Chapter Text
Beloved Mondstadt. City of wind, dandelions, and freedom. The thousand winds bring with it the seeds of stories. Songs from all corners of Teyvat carried on the tongues of well seasoned travelers come to gather in taverns, marketplaces, and rooftops. Perhaps the passersby will glean some new knowledge from these tales. Or perhaps, they simply enjoy the atmosphere.
A city of freedom, and sometimes of romance. Such is the heart of the Windblume Festival.
The breeze brought with it the delicate scent of cecilias and spun the windwheel asters decorating the streets. Dandelion seeds danced in the air before softly landing in Albedo’s hair. But he didn’t notice. He was too busy sketching.
He was sitting near the alchemy table, having temporarily taken over for Timaeus. Albedo was hunched over his sketchbook as he drew. Terrible posture, he knew, and it was starting to get uncomfortable, but he would deal with that later. Right now, he was too busy focusing on a certain pair.
His eyes flicked between paper and the couple. The charcoal pencil in his hand almost moved with a mind of its own, transferring his observations onto the paper. In his other hand, he fiddled with a kneaded eraser.
This was how he decided to spend his Windblume: people watching.
The festival itself held nothing of particular interest to him. What fascinated him were the people taking part. Afterall, what better way to observe the creation and evolution of relationships than at a festival surrounding love and freedom?
Throughout the festival, he had been sketching and note taking in key locations. The previous day, he’d spent the morning near Barbatos’s statue and then took a trip up to Starsnatch Cliff for the evening. The cliffs overlooking the ocean had always been popular, whether for picking cecilias or as a date spot. There on the romantic, flower covered cliff side, Albedo had been able to create a few pieces he quite enjoyed.
“Mr. Albedo?”
“Hmmm?”
“What are you up to?”
He paused and stretched, looking over to see Sucrose standing next to him. The timid girl had been there for some time, but since she hadn’t said anything until now he had just continued with what he had been doing. Albedo glanced down at his work, deemed it complete enough, and handed it over to her.
Sucrose flipped through page after page of sketches. Some with color added, others left black and white. There were a few flowers stuck between the pages; a windwheel aster taken from the statue, a cecilia picked from Starsnatch. On the petals were faint traces of charcoal dust. She stopped at the most recent sketch, eyes widening.
“You drew Master Jean and Miss Lisa?”
Albedo nodded absently, still watching the two converse across the square. He figured Lisa had managed to convince Jean to eat lunch out with her at Good Hunter. A surprise for sure. It was nice to see her take a break for once.
“They make excellent subjects of observation,” he explained after a few moments.
“Observation?” Sucrose’s ears flicked in curiosity.
“Yes, observation,” Albedo stood and gently took the sketchbook back. “Relationships in general are interesting to me, despite being…troublesome. Romance in particular eludes me, so I thought I’d take this time to learn.”
“Romance huh…” Sucrose glanced over towards Jean and Lisa. Her eyes widened slightly.
“Wait, you mean–”
“Just watch for a moment,” Albedo instructed, and Sucrose cut herself off. “There, you see? That’s the 8th time Lisa has touched Jean.”
Sucrose nodded, turning towards him at the sound of flipping paper. He wrote something down and then looked back at his subjects.
“Love is a complicated and curious phenomenon. My hope is that I can gain a better understanding of human relationships through my observations of romance, since I’ve never experienced it myself.”
“You’ve never…?” Sucrose trailed off.
Albedo finally looked away from the couple, closing his sketchbook and giving his full attention to his student.
“Been in love? No, I haven’t. How about you, Sucrose?”
Her ears shot up in surprise as a rosy flush spread on her cheeks.
“I—I’ve had crushes before.”
“Interesting,” he nodded to himself, tapping the pencil on his chin. He paused suddenly and stood. “Right. You came over here for a reason I assume? Need help with something?”
“Oh! That’s right, I completely forgot,” she took a second to compose herself. “Timaeus sent me to take over for you.”
“I see, thank you.”
“Of course!”
