Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Is it Tuesday or Thursday ?”  Kaeya deliriously wonders, tripping through a bush.

He’s been awake for twenty-eight hours and counting.

He had received an anonymous tip - which had turned out to be from one of the Liyue’s Treasure Hoarders factions. Their chief had been quite mad at the leader of Mondstadt’s faction for straight-up stealing one of her ideas and striking a deal with her reseller behind her back - which meant Kaeya had to run around Mondstadt and the Stone Gate to verify the claims.

Which is how he ended up staging a stakeout on the border of Stormterror’s Lair the night before to see, that yes, the poor idiots were here to establish a camp to rob travelers who were on their way to sell their wares in Liyue, and especially to target shipments of Dawn Winery’s products.

All of that work was yesterday.

Well. Maybe some of it was today ?

“Is it yesterday or today if I haven’t slept yet ?”

Anyway, the problem was now taken care of ; most Treasure Hoarders were arrested and currently under the care of Eula’s Reconnaissance Team (good thing he sent Amber to get her, he wouldn’t have been able to escort a dozen of prisoners all by himself in that state) and the ones that escaped had been taught a lesson that will certainly dissuade them from trying to set up that kind of shit in Mondstadt again.

Kaeya is pretty sure his blood is more caffeine and the weird Jueyun Chili concoction he pilfered from Barbara than blood, but he’s fine.

(Alive. He’s alive. He hasn’t been fine in years.)

He’s got a nasty bruise on his hip, though. Courtesy of a shovel-wielding hoarder. Seriously, who the heck fights with a shovel ??? No one with an ounce of class. A shovel ! Go dig some turnips, not fight !

Now, as he stumbles his way back to Mondstadt, dreading the reports he will have to draft on top of all the paperwork that must have accumulated during his brief mission, the blue-haired man is starting to feel the lack of sleep catching up to him.

Whatever. It’s not his first rodeo.

Hah. Rodeo. For a Cavalry Captain, get it ?

Gods, he needs to sleep.

Nevermind the fact that he ran headfirst into this mess partly because the night two days ago - the last time he slept - he woke up with a scream dying in his throat and memories of the Cataclysm flashing behind his eyelid.

It’s fine. He can deal with it, he’s got a method and all.

And if that method involves having one more empty bottle of wine littering his kitchen… Well, that’s no one’s concern but his.

Yeah, wine sounds like a good idea right now. A little pick-me-up before he has to drown his last shred of sanity into ink and blotting paper. It may be, like, 3p.m right now, but no one had the right to judge him after the day he had. 

Week he had.

(Life he had.)

He smiles and waves at the citizens across the streets as he makes his way back into Monstadt, Wagner ignoring the stares, Katheryne explaining commissions to some bright-eyed new Adventurers, Donna and Flora stocking up new products on the stand - huh, so it’s Thursday after all.

No one looks twice at him or expresses concern ; after all, he’s long mastered the art of skin-care to avoid having to explain too many deep, dark bruises under his eye. Quite a handy trick that Jean taught him, that one. That, coupled with his signature smile bordering on a smirk, means he’s sure to not be bothered unless he’s bleeding out in the middle of the street.

(And even then, he sometimes wonders if anyone would care.)

Smirk plastered on his face, he pushes the door of the tavern open.

—---------

The speed with which the red-haired bartender’s expression goes from “Polite but bored” to “Seething with barely contained anger and absolute disdain” is somewhat impressive.

Would be even more so if Kaeya wasn’t the one at the end of said glare.

Briefly, he considers turning around and going to get wasted at Cat’s Tail instead. Alas, Crepus didn’t raise no quitter (just a traitor) and so he widens his smile as he approaches the counter.

“Why, if it isn’t Master Diluc ! A pleasure to meet you here tonight !”

“It’s two in the afternoon,” the bartender deadpans.

“Details,” Kaeya shrugs. “A Death After Noon, if you will.”

Diluc glares even harder. Wow, he didn’t even think it was even possible.

“Are you only here to waste my time and antagonize me ? You know very well Death After Noon isn’t in season right now. Or are you such a useless drunkard that you forgot ?”

Whoops. He did, in fact, forget.

“My, my, no need for such animosity ! I was merely jesting. Truly, in fact, I - “

“Sir Kaeya, I’m in no mood to deal with your nonsense today. Kindly get out before I have to push you myself,” Diluc growls.

“Hey, is that how you treat paying customers ?” Kaeya mutters, getting annoyed at being treated like that. He just wanted a drink ! He deserves one after all his hard work ! 

The bartender takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly, a frown still marring his face.

“I really do not have the time nor the patience for this today. I have to re-do inventory before Charles’s shift because apparently there was a mistake in the last shipment and we’re missing several products. Either you buy a drink to go or you just leave,” and then he adds as an afterthought: “Please.”

“Oh, c’mon, can’t you make an exception for your dear baby brother ?”

“I don’t see anyone fitting that description anywhere in the vicinity,” Diluc said.

“So grumpy… No wonder Klee calls you a ‘Weird grown-up’,” pouts Kaeya.

“Are you fucking buying something or not?!” Diluc asks exasperatedly, arms raised as if he’s praying to Barbatos to end his suffering right now. Kaeya is pretty sure he saw Venti taking a nap outside earlier, though, so it’s unlikely the bartender will get what he wants.

“Language,” Kaeya chides. “I doubt Father would be happy to hear you use such vulgar language in the tavern.”

Now that gets the redhead to quiet down at once.

Unfortunately, it’s an angry silence.

“You do not get to call him that,” his estranged brother finally says after a long minute of tense silence.

“Oh, am I not allowed to ? Do you want me to stop ? What if I don’t ?” 

“You - “

“Are you going to disown me ? Oh, wait, been there done that. Or take your claymore out ? Well, I guess it’s already been done too.”

“Get out.”

“Ooooh, so scary ! The Uncrowned King of Mondstadt does not like to have his flaws pointed out, does he ?”

“GET OUT ! I have work to do, and you’re just being a pain in the ass right now,” Diluc huffs, crossing his arms.

“Ugh, fine ! I’m going, I’m going ! I’m sure I can find better company somewhere else. Someone who will appreciate my true worth.”

“What worth? I only see a drunkard complaining,” Diluc snidely tacks on.

“Oh, fuck off !” Kaeya scoffs. “I hope you fall in a Mitachurl’s turd !”

“Wow, so mature. You’re really an outstanding member of the Knights of Favonius. I bet Jean is very proud of you.”

“I bet I could convince Jean to throw you in Cider Lake.”

“She would throw you first for skimping on work.”

“Would not !”

“Would too !”

“FINE ! I’m leaving !” Kaeya snarls.

And with a slam of the door that must have been heard even all the way to the Favonius Headquarters, the Cavalry Captain exits Angel’s Share.

—---------

Kaeya is already past Springvale when he finally slows down.

And sways a little. 

Okay, so maybe storming off from Mondstadt altogether in exasperated rage while he was already feeling faint before was not quite a great idea.

Still, it’s better than having to be anywhere near Diluc at the moment.

He knows things between them are… tense, at best, and downright antagonistic in a more realistic way, but still.

Childish banter is one thing. That was a new level of pettiness.

Kaeya is not sure what came over him to throw all that at his ex-brother’s face. Honestly, he deserved to get kicked out like that. He was being an insufferable brat. 

He should’ve accepted to buy something quick to drink, and left immediately after. But if it’s not Death After Noon, it’s not really worth it… Dandelion wine alone does not work as well to relax him.

Archons, he’s ridiculous. He can just wait and go back to work without drinking, then. Diluc is right, he’s skimping on his work right now. That’s not what a good member of the Knights of Favonius should be doing.

…Is he even a good member of the Knights ? Sometimes he feels as if he’s only there because he’s Jean’s childhood friend. Like he’s a parasite leeching off her. Didn’t a Treasure Hoarder call him that yesterday..? 

…It cuts. Deep. Because it may be the truth.

Kaeya is a parasite. 

He’s a useless, evil little spawn that encroached on Dawn Winery and sucked out all its good things, starting with Crepus’ love and Diluc’s trust, and in the end, all it did for them was cause them sorrow.

He knows he was - still is, sometimes - useless, not good enough, that his replacement of Diluc as Cavalry Captain was simply because they were already short-staffed and Varka didn’t want to have to train someone else when Kaeya already knew the basics, that he was never, and will never, be as good as his brother ever was, that deep down - and out loud for some recruits - he’s just a stain on the Ordo Favonius’ reputation, and when the times comes for him to answers Khaenri’ah calls, no matter what he wants, he will makes it worse somehow.

Fuck. He went from rightful anger to pitiful sadness way too fast. He should’ve really gotten that drink earlier…

He slows down as Drunkard’s Gorge gets closer.

Maybe he could try to apologize to Diluc ? It was kinda his fault for annoying him… Perhaps he could pick some grape juice and wait at the Winery… It would probably anger him even more, though. Pity, he’d loved to chat a bit with Adelinde and Elzer, but his strained relationship with the Winery’s master tends to make it harder on his employees when they show anything close to cordiality to the despised, disowned ex-brother.

Garbled, maniacal laughter throws him out of his self-reflecting ; and despite his wavering reflexes, Kaeya is quick to summon his sword and turn on the new menace.

A cryo abyss mage is tormenting some poor electro slime for unknown but certainly nefarious reasons not too far from the road.

Well, a good fight always does wonders to cheer him up, right after a drink. Plus, this close to the road, this little fucker could attack some innocent passerby, and, as a Captain of the Knights of Favonius, it’s his duty to uphold Mondstadt’s security.

Cryo against cryo is, however, quite the drag.

The mage shrieks, and laughs, and shrieks some more as Kaeya slams his sword again and again to crack the shield, deftly avoiding the few icicles summoned his way.

“Stupid, stupid human ! You’re not going to beat m - Gaah !”

He throws a burst of ice to the mage’s face as the latter teleports a few meters away, blinding him for a second. It’s more than enough for him to blink behind, and stab the shield through its cracks, destroying it and sending the evil creature staggering in the grass.

“Sorry not sorry, monsters always lose,” the blue-haired man smirks, pointing his sword at the now defenseless mage. “Any last words ? If you give me some very good intel on the Abyss order’s plans, I might let you live. Or at least not torture you.”

“Foolish !” the mage shrieks. “We will never betray the Abyss ! Not like you, traitor ! We - “

And it does not finish its sentence, because Kaeya skewers it in one precise, fatal, final motion. And if his hands are trembling, that’s another product of his lack or sleep, or lack of alcohol, or -

Oh, who is he kidding ? He can’t do this anymore.

Can’t fool himself, can’t fool others anymore.

He’s actively shaking now, and it’s not something a single glass of Death After Noon can help with. A whole bottle, maybe ? But still, it’s a temporary solution, in the end.

Unless the probability of him dying before thirty due to liver failure counts as a long term solution, which yes, but there are easier ways to die, really -

Something catches his eye from his peripheral vision, and his grimace turns into a maniacal grin of his own.

Easier ways to die, yeah. But when has he ever done things the easy way ?

He heads south, to the floating pillar half hidden behind clouds and the never-melting snows.

The monster always loses, and he’s going to lose on his own terms.

—---------

The cold feels pure, somehow.

Purifying, even.

Like it could clean all his sins.

Perhaps he feels so at ease here since it is the grave of a lost civilization wiped out by Celestia’s impenetrable might.

What an appropriate place for someone like him to disappear for good.

His jacket is cold.

Everything is cold.

He does not remember lying down. Maybe he fell ? No matter the reason, he’s now on his back in the snow.

Snowflakes dance over him, a whimsical ballet in the sky.

Beautiful.

His last thought, before he blacks out, is to hope his presence will not stain the white blanket of snow.

Chapter Text

Waking up is quite unexpected.

Waking up to an angelic face shrouded in blond hair, with the bluest eyes he’s ever seen, looking at him with worry, is even more unexpected.

It takes Kaeya an embarrassingly long moment to realize said angel is the local Kreideprinz - and his fellow Knight.

“...Wha - ?” 

And then, even more embarrassing is the coughing fit that makes Kaeya feel as if his lungs have decided to give him the middle finger and leave his body to find greener pastures somewhere else.

The ang - alchemist wordlessly hands him a cup of near-freezing water. It does wonders to soothe his aching throat. And clear his foggy mind at the same time, as the blue-haired man brutally remembers how he ended up in this situation.

Usually, being caught looking less than perfect by anyone other than Rosaria, or Diluc - and mostly because those two are around when he’s beyond plastered - would make dread pools in his gut.

Usually, however, Kaeya doesn’t have his fingers tingling as he nearly lost feeling in them, doesn’t have snowflakes melting and dripping down his hair, and doesn’t have frost clinging uncomfortably to his eyepatch.

Usually, Kaeya was not this close to leaving for Celestia.

(Or more likely, the Abyss. Sinners aren’t welcome in Celestia after all.)

Suffice to say, at this precise moment, the Cavalry Captain can’t quite muster the energy to give a fuck about what Albedo may be thinking of him.

In fact, he feels just a little bit resentful that the Chief Alchemist thwarted his suicide attempt.

But it isn’t the first time such a thing has happened to him. After all, it seems fate has quite a cruel sense of humor when it comes to ruining Kaeya Alberich’s life. And so, he keeps quiet, silently observing the reclusive man taking back the empty cup.

Said man fiddles with some paper on his desk, before turning back to him.

“I found you in the snow. You nearly died,” the Kreideprinz comments in a perfectly bland voice, like he’s merely enunciating facts that do not concern him.

Kaeya’s only response was a tight-lipped hum.

“You are quite lucky. Your vision grants you a stronger than average resistance to the cold ; otherwise, you could have lost your extremities to frostbite. Perhaps even worse.”

“That was kind of the point,” Kaeya mumbles, very much not looking at the Chief Alchemist while doing so.

“What ? What were you thinking - “

“I wasn’t. Thinking. I wasn’t thinking, because I’ve had a shitty day, a shitty week, hell, a whole-ass shitty life . I just decided today I had enough, and somehow I got the bright idea of coming here to throw myself down that stupid mountain, because if the cold didn’t get me, any of the Fatui, Treasure Hoarders, or Hillichurls roaming this Celestia-forsaken place would have finished the job and all my problems would’ve been solved !” the blue-haired man snaps.

And he regrets it pretty much immediately. Sure, this was more or less his reasoning, but it was not Albedo’s fault, and he didn’t deserve to have… all of that thrown at him. 

Also, he’s supposed to be smooth, suave Kaeya, and saying it goes against everything that made him… him . Nevermind that most of his personality is artificially crafted as a way to make himself likable enough to not be expelled from the Knights and pretend he was fine when he lost his family, and -

See ? This is exactly why he ended up in this situation.

Thankfully, the Alchemist does not interrogate him further.

—---------

There are many unusual things in Dragonspine.

Albedo had learned to expect the unexpected. Be it the remnant of the cursed dragon Durin rising above Wyrmrest Valley, that strange Frostbearing tree that seems to be feeding on Crimson Agates growing on the lower part of the mountain, or the peculiar glowing vegetation thriving in Starglow Cavern, nothing quite surprises him anymore. 

At least, that’s what he thought before a strange, out-of-place blue spot in the snow caught his attention.

And he certainly never would have expected said blue spot to turn out to be the Cavalry Captain’s freezing body, passed out a few steps from the side of the path leading to his camp.

Had Albedo not been doing his usual round to find interesting painting subjects, the other man would have…

He shakes his head. No use dwelling on hypotheticals. 

As it is, being brought close to the fire, a simple tarp used as a blanket to more efficiently keep the warmth close to his body, was enough to bring back some color into the blue-haired man.

But he did not wake up immediately. In fact, the Cavalry Captain has been passed out on the crude single cot Albedo put in his camp (more to satisfy Sucrose nagging than his own needs) for the past seventeen hours.

He was starting to worry - what would he say to the Acting Grand Master, were he to report finding a popsicle of her Captain in the mountain ?

Thankfully it did not come to this tragic conclusion, as the man finally woke up, albeit still visibly confused and weakened.

Now, the Kreideprinz thought things would go back to normal ; his colleague would offer some nonsensical explanation as to what he was doing on Dragonspine, dismiss any worry for his health, and be promptly on his way back to Mondstadt, likely mentioning Angel’s Share opening time as a reason to hurry.

Except. It’s not what happens.

The Cavalry Captain does not masterfully deflect Albedo’s interrogations, and instead, his answer makes him feel as if the world was tilted out of its axis by some higher powers.

(Could this be the Archons’ doing ? Do they enjoy the misery of the star-eyed people so much?)

“It seems the Cavalry Captain suffers from a severe case of depression,” his brain  automatically and unhelpfully supplies. At least he’s learned enough from Sucrose’s research to have some knowledge of the situation his fellow captain is experiencing.

Not that it would help much, given his general awkwardness.

“Experience dictates that you should try seeking help from others,” Albedo says bluntly, and then he mentally slaps himself. Even he can understand this is not the appropriate thing to say.

Kaeya barks out a bitter laugh at that.

“My experience contradicts yours, I guess. Don’t worry, if you let me leave, I’ll make sure to not be in your way when finding another place to off myself.”

Now, that has him frowning.

“I did not bring you back from near-death to let you kill yourself immediately after.”

“I did not ask you to save me.”

“Regardless, it is done now. Shouldn’t you consider my point of view on the matter ?”

“Well… It’s not like you can make me feel worse… So yeah, whatever. Please do give me your opinion, oh great Kreideprinz.”

“It seems to me that you currently are under heavy emotional distress, which led you to believe your best choice was to erase your existence altogether. Therefore, by getting the appropriate medical treatment for your mental disorder, such thoughts should leave you. My opinion is for you to consult a trained professional in therapy.”

The Cavalry Captain seems dumbfounded at having been answered truthfully. 

“I must admit, I was not expecting you to give me such a thorough and concise answer… Nor to believe me to begin with,” the taller man mutters.

“Mental ailments are more common than what most people think ; it is something Sucrose has told me. I am simply expressing my concern and giving you a more constructive option for your future.”

“Your concern, huh?”

“We may not be close acquaintances, but it would be quite rude of me to ignore your struggles,” the Chief Alchemist states plainly.

“Oh… “

“Might I convince you to stay here one more night to think about it ? You cannot expect to find your way down Dragonspine in the dark, anyway.”

“I… Yeah, okay… Sorry for intruding…”

“It is fine. Most of my research was done already, you are not bothering me.”

And on that note, the blond-haired man starts probing around for rations and the like to prepare a meal for his unexpected guest, as the latter shuffles a bit closer to the fire, lost in thoughts.

—---------

Now, why was the Chief Alchemist even bothering? After all, it is common knowledge that matters requiring social interaction of any kind are… not his area of expertise, to put it plainly. Some would even go as far as saying that Albedo avoided these situations like the plague, and they would not be wrong.

The first and foremost reason, albeit quite cruel, would be morbid curiosity. After all, for something to reduce the well-liked, flirty, confident Cavalry Captain to such a mess… Well, it must be something interesting, something worth investigating. He’s never seen Kaeya be so much as vaguely shaken before no matter the situation ; and so he wonders what exactly were the ingredients, the prerequisites, the chain of actions that lead to his current predicament. It is an uncommon, no, unique opportunity. Albedo is a scientist first, a vague mimicry of a human being second, and a possible danger to Mondstadt last. 

(He’s not quite sure he’s got those things in the right order.)

The second reason, loath as he is to admit it, is that he feels some sort of… companionship ? Connection would be a better word to describe the bond the two of them have. They are barely more than acquaintances, greeting the other with a nod when passing by in the headquarters. And yet, there is no denying the intent behind every single one of their interactions. They’re both shrouded in lies and mystery, and they both pretend to not be aware of it while working their mundane day-to-day life. 

They both became acutely aware of the presence of the other the very day they met.

Neither ever thought there would be someone out there to recognize what the symbol of the lost nation meant ; so Albedo never covered the brand embedded on his throat, and Kaeya did not shy away from looking people in the eye while speaking to them. Needless to say, they both had quite the panic upon glancing at each other and realizing that this previous assumption was no longer so certain.

They don’t speak about it. They actually never had a single conversation that went past useless, idle chat while accompanying Klee, or purely work-related matters. In the eyes of the Knights, the relationship between the two Captains is… not quite strained, but… No matter how neutral they keep their tone and mannerism, there is no denying the tense atmosphere between them.

And yet. 

When faced with the possibility of the other man disappearing from his life - the only other link to his homeland, the only one who could ever hope to understand the circumstances of Albedo’s “life”...

He feels a twinge of worry.

But it does not matter ; Albedo will help so it does not come to this. Helping his colleague is the best course of action, be it to protect the interest of Mondstadt and the Knights of Favonius, to provide an interesting new venture of research, or simply because it would make Klee sad to have her other big brother gone.

At that last thought, he stands straighter. Some preparations must be made.

“Sir Kaeya, I shall leave for the day. There are some matters requiring my presence in Mond-”

“DON’T !”

“...Don’t what ?”

“...Don’t tell them I’m here. Please.”

“Ah,” That was not quite what the Alchemist had expected, but it should not impede his plan. “Alright, I will not mention it to anyone. However, I really have to go back to the city to settle some things. Will you be alright by yourself ?”

“Why wouldn’t I be -” At the sharp look thrown his way, the blue-haired man does not finish his sentence. “Yeah. Sure. Fine, I won’t go and throw myself down the mountain while you’re gone. Happy now ?”

Albedo thinks this sentence was supposed to be sharp, annoyed, perhaps even angry. But the other man just sounds sad and tired.

“Very. In fact, I would prefer it if you did not leave the premises of the camp at all. Bar any unforeseen circumstances, I should be back by evening.”

And, ignoring the grumbles behind him that sound vaguely like “Where in this shitty place would I even go ? So fucking cold,” and grabbing his bag with some reports he meant to bring to Sucrose, Albedo leaves.

With a last look toward his camp and its unusual occupant, he ignores the weight in his gut, but resolves to make haste anyway.

It is merely good manners to not keep a guest waiting.

—---------

His descent from Dragonspine is uneventful.

By now, he knows the paths better than anyone else in Mondstadt, and most Hillichurls know better than to attack him. The cold also does not impede him as much as it would a normal human, albeit the thick layer of snow is always a pain to cross. He swiftly avoids the few Fatui encampments nearby, and, barely a few hours later, is back at the gates of the Knights of Favonius’ Headquarter.

Despite the sun setting down, the place is still bustling with activity. The last of today’s patrol linger in after having reported to their respective captains ; the Outrider is engaged in a loud conversation with the Lawrence Captain in the mess hall ; some Adventurer is getting increasingly worked up while explaining something to a very dismissive knight.

Albedo ignores it all and makes his way to the Acting Grand Master’s office. As expected, she is there, and he’s called in the moment he knocks on the heavy wooden door.

“Ah, Albedo ? I didn’t expect you so soon… Is there a problem ? What is it ?!? Oh, gods, is it an emergency ?!”

“Jean, darling, maybe let him speak…” the Head Librarian interrupts before they have to find an Acting Acting Grand Master because the current one had an aneurysm.

“Ah… Yes, I guess…” 

The blonde woman seems to slump on her desk. Hmm, now that he looks closer, she seems to have been overconsuming caffeine again, and is probably due for her next dose soon if she does not want to crash on the nearest horizontal surface. Albedo can relate.

“Big brother Albedo !!!! You’re back !!! Are you going to come play with me ?! Oh, oh, can we go fish blasting tomorrow ?!? Klee made a new bomb and, and - “

Oh, it seems their Spark knight was right there, just behind Lisa. The latter chuckles upon hearing the excited little girl, while their Acting Grand Master tries to not slump further into her paperwork at the prospect of dealing with yet more public damage. Well, that’s perfect. He doesn’t have to go look for his sister and he won’t have to repeat his explanation.

“I’m sorry Klee, but I won’t be able to play with you for now. I am, in fact, here because of an emergency - but not one that directly impacts Mondstadt,” Albedo tacks on before his superior can get worked up again.

“Oh…Thanks Barbatos. What is it then ?” 

“I would like to request a few days off. A… friend of mine has encountered problems and I volunteered to help.”

“You have FRIENDS ?!” Klee screeches, ecstatic.

“Days off ?” Jean mutters, stunned, as if the concept is foreign to her.

“You ? Volunteered ? To help ?” Lisa asks, her eyebrows shooting so high that her hat hides them.

Clearing up his throat - he’s not embarrassed or anything of the sort, no, and their disbelief is logical given his idiosyncrasies, but really, it is a bit much - Albedo gives a decisive nod.

“Yes. It was unexpected, but my presence is required at once. So would it be possible for me to..?”

“Albedo. I’m pretty sure you have enough unused days off piled up that you could legally take a one-year vacation. Oh, Archons. Please don’t take a year off, I’m begging you, you’re the only one who files his paperwork on time, I can’t - “ 

The Acting Grand Master’s hands have started shaking. Albedo sees Lisa discreetly taking the coffee pot and hiding it under her chair. 

Klee pouts, “You won’t be gone so long ?! Right ? Please please please plea - “

“No, I won’t. I was thinking two to three weeks should be more than enough to take care of the matter inconveniencing my… friend. And if not, I can always pay them a visit later. Liyue is not that far…” Albedo thinks out loud, realizing now that maybe this whole helping thing is not going to be fast nor easy…

“Okay, yes, three weeks ? I can do three weeks. You can do three weeks. Here, lemme fill out the paperwork for that…” Jean agrees, shuffling papers to reveal… more papers. Her organization system might be unclear to the Alchemist at the moment, but he can understand having a precise kind of chaos on his desk. If it works, it works.

“Awww !!! But then you’ll be back and we’ll go play and we will go fish blasting, right, right ?!”

“Yes, Klee - “

“And you gotta take me to Liyue !!! To meet your friend !!!”

“I - why, Klee..?”

“Because !!! Friends !!!!” the little girl answers, as if that explains everything. It may, considering Lisa snorts at that.

“Klee didn’t know you had friends but you have which is good because everyone needs friends but big brother Albedo especially because you’re always alone and working and working is not fun but then you can’t have fun without friends or at least it’s less fun and Klee was not sure you knew how to make friends but you do !!! So Klee must meet your friend because if they are big brother Albedo’s friend they must be super duper extra cool and impressive and I wanna seem them and become friend with them too and then we can aaaaaaaaall go fish blasting and are there many fishes in Liyue ??? Oh, oh, or maybe big brother Albedo can bring his friend here !!! In the city !!! And then we can show him the lake and the fishes and the super good food that you can make with fishes and - “

“Klee. Klee, breathe, darling,” the Head Librarian snickers, trying to not outright laugh at the pinched look the Chief Alchemist sports after being told by an eight year-old girl that he did not know how to make friends.

Not that Klee is wrong, but she has yet to grasp the principle that not everything should be said out loud.

“If I have your permission, I will be off,” the blond man stiffly concludes, quickly filling the few required cases of the piece of paper he was handed, and putting it back in his superior’s hands.

Klee waves and jumps up and down as her brother leaves ; Jean is barely conscious anymore but still tries to sort out the piles of paper in front of her.

Lisa watches the Chief Alchemist turn down the corridor leading to his lab, certainly to hand out some work to his assistants to make up for his absence, and wonders what, exactly, happened to shake the Kreideprinz as such.

Chapter Text

While Albedo is rather put off (and unconcerned) by things such as health and living and the like, he does know the theory for it. As Sucrose’s supervisor, he had to comb through numerous records of bio-alchemy and their applications to validate her results ; he helped her make countless potions, which meant researching and testing to make sure there were no dangerous side-effects, and had to communicate with specialists all across Teyvat when peer-reviewing her findings.

So, he does know that in Liyue, there is a well-known pharmacist, with experience on a lot of hard and complicated cases. Even if the man itself is unable to help with mental ailments, he should be able to advise them on the next step to take.

Albedo explains as much to Kaeya as the other whines at having to trudge through the snow on the Liyue side of Dragonspine. He was secretly relieved to come back to his camp and find the Cavalry Captain exactly where he left him - albeit that relief is tinged with worry, given that neither his food nor other personal belongings were touched. 

A Kaeya that is not snooping around is not a healthy Kaeya.

And seeing him out of his usual flamboyant outfit, instead wearing one of Timaeus’ old coats to ward off the cold, makes him look even more… vulnerable. 

