic tide.
The petal disintegrated into dust, disappearing along the direction of the wind.
Pluck.
“He loves me not.”
Why would Xiao not love him? Aether. They knew each other the longest. Xiao adored Aether, he would look for him if he sensed his aura from someone else. They would share meals and explore Liyue Harbor together. Exchange flowers and gifts and protect each other in battle. Aether was the first person who helped Xiao open his heart to everyone else. His entire being emitted purity, enough to have the karma shrink away in fear. They kissed whenever they thought no one was watching. Hold hands every moment they spend with each other.
Pluck.
“He loves me.” his voice weakened to a whisper. He wished to show the beauty of the world to him.
Pluck.
“He loves me not.” The feeling of bitter jealousy. Aether. Aether adored Xiao. Just like Albedo, he wished to show the adeptus the meaning of love.
The final petal was all that remained.
Pluck.
A flower couldn’t predict anything. Qingxins have five petals, thus the pattern would always end with “He loves me”. He only ruined the flower that he and Xiao made together.
Albedo knew that from the start.
Yet, he cannot help but cling on to the little false hope and pluck the petals of the next flower.