Albedo didn’t have any concrete plans for the rest of the day, so he spent the afternoon wandering the city aimlessly. As the sun overhead began to sink towards the horizon, the shadows became spindly, the light taking on the qualities of gold. The ever-present breeze made its presence known with a new batch of stray dandelion seeds, carried over the walls to mingle with the crowd.
When the temperature began to drop, more and more people started to gather in the lower city. In Mondstadt, alcohol flowed freely at any time of day, but even more so when the stars began to make their appearance. With the night breeze, scent of wine, and gifts of flowers, the bards too took their rightful places upon their chosen stage. Song and dance could be heard from all corners of the city, the sounds of coins following closely behind.
“Mr. Alchemist!”
Albedo was torn from his thoughts. Flora waved and sent him a bright smile, her hands holding a large bouquet of calla lilies in her hands. The flowers were pristine, practically glowing in the ever dimming sunlight.
“Hello Flora,” he said, giving her a small wave in greeting. His attention had been focused on the bouquet, but now that he looked closer, it seemed the calla lilies were all that she had left. “Business has been good, I take it?”
“It’s always good, but even more so during Windblume season!” she laughed.
“And these?” he gestured towards the flowers. “Big order of calla lilies?”
“Ah, no. Calla lilies aren’t the most popular during the festival. Most people go after dandelions or windwheel asters,” Flora explained. “These are my leftovers for today. Interested?”
She thrust the flowers close to his face, the soft and elegant scent hitting his nose. Albedo had it in his mind to refuse, but the longer he stared at them and seeing the expression on her face, he couldn’t say no. He reached out, tentatively grabbing the bouquet from her. Maybe, in a way, he felt that he understood the flowers. Or maybe these flowers were just meant for him, somehow.
“How much do I owe you?”
She shook her head, “Nothing! They’re free of charge. I’m just happy they’re going home with someone.”
Albedo paused, shifting the bouquet under an arm so he could flip through his sketchbook. Finding what he was looking for, he gently tore out a page and handed it to the young girl. Confusion was evident in her expression, but upon looking at the contents her face brightened.
“You drew me!” she giggled. “Thank you so much!”
Flora had been surrounded with customers everyday during the festival. Early on, Albedo had studied the people who came to her shop, and inevitably made a few sketches. She had provided him with valuable information, as well as a bouquet, so he felt he owed her something in return.
He excused himself and continued making his way down the street. The taverns were filled to the brim, sweet music and thrilling stories pouring out and into the evening air. Albedo, with his newly acquired calla lilies, somehow attracted the interest of the patrons. Some looked at him in awe, others with emotions he couldn’t quite place. Unnerved by the sudden attention, he slipped behind one of the buildings, hoping to get away from prying eyes. Looking up, he found himself to be at the backdoor to Angel’s Share.
Albedo cracked open the backdoor and was met with drunken cheers. He winced at the volume, then shut the door. It was amazing how much noise a single piece of wood could muffle.
Well, he certainly didn’t want to go inside, but the tavern was a good place to continue his observations. He had avoided going into any of the taverns so far due to the crowds and noise, but ultimately realized that they were hubs of information. Even so, he wasn’t comfortable with walking in through the door, back door or not.
Looking around, Albedo spotted the balcony. One solar isotoma later, and he found himself climbing up and over the railing.
The second floor of Angel’s Share was practically barren, save for the occasional unconscious patron. He checked up on a few just in case, but he deemed them well enough to leave be.
Taking a seat at a table near the railing, he observed the crowd downstairs. They had gone quiet as the bard told a story about a fairy living in a spring and the young boy she grew fond of.
Albedo watched for a few moments before he remembered that he still had a bouquet in his hands. Luckily for him, there was a glass of water on the table. Seeing as how it had been forgotten, he didn’t think anyone would mind him using it as a makeshift vase. It wasn’t safe to continue drinking from a cup that hadn’t been kept in hand, after all.
Once they were arranged, he turned back to the story.
As the bard wrapped up the tale, the telltale sniffle of impending tears could be heard among the crowd.
“The poor fairy!”