But the fact that he even agreed to find some proper help in the first place is encouraging enough. Albedo vaguely remembers that such illness necessitates taking “baby steps” to properly heal.

He feels a bit conflicted ; Sucrose would be much more suited than him to deal with such topics, given her specialization in bio-alchemy and the related sciences of the body and mind. However, her anxious nature, not helped in the slightest by her general impression of the Cavalry Captain, would certainly negate any benefits. 

Loath as he is to admit it, Albedo is, in fact, the only person able to help Kaeya at this moment. Therefore, he shall do his best, regardless of his own flaws.

Albedo had calculated their itinerary in his head ; stopping midway for resting would let them arrive during the following day at Liyue Harbor, instead of the middle of the night. Which would make it easier for them to locate Bubu Pharmacy and other necessities. 

Therefore, their first stop is the inn perched onto the gigantic tree dominating the Guili Plains. As planned, they make their way up, admiring the scenery during the elevator ride, just as night falls.

However, Albedo’s carefully crafted plans only last until that moment.

“It’ll be a hundred and fifty, then,” the woman behind the counter responds.

“For one room ?”

“Yes, a hundred and fifty thousand mora for one room tonight.”

Albedo can’t help but flinch back a little. That is… a big sum. Even if the Knights of Favonius do pay their captains rather well, this is not an amount most could afford at once. In fact, given that Albedo often spends his paycheck on more alchemy materials for his personal research, he’s not sure he has the savings for that…

The thing is, Albedo has never been to Liyue. At least, not on his own, but he’s not even sure that a three-day trip along Varka and some other captains about three and a half years ago during which he spent most time holed up in his room while the others were negotiating with the Qingxing counts. So Albedo has never been to Wangshu Inn before. And he did not expect it to cater to more… higher class clientele. 

So, while the Chief Alchemist is currently looking as stone-faced as usual, he is internally panicking. Should he say they’re no longer interested ? Isn’t it rude to do so ? Maybe he should ask for a cheaper room ? Do they even have cheaper rooms ? What if he just goes broke ? After all, he doesn’t need food, and he could sleep in the laboratory -

Kaeya, who had been standing back and trying to blend with the shadows until now, snorts a little and steps up in front of the counter, a fake smile plastered on his face.

“Hello, Verr Goldet.”

“Oh, my ! Sir Kaeya ? It’s been so long since I last saw you !”

“Indeed, it has.”

“You’ve grown so big, haven’t you ? Ah, pardon my manners, will you be sharing a room with your companion here ?”

“No, I would like to rent two separate rooms. Could I trouble you to send the bill as usual, please ?”

“Of course, of course. Please wait here a second, I will see that your rooms are ready at once.”

As the woman leaves them, Kaeya drops his smile and sighs. That is what finally gets Albedo to break out of his thoughts.

“Ah… You could’ve paid for a single room…”

“No thank you,” Kaeya grins. “I would rather sleep on a real bed tonight, and I know you don’t like to share your quarters with others. I can afford two rooms, you know.”

Oh. How thoughtful of him.

“Is that so? Pardon me, then ; I must admit I had not thought you would be the kind of person with enough foresight to prepare savings in case of emergencies.”

“That’s the most polite way I’ve ever been insulted,” the Cavalry captain snorts.

“I did not mean - “

“I know, I know. Chill, s’fine, it’s not like many people see me spend quite the sum at Angel’s Share every other night.”

“If I may… How come you have enough mora for such a purchase ? Based on my calculations, even with saving up about thirty percent of your captain’s paycheck every month and refraining from indulging in eating out and alcohol, it would take an average of six years and four months to afford - “

“It’s not - It’s not my captain’s salary. I just… Let’s say I have some other savings I didn’t plan on using anyway. So might as well do so now… And even if… Well, I can always pay him back, if he even accepts anything coming from me…” Kaeya mutters, talking more to himself at the end of his sentence than to Albedo.

The blond man regrets asking ; his companion looks even more pained now.

Still, Kaeya pulls back his affable and cordial mask the second the inn’s owner comes back telling them the rooms are ready.

As they follow her and tell each other good night at the door of their respective rooms, Albedo can’t help but wonder how tiring it must be to do so all the time.

—---------

In the morning, as they eat breakfast - more or less, Albedo not really needing food, and Kaeya more picking up at his plate than actually eating anything, which makes the blond alchemist feel something in his guts that is definitely not worry - they ponder on the next part of their journey.

“I must admit I am unfamiliar with Liyue Harbor. But I do think we can find some sort of lodging not too far from Bubu Pharmacy.”

“You’ve never been to Liyue Harbor ? Even to buy alchemical materials ?”

“Why would I need to brave the… crowd, when I can have it delivered directly at headquarters in Mondstadt ?” Albedo shudders.

A little amused huff leaves the blue-haired man at that, then his gaze turns distant.

“I’ve been here before, but that was… a long, long time ago. I’m not sure how much is the same… But perhaps I do know of someone who would be willing to show us around a little and help us find an inn.”

“Oh, truly ? That would be great. Ah, but do you not mind that person seeing you… here ?”

The ‘in that state’ goes unsaid.

“No.That friend of mine… If anything, I trust they’ll keep their mouth shut when it matters,” Kaeya chuckles.

‘Friend’. The one they’ll see is an actual, real friend of the Cavalry Captain. Albedo may have said he was helping a ‘friend’, but the fact is that they are barely more than acquaintances.

It’s never bothered him before. Why does it, now ?

The last stretch of their journey to Liyue’s Harbor goes well.

They leave the inn not long after breakfast, Kaeya making some more small talk with the Inn’s owner as Albedo picks up their bags. The stroll through Liyue’s wilderness is relaxing ; the weather pleasant, not too many Hillichurls hanging around the most frequented roads.

At some point, they even manage to hitch a ride on a merchant’s cart, resting their feet as they sit among cabbages and carrots, a joyful tune hummed by their driver being the only sound breaking the quiet of the afternoon.

A welcome moment of calm, given Albedo can already feel his shoulders hiking up as the noises and rowdy people steadily increase the closer they get to the city.

—---------

Liyue Harbor is noisy.

Too noisy.

Albedo feels jittery. He hates the crowd, he hates the noise, he hates that his skin feels too tight each time someone brushes by and his nose is full of conflicting scents from the multiple street stalls nearby. 

Thankfully, they don’t stay here too long ; as soon as Kaeya is done handing his letter to some courier, he redirects them to the docks. There are still many people here, but it’s less crowded than the main streets. Albedo inhales the salty air and feels the tension leave his body.

“The view here is beautiful, isn’t it ?” Kaeya murmurs.

Albedo glances at the horizon, the seemingly infinite expense of the sea, the shifting clouds in watercolor’s nuances, the boats in all sizes and colors drifting by. He turns, a sentence dying on the tip of his tongue.

Kaeya is looking forlornly at the boats, his expression soft and open, the golden light of the sun radiating like a halo around his head.

“Yeah. It’s beautiful,” Albedo says quietly, wondering why his throat is so dry and his cheeks so warm.

“I always had the urge to just… Climb into a random boat, and see where it would take me. Leave without looking back. I never did, too many responsibilities… But I still wonder about the ‘what-ifs’, sometimes. Sorry, this is probably boring you,” the Cavalry Captain chuckles grimly.

“It’s not,” the Alchemist affirms, and he’s the first one surprised by how true that statement is.

Kaeya is a mystery , and Albedo finds himself wondering how much of the man’s inner workings he may discover by staying near him. Despite the whole social interaction aspect, this seems like a refreshing prospect.

“Did you manage to get in contact with your friend ?” the blond-haired man inquires.

“I had the letter delivered to his office… It shouldn’t take too long for him to meet us here.”

“That’s good. That way we can check in at an inn before nightfall, and use the remaining time in the evening to plan our next move.”

“‘Our’ next move ? My, I didn’t know therapy was a team effort,” Kaeya smirks.

“Ah, I did not mean to - “

“HEY ! KAEYAAAAAAAA !!!”

They both flinch at the loud, obnoxious voice coming from behind.

The screaming continues, much to the displeasure of other passerbies. They're all giving the stink-eye to a tall ginger man with a red scarf that is waving at them as he makes his way down the dock.

As the man comes to a stop in front of them, a toothy grin on his freckled face, Albedo flinches once more. The man’s uniform in a dull grey, the gleam of a hydro Vision visible on his belt - and the cursed red mask sitting on his head spell both his name and occupation.

“Hello, Comrade !” the Delusion-wearing man beams.

The 11th Harbinger of the Fatui, Vanguard of Her Majesty the Tsarista, codename Tartaglia and, apparently, Kaeya’s friend.

“Hello, Childe. I hope I’m not bothering you too much,” Kaeya easily answers.

“Nah, any excuse to get away from boring paperwork is good. Plus, it’s not every day you request my help !”

“Kaeya. Are you… Are you certain it is wise to trust this… individual ?” Albedo asks worriedly, still staring at the accursed mask sitting on the ginger’s head that somehow feels like a part of the Abyss crawled into Teyvat.

The aforementioned man only shrugs, and hikes up an eyebrow while looking at him.

“And who are you, huh ? I don’t think Kaeya’s ever told me about you.”

“Childe, meet Albedo, our Chief Alchemist. Albedo, I know Childe can be… a total nuisance, but we’re friends, I guess. When I don’t feel like throttling him, at least,” Kaeya snickers.

“Hey ! I would be the one doing the throttling ! But you’re more fun alive than dead, so I’m sparing you for now. And Albedo ? Isn’t that… uh… Yeah, that kid’s brother ? Klee, right ?”

“You know about Klee ?!”

“Chill, Kaeya says she’s a cute girl and so on, but he’s never told me, like, actual secrets or important stuff in his letters,” Childe chuckles, and then, with a much softer gaze, continues, “And I would never hurt a kid. I have little siblings of my own, y’know ? There’s nothing in this world more precious than an innocent kid.”

The worse thing is that as far as he can tell, that man is being honest right now. With a last cautious glance toward that mask, Albedo holds out his hand.

“I will not apologize for my suspicions ; and be aware that I will keep an eye on you for as long as I’m staying. However, Kaeya is vouching for you, and therefore I will make an effort to be courteous.”

“Wow. Has anyone ever told you you’re pretty blunt ? Not that it’s a bad thing, I get it, really.”

“A lot of people have told him, and he doesn’t care,” Kaeya laughs under his breath. “That’s just how our beloved Chief Alchemist is. You get used to it.”

Albedo decidedly ignores the somersault his stomach (or whatever he may have in place of organs down here) does at hearing Kaeya call him “beloved”. Those abnormal physical responses are getting quite annoying. He hopes it’s not the sign that something inside him is breaking down.

“Continuing our previous conversation : you were offering to guide us to some appropriate lodgings ?”

“Oh, actually, I thought you two could stay at my place.”

“Oh, we can’t possibly - “

“S’fine, really, I have this huge ass house because apparently Harbingers need that much stuff for their reputation or whatever, but I barely use half of it. You will each have your own rooms, plus you can use the kitchen, bathroom, and all. It’s no problem, really.”

“That’s very generous of you, but we don’t want to impose,” Kaeya firmly refutes.

“But you’re not imposing, since I’m offering,” Childe counters.

“Then, shouldn’t we at least give you some financial compensation ?”

“You don’t have to, since I’m more than wealthy.”

“I may not be as prosperous as you, but I will not be a charity case .” 

Albedo feels as if the current conversation is no longer about their lodging.

“Perhaps you could direct us to an inn ? Somewhere close to Bubu Pharmacy would probably be better suited to our needs, although your offer is appreciated ?” the Alchemist cautiously adds, interrupting a very intense staring contest between the two other men.

Hearing this, Kaeya seems to deflate. Childe sees it, but does not comment.

“Honestly, I’m also offering because it’s easier for you guys. In winter, Bubu Pharmacy gets packed both with regulars, and visitors from far away. There are a few inns specializing in that clientele not far from it, but they’re mostly full at this time of the year. My staff-given apartment isn’t too far either, and it’s much more comfortable.”

“Ah. Understood. Then..?” Albedo turns to the blue-haired man to assess his opinion.

“Fine. We will stay with you. I can just think of it as wasting official Fatui money.”

“Hey ! …Well, you’re not wrong.”

Chapter Text

Today is a slow day at Angel’s Share.

A few regulars came and went ; Stanley muttering to himself in the morning, Cyrus and some green, new adventurers either excited or scared of his boisterous laugh and all it promised during the afternoon, and Nimrod, who left as the sun started to lower on the horizon. The only one still here, for now, is the resident Archon, fast asleep and drooling on the table after downing a dozen beers in the past few hours. If Diluc was a more religious man, this would be enough to convince him to become an atheist.

Rosaria will probably come by once her usual nightly duty is done ; and perhaps the annoying Cavalry Captain will be here soon too.

Diluc hasn’t seen him in the past few days, so if he’s been on a mission, his first stop will be for a drink. Unless he’s decided to keep going to Cat’s Tail for the time being, which wouldn’t be surprising considering their last interaction…

He shakes his head. This is none of his business. 

Although he does hope the blue-haired man will be back soon ; the Spark Knight was quite rowdy during the day, whining about how both her big brothers were gone on missions. And a restless Spark Knight spells disaster for the city. Even more so for him. Alcohol is quite combustible, after all.

When the door slams open, barely eliciting a groan from the drunk bard, Diluc turns around with a sigh.

“Sister Rosaria, I already told you to be mindful of - “

And he stops brutally. Because it’s not Rosaria standing in the door frame, but Jean.

Now, that is highly unusual. Jean does not indulge in alcohol, ever. Even when stressed out of her mind, she prefers working or drowning in coffee. If she is in Angel’s Share…

“Acting Grand Master. What business do the Knights have with me, this time ?” Diluc says in such a cold tone that one could believe his Vision is Cryo instead of Pyro.

The blonde woman glances around, eyes briefly falling on the sleeping Venti, before turning back to Diluc, spine straight as if she’s going into battle.

“Master Ragnvindr. Have you seen Kaeya recently ?”

“Your Cavalry Captain isn’t skirting his duties in my tavern if that’s what you want to know. Try Cat’s Tail instead,” the red-haired man grumpily answers.

“No, not especially tonight, but I mean in the past few days. Has he… Has he come to the Winery ?”

“If Sir Kaeya has some modicum of intelligence left in that wine-clogged brain of his, he will know not to step in my domain.”

There is an awkward silence, Diluc glaring at Jean to disapprove of his words, the latter’s displeased frown quickly turning into worry.

“I… I am afraid Kaeya might have disappeared. It’s been days, and no one saw him anywhere.”

“And you came to me ?”

“If I’m being honest, you’re my last resort.”

“Oh, please, as if - “

“No, you’re literally my last resort. I already asked everyone else in the Knights, everyone at Cat’s Tail, even Charles, and some other merchants with stalls near the town’s entrance,” Jean bluntly explains. “No one saw him return to Mondstadt after he left last time.”

If Diluc feels a bit peeved at being the last person asked after his br- after Kaeya has apparently been missing for days already, he does his damn best to quash the feeling and not show it.

“I still don’t see the urgency. Your Cavalry Captain is known for… his unorthodox methods. He probably will reappear in a day or two and laugh at your worries.”

“Oh for Barbatos’s sake, Diluc ! Kaeya doesn’t just disappear like that. When he has missions, or is looking into something, undercover or not, he always makes sure to give us a heads up. We have a system in place, both to not interfere with his own sensitive missions, and to keep an eye on him if there is any danger.”

Something stirs in Diluc’s guts. He… wasn’t aware of that. Does it mean there have been instances before that system was put in place where Kaeya was in danger, and no one could come to help him ? 

And why does it matter to him ?

“Kaeya's last mission ended as predicted, Eula escorted the prisoners back to town, and both her and Amber confirmed having seen Kaeya heading home first. Several people can attest he did come back to Mondstadt, but then left almost immediately after. And that’s when I lost track of him. I don’t know what he did outside of the city walls, and I was hoping he just… went to the Winery, and had been staying here for a reason or another.”

“As you can see, that is not the case.”

“Yeah. As I can see, my Cavalry Captain is missing.” Jean answers darkly.

“I can… Ask. My informants. If you want.” Diluc awkwardly replies. 

Archons, he’s not even sure why he suggested that, but the way Jean seems immediately brighter and more hopeful, he can’t take his word back now.

“Thank you. I would appreciate it if you did so, Diluc. Now, I must go back to Mondstadt. Someone has to keep up with all that paperwork…” the Acting Grand Master sighs.

“Yeah. I will contact you as soon as I have some news. And, Jean ? Get some rest.”

“You too.”

—---------

Diluc’s first stop is Kaeya’s house.

Of course he knows where Kaeya lives. It’s one of the first things he learnt after coming back to Mondstadt.

He had to make sure the man had not invaded someone else's home. Or left the nation altogether, making it harder to track his movements.

(He will not admit that he was worried the younger man had simply been sleeping in the street. That it would have been his fault if he did.)

So here he is, in Kaeya’s house, after discreetly picking his lock the moment the street emptied.

This isn’t what he was expecting.

The multiple bottles of Dandelion Wine and other spirituous, most of them stamped with the Dawn Winery’s logo littering the floor and filling the waste bin ? Sure.

But the total lack of any… Personal items, bar the clothes in the cupboards and some books neatly stacked in his room ?

Given what he’s seen of Kaeya’s new… tastes - or whatever you may call his crimes against style - since he came back to Mondstadt, Diluc was expecting something more… 

Something more.

Heck, there’s not even a single hideous vase stacked somewhere in a corner for the flowers he knows the Cavalry Captain regularly receives from grandparents eager to set him up as their future son-in-law.

Kaeya’s house is just that. An empty house.

The most lived-in part is the second room, which obviously belongs to a certain Spark Knight, given the multiple Dodoco-shaped plushies and cushions, the childish crayon drawings pasted to the walls, and the red bedding set.

That’s… somewhat depressing.

But whatever. None of this concerns him. He just came to see if there were any hints concerning potential threats to Mondstadt the blue-haired man might have been investigating, or anything related to his disappearance. It’s obviously not the case, so he will leave.

The empty house does not remind him of the first few months Kaeya spent in the Ragnvindr household, afraid of taking anything, even if it was freely given, thinking he might be thrown out as fast as he was taken in.

It does not.

Diluc turns around. Time to go to his informants and see if they can dig up something.

Chapter Text

At least the Harbinger was right ; his staff-assigned lodging is quite luxurious. It occupies a whole floor at the top of one of the traditional buildings lining the main commercial street. The decor is a savant mix of tradition and modern comfort, in muted tones of dark red and grey-blue with touches of gold and silver giving the furniture a distinguished air.

One of the room is clearly lived in ; between the shirts and pants and scarves haphazardly thrown on every chair - and some abandoned on the ground - the empty take-out containers and beer bottles piled up on the table near stained Fatui reports, and the soiled and bloodied bandages stuffed in the trash can, it is quite easy to see who might be living here.

The other three rooms and the second bathroom are, however, thankfully impersonal and clean. Both Albedo and Kaeya made quick work of depositing the content of the sole backpack they shared into their respective rooms, claiming towels and toiletry necessities from the ginger’s own bathroom.

They might have to do some shopping soon. While Albedo can make a single outfit last very long - perks of chalk flesh being less prone to sweat and grime - Kaeya doesn’t even have a spare pair of underwear. The grimace he made when putting on the same outfit for the third or fourth consecutive day made his stance on the matter very clear.

Childe stayed with them for a brief but filling meal, delivered by some local restaurant, composed mainly of some sort of meat dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, and almond cakes. The empty boxes were left to the side of the already overflowing trash can, the Harbinger giving them a spare key and waving goodbye as he went back to the Northland Bank to (unwillingly) finish his paperwork.

Kaeya and Albedo, after a brief conversation with the non-Fatui building’s doorman to ask for directions, decided to make their way to Bubu Pharmacy to enquire about the therapy process.

They’re now leisurely strolling through the Harbor’s streets, avoiding the most crowded areas while appreciating Liyue’s unique beauty and architectural style… or trying to. The blonde-haired alchemist is having a hard time concentrating on the scenery.

Clad in a plain black Fatui turtleneck under his usual blouse, and having foregone his corset and multiple layers of cape and fur for Timaus’ old coat, Kaeya looks so unusually modest that Albedo feels disturbed.

Finally spotting something more interesting - or at least, a good enough conversation starter - as a Fatui grunt nervously shuffles close to the shadows in a side-street, Albedo breaks the comfortable silence.

“So, how did you end up becoming… friends, with a Harbinger ? If I may ask, that is.”

“You just did. And you’re not going to believe me.”

“You can’t know that.”

“I do. We’re pen pals.”

“You are… what ?”

“See ? Told you. And no, don’t give me that look, for once I’m being truthful. Childe and I met each other on a mission the Traveler dragged us into ; and we somewhat hit off. After that, when he went back to Liyue, we kept in contact through letters. And somehow, we became long-distance friends.”

“Oh. That is unexpectedly… wholesome.”

“It is, isn’t it ?”

“I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised. Our dear Traveler tends to… defy expectations and probabilities,” the blonde man wonders out loud.

“They sure do,” the Cavalry Captain chuckles.

There is a comfortable silence as they make their way around, stopping by at the stalls catching their eyes and browsing wares along the way. After all, both men are unused to being able to play tourists, usually stamped by duties of all kinds among the Knights of Favonius. For all the less than ideal circumstances having brought them here, this can be considered as some sort of welcome reprieve. A peaceful vacation, even.

“So… What am I supposed to do once we reach the pharmacy ?” Kaeya idly wonders, although the way he’s gripping that Cor Lapis brooch betrays his inner turmoil. “Can’t I simply politely ask them to ‘cure the sad out of my brain’ and be done with it ?”

“That… That is not how healing works. You are aware of this, right ?” 

“I do have some basic self-healing abilities in combat, but it’s not quite my strong point. So no,  I actually do not know how Vision healing works. Or why this couldn’t be a solution. Do you?”

“Do I..?”

“Understand how the healing works.”

“It is far from my specialty, but I do have some basic knowledge.”

“Then…”

“Vision healing only works on purely physical symptoms. A bleeding cut, a pulled muscle… If the cause is elsewhere, all it will do is cure the current effects. The relief will be temporary,” Albedo explains.

“Huh. I figured out you couldn’t miraculously heal mental ailments like that, but I didn’t know there was an actual explanation for it. Do you know why ?”

“That would be more Sucrose’s area of expertise than mine, but I can try to explain what I have understood. Mental wellbeing is related to a number of different and correlated parameters, such as chemical concentration in the brain,  thoughts patterns, and psychosomatic factors. Vision healing is useful on open wounds because all that have to be repaired is muscle and blood vessels. That is why potions have been developed to deal with the weaknesses of regular Vision healing.”

“So… If I drank the right potion, everything would be fine ?” Kaeya asks hesitantly.

“Unlikely. Potions are crutches. For example, Sucrose’s primary research is related to potions relieving the effect of an over abundance of stress. However, such potion is not a solution in itself as long as the cause of stress is not taken care of. If the person concerned keeps having to face situations that induce stress for them, the potion can only help suppress or relieve the effects at the moment. But they will suffer again the next time they encounter such a situation.”

“It was too good to be true,” Kaeya sighs.

“Which is why we are consulting an expert in the matter. I’ve heard many good things about Sir Baizhu, and I believe he shall be able to bring concrete solutions to your problems.”

“Ah, well… I already agreed, and we’ve come so far. No point in delaying any longer,”  the blue-haired man nervously mumbles as the grandiose staircase leading to the pharmacy appears in front of them.

Tartaglia was right ; the place seems to be packed. Many people, some coughing, some looking a bit too pale or, on the contrary, too red in the face are coming in and out of the building. Attendants are guiding the would-be patients, as well as running around with prescriptions and dried herbs to fulfill said prescriptions. 

As they entered the reception area, Albedo could swear he saw a tiny purple-haired child carrying a grown adult man whose leg was in a splint from one room to another. He shakes his head. No use dwelling on what is far from being the strangest thing he’s ever seen.

“Excuse me..?” Kaeya meekly asks, waving at a man crushing flowers in a pestle behind the counter.

“Ah, yes ! Welcome to Bubu Pharmacy ! My name is Gui, I’m a herbalist working here ; are you looking to fill a prescription ? Or did you have an appointment with the boss ?”

“Ah… Hum, no I - I don’t have an appointment… I’m… I was…” With a hesitant glance toward Albedo, and a deep breath the blue-haired man seems to steel himself. “I would like to enquire about following a therapy in your fine establishment, please.”

“Oh, is that so ? I can set up a meeting with Miss Bu, if you want. She’s our resident specialist in those kinds of illnesses. Even Boss Baizhu refers to her !”

“That… would be ideal, thank you.”

“No problems ! Let me see… Yes, she has a free time slot tomorrow in the late morning, if you want ? Or three days from now -”

“Tomorrow if fine. Do I sign here..?”

“Yes, and here… Thank you. The rest of the paperwork can be filled after the first meeting, depending on what is said then. Don’t worry, you’re far from the first person to come to Bubu Pharmacy for mental illnesses ! This is more common than what people realize, and there is no shame in seeking help,” the man gently adds as he hands over a paper slip with the time of the appointment.

“Yeah… It seems so… Ah, do I pay now, or..?”

“Oh ! You’re a citizen of Mondstadt, right ?”

“Yes..?”

“Then you have nothing to pay ! The last revision of the trade agreements made by the Qixing after the Rite of Parting involved some changes regarding neighboring nations. For instance, citizens of Mondstadt now benefit from the same insurance as us Liyuens, and your medicine in Liyue Harbor is covered by the taxes your merchants pay. And that includes services such as therapeutic massages, you know!”

“What an interesting system to facilitate access to medical procedures…” Albedo wonders.

“It is ! The Qixing calculated that such measures would reduce by over thirty percent the risks of trade deals being blown by sick envoys, or hurt messengers losing goods. I don’t really understand everything, but as a pharmacist, I’m happy more people can get the medicine they need !” the man beams, waving them off. “See you tomorrow good sirs ! And have a nice day !”

“Ah.. You too.” 

“Goodbye, sir.”

—---------

Once they exited the pharmacy, they were slightly surprised to see Childe waiting for them. He had been in a seemingly passionate conversation with a tall Liyuan man, but enthusiastically waved them over the moment he spotted them.

The other man turns to them, his golden eyes landing on the two of them, subtly widening.

Albedo stops walking. He’s not sure why, but this situation is sending danger warnings to his homunculus brain. 

Kaeya is also rooted in the same spot next to him, eye flitting about the Harbinger’s friend, obviously trying to find clues about his identity.

His analysis is however unnecessary, given Childe himself introduces the man as they approach the pair.

“ - And here are Kaeya and Albedo, the guys staying at my place. Like I was saying, I’m friends with the blue one - Kaeya - but the short one is a funny guy, and I feel like you could get along. Oh, guys, this is Zhongli. Officially he’s a funeral parlor consultant in Liyue. Unofficially, he’s, like,” Childe lowers his voice, smirking at his friend, “Rex-fucking-Lapis and faked his death a few months ago.”

His only answer is a tired grunt, proof that this is not the first time they’re having such a conversation. However, when neither Kaeya nor Albedo answer with a greeting, the Harbinger turns around, a confused frown on his face.

His guests are pretty much frozen in place.

There were many things both Mondstadians were ready for.

For some very discouraging feedback from the doctor, to be told healing would not be possible anytime in the near future, if at all.

For scorn and judgment from strangers unaware of the struggles that lead them here.

Even perhaps for a random knight of Favonius, on some nondescript mission to Liyue, to corner them and demand answers they’re not sure they have.

They certainly were not prepared to come face to face with Rex Lapis, Sovereign of Geo, (ex?) Archon of Liyue, a renowned and supposedly deceased War God. 

If there is one thing to be told about Khaenri’ahns, no matter who they may be, it’s that they’re fucking afraid of Archons . And for good reasons. Barbatos is the easiest to get along with, be it thanks to his century-long naps or general ‘laissez-faire’ policies when it comes to governing his lands. Also it’s hard to be afraid of a dude that looks fourteen and can be found drunk and drooling on a table every other day.

Morax is not Barbatos. Morax looks much more threatening than Barbatos.

Albedo is sure that if he was more human-like, he would be breaking in a cold sweat. Doubly so considering that precise Archon presides over rocks and minerals - which is what he’s made of . Instead he’s clenching his hands so hard they’re making very non-human cracks.