“Poor fairy?! That kid got his heart broken!”
“The whole thing is upsetting! No one got their happy ending!”
“Tell us a happier story!”
Pulling out a simple lyre, the bard changed from storytelling to singing. Soon enough, the crowd was back in a happier mood. Drinks were flowing and people sang or clapped along to the song. Some snuck away and out of view, or left all together. All the while, Albedo continued to take notes.
Once, when he looked down, he swore he saw a familiar shade of navy blue in among the crowd. It was only for a moment, and when he blinked, he lost sight of them. He noticed many more people had entered the tavern, flowers in hand and seeming to search for someone. Some of these newcomers left, but others decided to stick around.
Seeing all these people, with flowers to give or flowers that had been gifted, he couldn’t help but look at the calla lilies he had received. They were a gift, but not for the same reasons as the other flowers in the room. They were the only ones of their kind, the only ones left out of the romance. Even so, they were fresh and lively, cared for as well as any other flower.
Space was made down below to allow the patrons to dance. Couples formed as naturally as one would expect to find, the same expectation as finding stars in the night sky. Albedo watched curiously as they danced.
I wonder what it’s like…
“Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to be like them.”
His pencil froze in its tracks. Albedo sat upright and slowly turned his head to see Kaeya leaning on the nearby railing. He tilted his head in question.
“...Pardon?”
The knight turned to look at him with his uncovered eye, something mysterious sparklingly within it.
“Nothing, just talking out loud.”
So he hadn’t been seeing things, he really had spotted Kaeya earlier. Something in the way his new company had spoken struck a chord with him. It was as if Kaeya had taken the words straight from his thoughts. Actually, that seemed to be exactly what happened.
“What are you doing up here?” Albedo asked after a moment.
“I’m hiding.”
“From what?”
The knight pointed at the crowd. Albedo followed his line of sight, once again taking notice of new people who had shown up with flowers in hand. They had strayed to the edges of the dance circle, and they appeared to be looking for something.
“That.”
“I see,” Albedo nodded slowly, “You have…quite the entourage.”
“You could say that,” Kaeya shrugged.
“As incredibly irritating as I imagine being followed by a crowd might be, you’re really running from them?”
“I held them off as long as I could,” Kaeya sighed dramatically. “Even I need a break, you know.”
Albedo rolled his eyes, “Those poor people have no idea that your flirting is just for show.”
“What makes you say that?” Kaeya smirked and moved towards him. Gently, his hand came and lifted Albedo’s chin so he could stare directly into that periwinkle eye. It narrowed ever so slightly. “I’m 100% genuine.”
His words were met with an unimpressed expression.
“Kaeya, you’re about as genuine as a cluster of sweet flowers.”
At that, the knight huffed a laugh and let go of his face. Kaeya came around and took the seat next to him.
Albedo closed his notebook and turned his full attention towards him, “I’m surprised that Mondstadt’s ‘top candidate for grandson-in-law’ has no interest in romance.”
Kaeya’s eyebrow lifted, “My, my, someone has their ears to the ground.”
“I’m fairly certain that my ears are exactly where they should be,” he replied dryly. “In any case, I am the captain of the investigation team. If I didn’t know something as simple as that, I wouldn’t meet your standards for captaincy, would I?”
The taller man merely smiled at that.
“Well, I’ve revealed why I’m hiding away on such a festive occasion,” Kaeya said, shifting the subject, “What’s your reason?”
“I’m not hiding,” Albedo gestured to his notebook, then to the crowd, “I’m people watching.”
“Is that so?” Kaeya rested his head on his hands. “What have you been watching for, exactly?”
“Romance. Or, more specifically, the manifestations of “romance” and romantic gestures.”
Kaeya nodded, “There’s no better time to do that than now, I suppose.”
“Exactly.”
A teasing grin appeared on his face and Albedo felt his heart sink.
“Why not get some hands-on experience?”
Albedo stared blankly, “...What?”
“Come now,” Kaeya sat back and crossed his arms, “there are plenty of people who would jump at the chance to get to know you better, if you catch my drift.”