Kaeya has paled considerably, and is trying very hard to make his shaking not noticeable - although without much success.

And the damn ginger Harbinger looks none the wiser, happily babbling about this and that to his amber-eyed friend.

Said man has his piercing gaze turned to them ; his eyes make Albedo feel as if he’s currently being vivisected. The Alchemist unconsciously steps closer to his companion ; to protect him? To be protected ? 

Both, perhaps.

Zhongli clears his throat.

“While Childe has rather above average intellect, he often forget to make use of it. I hope you can forgive him for his… lack of insight.”

“I can’t tell if you’re complimenting me or insulting me..?”

“He’s saying you’re not the sharpest tool in the shed,” Kaeya teases, but his eye is still glued to the ex-Archon and his posture is still tense.

“I can understand if you two would rather not spend too much time in my company. I believe offering you apologies may not be enough, but…”

“Apologies aren’t going to do much for all those who died or became monsters,” Albedo grits out before biting his tongue. Hard. Because angering an Archon is not a wise thing to do. History has proved it several times . 

Rhinedottir had some very strong opinions on Archons and the Cataclysm that she shared with her disciple, but he would prefer not being prematurely returned to chalk dust.

Thankfully, all the Prime Adepti do is close his eyes and offer a shallow bow. A silent apology ? A mere gesture of accepting the facts ? 

“Childe, I feel like your guests would be more at ease if I were to leave. I apologize, perhaps we can have that tea at a later date ?”

“But…”

“Do not worry, I will see you soon. Goodbye.”

The moment the Prime Adepti steps out of their sight, Kaeya lets out a deep sigh of relief, almost staggering from the adrenaline rush he experienced. Albedo is not much better, unclenching his hands with a grimace as he feels chalk powder falling down his gloves.

“What the fuck was that ?” Childe wonders, looking at them and then at the street Zhongli disappeared into.

“The scariest fucking day of my life, and I say this as I’ve been face-to-face with a burning claymore on my father’s death day before,” Kaeya growls. “Why THE FUCK did you not mention you were… friends with the GODDAMN local Archon ?!”

“Uhm. Because you never asked ? Also what is your deal with - “

“Childe. I was under the impression that you knew of Kaeya’s… of our origins,” Albedo interrupts.

“What ? Origins ? Oh, yeah, you mean the lost cursed kingdom or something ? Sorry I really don’t know how to pronounce its name.”

“And do you know how it was lost and cursed ?” Kaeya grits out.

“Of course ! The rulers became too impudent, and defied Celestia, and - Oh .”

“Yeah, ‘ oh ’.”

“Shiiiiiit. Sorry, I’m really, really, reaaaally sorry guys ! I swear I didn’t know - or, well, didn’t remember, and - “

“S’fine. Just… Please tell me you don’t have any other friend in Liyue that’s secretly an Archon or something. Please ,” the blue-haired man mumbles, suddenly unsure of his stay in the Geo Nation at the prospect of being faced with yet more immortals that destroyed his birth nation.

“Nah. Not that I’m aware, at least. I always thought the Traveler could be an Archon, but I don’t think they actually are, so…”

“Mh. That is an interesting hypothesis,” Albedo says under his breath, mentally reviewing his research note on their otherworldly friend.

“Yeah, yeah, enough about Celestia and all. I’m hungry, what’s for dinner ?” Kaeya groans.

“Oh !” Childe perks up. “I’m taking you guys to Liuli Pavilion ! You’ve gotta try some real Liyue’s traditional dishes at least once while you’re staying here. Also, I’m paying.”

“I sure hope you are, I vaguely recall that place as being expensive as fuck,” the Cavalry Captain mutters. 

—---------

Everyone in the street leading to Liuli Pavilion, and then everyone inside the restaurant glares at Childe - and, by extension, at his guests - as he makes his way over.

“...You’re not very liked around these parts, aren’t you ?”

“To be fair,  I did unleash an old forgotten evil god to try to destroy Liyue Harbor. I can kind of understand that everyone and their mother would spit on my grave given the opportunity,” shrugs the ginger man.

“How come you’re even able to walk in the street ? I recall the Qixing basically banned all Fatui presence in public…”

“Thanks to Zhongli, mostly,” He taps his Delusion on the side of his head ; “I went a lil’ bit overboard with that during my last meeting with our dear Traveler, and ended up worse for wear. I tried sneaking into Liyue Harbor to get some medicine, but Zhongli found me… And then he hired some lawyer girl to get me a pass. I think she was an Adepti or something ?”

“How did she even manage that ? Adepti or not, that sounds like one hell of a con.”

“Basically she got some law code out that said that legally, each nation is allowed to send at least one diplomat. I’m the only Harbinger in Liyue right now, so I just filled out some papers to give me that title for the time being. And tada !”

“I bet if you stepped in a dark alley someone would try to stab you.”

“I wish they did,” the Harbinger dreamily sighs.

“Studying you would probably be a worthwhile endeavor… Your thought process is very… interesting,” Albedo wonders out loud.

“That’s a very nice way to say he’s fucking unhinged,” Kaeya adds helpfully.

“Fuck you too,” Childe cheerfully answers, holding the door open for them.

He tries to discreetly trip Kaeya with his leg as he passes him, but the Cavalry Captain just hops over, and flicks his forehead before he has time to retaliate. Childe reacts as his name would imply ; pulling on the other’s ponytail and eliciting a yell from his friend.

The Chief Alchemist ignores them both, as well as the disgusted glare one of the waiters is sending them, to follow the woman that seems to have been appointed their waitress for tonight’s dinner to a more secluded table. 

He can’t tell if this is for their own comfort, or the comfort of the other clients. Regardless, there is no one watching them over here, which suits him just fine.

The two taller men thankfully stop bickering like children once the food starts coming in, and as the Harbinger said, they get to enjoy the plates of Liyuean’s delicacies in relative peace. They chat idly in between servings, conversation dying down once the new food arrives, only to start again as the fowl disappear and the bowls empty.

The alchemist is looking forward to the dessert, which turns out to be a gigantic platter of exotic-looking fruits piled in an artful display. He picks one from the top, rolling it over in his palm once before opening his mouth - 

“Alb - WAIT DON’T BITE IT !”

"Ah ?" 

Albedo flinches as Kaeya violently lurches across the table, swiping the fruit from his hand.

“That’s a litchi ! You’re supposed to peel it, the skin is gross and thick !”

“Damn. I really wanted to see him make the same mistake as me when I first tasted it,” grumbles Childe.

“You’re an asshole,” Kaeya counters, with a glare toward the man. And then he laughs, because the feared Harbinger just dropped his chopsticks in the last remnants of his soup and splattered broth all over his uniform, yelling a string of Snezhnayan words that are more than likely not children-appropriate.

Ignoring the still cursing ginger swiping half the napkins of the table, the Cavalry Captain turns back to Albedo, showing him how to open the litchi.

“You only eat the white pulp inside. It’s got a very sweet taste, you’ll love it.”

“Hnnn,” Albedo nods, mouth full. He swallows, “But isn’t it very impractical to have to peel a fruit that is already bite-sized ? Why not pick something bigger, and therefore easier to handle and less likely to dirty your hands or clothes ?”

“Beat me. I just know it’s a pricey delicacy by Liyuean standards ; I guess other fruits are not as sweet ?”

“I wonder if Sucrose would be interested in researching potential hybridization between litchi and sunsettias… “

“How did you know how to eat it anyway ? I thought you would make the mistake too… Or can you get these things in Mondstadt as well ?“ Childe asks, finally done mopping his mess.

“Nah. These are very pricey. You don’t really have a market for extremely rare and expensive fruits in Mondstadt. Except for a few bi-yearly noble parties, I guess… “

“So that’s where you ate it ? Or in Liyue ? You’ve been here before, right ?”

“Yes. My fath - Master Cre -  Ah, uh, I mean…” 

Kaeya visibly hesitates for a few seconds, biting his lips. Then he furrows his eyebrow, and determinedly tries again.

“My father did bring me to Liyue when I was a child. I can’t remember if we ever went to this particular restaurant, but we did have a taste of some Liyue specialties. Including litchis.”

There is a moment of respectful silence as the other two let Kaeya gather himself back.

“And you, dude ? Have you ever eaten some exotic stuff during your travels ?” Childe asks, turning to Albedo.

“I’m afraid I can’t say so. My master was not one for… sightseeing. Most of our research brought us into the wilderness, far from human settlements, or into Domains…”

“Aw, really ?”

“Oh ! But I can tell you that the spiders living in the Irminsul trees’ canopy have quite an interesting taste. You can obtain a number of unforgettable flavors from them depending on the kind of herbs and condiments you use, as well as the cooking method. My favorite is marinating them in cape jasmine and lemongrass , and then slowly smoking them over fire.”

“...What the fuck, Albedo,” Kaeya cringes.

“On one hand that sounds kinda disgusting. On the other hand, it’s intriguing. Next time I go fighting stuff in Domains, I will try to look for those spiders. Sounds like an experience,” ponders the ginger.

“What about you, Childe ?” Albedo asks politely.

“Eeeh… I was never stationed long enough in a place to really look into the specialties. That is, ‘til I came to Liyue. I must say I’m enjoying the local cooking a lot. And some Snezhnayan specialties would probably sound weird to you guys, but I can’t quite do them justice, besides my famed soup, that is !”

“Come on, you must have seen at least one or two interesting things, no ?” Kaeya nudges.

“Dunno, wh - Oh, yeah ! When I was in Fontaine, I had to attend some boring formal party, and I swear there were like, six different forks ? Everyone knew how to use them but me. What would you need that many forks for? Knives I can understand, but forks ?!”

“That’s called etiquette, you uncouth beast. We have the same thing in Mondstadt.” 

“But why..?”

“There’s the salad fork, the fish fork, the meat fork, the oyster fork, the - “

“Oh Archons, shut up please, this is even more confusing !” Childe wails as Kaeya rattles on the proper use of soup spoon versus dessert spoon.

Albedo amusedly watches them. No matter how skeptical he was at first, it is not hard to see that both men are in fact quite close friends. He is glad that Kaeya has someone he can depend on. Even if he has to leave Liyue before his companion’s treatment is complete, Kaeya will not be alone. Although, the more he thinks about it, the less he likes the idea of leaving Kaeya behind.

They are friends now, aren’t they ? He’s fairly sure one of the rules Klee blabbered about concerning friends is that you should do your utmost best to help them if it is in your power.

Well… Perhaps he should ask Kaeya what he prefers. Basing his actions on the stories of an eight years old pyromaniac girl may not be such a great idea, after all.

Chapter Text

The next day, Kaeya is alone when he goes to his appointment with the Liyuean doctor.

Childe had left quite early for the bank, grumbling about incompetent subordinates and other things.

Albedo was sleeping in. Kaeya had almost wanted to wake him up, but to have the alchemist actually sleep deeply for once in his life was too much of a miracle for him to do so. Besides, the past few days have certainly been stressful for the blonde man. He deserves a bit of rest from the crowd (and from Kaeya’s issues).

So here he is, alone, walking up to Bubu Pharmacy.

He’s. Maybe apprehensive. Not that he will admit it to anyone.

Not that anyone would ask him. Or, well. Maybe Albedo would. The shorter man keeps surprising Kaeya. In good ways ! He’s not used to things being good to him.

But back to the point. 

Therapy.

He’s not sure what to expect, and that puts him on edge. As Cavalry Captain, being always three steps ahead of his opponents is his main strength. He knows things about everyone, about everything, secrets that may seem innocuous and of no interest at first glance but that are more efficient than weapons when used at the right time, with the right person.

Knowledge is power, and Kaeya is one of the most powerful men of Mondstadt, not too far behind his (ex) brother.

But here, in Liyue, as a patient, Kaeya does not know anything. 

See, in Mondstadt, you deal with your issues by drinking yourself into a stupor. If it doesn’t work, you drink some more until you’ve forgotten why you were drinking to begin with.

And when you’re sober, you ignore the issues and you bottle your feelings, and wait for the next glass of liquid poison to make life bearable.

He’s vaguely aware that it’s probably not the best way to deal with trauma, but, hey, that’s how everyone in Mond does it, so he just followed the example.

The only exception to this rule would be Diluc. But truth to be told, fucking off in the wilderness for four years and coming back allergic to anything related to emotions does not look to be a much better alternative.

Whatever. He’s already in Liyue, he might as well try to make it work, if only to please Albedo. He’s just… going to talk about his childhood or something for an hour. Or work problems. Maybe ranting to someone will actually make him feel better.

The woman who welcomes him into her office is pretty. Her clothes and make-up makes it look like she’s in her thirties, but the crows’ feet around her eyes and the subtle grey roots of her hair betray that she’s probably closer to fifty. 

The smile she gives him as she bows to greet him is polite, warm, but not overly affectionate.

Kaeya’s own bow is a bit more hesitant, but he tries to give a polite, neutral smile of his own.

“Hello, Mr. Kaeya ? I’m Dr. Bu. You may call me by my title, or Mrs. Bu, depending on what makes you more comfortable.”

“Alright. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bu.”

“So, is this your first time doing a therapy session ?”

“Hum, yes…”

“Don’t worry, I can understand this is nerve-wracking. I am going to ask you a few questions about yourself, to see what exactly you need help with, and what are your objectives. If any question makes you uncomfortable, feel free to tell me, and not answer. Is that okay with you ?”

“I… guess… Hum, what do you mean by… by ‘objectives’ ?”

“Oh, I mean what are your goals ? What are you hoping to achieve ? Or if I rephrase it ; what made you seek therapy and what do you want to change by coming here ?”

“I’m… I’m here because I tried to… kill myself. I guess. A friend of mine stopped me and, uh… suggested I seek help. So I hope to… Not do that again..?” Kaeya hesitantly answers.

“Ah. Well, that friend of yours made the right call,” the doctor nods, picking up a notepad to write something down. “May I ask you about it?”

“That’s why I’m here, so… Yes ?”

“What were you feeling before your… suicide attempt ? Emotions, thoughts…”

“I was… sad. Anxious. Angry at myself, too. I thought… that it would be better for everyone if I wasn’t here anymore.”

“Everyone ? Who is ‘everyone’ ?”

“Uh… My friends… colleagues, too. I dunno, people in general ?”

“Hmm… Did you experience any… unpleasant events, lately ?”

“...Unpleasant events?” The blue-haired man immediately think back to a certain night, the rain washing everything in dull greyish colors, making the crimson blood ever more striking, the shock of red hair and the screams of anguish turning to anger and - 

“Mr. Kaeya ?” the doctor gently asks.

“Ah. Sorry. I, uh… I guess. I had some. Unpleasant events, I mean. But, uhm… it was a long time ago. Not lately. So I don’t know if…” he trails off.

“That’s fine. We can get back to it later, if you want.”

“Okay…”

“Now… Yes, it says you are from Mondstadt. Is that true ?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Do you… Feel like you may have some, er, problems with addictions ? Alcohol, for example ?” 

“Ah…” On one hand, that kinda feels like a stereotype. On the other hand… “Yeah. Yeah, I do have an addiction to alcohol.” 

He’s not the drunkest drunk in the city, but a functional alcoholic is still an alcoholic. That much he can admit.

“Unfortunately, that seems to be a common problem among Mondstadt’s citizens… I guess producing the wine means easier access to it, or something…” Mrs. Bu mumbles, still furiously scribbling in her notepad.

She lifts her head, and Kaeya leans back from where he was trying to see what she wrote. She obviously sees his movement, and seems to consider something for a second.

“I can show you what I wrote at the end of the session, if you want ?”

“...Really ?”

“Yes, it is about you, after all. I will still explain my reasoning out loud, but it may help you follow my line of thinking.”

“I would like that. Thank you.”

“Alright ! Next question ; do you know if anyone in your family ever experienced the same things as you ?”

“In my family ? Why..?”

“Well, it is not quite well explained yet, but it seems in some cases, mental ailments may also be passed down from parents to children. So it could be another factor to consider.”

Oh. So she means his birth family.

He’s not sure he can offer an answer. 

What he remembers of his mom are mostly flashes. Brief feelings, vague smells. A song whose lyric he forgot she hummed while combing his hair. A light laugh, running down corridors after him, picking him up as he squealed… The rest is foggy.

Even more foggier are the memories of his father. Anything but the shock of their last conversation, the claws of anxiety of having to live up to some grand dream he never understood, the tears mixing with pouring rain as he watched his back retreat, is dull. 

Washed up with the rain.

Memories of his ‘new’ family are much more clear.

Redheads have slowly but surely replaced all blue-hair in what he remembered of his childhood.

Did his birth father ever suffer from the same plights as him ? Could this be one of the explanations for his behaviour, right before their departure for the land above ? Did his grief after losing his wife translate to anger and hate toward Teyvat ? Toward his son ?

“I’m… afraid I don’t know,” Kaeya meekly admits.

“That’s fine. This is not something easy to see, after all. Do you… want to talk about your family ? Perhaps there is something you might see in a new light regarding them ?”

“I would rather not. Not now. P-please ?”

“...Okay. Okay, that’s fine. You are allowed to set up boundaries, in fact, it’s a good thing you’re doing so right now. I’m not here to make you feel worse, yeah ? I can’t help you if I do.”

“Okay… Thank you. I understand.”

She claps her hands, and he tries to not jump.

“Well ! I think we’ve already done a lot today. As promised, here are my notes.”

He glances at the notepad, noting words underlined like “depression” and “suicide attempt”, as well as some arrows toward “family issues ?”, but looks up as she starts talking and explaining.

To sum it up ; yes he’s sick in his head. Yes he needs help. And no, it won’t be easy. But apparently the fact that he took the first step and came here is already a sign that he is on the good path toward recovery.

She talks some more, telling him to try to make up a list of questions he may have, or remarks and events he may want to broach during their next session, but Kaeya feels disconnected.

Like he felt too much and burned something inside himself.

He hasn’t… thought about what happened with his father in years. What happened with both his fathers . And now… It’s somewhat overwhelming to be reviving these feelings at once.

He nods at what the therapist says, and says goodbye to both her and the same receptionist as the day before as he leaves Bubu Pharmacy, but it’s more of a reflex. Something automatic.

He walks back to Childe’s place in a daze, and plops himself facedown on his bed.

He falls asleep before he’s even finished thinking about whether Albedo was up or not.

—---------

Albedo did, in fact, get up a while ago.

Upon finding the flat void of its two other occupants, he indulged in slightly too-sweet pastries for breakfast, sketched a little, and in the end, decided to go out.

Yesterday, while going to Bubu Pharmacy with Kaeya, he spotted a well-stocked bookshop on one of those wooden bridge streets. 

He idly wonders if the verticality in Liyue’s Harbor design is merely a way to gain more space in an already densely populated area, or if one of the byproducts of living in a country full of steep cliffs is local architects being more tempted to build on top of already existing constructions to better integrate their work in the local landscape.

One advantage of building bridges above the streets is the reduced traffic it induces. The higher you go, the more steps you have to climb, and the less people you come across. Therefore, the blonde man makes sure to stay on the highest passages all the way to his destination. It also allows him to appreciate the beauty of the city from above, which he couldn’t quite do yesterday given his… distracted state.

He briefly wonders how the Cavalry Captain is doing at the moment. Hopefully, his first appointment with the Liyuean doctor is going well.

If not, Albedo has already thought about possible back-up plans. He’s quite sure there is another specialist in medicine in Sumeru that was studying head injuries and brain-related matters. There is also one renowned physician that was last seen in Fontaine, albeit the man is rumored to ask for a truly shameful amount of mora in exchange for his expertise. There was also that shaman from Natlan he heard about… 

Now that he’s decided to do his best to help his friend - his first friend ! - Albedo is not going to neglect anything.

And, as a true scientist, he knows the first step is to do some research.

Entering the bookshop and glancing at the wall-high shelves filled with books and parchments, the alchemist feels satisfied with himself. There is a high percentage of chances of finding useful information on the topic of his choice here.

The woman manning the counter seems to be deeply invested in some debate with a potential customer over the narrative choices of a novel, so he heads deeper into the store by himself.

Thankfully, the books are categorized in a logical, albeit slightly messy way, and he can easily find what he was looking for.

One book becomes two, then three, then five as he paces and picks up volume after volume.

Now he just needs to find - there.

That one book was one of the most-used references among Sucrose’s own literary stash. She’s said multiple times that it was a comprehensive and well-renowned state-of-the-art publication that any researcher should have among their personal library.

There’s a single problem ; the book is on the highest shelf.

The highest shelf of a very, very tall bookshelf.

Not for the first time, Albedo curses his master for making him in her own image, height included.

Unfortunately, the store is a bit too cramped for him to use his Solar Isotoma. The risk of breaking furniture and causing damage to the books is too great.

So the other solution it is.

He puts his books down, looks left and right to make sure no one is going to reprimand him, and starts pushing himself up, stepping on the lower shelves and grabbing higher ones.

He’s almost to the top - just a little more…

And the last book is now in his hands !

And there’s someone clearing their throat next to the bookshelf.

Well. At least it’s only some teenager, and not an employee.

It is not the first time Albedo has to endure the shame of some bystander witnessing him half climbing a bookshelf to grab the contents placed just a bit too high, but it never fails to make him burn from embarrassment. He’s lucky chalk can’t really blush that well.

“...There are step ladders over here, my liege,” the blue-haired teenager snickers. 

Scratch that, he’s definitely as red as a sunsettia right now.

“...I see. I will make sure to use these next time,” he replies, willing himself to not curl up in a ball out of shame.

He brusquely remembers he’s still suspended halfway to the top of the shelf and promptly jumps down, patting nonexistent dust from his coat.

The teenager snickers some more, although he tries to hide it behind a cough. 

Poorly tries to hide it.

“Can I help you ?” Albedo finally asks, curtly.

“Ah, no, no… I was simply curious as to what a fellow book-lover was looking for. ‘Introduction to social psychology and common pathologies’, huh ? I must say that’s a bit heavier than what I like to read.”

“I am currently doing some research on matters of the mind, hence my choices,” Albedo shrugs, gesturing to the pile of books with similar titles he had left on the ground.

“An understandable reason !”

“XINQIUUUUUUU ! Where are you ?!”

They both turn at the screaming seemingly coming from another part of the store, sound half-muffled by thick books.

“I guess this means duty calls… My name is Xinqiu, my liege. If you ever want to indulge in more leisure reading, feel free to ask me for recommendations. I have it on good authority that my taste in literature is top notch !” the blue-haired teenager proudly says.

“..If you say so ?”

“Well then, goodbye, fellow book enthusiast ! YUNYUUUUN I’M HERE !” the boy shouts, jumping onto the back of another teenager, this one with lighter, almost white, hair. They start bickering as they make their way toward another section of the bookstore, one filled with fantasy novels of various sizes and shapes.

Albedo wonders how the two of them haven’t been kicked out of the store yet, with all the noise they make.

Well, whatever. He got what he came for.

With a paper bag filled with his finds, the alchemist leaves the store.

—---------

Only to come face to face (or, more accurately, face to chest) with one very calm-looking ex-Archon barely a few steps after exiting the building.

“May I have a word with you ?” the amber-eyed man inquires.

“Is that a question, or a threat ?” Albedo calmly responds, trying his best to appear unaffected.

“Ah, there is no need for such animosity on your part. I merely want to have a… quick chat with you,” the ex-Archon offers, which does absolutely nothing to calm down the alchemist.

“Very well. Shall we take a walk along the docks as we… ‘chat’?”

“That would be ideal, thank you.”

If it was not for the tense atmosphere surrounding them as they walk side by side, one could almost believe the two of them to be more than mere acquaintances. The idle chat they currently are engaging in is both polite and of enough intellectual level to not bore either. Truthfully, if Zhongli was merely any other Adepti and not an Archon, Albedo would surely be overjoyed to ask more questions regarding many events long forgotten and theories regarding the nature of life as seen by an immortal.

Unfortunately, the only question regarding the nature of life that he has at the moment concerns whether or not his own life is going to come to a crushing end under a stone spear within the next fifteen minutes.

“You are not human, are you ?” Zhongli asks in such an even conversational tone that the question does not fully register in Albedo’s mind for a few minutes. The moment it does, however, he can feel his hands crack.

“And what of it ?” he counters in an equivalent polite but bored tone.

“Oh, I do not mean anything derogatory by it. I, myself, could be considered to be more stone than flesh. I am merely curious as to what an… existence such as yourself is doing in Liyue.”

“I am not a danger to your nation.”

“That is not what I was asking,” cuts Rex Lapis, his eyes gleaming dangerously, as if daring him to evade the question once more. The alchemist relents.

“In case Childe did not explain everything already… I am simply here to accompany and provide some sort of comfort to Kaeya as he seeks medical help from one of Liyue's specialists. I mean no harm, and will go back to Monstadt the moment I deem my… my friend to be stable enough.”

“Is that so ? Childe did not, in fact, tell me everything. Despite his… boisterous personality, he does know what privacy is.”

“Is that so ? How surprising ,” Albedo mocks.

“Shocking, I know, but it is the truth,” Zhongli chuckles. “I also mean it when I say I mean no harm to you both. What happened five hundred years ago… I cannot speak of it freely, for I signed a contract with another party regarding that information. However, know that it was, and still is, one of my biggest regrets.”

“Is it true ? I thought I heard Childe talk about the way you often accompanied him to get rid of Hillichurls camps…”

“I do. But you and I both know that Hillichurls are but shadows of what they once were. And you and… Kaeya are Knights of the Favonius Ordo, are you not ? I was under the impression that your jobs included such tasks as well.”

“It does,” Albedo mutters. 

Years doing it, and he still hasn’t quite reached a conclusion whether this was mercy or not to dispose of his fellow sinners like that. He usually rationalizes his actions by the fact that innocent people would get hurt by the monsters if they were left to roam freely around Mondstadt. From what he understood, the Cavalry Captain had more or less the same reasoning.

And after all, there is not much left of the Khaenri’anhs in those creatures. Beside the butchered attempt at recreating their mother tongue, that is. Knowing their pride, perhaps the star-eyes people would want to be disposed of, rather than see themselves in such… primitive forms.

“Then you can understand that it is a matter of duty, rather than taking pleasure in killing them,” the Prime Adepti adds, cutting the alchemist’s inner musings short.

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“Now, where were we… Yes, am I right in thinking that Kaeya is a full star-child ? Mixed blood sometimes did have those pupils, but it was a very long time ago, and they disappeared progressively…”

“...What do you need that information for ?” Albedo asks, suddenly defensive now that his companion had become the Archon’s subject of interest.

“Ah, merely curiosity… It has been so long since I’ve seen eyes like these… Or rather, eye, in that case. It is still as beautiful as I remembered,” the amber-eyed man wistfully sighs.

Albedo fully stops after hearing this.

His artificial brain cannot quite compute the meaning of the sentence.

Is… Is Rex Lapis interested in Kaeya ?

Isn’t that criminal, in many ways ? On top of the whole genocide thing, Morax is supposedly thousands of years old, while Kaeya is… only twenty-something, as far as Albedo knows. Doesn’t that count as some variant of corruption of minors ? Actually, how do Adepti even entertain the thought of getting involved with humans whose lifespans are clearly shorter than theirs ? 

Would Kaeya even be interested back ?

And why does Albedo feel something burning in his throat at the thought ?

“...I do not… think your… interest… would be received positively by the Cavalry Captain,” Albedo mumbles, a little sharper than he meant to.

That seems to surprise Rex Lapis, who looks at him as if he just grew a second head, and -

The loud laugh that booms out of him startles the blonde alchemist, and given the number of passersby turning to look at them, he’s not the only one taken aback by the Adepti’s reaction.

Morax is still chuckling as he wipes tears from his eyes, and now Albedo feels offended, because Kaeya is a real catch, Mondstadt’s elder population understood it before anyone else, and Adepti or Archon or what-not, this man is not better than their Cavalry Captain, and -

“Oh, this is quite amusing, but I am in no way interested in someone who is a literal child compared to me,” the Prime Adepti explains with mirth in his voice.

Oh. So that answers the part about Adepti not being interested in humans… At least for Morax. For a second, Albedo wonders if some youthful-looking Adepti ever fell in love with a withered grandpa or grandma whose age was closer to theirs. That would make for a beautiful, if heart wrenching, story.

Hm, perhaps he should pen a letter to this author he already collaborated with… 

“I think I am going to enjoy your company during your stay in Liyue,” Rex Lapis says, and that completely derails the alchemist’s train of thought.

“I - What ? Why would you…”

“It has been a long time since someone entertained me so well… And if I may say, despite enjoying Childe’s company and his… hobby… very much, I can lament on the fact that conversing with him is not always mentally stimulating.”

Albedo snorts at that, and then he slaps a hand on his face and looks at the amber-eyed man with something akin to horror.

“You may call me Zhongli, by the way. I am… retired from my position as Liyue’s Archon.”

“Zhongli… Understood, I suppose it would stand out too much to still go by one of your many names in town…”

“Yes, yes… Now…” Morax inclines his head a little, and Albedo is once again reminded of a predator looking at his prey, but this time his eyes are gleaming with some sort of mischief that somehow sends a foreboding feeling in his chalky flesh.

“You and the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya… Are you… friends ?”

“Yes..?”

“ Good friends ?”

“Uh… I doubt it ?”

After all, the blonde man is realist. They’ve talked more in the span of the past few days than they have in the past three years or so, and unless your name is Klee and you’re eight years old, people don’t go around becoming best friends in a day or two.

Or unless you’re the Traveler. But since they come from another world entirely… They must be the exception to the rule, reasons the Chief Alchemist. So he and the Cavalry Captain are still more colleagues than true friends. 

Zhongli humphs at that, seemingly disappointed. 

Albedo has no idea why, and he does not want to ask. So he doesn’t.

“And you and Childe are friends as well, from what I gathered ?” he idly wonders.

“Oh, yes, we are friendly. Do not worry, though, our relationship is more of a… guardian and ward of some sort. A friendly uncle and their rowdy nephew ? I would never lay a finger on someone that would still be considered an egg by Geovishaps’ standards,” the Prime Adepti shudders.

Albedo nods, and stores a few more questions in his growing mental list of ‘Questions to ask the Adepti later if he doesn’t smite me’. 

At least the smiting part is looking more and more unlikely to happen.

Morax - Zhongli takes on more look at Albedo’s blank look, and mutters something under his breath that he doesn’t catch.

“You know… It seems we are not so different from each other.”

“How so..?”

“Well… I am not wishing this for you, but… Letting what you cherish be taken from you before you can even begin to understand what you lost…”

“I… Don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“No, I suppose you don’t. Not yet, at least,” Zhongli ponders out loud.

Having an Archon say such an ominous thing to you is obviously a sign you’re going to have a great day, thinks Albedo.

Zhongli nods once more, seemingly thinking about something, and turns to fully face the alchemist.

“You may not like such advice coming from me… But regardless of your origins, you should also reflect upon what you want.”

“...What brings such advice from you ?”

“I am familiar with what it feels like to pose yourself as a bystander. An observer, objective but removed from the facts. That is quite a lonely existence.”

“I am not lonely,” Albedo interjects, but he feels as if he’s lying by saying it. Obviously, Zhongli catches on to it.

“Aren’t you ? Then why are you still so hesitant in calling Kaeya your friend ? Or Childe, for that matter. It seems to me that you get along well with both of them.”

“Oh, I certainly do. I am simply…”

“Unsure of what would happen if you were to reveal your nature to them.”

His silence is an answer in itself.

The Prime Adepti grows solemn as he watches the bustle of the Harbor below them.

“I don’t think it would matter much. Both of them know better than anyone that the circumstances’ of one birth are not so relevant to their future.”

“You say so, but aren’t our past and memories what define us and our future ?”

“Fate isn’t set in stone. And even if it was… Erosion happens,” There’s a humorless chuckle from the ex-Archon. “One of the lessons Khaenri’ah taught me was that humankind cannot be bound by such a fickle thing as fate. Humans seek the impossible. And sometimes, they achieve it.”

“...Yes. Humans do,” Albedo quietly agrees. His own birth is more than enough proof.

“I would say you are more human than you may think.” 

“Hmmm. I sometimes wonder, but I would be inclined to agree with you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t feel such attachment to seemingly mundane things such as desserts, or art,” the alchemist ponders. An homunculus he may be, but even he can’t quite always control himself.

“Ah, appreciating the fleeting beauty of life in its small things is quite the human thing to do, albeit even us Adepti take part in these activities often. Perhaps it is a fact of life, regardless of how long of a life we’re talking about.”

“An interesting point you make. Well, if that is all, I believe I should head back. Kaeya must be waiting for me.”

“Oh, do not let me hold you back, then. But think about what I said.”

“Regarding the fleetingness of life ?”

“Regarding admitting to yourself what desires you have… and perhaps acting upon it.” 

The cryptic smile Zhongli sends him before leaving is somewhat teasing, and yet encouraging. Albedo isn’t quite sure what to make of it, but this whole interaction left him unsettled enough.

If he hurries up to get back faster to the blue-haired man to relax after all of this, that is no one’s business but his.

Chapter Text

When Albedo opens the door to their lodging, he’s greeted with the sight of a recently woken up Kaeya, with a bad case of bed hair, mindlessly stirring a spoon in his cup.

“I’m back,” the blonde man announces.

“Hn,” Kaeya hums, eye focused on his lukewarm cup of tea as if he’s looking for the answers regarding the nature of Life itself among the leafy residues. It does not, Albedo could tell him. He’s done it more than once before.

“Oh, and I also came across Rex Lapis.”

Now that gets the attention of the blue-haired man, head suddenly snapping upward with a panicked look in his eye.

“Oh Archons. Are you alright ? Did he hurt you ? Did he threaten you ?? Do we have to leave, what was he - “

“He did not hurt me, and we’re apparently free to stay in Liyue as long as needed,” the alchemist offers. He purposely says nothing about threats, because he himself is not quite sure what that whole conversation was supposed to be.

Kaeya exhale a relieved sigh and bury his head in his arms, muttering something about ‘Fucking Archons’.

Albedo hesitates a little… and awkwardly starts rubbing his hand along his friend’s shoulder. The books said physical intimacy was often comforting for people suffering from depression. 

Kaeya finally lifts his head, staring a little at Albedo’s hand still patting his shoulder, and then at the paper bag at his feet.

“Went out for some shopping ?”

“Yes, we passed by a bookstore yesterday, and I wanted to check it out more in-depth…”

“Oh, what did you - ‘Intricacies of Cognitive Behavioral Disorders and their Causes’ ? Yeah, I don’t know why I was expecting some adventure novel,” Kaeya scoffs, dropping the thick tome back in the paper bag.

“...Should I… Did you want something to read..?” Albedo hesitantly asks. Gift giving is a part of friendship he’s not too familiar with. Did he miss some social cues ? Is it rude to show up without a gift if he went shopping earlier ? Was he supposed to -

“No, it’s fine, it’s fine. I doubt I would be in the right state of mind to properly appreciate a novel at the moment, anyway,” Kaeya answers, waving off his concern. “Did you… I don’t know if ‘have fun’ is the right term, but did you enjoy your little outing ? The part before the goddamn Archon showed up, of course.”

“I suppose I did, given I found what I was looking for.” Albedo is going to forget everything about humiliating himself in front of the teenager. And Liyue Harbor is a big city. It’s unlikely he will ever come across him again, anyway. “And you ? Though the word ‘enjoy’ does not quite fit in your case either…”

“Well, I talked to the doctor, she’s given me homework, and I’m going back in two days. That’s it, honestly. She just asked about this and that.”

“That would correspond to what I know about the practice. Did she give you a timeline, or a number of recommended sessions ?”

“No, she didn’t. I guess I’ll see how things unfold in the next ones,” the Cavalry Captain ponders.

Albedo nods along.

“Do you… Want to go out ?” the Alchemist asks. He would much rather stay inside and read through his books, but exercise and a change of scenery could help distract Kaeya and improve his mood. Therefore, he is ready to… brave the crowd once more.

The things he would do for his first friend… He shudders.

Fortunately, Kaeya shakes his head.

“No… Honestly, I’m still kinda tired. Probably the consequences of half freezing to death,” he jokes. 

“That’s not funny,” Albedo frowns.

“If I don’t laugh about it, I might cry. So dark humor it is,” the blue-haired man shrugs.

“Fine. If you’re that tired, then you should go take a nap. I will stay in the living room to read, if you need anything.”

“Sounds good. G’night !”

“...It’s two in the afternoon ?”

“Details.”

—---------

The next time Kaeya goes to Bubu Pharmacy, he does so alone again.

Albedo did offer to accompany him (and so did Childe, despite having to work that morning) but he refused.

It may sound a little silly… But he feels as if it’s something he has to do by himself. That he has to prove himself he’s not so weak as to need to rely on others for every step.

…And this time he’s determined to not have to take two five-hours long naps to process whatever thoughts therapy gives him. At least he did not get worse nightmares… 

Well, truth to be told, it’s not like he can get much worse nightmares than he already does. The fact that he’s been sober for longer than he can remember for the past few days does not help, but complete physical and mental exhaustion do make for somewhat refreshing sleep. Gotta see the positives.

Mrs Bu greets him as he enters her office, completely lost in thoughts. And it’s not related to alcohol or memories of a kingdom long lost, for once.

In the corridor, earlier, he met the famous doctor Baizhu. 

And damn, that man’s fashion sense is impeccable .

He would have asked him for his tailor, but then the snake started talking and Kaeya’s brain blanked out. He supposes he should not have been so surprised ; after all, he accompanied Razor and the Traveler a few times to face Andrius, and they bickered a lot during the fight… But Andrius is some sort of incorporeal god. Not a cute little pet snake. 

A cute little pet snake that talks, apparently.

What the hell.

“...Do all snakes talk in Liyue ? Or is this another of these… Adepti ?” Kaeya timidly asks.

Mrs Bu looks at him, and then she bursts out laughing.

“Oh dear. I suppose you’ve met Chengsheng ? To be honest, I don’t really know if she is an Adepti or not. But most of Liyue’s snakes don’t talk, believe me !”

“Oh. Yeah, makes sense.” Kaeya mutters, embarrassed. 

The doctor snickers a little more, but then she calms down, and shuffles her pen and notepad as she composes herself.

“Now let’s do a little thinking exercise,” Mrs Bu begins. “This one is called ‘The Miracle question’. It’s simple : if, by some miracle, suddenly everything was perfect and exactly what you wanted… what would have changed compared to now ?”

Kaeya takes a moment to think. Obviously, saying something along the lines of “Having Khaenri’ah legacy disappear” would be… inappropriate. 

Beside… He must admit that it’s not quite the core of his problems.

“If everything was perfect… Then I’d want to be happy and surrounded by people that I love, and that loves me back,” he ends up muttering, a bit embarrassed at such a childish answer.

“And why can’t you have that right now ? Is it the happiness or the people that you lack ?”

“Both, I guess. I have… many worries related to my work. So I can’t be quite happy. And the fact that some of the people I love do not… love me back is also a cause for unhappiness.”

If only his affection for his ex-brother were lies too… Their current relationship would not hurt as much. And yet, if everything had been a lie, he would have never been able to truly experience what it was like to be free and happy. To have a family that cared.

Unfortunately, having experienced it means the loss is much harder to bear.

“What evidence is there that these people do not love you back ? Have they said so ? Or is it something you’ve told yourself ?” the therapist inquires.

The blue-haired man hesitates. Diluc has not explicitly told him he hated him since he came back. In fact, Kaeya had been half hoping all that was said during their fight during that night was some anger-fuelled impulse.

But… Their banter is clearly more on the bitter side than the playful side. And Diluc… has not tried to talk to Kaeya at all. He prefers to ignore him. Which is why Kaeya always pesters him, because that’s the only way to get his attention.

“...He said… I was told I did not belong. And that it would be better to not cross paths with him.”

“Hmm… And beside that person, are there others who make you feel like you’re not loved ?”

“Well, there are some people at work who say I’m useless… Or undeserving of my position. And I’ve heard others at the tavern call me an eyesore, and - “

“No, no. Not strangers. Are there people close to you that you love , and that make you feel as if your love is not returned ?”

And… Kaeya is stumped. 

Because, yes, many people can’t stand him. But these are often jealous new knights, captured Treasure Hoarders, and stuck-up nobles that never accepted him. But if he thinks about it… The people that matter to him, they do seem to… appreciate his company.

Klee is a bundle of joy and destruction no matter what, but she’s always happy to have her ‘Big Brother’ indulges in her whims. Bennett, Razor, and Fischl regard him as a role-model of sorts ever since he’s taken up training them or taking them on expeditions whenever he had some free time.

Among the knights, Amber is quick to criticize him, but even quicker to defend him whenever someone gives him shit for not being born in Mondstadt. Eula… Well, her manner of speech can be quite confusing, but she drags him to the tavern often enough that he’s pretty sure she likes his company. Lisa often takes the time to invite him for some tea breaks that double as a gossiping round about the latest romantic news and some novel reviews. Jean, for all she scolds him for his less than cavalier attitude, does praise his work, and willingly close her eyes to his seediest plans, as long as the results are here. And she’s the first one, as hypocritical as it is, to push him to rest whenever he ends up exhausted or injured after some mission. 

Rosaria, as much as she shit-talks him, is always here to pick him up when he can barely walk out of the tavern after one too many drinks. And he’s pretty sure the “patrolling” excuse she gives whenever she enters his apartment at two in the morning right after he’s had a nightmare so bad he’s still shaking and considering drowning in his personal stash of booze just to enjoy having his mind send into oblivion for a few hours is a lie more often than not. 

Childe is always genuinely interested in whatever he might have been doing and asking for details in his letters, be it to want to hear some great fairytale Kaeya invented for the children of Mondstadt or bitching about how Hillichurls are not enough of a challenge to them. He’s more than once offered to come and fight people for him (or even kill people for him), and that he was free to come to him, in Liyue or in Snezhnaya, if he ever felt the need to take a break.

And now… Albedo, famous for his recluse and antisocial ways, is there to offer comfort in a quiet, non-obtrusive, and yet so much appreciated way. Even in his wildest dreams, Kaeya had never imagined that the other man, for all he shares some of his cursed origins with him, could become not only a friend, but a close confidant.

Unless they are all faking it ? They could, after all, be pretending he’s not the waste of space he truly is, perhaps to lower his guard or not hurt his feelings, or -

But that makes even less sense. If they hated him, they would not try to spare his feelings. They would just say so to his face. At least, he knows Rosaria, Albedo, Childe and Lisa would do so without hesitation.

“Oh. I suppose… That most of them… do love me back…” he quietly answers, dumbfounded at his realization.

Mrs Bu smiles brightly.

“Sometimes, things appear much worse in our mind than they are in truth. It’s good to stop and try to approach things with an unbiased gaze. And even if some people don’t like you… Well, it’s their loss ! You can’t please everyone, after all. It’s better to focus on the people that make you feel appreciated.”

You can’t please everyone, after all. It’s better to focus on the people that make you feel appreciated.

It’s such a simple statement, and yet it goes round and round in Kaeya’s mind all the time between the moment he left the therapist’s office - which gave him some more breathing and relaxing exercises to do - and the moment he enters their shared house to find both Childe and Albedo expectedly looking at him.

“Come on, comrade ! The weather is so nice, let’s go take a look at the market !” the ginger enthusiastically says.

“I would like to get a souvenir for Klee… Would you help me choose ?” the blonde man asks, his big blue eyes focused on Kaeya as if he’s something important and precious that must not be let out of his sight.

Kaeya’s heart skips a beat.

It’s better to focus on the people that make you feel appreciated.

“...Okay. We can go and get gifts for the other Knights of Favonius too. I want… I want to get a little something for Jean, at least.”

—---------

“Hey, Granny Shan ! How much is that new Rex Lapis kite ?”

“A hundred thousand moras,” the old lady replies while looking straight into Tartaglia’s eyes. Kaeya admires her fearless attitude. Especially considering the toy looks like a standard, worth at most two hundred moras, kite.

“Cool ! What do you think about it ?” the ginger asks, turning to the blonde, not even blinking at the ridiculous amount.

“...No thank you. And it would be hard to bring such a large thing back to Mondstadt with us,” Albedo answers, the voice of reason.

“Mmmmmh… Then how about a plushie ? Granny Shan makes super great ones ! Teucer absolutely loved the ones I got him, and - “

Kaeya snorts, and waves at the exasperated look Albedo throws at him, choosing to go sit at a table of the nearby tea house to wait while his companions delve into appropriate gifts ideas for children under ten. And preferably something ininflammable.

He’s barely seated when he hears someone coming toward him.

He turns, only to bristle as Rex Lapis himself pulls up a chair to sit at his table. The Prime Adepti puts down a beautiful lacquered wooden box as he does so.

“Good afternoon, Sir Kaeya.”

“Morax. To what do I owe the pleasure ?”

“Please, call me Zhongli. I simply realized that I haven’t had the time to converse with you ever since you came to Liyue, and I was hoping to rectify that.”

“Who said I wanted to ?” Kaeya darkly mutters. 

“I’ve been told you were fond of mind games by Childe ; so I hope to offer you a little game of chess in return ? If you accept that contract, that is,” the amber-eyed man continues, very much ignoring Kaeya’s remark as he unfolds the wooden box to reveal a beautifully crafted set of chess pieces.

As Morax puts the pawns in place, Kaeya sweeps one, examining it closely. It’s truly a work of art ; the white wood is smooth and shiny, the carving without any visible flaw.

“I suppose I could entertain you for a game or two,” the Cavalry Captain concedes.

“Then our contract is set.”

Kaeya was given the white pieces; so he starts with one of his favorite opening moves, something a bit aggressive and surprising, hoping to take down one of the black rooks from the beginning.

But two turns later, Zhongli perfectly counters it.

“I suppose traditional chess strategies will not be of much effect against you…” Kaeya grumbles as he loses a pawn.

“Sadly, yes. I’ve seen my fair share of chess games and I know a lot of counters and moves. It becomes a bit boring to have your adversaries always use the same moves…” Zhongli sighs, taking another white pawn in his next move.

And then he stares, uncomprehending, as Kaeya takes his rook in a rather unexpected chain of events born from the sacrifice of his two previous pawns. The blue-haired man smirks like a cat that got the cream.

“...Though I shall not underestimate you either, it seems.” the Adepti mutters, a genuine smile gracing his face as he retaliates by cornering and taking a white knight from the other man.

Despite his initial reluctance, Kaeya soon gets truly immersed into their chess match. He does not even pay attention to the waiter that comes to their table, letting Zhongli place an order for a pot of some tea, osmanthus or something like that.

True to his word, the Adepti knows most, if not all, the classic chess moves and their appropriate counters, making him a challenging opponent.

But Kaeya did not become Cavalry Captain by sticking to the rule book, and so he improvises and takes pieces here and there with daring moves, not hesitating to sacrifice more of his own pawns to get where he wants.

Soon, they’ve attracted quite a number of watchers, who are as engrossed as they are in a showdown between two players with widely different playstyles, but even-matched skills.

“Checkmate,” Kaeya smirks, his second knight, his queen and one rook cornering the black king. The white pieces left on the board are outnumbered by the black ones, but he still managed to get them where he wanted to.

“Impressive. Shall we do a rematch ?” Zhongli offers, the competitive gleam in his eyes promising another tense match.

“Why not ?”

And so they do, and Kaeya loses this one, and the one after, but then he wins again.

“...Kaeya ?”

And then, parting through the literal crowd around their table - and when did that happen ? - is Albedo, looking both confused and guarded at the sight of the Prime Adepti so close to his friend.

“Uhh… Is everything alright ?!” Childe nervously asks, following the Alchemist, and suddenly it seems like all the chess experts and elders have better things to do, for they disperse (but not without throwing dirty glares to the ginger) and only Zhongli, Kaeya, Albedo and the infamous Harbinger are left around the table.

Well, them, and the waiter politely asking for payment for the two pots of tea they drank.

Kaeya raises an eyebrow to the Archon, expecting him to pay - after all, he’s the one who asked for it.

But then the man, with a completely blank look, opens his wallet to reveal… nothing, and Kaeya has a second to panic because he definitely did not bring enough for two pots of tea -

With a weary sigh, and a annoyed look toward the ex-Geo Archon, Childe slam more than enough moras on the table to covers their expanse, and start chastising Rex-fucking-Lapis about saving money and not spending more than what one earns, and this is so bizarre that Kaeya can’t help the laugh that escapes him.

He immediately slams a hand over his mouth, because what the hell, this was so rude, he’s not used to slipping like that, and Albedo also looks halfway between laughing and fainting… But thankfully, all Zhongli does is offer some convoluted apology regarding the loss of his monthly allowance, and give them a polite bow as he leaves, and then he turns his eyes to Kaeya, and the competitive gleam is still there where he asks for a rematch whenever he’s free.

And Kaeya agrees.

Perhaps this Archon is not so bad, after all.

—---------

That night, the three of them  settle around the living room’s fire place, each with a drink in their hand.

Childe decided to break out “the good stuff”, which turned out to be a vintage bottle of some special edition Shneznayan firewater.

Albedo agreed to test, but the taste made him pull such a face that the other two laughed and switched his glass with something softer.

And Kaeya… Kaeya entertained the idea of taking a glass of firewater too - after all, he hasn’t had a drink in days, he deserves a little treat, right ? Plus it’s a specialty he can’t easily come across, especially since it’s banned in Angel’s Share thanks to Diluc’s misadventures…

But Mrs Bu had talked about giving him some potions or medication, something for hormonal imbalances (which makes no sense, he’s long past puberty, but well, she’s the brain specialist, no him, so whatever) and he promised Albedo he would… try .

As any Mondstadtian, Kaeya knows what happens when you mix alcohol and potions or medicines. It causes a few emergencies each year, when Death After Noon comes in season and some Adventurers freshly returned to the city indulge too fast. They have to be carried to the Cathedral as soon as possible - that is, if they’re still breathing when the Knights get to them, anyway.

And so, regretfully, Kaeya declines the firewater and settles for the same non-alcoholic apple cider as Albedo.

That doesn’t mean he won’t complain about it, though.

“- Not that great, honestly. It looks like they didn’t even wait for the apples to be ripe enough before pressing them, what a rookie mistake, because sure, it is sweet enough, but there’s none of the fruit’s fresh and slightly bitter taste - “

“Why are you even drinking it if you find it so… subpar ?” Albedo wonders. “Don’t all apple ciders taste the same ?”

“ Gasp . How dare you !” Kaeya mocks, pretending to faint on Childe - who just pushes him away and to the floor.

“Just ‘cause you’re a rich bastard who can tell apart wines made from one vine plant from another doesn’t mean we all can,” the ginger shrugs, taking another swig of his firewater.

“Yes you can ! It is a matter of training, and therefore I shall properly show Albedo the true wonders of what good cider is as soon as we go back to Mondstadt. What the hell, this watery juice cannot compare in any way to our Dawn Winery’s products…” Kaeya mutters, picking himself up from the floor and glaring at his glass of cider.

“...Our ?” the alchemist repeats, with an inquisitive look toward his friend.

Ah, shit. Looks like Kaeya does not even need alcohol anymore to make mistakes.

“Slip of the tongue..?” Kaeya tries.

Albedo frowns harder.

“Last time, you also hesitated and called “Master Crepus” ‘father’. I have heard tales among the Knights that you had been part of the Ragnvindr estate before living in the city proper, but I had thought you were simply a member of the staff here... And the late Master Ragnvindr couldn’t have been your biological father, given… well,” the alchemist ponders out loud, with a pointed look toward his star-shaped pupil.

Kaeya swears under his breath.

Childe gives him A Look that he can easily interpretes as “Are you telling him or do you want me to? Or do you want me to make him shut up permanently ?”.

The blue-haired man shakes his head. It’s not like his upbringing is a secret, per say, and Albedo is more likely to understand that some random citizen of Mondstadt. Less likely to criticize him behind his back, calling him an ungrateful stray or someone who does not belong or any of the other not-so nice words he heard when people’s lips suddenly became loose after Crepus died and Diluc left and Kaeya was apparently no longer a Ragnvindr.

“Master Crepus adopted me after he… found me near his estate.”

“He… Found you ?”

“Something like that. Anyway, I grew up under the care of the greatest wine-maker of Teyvat, so of course I’d know my ciders and my wines better than anyone !” Kaeya brags, attempting to change the subject. It does not work.

“But… Wait, I thought there was another Ragnvindr captain in the Knights before you, but was that just because you changed your family name ? Or… Wasn’t it supposed to be Master Ragnvindr - I mean, Diluc Ragnvindr..?” Albedo mutters, evidently even more confused.

Kaeya can’t blame him ; Albedo arrived in Mondstadt not long before Diluc left, and after he had resigned from the Knights. The cavalry’s members back then were mostly complaining about losing their “true” captain and being saddled with the sad excuse of a replacement that Kaeya was. 

And then Kaeya did his job so damn good (and backstabbed more than enough people) that suddenly no one would dare to utter the names “Diluc” or “Ragnvindr” in front of him, as if it had become a taboo.

Sure, people still talk, even more so since his wayward brother has come home. But Albedo is not one for chit-chat, and so he must never have made the connection and tired the right conclusion from the tidbits he heard.

“Diluc was my brother. And yes, he was the Cavalry Captain before me. I just… ended up inheriting the title after he left for his revenge trip.” Quite ironic, given he was disowned by the same person...

“Was ? And… Revenge trip ? I knew that he left for a long time, but..?”

“You must’ve heard about the circumstances behind my adoptive father’s death. Diluc decided to… deal with it in his own way. Also he disowned me.”

“And then he became a fucking urban legend among Fatui for being a bloodthirsty crazy bastard striking anywhere in Teyvat. A shame I never managed to cross paths with him before he came back to Mondstadt,” Childe pouts.

Albedo seems to want to ask more questions, but thankfully, it seems whatever expression Kaeya is currently sporting is pitiful enough that it makes him reconsider. Instead, he awkwardly diverts the subject to something related to Liyuen’s pastries.

Kaeya knocks back the last of his less-than-stellar cider, and pretends he’s fine.

He’s good at pretending.

(That’s the only thing he’s good at.)

Chapter Text

“What are you drawing ?” Kaeya asks, looking over Albedo’s shoulder at the notepad below.

Usually, this annoys the blonde alchemist to no end, but… Well, no, Kaeya or not, it still annoys him.

“Just stuff for work,” he dismisses, trying to stay focused on his sketch.

“Work ?”

And Albedo can clearly see the gears turning into Kaeya’s head as he peers at the black and white penciled landscape, the peak of a mountain disappearing into the cloud, nonsensical shapes forming ethereal trees and creatures.

“Not for the Ordo Favonius. It’s for my… side-job, I may say. I have a contract to illustrate a series for one author. I am simply writing down, or should I say, sketching down, some ideas to use in the next volume.”

“Ohhh…  Is that author someone from a Liyuen publishing house, perhaps ? Or Inazuman one ? Something about… er… Swords Legend..?”

“How do you know ?”

“The Traveler had the first three volumes in their bag. I can’t say I enjoyed the series very much, but the pictures had a style that did seem vaguely familiar… I suppose now I know why.”

Albedo hums, trying to get that darned shadow right -

“HEYYYY ! we came here to finally do something not boring , so why are you both still looking at books or whatever ?!” Childe whines.

Kaeya looks back briefly at him, and probably does something with his face, as the ginger lets out an indignant huff when he turns back. Albedo doesn’t even spare him a glance. He’s finally managed to get a perspective that works with his foreground.

“Oh, come on !”

At Childe’s insistence, now that he finally had a day off, and to get to see a little bit more of Liyue’s beautiful scenery (and also since Albedo was buzzing out of his skin at the opportunity to leave behind the noise and crowd of the city for a few hours, and Mrs Bu has suggested Kaeya try to do some light physical exercise), they left the city for the day.

Against Childe’s insistence, however, they did not go to the ruins or Lingju pass, and merely stayed in Lishu’s plains, not that far from the Golden chamber.

…Well, now that he thinks about it, perhaps it isn’t just the lack of murderous Mitachurls and Geovishap that is making the Harbinger so cranky. He really has become the nation's number one nuisance.

Albedo sighs, closing his sketchbook. Better to entertain him than to risk having him cause more damage and somehow get them exiled from Liyue Harbor. Archons know he would find a way.

“Fine. I am done. What exactly did you want to do ?”

Kaeya lets out a disappointed ‘awww’ - it seems he was as engrossed as Albedo in his creative process - standing and stretching as he turns a wandering glance around them.