“There are?” he asked, ignoring the annoying way Kaeya’s eyebrows moved at the last part of his statement.
“Of course, I thought your ears were exactly where they should be, in your words.”
Albedo huffed, feeling his face flush slightly. He turned away.
“I—I don’t pay much attention to that kind of gossip. Besides, I’ve never been interested in romance for myself, only the concept.”
He had been prepared for a quick comment, but when Kaeya stayed silent he couldn’t help but look back at his companion. Kaeya’s eye was wide with surprise, and…recognition? Understanding? Or something else? Albedo couldn’t tell.
Tentatively, he asked, “Did I say something strange?”
“No, not at all,” Kaeya said hastily. Then, a bit under his breath, he added, “I…know exactly what you mean.”
Now it was Albedo’s turn to look surprised,“...I see.”
The silence lingered, only broken by the cheers from below. Finally, Kaeya reacted.
Clearing his throat, he asked, “Is it alright if I stay here while things…calm down?”
Albedo nodded, “Feel free.”
They fell back into silence once again. It was strange seeing Kaeya be so open, it threw him off. Charming, flirtatious, captivating Kaeya. Albedo had known him long enough to have seen through that little facade, though he wondered how many people had managed to do the same. In the year that Albedo had lived in Mondstadt, he’d interacted with Kaeya on an almost daily basis. Sometimes formally, in meetings or to exchange information. On the occasions that he witnessed a relaxed Kaeya, it had always been with Klee.
A relaxed Kaeya. What an unusual sight. Teasing grins and calculating eyes turned into soft smiles and adoration. Sometimes even loneliness.
Before he knew it, Albedo found himself sketching the Kaeya before him. The knight was watching the activities below, so he didn’t appear to notice what Albedo was doing. An idea began to emerge in his mind.
He and Kaeya were…more similar than he’d originally thought. They were each a bit closed off, even if it was in different ways and for different reasons. They shared an adoration for the little spark knight. Kaeya had proven to have a healthy amount of curiosity in him, and a brilliant mind to match.
Unconsciously, Albedo reached up to touch the four-pointed star on his neck. His “pontil mark”. There was that connection as well. Even if Kaeya didn’t seem to acknowledge it, Albedo was sure he had noticed.
And now this. Their approach to romance, or lack-there-of…
“Kaeya?”
“Hmm?”
“What do you think about being in a relationship with me?”
Kaeya seemed to freeze for a moment, then slowly swiveled his head in Albedo’s direction.
“…Pardon?”
“Hear me out,” Albedo quickly jumped to explain. “Neither of us are interested in romance, but from what you said earlier we are both at least curious about what it’s like. You got me thinking, hands on experience is best in the long run. It’s not the same, but should prove useful for my research.”
His expression was still confused, “Okay…”
Albedo continued.
“...And if you are in a relationship, that should theoretically decrease the amount of… fans you run into.”
He gestured meaningfully to the crowd downstairs, of which several of Kaeya’s little followers were still roaming about.
“That’s fair I suppose,” Kaeya conceded, “But...why me?”
Albedo tilted his head, “Who else would I do this with?”
“I don’t know—“
“We have similar thoughts on the subject of romance, so neither of us has to worry about the other not getting that aspect out of this. We’ve known each other long enough to know that we get along fairly well. I enjoy your company, as does Klee. And, well,” Albedo glanced at the page with Kaeya’s sketch, “I think you are beautiful.”
At that last part, Kaeya was physically taken aback. Albedo watched wide eyed as a slight blush dusted Kaeya’s cheekbones. Now that was something he hadn’t seen before. A flustered Kaeya.
It only took a moment for the knight to recover.
“Never thought I would hear that coming from you.” Kaeya teased, covering up his earlier reaction.
“What? It’s the truth, you are a conventionally attractive person,” Albedo shrugged. “To me, you’re comparable to…hmmm let’s see…the night sky over Starsnatch Cliff? Windrise in the early morning? The view of Dragonspine on a clear day?”