“It seems you’ve already decimated the local Hillichurls population, so I suppose an all-out brawl is no longer an option.”

“They were too weak to begin with,” the ginger grumbles. He then he grins, head snapping up as a wonderful (or stupid) idea forms in his brain. “How about we spar ?! It’ll be much more fun !”

(A stupid idea, then.)

“Your idea of fun and mine do not quite line up,” Kaeya snorts.

“You’re just boring. Hey, shorty, how about we fight ?”

“Come on, Albedo won’t - “

“What did you call me ?” Albedo calmly asks, but the way he puts down his drawing supplies and stares at the ginger promises violence.

And perhaps that is what Childe was counting on, as his smiles turn even more feral.

“What, shorty over here is afraid to fight me ?”

“I shall return you to your rightful state of boneless invertebrate.”

“I have no idea what that means but it sounds painful !” chirps Childe.

Kaeya is just holding his head in his hands. Albedo is fairly sure he heard some rather colorful expression grumbled under his breath.

“Alright, fine, but I’ll be the referee !” the blue-haired man announces, having given up on stopping them.

—---------

The Harbinger is excitedly bouncing on the ball of his feet.

He’s like a child that was given too much candy just before bed time.

Albedo would know, he made that mistake with Klee before.

“And remember to stop at first blood !” Kaeya warns, with a pointed look toward the ginger.

“Oh c’mon, there’s fun in battling to death, y’know !”

Kaeya glares harder.

“...Okay, fine, we can’t do a rematch if he’s dead anyway,” Childe grumbles.

“Who told you I would be the one ending up dead if we were to fight seriously ?” Albedo retorts  with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, I’m gonna wipe the floor with you.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Are you done with the fighting foreplay, or do I still have the time to go grab some dumplings ?” Kaeya mocks, arms crossed as he stands on the sideline of their roughly defined ‘arena’, which is to say the space between Childe’s discarded scarf on one side, Albedo’s sketchbook on the other, and Kaeya himself.

“...Please don’t ever use that combination of words again,” Albedo cringes.

“No, actually I like it ! Fighting foreplay ! That’s a neat expression !” Childe beams.

The alchemist throws a Solar Isotoma toward him, but he dodges.

“Wh - hey !  That was not fair play !”

“I just needed you to shut up. Anything is fair to achieve such a noble goal,” Albedo  deadpans.

Behind him, Kaeya snickers.

“You’re the one who asked for it !” the Harbinger claims, dropping in a battle stance and summoning his bow.

They slowly circle around, observing the other but not making a move just yet.

Technically, Albedo would have the advantage at close distance, given the other’s weapon. However, he’s not so naive as to think Tartaglia became feared all over Teyvat with such an obvious weakness.

The ginger takes the initiative, shooting a few arrows. They land nowhere close to the alchemist ; he supposes it was an intimidation tactic.

The next arrow gets closer to him, but he still dodges easily.

He also avoids the one after, albeit he stumbles while doing so.

“Did… Did you just… Throw that arrow ? With your bare hands ?” Albedo asks, disbelief clear in his voice. 

“D-do not question the way of the Harbingers !”  Childe exclaims, his face flushed.

In the background, Kaeya is laughing so hard he’s snorting.

“Okay, whatever, is this ‘Bully Childe Hour’ or what?” the Harbinger grumbles, knocking and shooting another arrow that Albedo does not even need to move to avoid.

“Every hour is ‘Bully Childe Hour’ if we’re being honest,” answers Kaeya, voice full of mirth.

The alchemist nods in agreement, throwing another Solar Isotoma to make the ginger move.

“You - Urgh, change of tactics, then !” 

And then there is a polearm coming toward Albedo’s face, and only his inhuman reflexes’ honed by years among the Knights allow him to avoid being slashed like fish sashimi.

“...I suppose you are deserving of the Harbinger title, after all.”

“Oh, you doubted it ?”

A maniacal grin faces emotionless eyes as they trade a few blows, perfectly parrying any moves the other make. The watery edge of Childe’s spear muffle the sounds that should ring each time their weapons meet, but the strength behind each blow makes Albedo’s arm shake.

He throws another Solar Isotoma down, hoping to break the Harbinger’s rhythm and make him stumble. It fails, again, the man leaping over the geo construct.

This time, however, Albedo leaves the flower where it is. If he can call forth his Tectonic Tide at the right moment… 

The opportunity comes barely an instant later : he sees the spear turn into twin blades, and he knows he won’t be able to parry it. He lunges aside, rolling to break his fall and get back on his feet faster, whirls around and slam his hand on the ground.

“MOMENT OF BIRTH !”

The Geo construct flashes, and stone breaks and bursts all around them. Childe yelps, forced to step back to avoid the shards coming toward him, and the Chief Alchemist tries to keep that power going just a little longer -

CRACK !

Albedo winces. It’s not the first time he’s damaged his shoulder while wielding his Vision, but it’s never a pleasant feeling. He will have to deal with it soon, or the cracking may spread and limits his use of his arm for the next few days -

“ARCHONS ! Albedo, are you alright ?!” Kaeya screams, visibly pale as he jogs toward him.

“Yes, it’s fine. I made a wrong move, nothing critical - “

“Oh for fuck’s sake ! Chief Alchemist, I know what broken bones sounds like, I’ve had it happen before ! And that was definitely not a mere finger cracking sound,” Kaeya says, glaring at him. “Coat off, now. I need to see how badly you fucked up your arm.”

“Hey, wait, seriously ? I didn’t even touch him…” Childe mopes, putting down the bow he had summoned back. “Do I gotta call a healer ? I think we might find one among the Golden chamber staff.”

“I will know once someone gets their damn coat off.”

“It’s really not - “

“ Albedo .”

The alchemist gulps.

Is this how it ends ? 

His own artificial nature revealed by something as trivial as a mere arm movement ?

If he takes his coat off, the crack that he can feel in his shoulder will be visible to Kaeya. He knows what it will look like : a white powdery residue flaking off from an open gap. Impossible to pass off as human. Perhaps he can - 

“Do I have to do it myself ?” the blue-haired man growls, coming closer.

“NO !”

“Then - “

“Ahem, gentlemen ? What is happening here ?”

Thankfully, Zhongli’s arrival seems to distract Kaeya. Except it doesn’t last long.

“This idiot,” he points to Albedo, “Has probably broken his arm while sparring with Childe, and now he refuses to let me have a look.”

Zhongli glances disapprovingly at the Harbinger, who squeaks and throws his hands up.

“I DIDN’T EVEN TOUCH HIM !”

“He really didn’t,” the alchemist mutters.

“Oh ?” 

The gleam in the Adepti’s eyes goes from dubious to understanding as he focuses on the way Albedo is gripping his coat.

“ Ah . If I may… I have some first aid training. I could take a look.”

“Sure, if he lets you,” Kaeya glares. If looks could kill…

“Wait, are you - “ the blonde man panics.

“Don’t worry. Trust me.” Zhongli mumbles as he lays his hand on the shorter man’s arm.

Albedo yelps.

“See ! I knew you were hurt !”

Except it’s not pain, but surprise, that made Albedo yelp. Because for a brief second, he could feel something crawling from the Geo Archon’s hand to his own skin. 

Said Archon delicately pry off his coat, exposing his arm… and skin free of any cracking. There’s just a slightly yellowish discoloration, something that could pass off as a bruise.

Zhongli makes him bend his arm one way and another, and nods, satisfied.

“I believe he was telling the truth : there is no fracture.”

“Seriously ?” Kaeya pokes his arm hesitantly, eyebrow furrowed. “But that sounded much more painful than a bruise…”

Albedo himself can’t quite believe it. The discrete wink a certain Adepti sends him is enough of an explanation, though, and so he rolls with it.

“I’ve always had noisy articulation… Something about unusual cartilage concentration, if I am to believe Sucrose’s analysis. Did you know the human body has over two hundred seventy bones at birth, but that number decreases to an average of two hundred and thirteen during adulthood ? Some like sesamoid bones, located within tendons, varies between individuals, and - “

“Alright, alright, I get it, you’re fine. No need for a biology lesson, you’re going to make the poor Harbinger hurt himself in confusion.”

“Hey ! I am not dumb !” Childe protests.

“You said it, not me,” Kaeya snarks.

“May I suggest switching to a more… peaceful activity for the rest of the day ?” Zhongli suggests, ever the mediator.

“But I didn’t get to fight !” Childe whines.

“I will fight you later, if you want,” Zhongli answers, which seems to placate the Harbinger.

“Thank you,” Albedo mutters as he passes in front of the Adepti. The other offers a small nod.

Unbeknownst to them, a certain Cavalry Captain saw that last exchange happen. 

The blue-haired man tilts his head, contemplating.

Chapter Text

His third therapy session was still a bit awkward and tilted, but then Mrs Bu just got him going and now, for his fourth time meeting the women, he feels comfortable just rambling. 

She asked him to list and describe events or situations that made him feel happy, and so he’s recounting the last Windblume Festival’s noteworthy moments.

“ - And Diluc just picked up the lyre and wordlessly started playing, and everyone was surprised, but honestly he was always better than me at it, so - “

Mrs Bu interrupts him with a polite cough.

“This… ‘Diluc’ person keeps coming up in your talks. Who is he, exactly ?”

“Ah well… He is… er, was…” Archons, this is so awkward. “He used to be my brother. Don’t worry, he’s still alive and doing fine, he just disowned me,” Kaeya quickly adds, seeing how pained Mrs Bu looks at his use of past tense.

For some reason, that does not look like it made it better.

“He… disowned you ? I wasn’t aware siblings had the authority to do so…”

“Well I was adopted. So it’s fine, really,” Kaeya shrugs with fake calmness.

“Is it fine, or did you tell yourself it was fine in order to convince yourself ?” the therapist asks with a raised eyebrow.

Damn. Maybe he should debauch Mrs Bu and have her help him interrogate Treasure Hoarders. She’s very good at the whole talking thing.

“It’s… not really fine, I suppose, but it’s what I deserve.”

“Why would you say that ?” 

“I did… Something bad. I betrayed his trust right after he lost an important family member, and… If I had been in his place, I probably would have done the same.”

Mrs Bu nods slowly, processing his words. She jots down a few notes on her pad.

“Then, did you try apologizing ?”

“...Uh ?”

“Maybe you’re at fault. I do not know the whole situation, after all, so I have no right to judge you. Or him. But you obviously seem to understand you caused him pain, and you regret it. So have you tried making amends ?”

And, well. Kaeya can’t say he never tried, but he can’t say that he did it the right way either.

“I did… I did try… But… For some reason, we always end up insulting each other… And then ignoring each other. I never managed to make progress…”

She frowns at this, but nods again.

“Not all relationships can be fixed. But perhaps you should try harder the next time you see him ? Your strained relationship with your brother is obviously the source of a lot of pain for you.”

Kaeya nods wordlessly. He’s not sure trying harder will make a difference, but…

“And if it does not work… Well, I know it is something hard for people; especially when the concerned person is a family member… But sometimes, cutting out the toxic relationship in your surroundings is the only option to move forward and heal.”

At that, Kaeya freezes.

Cutting out Diluc from his life..?

Mrs Bu takes pity on him.

“I’m not saying you have to do it. Or do it now. But perhaps you could keep that possibility in mind, and think about what you want from your brother, and what you want for your future.”

The session ends soon after.

The Cavalry Captain thinks about the therapist’s words as he walks back to the Harbinger’s house. About what he wants from Diluc, and for himself.

Kaeya does not know what he wants. 

Does it even matter, given people always leave him first ?

—---------

The heat is the first thing to alert him that something is wrong.

It starts as a gentle warmth. Like sitting near the stove on a winter evening, after patrolling in the cold winds of the city all day. It’s comforting, almost.

And then it grows hotter.

And hotter.

And hotter.

And suddenly the gentle warmth is a raging inferno, burning him, burning his skin, burning his throat to the point he can’t even tell if he stopped screaming or not for the pain won’t stop.

And then the darkness explodes, and everything is red, red, red, and the flames are licking up the sides of the buildings.

Fire rains from the sky - their fake, starry, ley-line infused sky.

Fire rains down from heaven onto the godless land.

And no one is spared.

Star-eyed people are screaming, in anger, in despair, in pain.

Some are crushed by the buildings collapsing under the strain of the blaze.

Some are trashed by those awful, awful and powerful elemental attacks, roots forming inside their lungs and suffocating them ‘til they can only cough out bloodied leaves, water escaping the rivers and ponds and the pipes inside the houses to strangle and smother adults and children alike, electro arcs emitting from machinery and killing anyone that touch the metal pieces of their every-day technology, stones erected to reduce the Field Tillers to shreds like unruly toys, winds cutting like steel blades through the stone of their architecture, ice piercing and tearing apart skin and bones as if it was mere paper, and again, the fire, the fire everywhere.

And some are howling in pain, from the curse starting to infect them, to slowly and painfully replace them and transform them into the monsters the other nations made them up to be.

And Kaeya is here, hearing them, watching them, watching the castle crumbling, watching the royal guards fall one by one, watching his mother’s demise as someone grabs him and takes him away from the destruction, brings him to his father, and the both of them run away, toward some hidden passage leading to the other side, to the god-blessed lands, for who will search for a sinner hidden in plain sight ?

And through it all, the scent of ashes sticks in his nose, and the cloying taste of cinders never leave his parched throat.

And he can still smell and taste the fire, even under the pouring rain, when his father looks at him with so much rage and hatred and Kaeya can’t say if this hatred is aimed at the Archons or at him but it burns as surely as the fire did.

And then it’s still pouring, and he see red, red, red and more flames as his brother - no longer his brother - raises his claymore, and shouts something at him, several things, but he’s not listening because his red eyes are full of hatred too, and this time he knows he deserves it, and so he laugh when the fire lick the metal of the claymore and burn brighter, hotter, stronger than ever, and then the fire is coming toward him, and he deserves it, he knows, that’s the end he wanted, but he’s scared scared scared and it hurts hurts hurts please no please don’t -

—---------

Kaeya wakes up screaming, with the taste of ashes on his tongue, and so when he sees something moving out of the corner of his eye he lunges with the knife he always keeps close to him -

But the intruder evades his blade, and Kaeya braces himself for the attack that is sure to follow -

But there’s nothing ? Why is there nothing? There is someone else in the room with him, why are they not attacking him ?

“ - eya, it’s me. Please calm down.”

When no attack comes in the following minutes, he can feel the pounding of his heart slowing down, and the roars of blood and screams in his ears dying down, and suddenly he’s no longer in Khaenri’ah, he’s no longer in the forest near the Winery, but he’s just crouched on the corner of his bed in Childe’s apartment, clutching a knife like a lifeline and panting and shaking like a scared child.

Albedo looks at him from the other side of the room, hands up in a placating gesture.

“...Bedo ?”

“Yes, it’s me. Kaeya, can you do something for me ? Take a deep breath, please. Just… Yes, a deep inhale, like that,” and the blonde alchemist takes an exaggerated gulp of air himself.

Kaeya tries to, but he keeps panting.

“It’s okay. Take your time. Just a deep breath, and then hold it, and count to three before releasing it. I’ll do it, okay ? Just… Try to follow, is that alright ? Inspire… One… Two… Three… And expires. Yes, that is good. Keep going, inspire - “

Realistically, it must be a couple minutes before Kaeya’s shallow breath even out and he manages to gulp enough air in him to stave off the lightheadedness he was not aware he was feeling.

But it feels like a century before he can relax.

The moment he does, however, he slumps down like a puppet with its strings cut.

And, oh, is that not appropriate, for a puppet is all he is in the cruel eyes of fate ?

“Kaeya. Kaeya, are you back with me ?” Albedo worridly asks, not moving from his spot on the other side of the room, despite an aborted arm movement betraying his wants.

“...Bedo. M’Sorry.”

“It’s fine, it seems you were having a nightmare - “

“Did… did I hurt you..?”

“Earlier ? No, you didn’t. That knife move was surprising, but quite sloppy compared to your usual - ah, sorry. In any case, I am unharmed.”

“Good…” 

“Kaeya, are you - Can I... I’m - “ and in any other circumstances the Cavalry Captain would poke fun at the genius Alchemist that for once cannot seem to find words, but he’s tired, still shaking with the remnant of the adrenalin leaving his body, and so he just gives a brisk nod.

Albedo takes it the right way, and slowly makes his way toward him, hands still raised, eyes full of worry, and then he’s gently prying his white-knuckled hands open to pick the knife and deposit it on the nightstand.

“...Were you asleep ? Did I wake you..?”

A split-second hesitation.

One that no normal person would detect, but Kaeya is no normal person.

Kaeya is a liar.

His smiles are a mask, his words honeyed traps, his questions inescapable snares.

Kaeya is a liar, and it takes one to know one.

It seems Albedo realized he would not win a battle of wits against the Cavalry Captain, even with the other is such a … diminutive state, because, with a sigh, he settles for the truth.

“No, I was not sleeping. I require less rest than most, and so I was perusing one of the latest books Zhongli lent me. About archeology and mineralogy in Liyue, if it interests you.”

“It sounds dry enough to put me back to sleep despite everything that just happened,” Kaeya answers with sarcasm dripping from his voice. And then he frowns, because the soft fabric of the medical eyepatch he wears at night feels soaked, and when he raises a hand to his face he can feel tears still spilling from his uncovered eye. Since when..?

“Do you… Want to talk about it ?” Albedo awkwardly asks.

“ No . Is that what the books told you to do ?”

The blonde alchemist seems taken aback by the sudden aggressivity in his voice. 

“Sorry I bothered you, but I’m fine now ! You can go back to your absolutely captivating book about rocks.”

“...Why are you trying to push me away ? I am simply offering comfort.”

“So perceptive ! If you can see I’m pushing you away, why are you still here ?”

“...Because you don’t really want me to leave, do you ?” Albedo offers in a soft voice, and Kaeya can feel himself shattering.

Because what does he know ?

“HOW WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT I WANT !” Kaeya screams.

Startled, Albedo flinches back, and Kaeya hates himself for scaring him, and he hates himself even more for feeling some vindictive joy at inflicting pain on others, especially when Albedo has been nothing but nice to him.

But that’s all he knows how to do. To inflict pain. To break his relationships with others. To make them leave him.

He’s a monster in more than one way, and his star-shaped pupil is only partly to blame.

“Maybe Diluc was right. Maybe I’m just a useless piece of shit,” Kaeya huffs with a wet laugh.

“Wh - What does Master Diluc have to do with - ?”

“Or maybe I was right, that I shouldn’t have survived that long. I mean, really ? A sinner ? From a cursed land ? I never thought I would make it past twenty. Heck, I was gonna make sure I wouldn’t, but those stupid Archons decided to play a cruel joke on me with that stupid Vision.”

Now, Albedo is feeling quite worried. He does not fully understand the meaning behind these words, but they are worrying enough on their own, even without context.

“Kaeya… These feelings are exactly why you should follow through with therapy…”

“I don’t think dealing with all my shit was what that poor therapist signed for.”

“She’s getting paid to do so, so I do think she has an idea of what may be expected of her.”

“But - “

“Kaeya, why are you hesitating now ? Did she say something that made you feel as if it was a futile endeavor ?”

“No… No, it’s just…”

“Just..?”

“It’s just… Is it even going to do anything ?”

“I thought you agreed to - “

“Yes ! I agreed ! Except now I realize I have to… to… to talk about my feelings ,” Kaeya spits out with a disgusted pout. “And about myself ! But I just… There are things I can’t tell her ! So what is even the point !”

“Is it related to - “

“To the hellhole we both call our birth nation ? Yes .”

“Well… You could just say you come from a… nation foreign to Mondstadt, and circumstances forced you to start a new life here..?”

“Circumstances ? Oooh, what a nice way to put it,” Kaeya laughs, half hysteric and pulling on his hair as he paces around the room.

“Ah… If… If you can’t tell her, perhaps you could talk about it with me ?”Albedo hesitantly offers. “I am by no means qualified to give you medical help, but at least you know I would not judge you for your… origins.”

“ NOT JUDGE ME ? Won’t you judge me, if I were to tell you that my stay in Mondstadt was not an accident ?” 

“What do you - “

“Won’t you judge me if I told you I was abandoned in the Wind god’s land to fulfill some sort of ancient plot ? That I had to do some sort of sacred duty by worming my way inside Mondstadt to lay waste to it ? I was supposed to be a spy for Khaenri’ah, dear Chief Alchemist. What shall be your answer to such a thing?” the blue-haired man cruelly smirks, marching toward the other and towering over him.

Unfazed, Albedo blinks at him.

“That’s it ?” the blond-haired man exclaims.

“ Pardon me ? ‘That’s it’ ? I just told you I was supposed to be a traitor to Mondstadt and that’s your reaction ?!” 

“I think by now it has been stated that I am not the most… emotionally perceptive person out there. I like to think of myself as a purely analytical person, someone who makes decisions based on logic and facts.”

“Yeah. Logic and facts dictate you should be wary of me, if not outright hate me, after such a confession. And experience proves it.” the blue-haired man mutters.

“Kaeya. You were a child. It would be unethical to engage your responsibility ; and that’s without even taking in account the possible brainwashing they potentially did to you as an infant. And I find your choice of words to be more than enough to trust you.”

“My… choice of words ? You mean my multitude of lies ?”

“I mean the fact that you say you ‘were supposed’ to be a traitor, that you ‘had to’ do your duty. I doubt a competent spy would blow their cover ; the fact that you did quite clearly implies you do not want to be acting on Khaenri’ah’s orders.”

“Maybe I’m just an idiot.”

“You’re not. You’re a very smart person.”

“You think I’m smart..?” Kaeya timidly asks.

“I know you are. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have kept the title of Cavalry Captain for so long, nor would you be the individual behind a fourteen percent decrease in Mondsadt's crime rate. I’m also the Captain of the Investigation Team, you know. Part of my work involves reporting what’s happening inside of the city to the Grandmaster. In fact, one of the first reports I ever handed to Varka after being given that title had a full paragraph that could be summed up by ‘Please keep Sir Kaeya employed and give him a raise, or you are going to regret it,.” Albedo states, staring straight at his companion.

Which gives him the perfect view of the flirty Cavalry Captain blushing like a shy maiden after receiving such an honest compliment.  On one hand, Albedo feels kind of proud of himself for eliciting such a reaction ; on the other, it is depressing that Kaeya apparently is so unused to praise that a mere comment would rile him up so much.

And… he feels angry.

Albedo, as it has been established several times, is not an idiot. 

Kaeya’s absolute certitude that he was going to fight him, chase him away, perhaps even hurts him… It speaks of having experienced such a thing.

Albedo can put two and two together, regarding a secret spilled and Master Diluc disowning his brother, and he does not like the picture it paints.

Especially since he’s caught a glimpse of the massive burn marks adorning the Cavalry Captain’s chest when he was changing before. His little line about once “having been face to face with a burning claymore”.

Especially since between all the “sorry” and “please no” Kaeya was crying out earlier, the name of ‘Diluc’ came up more than a few times.

Albedo is not an idiot, but it seems Diluc Ragnvindr is , and so he will make it clear that he’s on Kaeya’s side no matter what.

He clears his throat.

“Unfortunately, I suppose becoming your friend has made me much less objective in the matter at hand. I fear the next time I come across Master Ragnvindr in the street, I may be tempted to inflict bodily harm on him, considering I very much not agree with his words.”

That startles a laugh out of Kaeya.

“Oh Archons. I kinda wish I could see you pull up on one of your flowers to be the perfect height to slap him in the face ; but please, don’t go around making enemies out of important people for my sake,” the blue-haired man snickers.

“Maybe you shall be the one I will slap after calling upon my Solar Isotoma,” Albedo huffs. “I don’t quite like your repeated allusions to my height.”

“You don’t like that I’m calling you short ?”

“I am not short. I am of average height.”

“Albedo. If we ignore Klee, you’re the smallest among the Knights of Favonius,” Kaeya says, trying and failing to hide a smile behind his hand.

“That… can’t be true. Isn’t Amber - “

“Amber had gotten a good half head on you after her last growth spurt. Which was about three years ago, mind you.”

“...Well the traveler is the same height as me, and they can beat you up easily,” Albedo mutters.

“Awww, is the tiny man angry at me ?” Kaeya coos.

“I will shatter your kneecaps,” the Alchemist deadpans.

And Kaeya laughs, and then he’s crying again and Albedo is panicking, but this time it’s happy tears, and he says as much.

Neither goes back to sleep afterward, albeit when the first rays of the sun chase the moon’s glow from the sky, a certain Harbinger finds them slumped against each other, some stupid book about rocks splayed open between them.

Chapter Text

Kaeya has been missing for ten days.

Ten days without a single sign of the Cavalry Captain. Not a letter, not a strand of blue hair to be caught in Mondstadt’s dark alleys, not even the usual Treasure Hoarder complaining about their plans having been thwarted by the star-eyed man.

Not a single rowdy night at Angel’s Share being spent bickering with his ex-brother.

Not that Diluc misses him. He’s just… unused to this relative calm. 

And annoyed at the fact that his Darknight Hero sessions are now less focused on Abyss Order and more often used to scare off some small fry bandits. Not that he’s been getting out that often at night, with his investigations regarding Kaeya’s disappearance taking most of his free time.

And yet, for all the work he has put into looking for the man, there is no progress whatsoever in finding him.

Diluc knows that information gathering is not something that can be done quickly. Still, that does not make his lack of progress any easier to swallow. So here he is, again, pouring over documents from his undercover sources from all over Teyvat, hoping this time these reports will contain something useful .

Reviewing information is much more boring than what novels make it sound like. It’s reading page after page of mostly useless reports, learning that such and such are involved in an affair that could impact their business, or that some monsters have been seen less around the plains, a sign that either adventurers or Treasure Hoarders have set up camp here… 

It’s tedious. It’s paying attention to the details, sometimes for nothing.

After spending hours holed up in his office with nothing useful concerning the Cavalry Captain’s disappearance, the master of Dawn Winery feels like his head is about to explode. Elzer came about an hour ago with some tea that had been left to go cold on the table, thankfully taking over the business-related correspondence. Any more petition to extend Death After Noon’s production season would have seen him marching with a burning claymore to the Wine Guild.

“Master Diluc.” 

The butler’s voice sounds slightly winded. As Diluc looks at him, he sees the white-haired man clutching a letter in his hands, eyes wide.

“What is it ?”

“I think… I think you should take a look at this.”

“Alright…”

The beginning of the letter is inconspicuous ; it seems to be some sort of invoice, coming from Liyue… Albeit Diluc does not quite remember having recently partaken in any deal with Wangshu Inn that could explain this bill…

And then he sees the exact billing address, and he feels as if he’s been punched in the stomach.

One of the first things his father ever did after properly adopting Kaeya was to change all his administrative papers and related documents to include both of his sons. That included his will. When Crepus died, technically, half of everything he owned belonged to Kaeya. 

Technically, Diluc shouldn’t even have had the authority to disown him ; but his status as the ‘true’ blood-related son of the previous Master and the general distaste of other nobles for Kaeya made it so he could use some sort of gray area in the law and not be rebuffed.

Technically, Kaeya would have had every right to take him to court and try to claim his inheritance. Hell, had he tried to do so during the four years his ex-brother was gone, he would have gotten anything he asked for, considering Diluc was far away from Mondstadt and could not provide any legal reason for his actions.

(Diluc does not know what he felt when he came back to see Kaeya had not only not fought for what was his, but also willingly signed away his rights.)

One thing, however, that Kaeya still owned, was the bank account that had been set-up by Crepus years before anything happened. The bank account that Diluc had quite honestly thought he had forgotten about, given he had not tapped into it at all, despite the handsome sum it housed. 

And yet. The invoice is very clearly addressed to this specific bank account. Three hundred thousand moras ; quite a lot by a peasant’s standard, but not such a big dent into the amount of that account.

Why ?

Why now, of all time ? What is Kaeya doing in Liyue ? Why use that money ?

“Do you think… that Mas - that Sir Kaeya could have been forced to pay..?” Elzer worries.

“That is a possibility,” Diluc grunts. It wouldn’t be that strange for the blue-haired man to be abducted for his money, given the man is a Cavalry Captain, and everyone in Mondstadt and beyond knows that such a position involves a certain standing. And therefore resources that go with it. But Kaeya isn’t some easy to subdue weakling. What could have happened for him to be coerced like that? And who would know about these savings ?