Kaeya laughed, smiling softly.
“Good to know that I’m as beautiful as the sky and trees, at least.”
Albedo rolled his eyes good-naturedly, “I really don’t know what else you expect me to compare you to.”
He shrugged, as if to say ‘fair enough’.
“I’m sure we’ll need to talk about this more,” Kaeya added. “But for now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious where this could lead to. Count me in, Chief Alchemist.”
“Wonderful!” Albedo felt a smile appear on his face. He was surprised at his own reaction, and covered it by clearing his throat. Then he remembered something. “Oh, I suppose I should follow tradition.”
Kaeya tilted his head, “Hmm?”
Albedo flipped through his sketchbook, searching. He let an ‘aha’ slip when he found what he was looking for. He handed it over.
“Here. A windblume for you.”
Kaeya took the offered flower, a slightly wilted and charcoal dust covered cecilia. Despite himself, he smiled fondly at it before tucking it behind his ear.
“My fans would be so disappointed if they knew I ended up accepting this flower over theirs.”
Albedo almost wanted to be offended, but the expression on the other’s face was telling him all he needed to know. Kaeya looked around, eyes catching the bouquet of calla lilies on the table. He gently ruffled through them, picking the one he felt was the most beautiful, and slipped it behind Albedo’s ear.
“Here you go.”
He reached up to touch the flower, then pouted slightly.
“At least I went out of my way to pick mine. You do realize I already owned this flower, right?”
Kaeya’s response to that was a cheeky grin.
“What a great start to our new…relationship?” Kaeya paused, thinking. “What exactly is this?”
“I don’t think this could’ve gone any better, to be honest. And, I have no idea,” Albedo shrugged, “I’m sure I can find a specific term. Now that I think about it, perhaps this would be a good time to look into human romantic and sexual orientations…”
“Alright, alright, we can do that later,” Kaeya interrupted him. He stood abruptly, extending a hand in Albedo’s direction. “It’s festival time, let’s enjoy it, yeah?”
As soon as Albedo took the offered hand he was quickly pulled up and out of his seat. Kaeya’s strides were long and he was practically dragged downstairs. The smell of alcohol was much stronger and hit him like a wave, his mind nearly spinning from the combination of smell and sounds. Seeming to sense his discomfort, Kaeya pulled him closer and carved a path through the crowd.
“Kaeya!”
Albedo turned towards the person, or rather, the people clamoring for the tall knight’s attention. Several hands full of flowers were held out towards their direction. Kaeya stopped in his tracks. Then he grinned.
“Sorry my friends! I appreciate your…passion but as you can see I am very much taken,” he gestured towards the little cecilia, the white petals shining like a star against his darker hair. He pulled Albedo closer, placing a hand on his lower back. Albedo felt, rather than heard, Kaeya sigh in relief as he seemed to find the door. With a final, exaggerated bow, the door was flung open, “Have a lovely evening!”
Then they were out, the sudden coolness of the night breeze bringing with it a sense of relief. Albedo hadn’t realized how stifling it had been inside the tavern. Kaeya was still pulling him along, but had slowed down so he wasn’t being dragged. Albedo looked back one last time, seeing a few confused faces peering towards them from the doorway.
Laughed bubbled up from his chest, a light airy thing that he had no hope of stopping.
“You, sir, are a menace ,” Albedo finally managed to say.
At some point, Kaeya had joined in. The two of them stood, double over in laughter, in the middle of the street, ignoring the looks being thrown in their direction.
Eventually, Kaeya calmed down. He winked at Albedo. Or, did he blink? Didn’t matter.
“You know it,” Kaeya said. “And starting today, I’m now your menace.”
Albedo found himself rolling his eyes for at least the third time that evening and his face hurt from smiling. He shook his head to clear it, looking up into the inky sky and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. When he brought his gaze back, he found Kaeya had been doing the same. His eyes caught that little, charcoal covered cecilia against navy blue hair.
Albedo reached up, feeling for the calla lily. His fingers grazed against the soft petals.
What on Teyvat have I gotten myself into?