“All we know so far is that Kaeya was last seen in Springvale, on the same day he came back to Mondstadt. The hunters who crossed his path confirmed it was about three and a half in the afternoon, and that he was agitated - but not injured, nor in any obvious physical distress. He could have followed the path and left for Liyue…”

“Except no one saw him pass by the Winery, nor by Stone Gate,” Elzer reminds him.

And that does not explain why he would go without even leaving a letter behind. Nothing is adding up.

Diluc gets up and hurriedly pulls on his coat.

“Perhaps it’s best to pay another visit to those useless Knights, and see if they have any insight to bring…”

—---------

“Liyue ? Why would he be…” the Acting Grand Master trails off. 

Her eyebags have grown ever darker since Diluc’s last visit, a mere two days ago. For all he may pretend to be lazy about it, it seems Kaeya does in fact handle a lot of the Favonius work. And with him gone, it all falls back to their already overworked leader.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” the red haired man grits out. “Or… Has anything noteworthy happened during the days leading to his… absence ? Something unusual that could explain this behavior ?”

“Something unusual ? No, I can’t say anything happened…”

“Are you certain ?”

“Nothing stands out. Oh, besides Albedo taking a few days off, but I fail to see how it could be related.”

Lisa gasps, and as the others turn, they see sparks dancing around her fingers as she claps her hands as she has an epiphany.

“THAT’S IT ! Maybe Kaeya is the friend Albedo was going to help !”

Albedo, Chief Alchemist. Diluc can’t say he’s familiar with the man. He never comes to Angel’s Share, which puts him above the average Mondstadtian in his esteem, but he’s also a Knight of Favonius, meaning the red-haired man would rather eat raw slime condensate than spend time with him. 

He once exchanged a letter with him regarding information on ley lines, so he knows the man is actually a skilled scientist, and therefore not as stupid as the majority or the Ordo Favonius. Which also makes him dangerous .

Apart from that, what Diluc knows about Albedo is what most knows ; that he is a serious and reclusive man, spends all his time on alchemy, and is a weirdo that likes to hang out in Dragonspine. 

But he’s never heard Kaeya mention him as a friend…

“Really ? But Kaeya and Albedo are not friends,” Jean confirms. “They’re cordial, sure, and work well together, but it’s not like they hang out, besides caring for Klee. And wouldn't he have said something if Kaeya was in danger, anyway ?”

“But it makes sense ! Albedo doesn’t do days off. Or friends, for that matter. And you said Kaeya was last seen on the road between Springvale and Dawn Winery, right ? He could’ve gone to Dragonspine that way. What if it was code for some undercover operation the two of them had planned ? At least, let’s take a look at what he wrote down when filing the paperwork.”

“That means climbing cliff sides… Why not take the usual road and pass by the adventurer camp if that was the case ? And wouldn’t he have told us about such an operation anyway ? Ah, well, let’s see that leave request… I must admit I was slightly… Incapacited last time, and don’t quite remember,” Jean sheepishly admits.

Diluc scoffs, but the glance Jean shoots at him screams ‘pot, meet kettle’. 

So maybe he’s been doing sleepless nights and passing out at his tavern more often than not, lately. But whatever. None of their business.

Jean slips out a thick red binder from the bookcase behind her desk and starts to peruse its content. She quickly locates what she’s looking for, scans it, and then hands it to the others.

“See ? Nothing special. He wrote down ‘personal reasons’.”

“I still think there may be something here,” Lisa mutters.

Diluc takes the paper, reading it, and -

He blanches.

The other two quiet down and stare at him.

“Master Diluc..?”

“The date.”

“What ?”

“The Chief Alchemist asked for a leave to go to Liyue on the very day right after Kaeya was last seen in Mondstadt. It’s one day after the date that my informants relayed. And Liyue.”

Jeans blinks, then reads the paper again, a complicated expression on her face.

“...It was before we knew Kaeya disappeared, yes… And Liyue… But… I don’t understand why Albedo would… Or how he could be implicated..?”

“Doesn’t matter. We will find out soon.”

And with that, Diluc marchs out of the Knight of Favonius Headquarters like a man on a mission.

Which he is.

Because whatever reason the Chief Alchemist may have to kidnap his br - the Cavalry Captain, Diluc will see that he gets retribution for it.

Chapter Text

It was all Childe’s fault, anyway. 

Or perhaps Zhongli’s..?

Nah, Childe’s. 

It’s always Childe’s fault, unless proven otherwise.

So, Kaeya’s struggles that day started because of Childe.

And, more precisely, when the ginger decided they should “go out and do something fun, like spending a shitton of moras on useless stuff” because, according to him “moping around at home after you bawled your eyes - or, single eye - out the previous evening was very much not cool”.

Albedo had actually hissed  (Hissed ! Like a cat ! And why did he think it was kinda cute ?!) at the idea of going out someplace crowded. Perhaps that was a good thing, because Childe looked disturbed enough that he decided to enlist Zhongli’s help in order to determine what would be fun enough without being surrounded by too many people.

Sadly, said consultant was working for the time being. He did, however, suggest they try taking a less-known scenic route alongside the upper levels of the harbor, and promised to join them later in the morning. And then he extorted around twelve thousands moras from Childe to pay for… rocks, fake paper talismans, something that looked like a beanie made of Hillichurl fur, and two pieces of Mora Meat.

The ways of Celestia might be truly impossible to understand for mere mortals, indeed.

But anyway, this is how Childe, Albedo and Kaeya ended up in a practically deserted wooden hallway, somewhere near the main streets of the harbor, and so high up that they had a lovely panoramic view of this part of the city.

The ex-Archon certainly wasn’t lying when he said it was a “scenic route” ; not only could they see all the way to the Harbor itself, with the sea and the watercolor-like faded mountains in the distance, but the path itself was quite beautiful.

It was a traditional Liyuan covered bridge, made of thick wood pieces. While slightly more crude-looking than the newest buildings and passageway they had previously encountered in the “popular spots”, it still held a lot of charm and refined atmosphere. 

Even Childe, who tended to play “spot the Fatui” from the windows whenever he got bored with walking around Liyue, was paying attention to the architectural details around them.

Kaeya, for his part, was enjoying the delicate carved out windows, mentally tracing paths amongst the multitude of geometric labyrinth littering the walls.

But Albedo was unquestionably the most engrossed during their little outing ; he had started rambling about the different pigments used to color the wood, their origin, whether mineral or animal, and how the rarest ones, like the gold pigment extracted from Cor Lapis, was once only allowed to be used for Adepti or Archons painting, and oh, do not lick lead white paint, or you will die of muscles pains and irremediable brain damage, and - 

Kaeya is not sure what, exactly, came unto him at that moment.

Perhaps it was the light, haloing Albedo’s hair and making dust dance as a thousand little sparkles around the alchemist in this little corridor, whose wood painted red made his pale skin stand out even more.

Perhaps it was the blonde’s animated eyes, pale blue diamonds scintillating as he waved his hand around, explaining something or another related to the crafts used here - to be honest, Kaeya did not understand half of it, and he couldn’t have cared less, so focused on how… alive , Albedo looked. 

So unlike his usual expressionless facade - which the Cavalry Captain was quickly learning was just his default “I am unsure how to deal with this situation so I will ignore it” expression. 

Beautiful.

Perhaps it was all of this, and some more things, that made him suddenly stops a few feets behind, gaze with wonder at the shorter man, and, remembering Dragonspine, whispers :

“Truly an angel…”

And then he realized what he said, and thanked the Archons that Albedo, so engrossed in his tirade, had not heard anything.

And then his stomach dropped and he cursed the Archons as he saw Childe positively shit-eating grin getting bigger and bigger right in front of him, as the bastard had, in fact, heard him. 

“Ohohoh, are you - “

“Shut the fuck up.”

“But - “

“No.”

“You’re - “

“No. Not now .” the blue-haired man hisses.

Once again : it’s always Childe’s fault .

Thankfully, the ginger drops the subject. Sadly, given he’s still sporting a shit-eating grin and making some kissy face, it is obvious his humiliation is only postponed.

“Sorry, did I miss something ?” Albedo asks, having finally caught up with the fact his two companions were no longer walking next to him.

“Absolutely not, everything is fine, let’s fucking go now, we don’t want to make an Archon wait, do we ?” Kaeya loudly exclaims, determined to stop Childe from saying anything and ignore the fact that his soul is shriveling in shame this instant.

“If… If you say so..?” Albedo agrees, bewildered.

“Oh yes, we don’t want to make Zhongli wait, we have soooo much to tell him !” Childe adds with obvious glee in his voice.

“I will punt you into the sun.”

“Try me you one-eyed bastard.”

The alchemist sighs, but resumes walking, figuring this is another one of the petty and childish squabbles of the two other men. Their friendship seems to be based on who can insult the other more, while still caring and being, sometimes quite literally, “ride-or-die” for each other.

—---------

Kaeya had almost forgotten “the incident”, and thought himself safe, when he was cornered, later in the afternoon, by Childe.

“Sooooooo… You and Albedo, uh ?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Kaeya bluffs .

“That so ? Then I guess I can tell Vlad that Albedo is free tomorrow, then ? Last time I saw him he pestered me to know who ‘that blonde beauty’ was, and - “

“WHAT ? I’m going to kill him if - ah, fuck .” Kaeya mutters, realizing, but too late, that the ginger was baiting him.

“You liiiiike him !”

“That’s a bit of a jump to do.” the Cavalry Captain denies, trying to salvage his pride.

“M’kay… But you gotta admit : he’s totally your type,” the ginger smirks.

Kaeya resists the urge to punch him in the face and mess his nose. Maybe later.

“How would you even know what my type is ?” he deflects.

“Uuuuh, because you’ve said it before ? You like smart people, even a bit mean. Does that ring a bell ? Plus, you’ve literally called him an angel . I heard it.”

Fuck. He did.

“So what about it?”

“You think he’s beautiful~” Childe  singsongs.

“Maybe. But I can objectively appreciate beauty.”

“You wanna kiss him~”

“Wha - No, I, I’m not -  I don’t - !”

“Oh, you’ve got it so bad it’s almost pathetic,” the Harbinger chuckles.

“I will rip your tongue out and stuff it so far down your throat that it will be visible from your asshole,” Kaeya deadpans.

“Kinky. Call me if you guys ever want a threesome.”

“What the hell is wrong with you.”

“Many things, honestly.”

There’s a minute of silence as Kaeya considers that statement. 

“Well, jokes apart,” Childe continues “I’m happy for you.”

“Oh ?”

“Yeah, I mean, even if you two don’t end up making kissy faces at each other, it’s still good that you have someone new you can trust and rely on.”

“You’re making it sound like I do not have any friends…”

“I’m not saying you don’t have friends, just… I mean, your childhood friend is also your Acting Grand Master, right ? So you never want to bother her because she’s so busy. And you’re also super busy , so you don’t really hang out with people for fun?”

“Hey, I’m not such a sad workaholic drunkard ! I goes out in the wilderness, and I train the young adventurers, and - “

“Yeah, but those are kids ! You’re talking about that Benny guy, right ? And his friends. And it’s nice that you hang out with them and all, but they’re kids. Like that Klee girl. At least, with Albedo, you have someone that is your equal. And that weird nun you drink with, but I don't think she likes hanging out for fun. Or talking about feelings…”

Kaeya tries to imagine Rosaria having an honest conversation with him, where they both talk about their feelings. He draws a blank.

“Okay, I suppose I must concede that you do have a point here…”

Childe shrugs. 

“I know I say I’ll always be here for you and all, but in the end, I’m still a Harbinger, so if the Tsaritsa orders me too, I might have to leave for buttfuck nowhere in Teyvat for weeks, without warning. So really, knowing you have someone nearby you can rely on makes me a bit less worried about you.”

“But in that case, shouldn’t I worry about you too ?” Kaeya counters with a frown.

“Why ?”

“Well, despite the fact we’ve been joking about it non-stop, it must really end up being quite… burdensome to have most of Liyue’s population hating your guts. You know, if you ever need to take a break, you can come to me, in Mondstadt. My door will always be open, and I’m sure I can get a day off or two so we can go fight a Hypostasis or whatever else passes for “fun” for your battle-crazy ass.”

“Oh, thanks buddy ! But I’m rather fine, after all I have mister Totally-Not-Rex-Lapis to hang out with, and he’s good company ! And also I have Ekaterina, and she’s paid to listen to me no matter how much she hates it, so I can always pour my heart out to her when I’m at the bank. And I trust that sooner rather than later, I’ll get the shorty Adepti to battle me one-on-one, and it will be glorious !” Childe sighs.

“And if you end up on a mission far away..? Oh, though, in that case, I suppose you would have the support of your fellow Harbingers…” Kaeya thinks out loud.

For a second, Childe’s eyes glaze over, and he looks far away.

“Yeaaah… Thanks, but no thanks. The fact that Signora died ? Good fucking riddance. I would rather cut off my own left arm with a rusty butter knife than willingly spend more time than necessary with the other Harbingers. Fucking psychos, all of them.”

And the fact that Tartaglia himself is saying so is more than… disturbing.

“Unless it’s Capitano,” the ginger continues, “In which case, yes please. I would let him bend me over a table and not fight it too much, and - “

“ - Aaaand that is the sign that this conversation has to end now .”

—---------

That evening, when Kaeya exits the bathroom, leaving it free for Childe, he’s grumbling and picking at the end of  his hair. Albedo bites back the urge to offer to dry it for him.

Kaeya runs a hand through his hair with a grimace, then down his face, and his frown deepens.

“Urgh… So greasy. I bet I really look like shit.”

Albedo restrains his first urge - which is to say ‘No, you’re beautiful’ - and tilts his head in contemplation.

“Objectively speaking, you are meeting the criterias of hygiene and decency. What makes you think your physical appearance is subpar at the moment ?”

“ Objectively speaking , I didn’t bring  any of my skin care products to Liyue, my hair is half tangled because I can’t seem to find the right type of brush among that idiot ginger’s belongings, and I’m not even wearing make-up. Conclusion, I feel like a slob.” 

“Hm. I suppose that is understandable. Would you like to go out and purchase some items to correct that ? You did not seem so bothered by it until now, though.” Albedo wonders. His own “beauty-routine” is merely splashing his face with water, and perhaps soap, once in a while. No risk of clogged pores on artificial skin.

“...I don’t know. It’s just, usually, when I’m in Mondstadt, I can’t not look good. That’s part of the uniform? Of my Cavalry Captain persona. But here in Liyue… No one is expecting anything from me. It’s weird. I’m starting to feel better, so I wonder if I still have to… Dunno. Feels weird.”

“Perhaps you could use this time in Liyue to try a different style, then ? That would satisfy your need of taking care of your appearance, without reminding you too much of your ‘work mode’.”

“Oh. That’s… That’s a really good idea.”

“If I may interrupt… I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation…” 

They turn to see Zhongli, who must have entered the room at some point. The amber eyed man has what could almost be called a mischievous smile on.

“Would you like to try Adepti make-up styles ?”

The bright smile on Kaeya’s face is enough to rival the sun.

—---------

“Blue, red, or yellow ?” the blue-haired man asks, holding a few vials of nail polish.

After Zhongli deemed that they had mastered the art of making eyeliner “sharp enough to cut someone down”, he let them have free reign over his well-furnished make-up case. The consultant has since left for his second shift of the day at the funeral parlor ; and Kaeya has started writing down a list of which products he wants to buy for his own use once back in Mondstadt.

Albedo is staring.

Has been for the past forty seven minutes and twelve seconds, to be precise. Ever since Zhongli put the finishing touch on Kaeya’s face, rimming his eye in subtle shimmering gold, with a touch of glittering dark blue on his upper lip, and just the right amount of blush to highlight the man’s sharp cheekbones.

Kaeya looks otherworldly. 

Like a fallen star. Albedo thinks this is the kind of face that makes kingdoms start wars. He’s pretty sure he could compose poems about it despite his inherent dislike of this type of literature. It’s just so -

“Bedo ? Helloooo? Which color do you want ? Or do you not want to do your nails ? You can say so, you know…” Kaeya worriedly asks, waving a hand in front of the unresponsive Alchemist.

“Yellow, please,” the blonde man answers in the flattest voice possible as he holds out his hands, betraying nothing of his previous musings.

“Coming right up !” his companion giggles, uncorking the corresponding tiny vial.

He then carefully handles the blonde’s hand to avoid smearing the nail polish on the pale skin.

It’s… Calm. Relaxing, even.

Albedo can’t quite remember the last time he spent some time being so… peaceful.

Even tea with Lisa in the library, something he rarely indulged in, tended to become quite loud or… explosive. And not especially because his little sister would run to him. The Librarian herself is quite frightening when some rude reader dares to dog-ear her precious books…

So why, despite being relaxed and content, is Albedo’s heart still beating so loudly ?

…Does he even have a heart ? He’s never tried prying deeper into how his own artificial body worked. Not that it would be easy, after all, performing vivisection on oneself would be complicated. And the risk of having either of his students walk in while he’s doing so… Is too high. In this case, the risks are not worth the results.

“You’re spacing out again,” Kaeya pouts.

“Apologies, I didn’t mean to…”

“Mora for your thoughts ?”

“Ah… Some introspection, I suppose. I never quite expected to end up in Liyue in such circumstances, and this is making me rethink a few things about myself.”

“Oh. Yes, I guess it is quite the experience… Truth to be told, I am in a similar situation.”

“Therapy ?” Albedo guesses.

“M’yeah. Having to process a lot of things I had purposely left unprocessed,” the blue-haired huffs man with a grimace.

“Then… Mora for your thoughts ?” Albedo parrots, curious.

“Well, I don’t know, but I feel like a lot of my issues come from the fact I was abandoned by the closest thing to a parental figure I had in the wilderness of an unknown country with a vague and ominous mission to do,” Kaeya winces. And then he frowns, because he just spilled some nail-polish on Albedo’s finger, and that will not do -

“Oh, what a mood,” the blonde man blandly says.

There is a second of awkward silence.

“...What ?”

“I know exactly how it feels,” Albedo answers. “My moth - my master, Rhinedottir, did not exactly tell me beforehand that I was to stay in Mondstadt to fulfill my mission. I found out with a written note in the morning, and the fact that all her belongings had disappeared from our camp, along with her, sometimes during the night.”

“And… What is your mission ?” the blue-haired man worriedly asks. 

Is the Alchemist actually a spy as well ? He’s never seemed to want to endanger the city in any way, but appearances can be deceiving. After all, who would believe a child capable of treason? But no matter how much he enjoys the company of the other ; if his purpose in Mondstadt is something threatening the lives of his friends, he will not hesitate to do what must be done.

“Ah, it’s… Pardon my language, but it’s what I trust you’d call ‘A fucking mess’. To find the truth of the world. What a noble goal ; but what is it supposed to mean ? The truth about Celestia’s origins ? The principles behind my - behind the creation of life ? Something else entirely ? It’s too vague, there are too many parameters, and I simply don’t have enough time to explore all hypotheses and - “ the smaller man rants.

Kaeya is both relieved - albeit it’s obscure, and contrary to his own methods, finding the truth does not sound like it would endanger Mondstadt - and very concerned because he’s never seen Albedo get this worked up before. Or heard him talk so much, for that matter.

“I… I wish I could help you, but honestly, my knowledge of alchemy and Khemia remained vague on purpose… And I can’t say I’ve ever heard of something called the ‘Truth of the World’. Does it refer to a product, a person, a creature..?”

“If only I knew !” Albedo answers, arms raised angrily at the sky. “I would say it’s supposed to be an alchemical equation, or perhaps a reaction, albeit it could also be tied down to some Khemia being - since the line between the process and the product is quite vague in many case - “

And then Albedo seems to brutally remember what they were doing, and he slowly lowers his hands, giving a little frown at the smeared nail polish on his left pinky.

“...Sorry. It seems I ruined your work, as well as bored you.”

“Oh, I’m not bored ! I can’t quite grasp all the terms you’re using, but it is rather instructional. But perhaps you wish you had a more capable audience to bounce ideas off,” Kaeya awkwardly laughs, taking a cotton pad to the ruined polish to start anew. “I must look like quite the idiot next to you.”

“You’re not .” and Albedo is frowning harder.

“Why, thank you !”

Kaeya repaints the nail, and the next few minutes are silent except for the slow swish of the brush. And then he stares at Albedo’s hand, not letting him take it back despite being done.

“It’s just… I mean, don’t take it the wrong way, I’m very grateful that you’re here for me, and for all you’ve been doing, but… Don’t you want to leave m- to leave ?”

“What ? No . Why would I - “

“You’re the Chief Alchemist and Chief Investigator… You must have many experiments waiting for you, and… The Knights probably need you. And you’d be much less bored than by staying here with me…”

“Sucrose can handle any of the Favonius alchemical requests. And if the Investigation Team cannot handle me being gone for a few days, it probably deserves to collapse,” Albedo  huffs. “And the Knights need you as well, you are aware of that, yes ?”

Not to mention the Investigation division is all but dead since Varka left and Jean reduced resources and manpower to focus on other tasks. Not unlike the Cavalry…

“Honestly, I still kinda think that the Ordo Favonius would be better off without me. Ah, don’t look at me like that ! I’m trying to change that way of thinking, but old habits die hard !” mutters Kaeya, not quite meeting Albedo’s eyes. ”But, besides that, are you sure..? And… And you don’t mind spending time with… a human failure like me ?”

“I don’t know what makes you think you’re a failure, because you’re not. No, listen to me. Humankind is defined by its flaws and imperfections. It’s what makes a living being… alive, I suppose. Perfection is unachievable from natural events.”

“...Isn’t your work dedicated to finding perfection or something, though ? I would have said that’s a big part of alchemy…” Kaeya wonders.

“It is. It is the creation of perfection by using artificial processes and refining materials. But alchemical creations are not alive.”

Well. Not usually. Albedo is the exception to that rule. But he’s not perfect either.

“However, part of alchemy is dedicated to the study of living beings. and what makes their study interesting are their imperfections. There is no such thing as a ‘failure of a human being’ simply because it is impossible to establish ‘perfect criteria’ on what a human being is. You cannot fail to be something that does not exist.”

“...Somehow, this is soothing.”

There is another beat of silence.

“...Can you do my hair, please ? I would like to try a braid like yours,” Kaeya shyly asks.

“Sure. Do you want me to braid a ribbon in it ? Klee loves it when I do,” Albedo adds, softly smiling at the thought of his little sister.

Kaeya feels himself stop breathing for a second at the blonde’s soft expression. And then his nerves return ten folds, because, shit, the ginger was right, he’s got it bad .

“Okay,” he manages to sputter out, and then he tenses and curses himself some more at the feeling of hands reaching into his hair to comb it.

Archons . Perhaps turning into a mindless Hillichurl would not be so bad, if that means he can escape the mortifying ordeal of being perceived by his crush.

Unfortunately no celestial curse will save him for the time being, and so he keeps quiet, hoping the pounding of his heart remains unheard by the beautiful alchemist.

Unbeknownst to him, said alchemist is currently facing the same challenge, chalk-pale skin turned a soft red as he delicately combs the navy blue strands.

And so, in the silence of a Liyuen apartment, bathed in the soft reddening light of dusk, two people marked by the stars find solace in each other without a single word being uttered.

Chapter Text

Diluc leaves the very next day.

He ignores Elzer’s fretting, and his offer to saddle his horse for him, simply grabbing his backpack. He’s not sure where his quest to look for Kaeya will bring him, after all. Liyue does not have the same accommodations as Mondstadt does for horses in the countryside.

Adeline looks half-reprimanding, and half hopeful. She forces him to at least sit down to take a substantial breakfast, and then stuff more food and snacks in his backpack before he leaves.

The sun is barely over the horizon as he makes his way out of his domain, bathing everything in gold and soft reds, and the Dawn Winery has never more deserved its name than it does at the moment.

Diluc walks, and walks, and walks, his single objective at the foresight of his mind.

It’s only once he’s halfway past Stone Gate, his boots sloshing through the muddy ground of Dihua Marsh, that Diluc stops to think.

So. Maybe he should have thought about this a bit more before leaving. It’s not like he’s unused to taking sudden trips, but he should have made plans…

Well, he does have a plan… Sort of.

Step 1 : Go to Liyue. Done.

Step 2 : Find Kaeya and get back to Mondstadt. He’s working on it.

…Alright, maybe this is less of a proper plan, and more of a general guideline to follow.

Whatever. He’s done more with even less preparation before.

(Granted, that usually involved him running headfirst into a Fatui encampment screaming and swinging around a blazing claymore. But it worked .)

Thankfully, he’s reminded of an important detail as the outline of the giant tree of Wangshu Inn slowly emerges from the fog. Kaeya - or someone that got access to Kaeya’s bank information - was at this very inn barely two weeks ago. 

So, that’s his first stop. Verr Goldet will be able to at least let him know how many people are involved in this, and describe them. Perhaps even tell him where they were headed.

—---------

After his brief conversation with the inn’s owner, Diluc is now aware of three things.

Kaeya was here, and did pay for two rooms. Verr Goldet mentioned he didn’t look like he was being threatened or anything, but Diluc doesn’t trust it. Kaeya is a good actor. If he was told to shut up and act and complied, almost no one would be able to figure it out.

(Once, Diluc would have been able to. Nowadays… He feels as if he’s the worst person when it comes to understanding the Cavalry Captain.)

Second point of importance : the Chief Alchemist was here too.

Sure, there is probably more than one shorty blonde guy with blue eyes and dead facial muscles in Teyvat, but Diluc does not believe in coincidences. This is the second time Albedo’s name came up in his investigation, and it’s already one time too many.

Especially considering Verr Goldet did not see anyone else following them.

The alchemist is definitely involved in whatever is going on.

Perhaps the Knights are unaware they’re housing yet one more traitor…

Diluc shakes his head. No use thinking about it now. He will pull out the truth from the man once he’s face-to-face with him. His interrogation methods have long proven very effective. And then he will smack some sense into Kaeya for trusting the wrong person. But only because he’s putting Mondstadt at a risk while doing so, of course.

Last but not least : the two men were last seen heading toward Liyue Harbor.

Therefore, this is where Diluc shall go next.

—---------

The Wine Tycoon probably beat some records, going from Mondstadt to Liyue Harbor on foot so fast.

It’s made easier by the fact he’s used to travelling alone, to moving around a lot with very little in terms of bagages. Add to that not being afraid to cross straight through Hillichurls’ camps to take the shortest way between him and his objective, and you obtain a bunch of large burn marks all over the plains of Liyue and one very tired but determined redhead entering the city of contracts.

It is, unfortunately, the middle of the night as he does so.

Usually, this would not stop Diluc from storming in and combing through each dark alleys until he’s found what he was looking for. Sadly, walking that far after having spent days doing his vigilante’s routine forces him to reconsider. 

He takes a room in his usual inn whenever he stops in Liyue Harbor- one whose rooms’ prices and client’s statuses are such that no one dare to asks him why he’s suddenly here at two in the morning without prior reservation - and swears to start searching for his bro - for Kaeya at dawn, the very next day.

—---------

Admittedly, he was expecting something… more complicated.

Or longer, at least ?

He was fully prepared to stalk through the whole of Liyue Harbor, to threaten and shake some thugs to get information out of them (and to relieve his stress), and to literally dig through crates and piles of goods in the port just in case Kaeya had taken to hiding there… 

It wasn’t very likely he was… But back when he was a kid, Kaeya tended to hide in the smallest and most unexpected nooks and crannies at the Winery or the Ragnvindr manor. That made for some very long hide-and-seek games, and more than a few panicked shouts from Adelinde or Father when they could not figure out where he went.

Kaeya is good at hiding. Has always been, and has only gotten better as a Knight, easily stalking through Mondstadt’s dark alleys like he belongs there.

So Diluc was expecting his search to be long, difficult, exhausting even.

Instead, he exits the inn after his breakfast, turns left at the first crossroad, determination etched on his face…

 …And ends up face to face with his brother and the Chief Alchemist happily blabbing about culinary differences between Mondstadt and Liyue as they taste-test some pastries from a nearby stall.

He stares.

Kaeya looks perfectly fine, if a bit tired, wearing unusual clothes - something clearly Liyuean in blue and silver tones. He’s laughing. The short blond man smiles at him, telling some remarks that make the Cavalry Captain laugh harder and snorts.

He’s laughing.

Kaeya Alberich disappeared almost two weeks ago from Mondstadt, without telling a word to anyone, and they all immediately assumed the worse, but he was just taking a break and wooing the fucking Alchemist ?!

He can feel something unfurling in his chest. It feels like a weight is removed from his shoulders. Kaeya is fine. He was apparently doing something stupid like taking an unplanned break in order to get laid, but he’s not kidnapped - not that he can see at the moment, at least, and he looks fine .

Diluc can feel his gloves heating up, reacting to his feelings, and he pretends it’s anger . 

Because, after all, the Cavalry Captain did disappear for unprofessional reasons, typical of those useless Knights -

He’s still staring when Albedo looks up, eyes locking with him, the alchemist letting out a quiet gasp.

And Kaeya, ever so observant, immediately notice, looking his way too - and the surprise and shock flashing on his face looks genuine, and maybe there’s something else too, something like hope and fear and longing -

Diluc shakes his head. He doesn’t care , he repeats to himself. Why care for a liar ? He just wanted to know if the Abyss Order or someone else had kidnapped him, and it’s not the case, so he should just leave.

Because Kaeya’s stare vaguely reminds him of when they were brothers, but who’s to say it’s not another lie ? 

He wouldn’t be able to handle it -

“Tch. I knew the Knights of Favonius were truly inefficient, but I could not have imagined you would go so far as to abandon your post like that,” Diluc grumbles, and he winces internally. He was trying to sound worried, but his tone sounds rather angry. Well, whatever, that’s how Kaeya and him have been communicating ever since he came back to Mondstadt. No need to worry about it now.

“Master Ragnvindr - “ the blond boy-toy that was apparently the main reason for his bro - for the Cavalry Captain ’s disappearance tries to interrupt.

“Shut it, you,” the Wine Tycoon retorts.

Archons, he really, really does not want to know what the two of them have been up to for the past two weeks. And he doesn’t know that guy very well anyway, is he a good party ? Well, he is a Captain too, so at least his salary must be good. But did he prove that he deserves Kaeya’s attention ? Not that Diluc has anything to say about it, after all, they are strangers, it’s his own love life, or sex life, and once again, he would much rather remains unaware of it -  

“I’m talking to the peacock next to you, who disappeared without a word. Jean was extremely worried, did you even think about her ?”

Kaeya stays silent, and Diluc feels a twinge of worry returns.

“Hey, are you even listening - “

Diluc grumbles, and repeats some of his usual meaningless insults in order to bring back some normalcy in this whole unnerving conversation, awaiting the moment the blue-haired man snaps back with one of his smooth but poisonous quips, a mocking smirk on his face, perhaps even taunting him with something along the lines of ‘Oh, were you worried for me ?’

But Kaeya stays silent.

—---------

Kaeya stares.

The redhead in front of him is still talking, and Albedo seems to be listening, albeit very obviously disagreeing with whatever he’s saying, so that’s probably not a hallucination.

Which means Diluc is in Liyue Harbor.

Which means he’s most definitely here looking for him.

Why exactly he is looking for him is not quite important ; it could be a request from Jean, or some side-job the Darknight Hero decided to take because the Cavalry Captain’s absence means more work for him, which annoys him.

It does not matter much to Kaeya, because at the moment, he can’t face him.

It’s just too much. 

Therapy makes him feel better, but it also makes him feel. And some emotions are harder to deal with. He hasn’t fully detangled the mess that his relationship with his estranged maybe-ex-brother is yet.

To suddenly have Diluc in front of him despite that…

He can’t do it today.

“I can’t do this today,” Kaeya says in a monotone voice. At least it seems to cut whatever rant Diluc was on.

“You - What ?” 

“Kaeya…” Albedo tries to interrupt.

“Nope. Can’t. Not today. I’m going.”

“Going where ?” his ex-brother huffs.

“Back to my current lodging. I’m going to cry myself to sleep. Or something,” Kaeya deadpans.

And then he speed walks out of sight before the other two can fully process what he said.

—---------

By the time the two men snap out of flabbergastment, Kaeya has already long left.

There is a moment of awkward silence, but as they make eye contact the Wine Tycoon straightens up and mutters something that is very much not a compliment about Albedo.

The Alchemist takes a deep breath.

Frankly speaking, this is his first time meeting Master Ragnvindr in the flesh - and the man did not exactly make a good first impression - but he shall try to get along with him for the sake of Kaeya. At least, when he helped answer his inquiry regarding ley lines by letter some years ago, the man had been nothing but polite, so there is hope. 

…Well at worst, he can pretend to tolerate him. He sighs.

“So, Master Ragnvindr - “

“Save your excuses,” the redhead grunts. He looks rather put off by Kaeya’s departure. Even Albedo, for all he can admit to have rather stiff facial muscles, must say it’s a wonder that the Wine Tycoon expression remains scrunched in apparent anger when he’s pretty sure he was expressing concern and worry for the Cavalry Captain earlier. Or trying to, in a crude and rather imbecile way…

…Does he really have to pretend to tolerate him ?

Well…It’s for Kaeya. Only for Kaeya.

“I merely thought you would be interested in hearing some of our reasons for coming to Liyue, but if it’s of no concern to you… I shall simply pen a letter to the Acting Grand Master, I suppose,” he muses out loud, aware of the way the Wine Tycoon’s glares even harder at him.

“...Fine. If you’re able to give me an acceptable explanation as to what is going on, perhaps I’ll apologize ,” the other man seethes, as if the possibility of saying “sorry” would physically hurt him.

Albedo nods, trying his best to pretend the other’s overly aggressive attitude does not bother him at all.

“I simply came across Sir Kaeya in Dragonspine. He sustained some… injuries, and we decided the best course of action was to seek a healer here. Our departure was quite impromptu, which is the main reason Kaeya forgot to inform others of his whereabouts.”

There. Credible, mostly the truth, a little lie by omission. Kaeya would be proud of him.

“ Bullshit ” Diluc growls. “If he was injured, why not come back to Mondstadt and see the Sisters ? Or even Jean ?  Kaeya hates being healed by strangers. And Liyue is much farther, so it makes no sense to go there for an emergency. But you took the time to ask for paid leave, so obviously you were not that unprepared. What did you do to him ?!?”

Okay. Maybe he’s not as skilled as Kaeya when it comes to lying. At least he tried.

The Chief Alchemist hesitates ; he’s not sure how much he should be allowed to reveal… Depression probably falls under medical confidentiality, right ? He tries to recall what Sucrose told him about it… But wasn't the family allowed to hear details ? But is Master Ragnvindr even family to Kaeya ? Maybe he should -

“Tell me. The. Truth. ” the Wine Tycoon snarls, grabbing him by his coat and giving him a firm shake.

“His injuries were not physical but I’m not allowed to tell you more because I am unsure of your relationship with Kaeya and I think this fall under medical confidentiality but the only doctor I knew of who specialized in such case was in Liyue and Kaeya did not want to tell anyone he had to take time off and I respected his wishes but Klee would have worried so I had to take a personal leave,” Albedo rambles, more intimidated by the social implications of this conversation than by Diluc’s threats.

At this, the redhead finally let him go, looking surprised.

“What ? Did his Vision started to misbehave - but no, he wouldn’t have been wearing it earlier if that was the case…” Master Ragnvindr ponders, his frown deepening - this time Albedo is almost sure it is worry.

Unfortunately, his glares return to the Alchemist merely a moment later.

“Did you decide to use him as an experiment of sort, and ended up in Liyue because you fucked up and he got injured ?”

“What - “

“No, let me guess. That idiot did it of his own volition to impress you, didn’t he ?” Master Ragnvindr scoffs. “Fucking imbecile… Never knew what self-preservation was, and he had the gall to worry about me in his letters… Urgh, perhaps he deserves it in the end…”

“You -  ! How - ?! Why are - !” Albedo sputters, taken aback. “You have no idea what he is going through !”

The Wine Tycoon let out a caustic laugh.

“Hah ! Did he not tell you about our shared past ? Trust me, I’ve been witness to more than my fair share of stupidity from your lovely Cavalry Captain. I am rather glad that you had the basic intelligence to bring him here to get healed after fucking him up, but if that experience somewhat managed to knock some sense in him, then perhaps it was a good thing.”

For a second, Albedo is speechless.

And then, the Wine Tycoon’s words incur his wrath.

If Diluc’s fury is an inferno, burning everything around him and leaving only acrid ashes behind, then Albedo’s rage is an earthquake. 

Unexpected, powerful, and without regard for who stands in its way.

His Vision flashes gold, thrumming with power, and he can feel the earth beneath them pulse in time with it, and the redhead looks surprised and slightly apprehensive, which he should - 

But before the Chief Alchemist can do something he would regret - though he very much doubts he’d have any regrets inflicting severe bodily harm onto the asshole in front of him, but perhaps it would make Kaeya sad and Albedo doesn’t want that - Childe jogs over and grabs him by the arm.

“Woah ! Calm down, comrade ! When Kaeya said you needed some help, I didn’t think he meant I’d have to stop you from getting into a brawl… He did look tired too. Wait, do I have to stop you ? I kinda want to see if - “

And then the ginger finally gets a good look at the person who made the blonde man lose his temper, and his expressions sours at once.

“Oh. It’s you . The dude that was banned from our country…”

The Wine Tycoon sneers at the Harbinger’s mask.

“Great. Just when I thought I couldn’t be more disappointed in Kaeya, he goes and makes friends with Fatui scum .”

“At least the Fatui scum helped him when he needed, instead of blaming him and hurting him despite being his brother .” Albedo mutters with a pointed look toward the master of Dawn Winery.

Diluc bristles hearing that.

Childe’s head snaps toward Albedo, then Diluc, then to the street he just came from - and the other men can see the exact moment it clicks, because his dead eyes widens and the usually cheerful man adopts a murderous expression that would make a lesser man pee their pants.

“ You - !”

Diluc is not a lesser man. So he snarls right back at the Harbinger.

“I’m not receiving any lessons from a useless Knight of Favonius, nor from a member of an organization that can only be called a stain upon Teyvat. Tell me, Harbinger, if the Tsaritsa asked you to bark, would you ? I bet you would. And I bet if she asked you to murder your own brother in cold blood, you’d do so while smiling .”

There’s a flash of something dangerous in the ginger’s eyes -

And Diluc staggers back, hand automatically reaching out to cup the blood now flowing from his nose.

“Just so we’re clear, I didn’t do this for Kaeya,” the Harbinger sneers. “I just can’t stand your face.”

He then spits on the ground in front of the red-haired man, and grabs the alchemist before stomping away.

Diluc feels blood dripping down his chin.

And something brewing in his gut, but he can’t say what yet.

—---------

So. He fucked up.

He can tell that much, even without taking into account the verbal and physical beating he almost got from the Chief Alchemist and the Harbinger.

He is lucky his nose isn’t broken. That ginger has a mean right hook.

But enough about that. What matters now is Kaeya.

Kaeya seems to not want to face him at the moment. He… He can understand. He hasn’t been… exactly a good brother recently. Ex-brother. Whatever.

Actually, nevermind being a good brother, this wasn’t even something a half-decent stranger would do.

He really, really fucked up.

If his Vision did not act up - which he would have felt before, since Kaeya was wearing it - and the Alchemist did not switch his feet with his hands or some other weird shit - but he saw nothing amiss earlier - then the only specialist he could have sought in Liyue is related to mental health and things like depression.

Diluc is not ignorant of these things. He had a lot of time to learn, when licking his wounds after leaving Mondstadt. Knowledge is power, and any knowledge is better than none. Fontaine was boasting about having the best up-to-date information regarding this new developing branch of medicine, and he learnt some bit here and there.

(Enough to figure out violently lashing out whenever someone came too close was not ‘Good survival reflexes’ but something called ‘Post traumatic stress disorder’. And then he promptly ignored most advice regarding how to deal with it.)

Objectively speaking, Kaeya is being very brave right now, and as his brother, Diluc should be proud that he’s willing to put aside his pride to seek help and get better. 

Subjectively, Diluc is fucking glad Kaeya did not deal with his trauma the same way he did, which was attempt murder on his only remaining family member, goes on a rampage across Teyvat to become the first man ever banned in a whole nation, and limp home to become an emotionnaly constipated vigilante.

Yeah… Maybe he should have tried therapy too.

Fuck. Some of Kaeya’s trauma is definitely his fault.

Archons, how is he going to salvage things ? 

Is there even anything left to salvage ?

He sags against the wall of the alley he’s in, uncaring about the bloody handprint he’s probably leaving behind.

Shit. That’s a depressing thought.

What if it is too late ?

What if Kaeya has already decided he’s no longer worth it. No longer worth having in his life.

Does that mean he will stop coming to Angel’s Share ? Stop pestering Diluc every time they cross paths, be it in the street or during their nightly jobs ? Avoid him instead ?

Because Diluc does not want that. He can admit it now, not having Kaeya around makes his life absolutely dreadful.

The red-haired man is not one to take the first step toward others. 

Consequence ; one who wishes to be on ‘friendly’ terms with him would have to get past his prickly facade first.

And so far, only his ex-brother and that otherworldly Traveler have made the effort to do so. And the second is currently a whole sea away…

So yeah, Diluc is lonely. 

And maybe Kaeya is annoying, but having him talk to him is one of the only ways to see if his baby br- if the Cavalry Captain is… doing okay.

Except it’s not enough, obviously, or Diluc wouldn’t be in this situation today.

So. Once again, making the first step is not his thing.

But here, it seems he will have no choice but to give himself a good kick in the butt and actually do something for once.

Kaeya… Kaeya deserves that, at least.

He straightens up, and walks out of the alleyway.

Time to think of a plan of action.

Chapter Text

THUNK !

“ - I can’t fucking believe - !”

“I know.”

CRASH !

“The NERVE of that FUCKER !”

“I know.”

BANG ! 

“I should have eviscerated him. Or beheaded him. OR BOTH !” Childe  fumes, sending yet another Mitachurl to his demise with his hydro blades.

Albedo, while more silent, was rather incensed too, as his frown and the multiple Geo constructs and flower-shaped craters littering the ground of the Hillichurls’ camp could attest.

Both men went back to the house, only to find Kaeya passed out still clothed on his bed. After properly tucking him in - and ignoring the freshly dried tear tracks on his face - they agreed to “take a stroll” outside of the city to vent. Zhongli was keeping an eye out to make sure the Wine Tycoon would not approach their friend while he was alone and vulnerable.

“DIE YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT !” Childe screams, impaling some poor Electro archer with his Hydro, very obviously imagining the redhead face on its mask while doing so.

“I wish Kaeya would let us dispose of him. It’s not that hard to kill a man. You probably know several locations to hide a body in Liyue, or I can use Khemia to disperse the corpse in dust…” Albedo mutters, munching on his pencil as he doodles frankly disturbing and bloody shapes in his notebook. The Hillichurls have long stopped attacking them, trying instead to escape. Neither man left them much chance to do so, however.

The sounds of fighting gradually die down as the number of foes decreases.

Only after everything within the valley was either dead or traumatized did they manage to calm down.

“We should go back and think about what to do from now,” Albedo finally sighs.

“What to do..? We kill him, right ?”

“As much as I am inclined to agree with you, sadly Ragnvindr is Kaeya’s last remaining family member… Even though I am unsure he deserves that title, but, this is Kaeya’s choice, not ours.”

Childe blankly stares ahead for a few seconds.

“...What if we put a wig on a Pyro Hillichurl ? Would anyone even realize - “

“Please. Stop talking .” the alchemist begs.

—---------

When they get back, Kaeya is up, and  looking mostly put together.

Mostly .

Because his gaze is still a little lost in the distance, and the reddish skin around his nose and cheeks and the puffy skin under his sole eye betray the fact that what he said about “crying himself to sleep” was true.

“Ah, Albedo, Childe. Zhongli said you went out earlier… Did you have a nice stroll ?”  their blue-haired friend  asks, mindlessly stirring some hot beverage. Probably herbal tea, if it comes from the ex-Archon’s stash.

“Yeah, it was fine. Relaxing.” Childe answers, shrugging his coat off. 

Which is… certainly one way to put leaving behind absolute mayhem and destruction staining the landscape of a whole Liyuean valley. And the many Hillichurls’ visceras in blood puddles in various areas. But at least the Harbinger is right, Albedo does feel much more relaxed now.

Given Kaeya raises an eyebrow and slowly shakes his head, with a pointed stare at the reddish stains on the ginger’s coat, he isn’t fooled either. But he chooses to ignore it, probably for his own mental wellbeing.

Then he bites his lips, fidgeting with his cup.

“Did… Did Diluc - I mean, Master Ragnvindr give you… err… any trouble ? After I left ?”

The Harbinger actually growls at that. And then he yelps, because Zhongli suddenly appeared behind him and smacked him on the back of his head with a rolled newspaper like an unruly puppy.

“Behave.” the ex-Archon mutters to the sheepish ginger.

“To answer your question… We did have a… Little chat with Master Ragnvindr. We did not agree - “

“ Not at all .” Childe seethes.

“- We did not agree at all with him, but there was no trouble. He just ended up leaving.”

Probably with a busted nose, but Albedo keeps quiet on that point. He deserved it anyway, and sometimes ignorance is bliss. He is pretty sure this would make Kaeya feel even worse, which he would prefer to avoid after the earlier emotionally charged showdown.

Kaeya lets out a relieved sigh, and quite visibly deflates.

“ Oh . Good, that’s good. I mean, it is not like he would have much interest in engaging in a fight with you… Well, at least Albedo, given Childe is Fatui, and that is its own can of worms, but… It seems I did the right thing. Leaving was the best way to defuse the situation, after all.”

He raises his face to the other man, offering a sorry smile. 

“Really, you shouldn’t have to get caught in my mess. Apologies.”

Suddenly, Albedo simultaneously wants to go back and slaps the Ragnvindr heir, and to take a step forward to pull Kaeya in a bone-crushing hug and declare him his moon and star and that he would protect him for the entirety of his seemingly unending artificial life.

He shakes his head, unsure of what almost came over him at that moment… albeit he is starting to have a vague idea. Zhongli did give him some more options for late-night reading, and his symptoms seem to correspond to those experienced by the main character in one of those Inazuman light novels… But this needs further research before he can reach a conclusion.

Only because he is a true scientist, of course.

Totally not because he wants to curl up in a ball and hyperventilate at the idea of maybe entertaining the hypothesis of him having feelings. As in, not feelings in general, but feelings .

Preposterous. What was even Rhinedottir doing, to mess up that badly when making him ? It’s not often that Albedo feels some sort of negative emotions toward his creator-mother, but really, there was no need to give chalk the ability to experience such things ! And now he’s the one that has to deal with it, all while trying to achieve the impossible mission she gave him. 

So sue him for being a little annoyed .

“It’s fine, none of this is your fault. It’s all because of this son of - Errrr, whatever. It’s not your fault, no need to apologize.” Childe starts, stopping midway to change his phrasing at the positively venomous glare Zhongli sends him.

“Do not worry, Kaeya. As your friends, it is natural for us to help you with ‘messes’ such as this,” Albedo nods. 

“In that case, now that we are all here. I wanted to propose that tonight, instead of going out to Xinyue Kiosk like we had planned, we get Wanmin restaurant to deliver us some warm, home-cooked meal that we can share along with some Osmanthus wine. There is nothing as relaxing as spending an evening enjoying good food and good drinks with your companions… Ah, that reminds me of that time with Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver, perhaps two centuries ago, when she brought some homemade moon cakes filled with - “ Zhongli starts.

“Ooookay, let’s send for Xiangling right now ! I really don’t need another rambling regarding the weird bird’s cooking’ experiments…” Childe interrupts.

“Yes… I would also prefer to stay here tonight, thank you. We can go back to Xinyue Kiosk later, of course, I know it must have been hard for you to get a reservation - “

“Nah, don’t worry, I can throw another couple thousand moras at them whenever you want to go back. Public enemy number one or not, no self-respecting Liyue merchant would ever refuse my rich as fuck ass.” the Harbinger shrugs.

“That is because any merchant must be able to be impartial. Trade is a contract, after all, and sometimes one must be able to deal with one’s enemies, or people you do not trust, in order to maintain your dealings, and Liyue’s tradition is so that - “ the ex-Archons offers.

“So, food ?” Childe desperately asks, waving his arms around like a madman.

Albedo wouldn’t have minded hearing more of the Adepti’s rambles; he is sure there must be treasure troves of information amidst all the seemingly mundane reminiscing. But Kaeya still looks slightly tired, and he must admit that Zhongli’s voice can be monotonous. It wouldn't do for the Cavalry Captain to fall asleep before he has a proper dinner.

“Yes, we should go get dinner. Do you have a menu - ?”

“Yep ! Here it is !”

“Grilled Tiger fish..? This sounds nice, can we get some ?” Kaeya wonders.

“Sure. Would you like some Crab roe Tofu as well ?” Zhongli suggests as he points out his own choice to Childe, who is scribbling down everything on a notepad.

Kaeya makes a face after hearing the word “Tofu”. Albedo giggles, taken aback by how childish it is.

And then he lets out a real laugh at the betrayed look Kaeya gives him.

And afterward, if said blue-haired man is blushing, seeing the blonde alchemist so happy, and the Harbinger and the Adepti exchange an unequivocal glance at the action… Well, he is none the wiser.

—---------

The next morning, Diluc wakes up feeling sore, and with a stuffy nose.

He blows his nose, and grimaces at the blood stains it leaves on his handkerchief. Adeline is going to reprimand him again. Blood stains are so annoying to clean up…

Wait. Nevermind the stupid handkerchief, Adeline is going to tear him a new one if she ever get winds of what he said to Kaeya yesterday.

While she would always proclaim she had no favorite between the two young Ragnvindr boys… She did always rush just a little bit faster to Kaeya’s side if he was the one injured, even if it was only a scraped knee.

Well. Diluc couldn't fault her. For one, he was always quite a papa’s boy himself, rushing to his father for anything and everything, and said father would always drop everything to care for him, no matter how childish his problems were. But also, Kaeya was quite the scrawny little thing when he came to live with them, and even after they managed to get him to an healthy weight and stops him from catching every and all illnesses the moment he stepped outside, neither Adeline nor Father could quite shake off the irrational fear that the slightest gust of wind would do him in.

And so Adeline remained fiercely protective of her “little blue-haired boy”, even long after he became too tall to be called “a little boy”. Which makes the fact that she still greeted and cared for Diluc at the Winery like nothing ever happened, even though she knew he was the reason Kaeya was no longer allowed to visit - albeit she did not know the exact circumstances - even more of a show of her professionalism. 

Or perhaps she had simply quietly been planning his demise ever since he came back…

Wait, no, this is not the time to feed into his old Delusion-induced paranoïa. He’s thrown the damn thing anyway, it longer has any true hold on his mind. More importantly, he has to find a way to repair his relationship with Kaeya. Brotherhood might be a bit of a far reach, but at least friendly, platonic companionship should be achievable.

If Kaeya ever accepts to spend more than two minutes in his company ever again.

Right..?

Fuck. So, how is he supposed to..?

And for the next few hours, grumbling and mumbling and the scratching of pen on paper, sometimes interrupted by a fist angrily driven to the wall, can be heard from the room the esteemed Master Ragnvindr is occupying.

—---------

In the end, no matter how he tried to think and turn the problem around, only one solution appeared to have any chance to work.

Talking.

Diluc shivers. This is the worst case scenario, because that’s the thing he is the worst at.  

Talking .

But he has to try, to soldier on and make an effort. And so he prepares a little speech in his head - and repeats it once or twice, trying to not cringe at his own wavering voice and avoiding his own eyes in the mirror, before exiting the inn, to, once again, search around for his little brother.

This time, he does not immediately run into him. He walks around the Harbor for a few hours, and would certainly enjoy the scenery much more if his head wasn’t so full of worst-case scenarios of Kaeya sneering at him and declaring he never want to talk to him again, or, Archons’ forbid, even worse, for him to flinch with an eye full of fear and distrust toward him.

Thankfully, his luck must not have completely ran out, because in the middle of the afternoon, after yet another round around Chihu rock, he spots a peacock-blue head sitting at a tea house.

He squares his shoulders, fending the crowd, and straightens up even further when he sees that his brother is not sitting alone at the table.

But he is a man on a mission, and that will not stop him from achieving it now that he’s put his mind to it.

And so he opens his mouth.

—---------

“Kaeya.”

The way the blue-haired man immediately tenses bring back all of Albedo’s murderous urges at once.

Given the way Childe has turned to look at the redhead with pure hatred in his gaze, he is not the only one currently entertaining the idea of homicide.

Even Zhongli, ever so calm in a way only Adepti can be, is now frowning at the man standing a few steps behind his disowned brother.

“Kaeya. Could we… Talk?  Please.” Master Ragnvindr awkwardly asks.

Childe opens his mouth, obviously ready to offer some scathing remark, but before Zhongli can even forcefully close his mouth, the Cavalry Captain’s voice answers him.

“We are currently talking, are we not ?”

Albedo deeply enjoys the little flinch the Wine Tycoon gives at the truly dry tone Kaeya answered him.

“No, that… Could we… Could we talk… alone ?” Master Ragnvindr tries again. With quite an awkward look directed toward both the Alchemist and the Harbinger. Here is the famous Uncrowned King of Mondstadt, fidgeting like a school kid being reprimanded by the nuns. What a sight.

For a second, Albedo thinks about offering the same kind of rude gesture the ginger is currently doing toward their common enemy. Unfortunately, Kaeya sharply turns around to look at his ex-brother before he has time to put it into practice.

“ No . No, I would rather we are not left alone , Master Diluc.”

“But - “

“You see, I would consider these three as friends. Close friends, even. In fact, I am going to declare that they are my moral support starting now. So if you want to keep talking, you can do so right in front of them. It isn’t like I have anything to hide from them ; they already know the worst about me , and yet choose to stay .” Kaeya answers, and the pointed look toward the redhead and the Cryo-cold glint in his eye are more than enough to figure out what he means.

The big flinch Master Ragnvindr gives after that, as well as the appalled look he gives to the three other men around the table, makes it clear that he understood.

“I… I don’t - “

“Besides that, I would rather have someone ready to help me, should your demand of ‘talking alone’ simply be an excuse to finish what you started the last time such a thing happened - “

“KAEYA, NO !” the redhead shouts, offended? Horrified, even ?

Not that Albedo cares, because hearing him shouts made Kaeya immediately recoil like he was expecting to be hit, and as he gets up from his chair, he’s fully prepared to do here what he couldn’t earlier, public street be damned - 

“Gentlemen. Please refrain from engaging in… raucous behavior here, please. This is my favorite tea shop, and I think many others would be as sad as me if it were to be… destroyed by elemental reactions.” Zhongli politely reminds, although there is steel in his gaze as he stares at them.

Albedo huffs, but sits down. And scoots closer to Kaeya, making it so he’s cutting off the Wine Tycoon line of vision of his ex-brother as he does so. 

“Are you - ?” he mutters.

“Fine enough. For now. Please, stay here.” Kaeya mutters back, squeezing his hand.

Raising his head again, Albedo sees that Zhongli now has an iron-grip on Childe’s forearm, which isn’t stopping the Harbinger from shouting some Snezhnayan straight at the redhead.

And given the disgusted face Ragnvindr is making, he can guess these are no compliments.

Good. He does not deserve compliments .

—---------

The Wine Tycoon takes a deep breath, and looks around the table.

A Harbinger spouting some truly filthy things at him - thank the Archons Kaeya does not speak Snezhnayan, otherwise he would have been even more tempted to make him permanently shut up for soiling both their ears, been held back by a man that look suspiciously like an Adepti, and whose apparent calm does not really hide his negative feelings that the downturned corner of his mouth betrays, and a tiny, angry blonde Alchemist glaring at him and stopping him from been able to really look at his brother. 

And, wait, are they holding hands - ?

Diluc takes a deep breath, and then another, and then another again, just to be safe.

Calm . He has to stay calm and not fuck up this time. He promised himself to not fuck up, and to do so he must stay calm, even if he wants to strangle the Harbinger and shake the Alchemist like a sack of potatoes because who does that shorty think he is, to have the right to be this close to Kaeya, and -

Diluc takes another deep breath, holding it for ten seconds before exhaling.

“Alright. Alright, if you prefer for them to be here, then we can talk with them present. That is fine.”

The surprised look his brother sends him as he peeks out from behind the blonde man breaks his heart a little further.

Did Kaeya really think he would ignore his words and make him uncomfortable on purpose ? Is he that unreliable ?

Well. Given their shared past, yes, he is. And that is exactly why he is here today, in order to change that.

“If you also want to stay in a public place, that is fine with me. Or if you do not want an audience, I can reserve a restaurant room for all of us.”

“You… you really want to… to talk ?” Kaeya mumbles, a note of disbelief in his voice.

“Yes. I’m… I will, uh, I will give you the address of the inn I’m currently staying at. I’m not due to get back to Mondstadt for the time being, so you can send me a message whenever you make a choice about the location and want to talk.”

He quickly scratches something on a napkin, then hand it to the maybe-Adepti man - the safest choice, as the Harbinger would immediately rips it, and the Alchemist would probably ‘accidentally’ misplace it during the walk back, and Kaeya looks like he truly would accidentally smudge it with tears or too strong of a grip on the frail paper.

“I just… I uh, I will not be imposing on your lunch anymore for the time being. I wanted to… ah… I want to apologize for my harsh words. Last time. Sorry. I just… Well, I will leave you to your meal, we can talk more about it whenever… Whenever. Sorry. And, uh, enjoy your meal.”

And then the Wine Tycoon speedwalks away, bumping into a street stall, almost sending the whole cart crashing to the ground, muttering some half-assed apologies to the incensed vendor in heavily accented Liyuen as he promptly runs to the nearest side-street.

Okay. It worked. Probably.

He did not get angry, he somewhat apologized, and he gave Kaeya a way to contact him so their meeting can happen on his terms. That way he does not have to feel pressured and can be more comfortable about the whole thing. 

Probably.

Shit . Perhaps tonight, Diluc will indulge in some Osmanthus wine.

Chapter Text

Kaeya stares at the paper Diluc gave him earlier.

Diluc. Diluc wants to talk. Diluc wants to talk to him .

At first, Kaeya was completely bewildered. Then surprised, hopeful, and panicked.

Thankfully, he managed to pull himself together before it truly crossed into the panic attack territory. Or before he ended up letting the waterworks start again. Archons knows he’s tired of having puffy eyes. 

Mrs Bu’s breathing and thinking exercises were quite useful. Speaking about…

What do you want ?

Diluc wants to talk to him. 

Does he want to talk to Diluc ?

“ Yes ,” his brain immediately answers. “ But only if Diluc does not scream at me. ”

Okay. He will talk to Diluc, and try to remain… cordial. Calm. Yeah.

Now, onto the next point : he’s willing to talk to Diluc, but toward what goal ? Does he simply want them to stop being aggressive toward each other in public ? Does he want to try forming a new friendship ? 

(…Does he want his big brother back ?)

Kaeya closes his eyes.

Think about the people you love.

Jean. Rosaria. Klee. Fischl, Bennett and Razor. Barbara. Eula and Amber. Adeline, and the Dawn Winery staff. The Traveler. Childe. Zhongli, too, now.

Albedo…

Okay. Now, think about Diluc.

Red hair, pale skin, red eyes… For a second, those eyes are full of fire and hatred, and his mental image of Diluc open his mouth, face contorted in rage, about to tell him -

Kaeya shakes his head. No, this is not how Diluc looked earlier today. He tries to picture him like he really was the last time he saw him.

Red hair somewhat disheveled, haphazardly thrown into a lopsided ponytail. Pale skin, his cheeks and nose reddened as he was the center of attention when he was talking to him. He was always at least a little nervous when repeating his speeches, no matter how prepared.

Shoulders hunched as he awkwardly tried to ignore Albedo and Childe’s glares. One hand clenched in the fabric of his pants, the other fidgeting with his Vision, a nervous tell he’s had since he got it and never quite managed to get rid of. 

The corners of his mouth were twitching, like he wasn’t sure whether to smile or frown.

Eyes dull with fatigue, accented by dark eyebags. Eyes… not full of fire and anger, but… more like a little ember. Something like hope, perhaps, or it is Kaeya himself that is deluding himself into hoping for the impossible…

Well, in that case, instead of spiraling into theories and doing the impossible - read into Diluc’s mind - he might as well ask him . This is what talking is supposed to be about, isn’t it ?

For him to get answers from Diluc, and vice versa. To understand each other.

Decision made, Kaeya pens a message to Diluc.

—---------

Childe begrudgingly complied with his request to send the message to Diluc.

At least, the ginger agreed to host them for the so-important talk . He just had to hope Zhongli would be able to hold him on a tight leash so he wouldn’t manage to attack the Wine Tycoon the moment he was looking elsewhere…

Kaeya went to sit down next to Albedo on the couch, letting out a sigh.

“Are you alright..?”

“Mh. Just… tired, I guess.”

The blond alchemist frowned at that. Kaeya had no doubt that his friend’s feelings toward Diluc were not much more positive than the Childe’s. At least, Albedo was better at hiding it.

Feelings… Yes, when he thought about the ‘people he loved’, earlier, the feelings he associated with Albedo were not quite the same as the others. 

Love.

He loves Albedo.

And now, whether this is reciprocated or not…

With a theatrical sigh, Kaeya slumps down on Albedo’s shoulder, eye closed.

The alchemist is much shorter than him, so his neck is bent at a weird angle, but the closeness feels good. Safe. He forgets about Diluc for the time being.

“My therapist said I’m touch-starved, and I had a bad day. Lemme stay here for a little while, pleaaase ?” he whines.

Albedo stiffens at the contact. 

Kaeya opens his eye, ready to drop the pitiful act and pulls away, an apology on lips for overstepping -

But Albedo marginally relaxes, and pats his shoulder in an awkward move, pulling him just the slightest bit closer.

“Of course. Stay as long as you need. After all, we are friends, are we not ?”

“I mean, if you’re uncomfortable - “

“No, this is fine. I am not… completely averse to physical contact, you know ? This is… nice.”

Kaeya smiles, and, closing his eye once more, snuggles into his angel’s shoulder.

—---------

The moment he managed to step away, Albedo went back to his room with determined steps…

And the moment the door is closed, he slumps down, nearly hyperventilating.

Oh, Archons.

By the Archons, by the Abyss, by the goddamn Eclipse Dynasty itself, Albedo is in love.

Earlier, when Kaeya was… was snuggling up to him, he liked it.

Albedo fucking hates physical contact.

The only exception to that rule is Klee, because, well, Klee is Klee, and Rhinedottir. 

And the latter rarely offered anything beside a hand on his shoulder to guide him during complicated alchemical experiments, or, even more rare, a pat on the head for when he made her proud.

Even the Traveller, which is probably the person he’s the closest to beside his… family, never does more than offer him a fistbump. 

Even Aunt Alice, which he somewhat considers part of his family as well, still makes his skin crawl and his shoulders hunch whenever she jokingly kisses him on the cheek or playfully ruffles his hair. 

Yet, he engaged in physical intimacy with Kaeya, and instead of discomfort, he liked it, despite the man not being related to him.

Further than that, not only he liked it, but he would be willing to do it again, and perhaps even to initiate the physical intimacy himself. Just like the protagonists of that light novel he’s reading, who try to hug and hold hands and be close whenever possible.

Protagonists who have been established to be in a romantic relationship ever since chapter five.

Ergo, what Albedo feels toward Kaeya is romantic love. And this also aligns with the physico chemical reactions he’s been experiencing since getting closer to the blue-haired man.

Elevated heart rate, flushed skin, hormonal imbalance, dilated pupils, sudden bouts of nervousness and shyness, being lost in thoughts, randomly having his mind stray to think about Kaeya when doing something completely unrelated…

Quod erat demonstrandum.

Albedo is not usually one to swear, but… 

“ Fuck .”

At that instant, the door slams open.

“Albedo ! I managed to get Zhongli to distract Kaeya for the time being ! Now we’ve got to talk about our murder plans - “ Childe shouts.

And then he does a double-take, seeing the alchemist curled up, head between his knees, and he must truly look like shit, because Childe softly closes down the door and sits next to him.

“Albedo… Are… Are you alright..?”

“I have feelings for Kaeya,” the Alchemist answers miserably. “And it scares me,” he adds. 

Might as well spill out everything at once.

“Ah.” 

There’s a moment of silence. Childe hesitantly reaches out a hand to his shoulder, but Albedo flinches away. Yeah, no touching . Kaeya is the only exception…

“Well… That is not a bad thing, is it ?” the ginger offers.

“I have no idea how to maintain relationships. Much less a romantic one. There’s a high probability I would do the wrong thing, or say the wrong thing, or misunderstand something and react the wrong way and - and - and I’ll fail and makes him even more miserable than he currently is.”

“Uhhh… You’ve been doing okay as a friend so far, you know ! It’s not like you would have to completely change the way you act around him if you two became boyfriends. You could try - ”

“And what if I try and end up hurting him ? Kaeya does not deserve to be… practice for me to deal with feelings.” Albedo mutters.

Childe frowns.

“I can understand not wanting to hurt the people you care about, but that’s Kaeya's choice. Whether he wants to try or not.” the Harbinger points out.

“It’s just…He… He already has a lot on his plate...”

“You mean the grumpy redhead coming out of nowhere to suddenly make amends ?” Childe huffs.

“I was more thinking along the lines of therapy and dealing with his trauma, but yes, that too,” Albedo admits. “I do not want to… burden him further.”

“‘Burden’ ? Dude, are you seriously - “

“Having unwanted attention thrown at him in that way would simply be an annoyance.”

“Oh my Tsaritsa. I can’t deal with this bullshit while sober.” Childe screeches, tugging at his already messy ginger hair and throwing open a cupboard to extract a nondescript bottle from it.

Why does he have a bottle hidden in this room ? …Or does that mean there are bottles hidden in all the flat’s rooms ?

At first glance, the liquid looks like water, but the smell and the satisfied sigh the Snezhnayan man makes after taking a big gulp points toward something alcoholic.

“Alright. Alright, let’s get back to this shit. You’re wrong. You’re saying bullshit. You’re an idiot.” 

Albedo may feel a little offended at being called an idiot. He’s often called a genius ! He revolutionized the use of alchemy in Mondstadt ! He wrote several ground-breaking papers related to various fields of research, including but not limited to chemistry, mathematics, and art !

Also being called an idiot by a man that came home yesterday night by climbing through a window whose glass pane he broke because he forgot his own house keys is… Ridiculous. They’re on the fifth floor, for Archons’ sake.

“I am not - “

“You’re being an idiot. Right now. Nooooow.”

“And what do you propose, then, if you’re so intelligent ?” Albedo asks, arms crossed.

“You,” he says, poking Albedo several times in the chest as if this is going to make him listen better, “are going to talk to him, tell him you have feelings, and then maybe kiss him or something, as long as he consents.”

“ That is your plan ?” the blonde man shudders. No way he’s confessing. Beside all the various, logical and justified reasons he stated before, he could never deal with the soul-crushing feeling of being rejected. 

“Still a better plan than yours : moping around doing nothing.”

“I am not ‘moping around’.”

“Oh, sorry, do you prefer ‘pining soooo bad for your friend’ ?” Childe snidely asks.

“That isn’t - yeah, alright maybe I am ‘ pining’   for Kaeya,” Albedo deflates, running a hand down his face. There really is no other way to put it, and keeping himself in denial is not a long-term solution.

Or maybe it is, he just hasn’t tried hard enough yet -

“I know you’re thinking something stupid right now,” the Harbinger points out, taking another big gulp from the bottle still in his hand.

“Oh, I’m sure you’re the best person here to know that.”

“Hey ! I’m trying to help and this is the thanks I receive ?!”

“...Yeah, sorry. It’s just very easy to make fun of you,” the alchemist shrugs.

“No one respects me in my own house,” Childe grumbles.

—---------

“Here you go,” Zhongli says, offering him a cup of tea.

It’s something floral and fragrant, not that Kaeya is exactly a specialist when it comes to non-alcoholic beverages. He takes a sip. The slightly bitter herbal taste is quite pleasant.

“Thank you.”

“It is no problem. I always find myself feeling better after a good cup of that osmanthus tea blend. I figured it could do the trick for you as well.”

There’s a comfortable silence as both quietly and slowly sip their tea. It is strange for them to be alone together, but he supposes it is inevitable, given Childe and Albedo excused themselves earlier to talk about “something”. Knowing them, they’re probably gone to kill Hillichurls in the countryside. Again .

Really, Kaeya would have never expected those two to end up like two peas in a pod. Not that he is jealous, Albedo and Childe are allowed to have other friends, of course, but perhaps he misses the blonde’s company already… 

Yes, the Harbinger was right, he truly got it bad. And he can’t quite shake the depressive thought that this little crush of his will probably ends as poorly as all his previous ones… 

Really, for a spy, for someone whose heart is guarded by tall and spiky walls of ice, Kaeya falls in love much too easily. 

Tsaritsa’s blessing : “Unhappy in love are the Cryo allogenes”, heh ?

“You seem troubled lately,” Zhongli finally admits, eyes carefully trained on the circular movement of the spoon inside his cup.

“It would seem I am,” Kaeya affably answers, toying with his hair.

“Does this have anything to do with a certain… alchemist friend of yours ?”

“My, how insightful of you, Morax.”

The pointed look the other offers him is enough to make him relent.

“Apologies. I should not be taking my… frustration out on you,” Kaeya admits.

“Apology accepted. I can understand you, but lashing out is no solution.” 

The Prime Adepti looks out the windows, gaze lost in long-passed memories for a second. He then shakes himself out, and turns his amber eyes back on his guest.

“Perhaps I could be of help ? If only by listening to your troubles ?”

“If I wanted more therapy, I would’ve booked an additional session with Mrs Bu,” the blue-haired man grumbles. “But the thought is appreciated,” he adds.

Zhongli nods, then pours both of them another serving of tea.

“Then let this old man ramble for a bit, would you ?”

“You don’t look very old in that form,” Kaeya points out.

“And yet, I am a being much older than most of the lifeforms that surround us in Teyvat,” the Adepti smiles. For a second, as he straightens up, his amber eyes glow gold and he truly looks like the untouchable Rex Lapis. “But ashes to ashes and dust to dust ; just like those other beings, I, too, will go back to the soil that birthed me once my time comes.”

“And what does this have to do with - “

“That little alchemist of yours is not so different from me in that sense,” he continues, ignoring the other's interruption. “Alchemy… The Forgotten Art… How fascinating it is, to see all the different results, the different creations that can be made from the same chalk ?”

Kaeya’s single eye snaps to Zhongli’s. 

He tilts his head, something complicated and contemplative in his gaze.

“I did not know you had extended knowledge regarding alchemy… Or Khemia.”

“Is it so surprising for me to have picked up bits and pieces, given my long existence and my travels ?”

“I suppose not,” the Cavalry Captain hums. “Are you going to impart some of your esoteric wisdom regarding the inner workings of alchemy unto my poor mortal brain, oh great Adepti ?”

“Do I even need to ? You seem more than knowledgeable already…”

“Perks of being born in a cursed nation whose damnation and salvation were both Khemia,” Kaeya shrugs. “Natural plants do not grow very well in the everlasting darkness, but we still had to find something to eat, one way or another. I suppose I should feel lucky we did not need to resort to cannibalism…”

“Ah… Pardon me for evoking those less than pleasant feelings…” Zhongli sighs, looking a bit dismayed at his faux pas.

“I jest… Or do I ? No matter, I suppose I can guess where you are trying to take this conversation.”

“Is that so ? Then, what do you plan to do ?”

“Nothing, I suppose,” Kaeya shrugs.

Now that seems to surprise the Geo Archon.

“Nothing..? Even if it turns out he indeed is - “

“If he is, indeed, what I think you know he is, then it changes nothing. Not for me, at least, because I’m sure Klee will be overjoyed to find out there is someone else close to her that has a similar lifespan,” the Cavalry Captain amends, taking another sip of tea.

“I must admit I feel surprised ; considering your history with alchemists and their creations…”

“Albedo is not Gold. And even if they were related, I have no doubt he would not willingly follow in her path.”

“And if it was unwillingly ?” Zhongli inquires.

“Then… I suppose I would be caught in that turmoil too. Perhaps we could find solace in each other’s presence, in our last moments before the Heroes of Teyvat defeat the Sinners of the Abyss.”

“...That is not what I would call an optimistic future.”

“No, but it is realistic. And it’s enough for me. I hope… I hope it is also enough for Albedo.” 

The Prime Adepti nods, and offers him more tea.

“Then I hope his answer is enough for you as well.”

—---------

Albedo is not sure how  Childe convinced him, but here he is, about to confess to Kaeya.

Childe reserved them a nice little private terrace, somewhere in the upper levels of Liyue, and a simple meal with their favorite Liyuean food, courtesy of Wanmin Restaurant, sits on the table between candles and a bottle of imported Mondstadt cider. 

Then Childe promptly excused himself and Zhongli by inventing some sort of totally urgent Fatui-related but not country-threatening emergency, and anyway, it would be such a shame to waste the food, so they should still go together, right ?

And this is how Albedo is now taking deep breaths, almost paralized with fear, as he climbs the stairs leading up to their… date spot. Kaeya already went up, but right before leaving, Childe grabbed Albedo’s arm to offer him one last… “ encouragement” would be a weird way to put his physical threats, but he supposes that was the intent behind.

Something about “getting his head out of his ass and making them both happy for once, dammit !”

Childe’s words, not his.

Well, there has to be some truth to that statement, given Zhongli was nodding along.

So, here goes nothing.

Albedo finally emerges on the terrace, and Kaeya, who was staring at the twinkling starry night sky, turns to him.

Albedo had a whole speech planned. He practiced it at least thirteen times. Childe laughed at him the whole time, but ended up helping him perfect it. He gave him a thumbs-up and all when he opened the door to leave for the date earlier.

He forgets it all the moment he’s face-to-face with Kaeya.

He walks up to his friend, drinking in his appearance.

The blue-haired man decided to make an effort tonight - not that he isn’t already beautiful on a regular day- and so, on top of recreating the eyeliner and sparkly highlight that Zhongli taught him the other day, he’s donned his last outfit, the only self-indulgent purchase he’s made since coming to Liyue; a deep-blue overcoat embroidered with silvery threads depicting constellations and clouds above glaze lily fields, on top of his off-white silk blouse, form-fitting black riding pants, and his usual boots. He also borrowed an earring, probably from Zhongli, as it is a little teardrop-shaped piece of Noctilous Jade, softly glowing and making him look even more ethereal.

Like a fallen star.

His own fallen star.

He squeezes Kaeya’s hand as he tries to remember how to use words to communicate, and is once more grateful for the fact that chalk does not sweat.

Except, well. Now he has to explain it .

And many, many other things.

“Albedo..? What’s wrong?” Kaeya worriedly asks, as the shorter blonde man is still mostly unresponsive, but with wide eyes like if he were a slime that just got caught munching on a garden’s flowers by the gardener.

Alright. So Albedo is, maybe, perhaps, probably, panicking a little.

It’s fine. If he can handle fighting his evil clone in Dragonspine’s climate, with both the Traveler and some other Knights being suspicious of him, he can totally handle being honest with Kaeya for a single conversation.

Archons . Does he have to explain the ‘evil clone’ part as well ? Maybe it’s a bit too soon… This is probably better kept for the second date, right ?

If he even makes it to a second date.

Perhaps he should go beg Zhongli to turn him back to chalk. Chalk does not experience emotions. Chalk does not think. Albedo sometimes wishes he was chalk. Well, more chalk-y than he already is. As in, the unconscious mineral rather than - 

He’s spiraling, and Kaeya is still worriedly staring at him, so he better square up and says something - 

“I am… I am not like you,” Albedo finally asks.

“You’re - ?“

“A homunculus. An artificial being created by the Art of Khemia.”

“Oh thank fuck. I almost thought you were going to say you were heterosexual,” Kaeya  lets out a sigh of relief.

“...What ?”

“I mean, you never showed interest in anyone before, so I couldn’t be sure.”

“Wh - “

“Or maybe you were aroace ? Are you aroace ? Or just one of the two ? That’s fine, really, we can still be friends and I will not force you into anything. I can totally handle getting rejected, I will just maybe cry on Rosaria’s shoulder a little but it’ll be fine - “

“Kaeya ! I’m not heterosexual. And probably not aromantic either, but the ace part is… A-anyway ! How… Why… Why aren’t you surprised, or shocked ?!” interrupts the alchemist.

“By the homunculus thing, you mean ?”

“Yes, by the homunculus thing , as you put it. It’s not exactly something… common.”

“Well… Your name is literally Kreideprinz. That’s not exactly subtle,” Kaeya points out.

While Kaeya wasn’t wrong, Albedo had yet to meet anyone who had enough knowledge of the forbidden and forgotten Art of Khemia to realize this could have a deeper meaning. This was somewhat of an inside joke between Albedo and Alice when he had to choose a family name for himself for all administrative related matters.

“But… Still… How did you find out about…”

“I mean, you yourself called me ‘smart’. Isn’t it a bit disdainful of you to think I wouldn’t be able to put the pieces together and reach a conclusion by myself?”

“I never thought you were not - But what pieces are you even talking about ? I believe I acted so as to not be seen as any different to an average human being…”

“Bedo. You wear shorts on Dragonspine,” Kaeya deadpans.

“...Well, so does the Outrider.”

“She has a Pyro Vision, and she usually wears pants when the mission is planned beforehand. Also her breath is apparent in the cold ; not yours.”

“...That can’t be enough for you to - “

“Enough to be suspicious, yes, but not reach a conclusion. However, hearing you break a bone and then seeing the skin repaired with Geo makes a good enough clue, I’d say.”

“...How..?”

“Elemental Vision, my dear Chief Alchemist. Did you seriously forget about it ?”

“Oh. Yes, I did,” Albedo admits, his face burning.

“Ah, well, s’fine. I don’t think the average Mondstadtian would have reached that conclusion anyway. I suppose being more… aware of what alchemy and Khemia can do is the reason I was not hesitant in believing the impossible.”

“And… and it isn’t… you aren’t… You aren’t disgusted, or - “

“Archons, no, Albedo !” Kaeya vehemently denies. “First of all, I don’t have any right to judge you for who you are, or where you comes from, as a cursed sinner from the Abyss - “

“Except alchemy somewhat caused the whole curse - “

“ - And then you’ve helped me so much, coming to Liyue and motivating me to keep going with therapy, so I owe you - “

“ - But you don’t owe me anything, and I helped you partly out of interest into Sucrose’s research - “

“ - And more than anything, I’ve seen the way you act with Klee. She’s your little sister. You love her.”

“...I could be faking it..?”

“Albedo. You can’t fake that. Trust me, I tried,” Kaeya humorlessly laughs. “You’re more human than many people I’ve met before, if only by the way you act around her. But it’s not just Klee : it’s the way you guide Sucrose and Timaeus into finding the solution themselves without putting them down, it’s the way you offer to help Lisa with Jean’s paperwork when she’s overworked, it’s the way you smile those tiny, secret smiles when Sara offers you the last cream puff of the day. You’re much more than a pile of chalk pretending to play human. You’re alive.”

Oh.

Oh .

Suddenly, Albedo realizes he’s been waiting his whole life for someone to tell him that.

He open his mouth, but all that comes out is a choked out sob, and then he’s throwing himself into Kaeya’s arm, and he can’t really tell if he is laughing, or crying, or both, but Kaeya is here, holding him, crying and laughing too, and for once, everything is right.

Albedo has found where he belongs, and that’s the most wonderful feeling of the world.

Rhinedottir be damned ; perhaps that is the true meaning of Life.

Chapter Text

Kaeya had set up their meeting a mere two days later, in the lodging he is currently occupying.

Diluc arrives five minutes earlier than the agreed time.

He glares at the Fatui running around the place, but tries to control his expression when he is introduced by the doorman and enters the flat. Kaeya is the one opening the door, albeit the Harbinger and the Alchemist are close behind. The Adepti gives him a polite nod from where he is sitting at the living room table, reading a book.

Thankfully, neither man follows them when they enter the room that must be Kaeya’s. Probably because the man himself gives them a pointed stare, and a little “It’s fine, it’s fine, I’ll call you in if I need moral support - “ as he waves them out.

Unfortunately, being alone with Kaeya makes Diluc's nerves return tenfold.

Talking . They’re here to talk, and he’s not going to leave until they do so.  Barbatos helps him.

(Somewhere in Mondstadt, an inebriated bard sneezes.)

Diluc and his brother keep avoiding the other’s gaze for a few uncomfortable moments, neither sure on how to start.

“So - “

“You - “

A cough.

“You… First,” Diluc offers.

“Okay… Hum, why did you come to Liyue ?”

Well. That one is easy to answer.

“To find you, obviously. You…disappeared without warnings. Jean… was very worried.”

“Jean. Yeah. I’m… Sorry. I wrote her a letter earlier. I will send it later, to explain the situation.” Kaeya winces.

“Okay. Good.”

“...Was it just because Jean asked you, that you came all the way here to find me ?” 

“...No. I… Was worried. Too. About you, I mean. I was worried about you. Because it’s - you don’t disappear like that. And also the bill for Wangshu Inn - “

“The bill ?”

“Yeah. You, uh, you paid for two rooms. At Wangshu Inn. With… The bank account Father - “

“ Oh . Yeah. You… saw that ?”

“The billing address is the Winery, for all these accounts. You… You had not used that money at all. Ever since… So I thought you had been kidnapped. Or something.”

Archons. This whole conversation feels awkward as fuck.

“Ah. Well, as you can see, I’m fine !” Kaeya answers with a little twirl, trying to lighten up the atmosphere. 

“You’re… really fine ?”

“Yeah, I just said - “

“Because you did not look fine. The other day. Both times. When I talked to you.”

“That was because you took me by surprise. I have been… doing better, since coming to Liyue.”

“Thanks to… these men ? The Harbinger,” Diluc can’t help his disgusted sneer, “And the Alchemist and… the last guy is an Adepti, isn’t he ?”

“Oh, he sure is an Adepti ,” Kaeya snorts, obviously aware of something Diluc is not privy to. “And to answer you, yes, but also because Albedo convinced me to start therapy with a Liyuan specialist, and… It truly has been helpful.”

Diluc grunts. He had guessed as much, but it’s good to be proven right.

“Perhaps you should… try too. If you want, I mean, I can give you Mrs Bu’s card, or - “

“Try what ?”

“Therapy.”

“No thanks. I don’t need it,” and Diluc sounds so confident he could almost deludes himself into thinking it’s true.

Kaeya bites his lips, and looks at him with something akin to pity.

“You do, though. You really do. I know… Things… Have been tense between us. Since that night. But I still care about you, even if you hate me, and we both know you’ve not been okay ever since Fa - your father died.”

“He was your father too,” Diluc automatically answers. And then he processes the rest of his sentence. 

Hate him ? Kaeya thinks he hates him ? He does not -

But he did. Or he said he did, and he tried his damn best to believe it, even when he came back to Mondstadt and felt secretly relieved Kaeya was still here and okay -

Except. Kaeya is not okay . He is getting better now, but…

“I don’t hate you. Not… anymore. If I ever did. I was just angry, and -”

“You ignored the rest of my sentence,” Kaeya frowns. “Ignoring your feelings and pretending you’re fine does not mean you are, you know. I’ve learnt it at my expense.”

“This is not about me. This is about you - “ Diluc counters.

“No ! No, it’s not just about me, or about you, or… We can’t keep going like we’ve done so far. It’s not okay.” 

“I was not… Planning on it. I want to make an effort, and talk to you. Without fighting. More often.”

“But do you ?”

“Wha - “

“Are you sure you’re not here just because you feel guilty ?”

“Guilty… Of what happened… That night ?”

“That. Or guilty because something was going on with me, in Mondstadt, and you feel responsible for everyone in the city. Or because you hate that you cannot control everything - “

“Is it so fucking unbelievable to think I might care about you ?!” Diluc scoffs.

“I don’t know ! Maybe ! Ever since you came back to Mond you acted like you hated my guts ! And it makes sense, because you disowned me and tried to kill me after - “ Kaeya shouts.

“Because you lied to me ! You were my brother, the one I trusted the most, and I lost my father and I thought I was losing you too, in a single day - “

“Yeah ! I lied ! And it’s a good thing I did !”

“You - “

“Because what if you reacted the same way but earlier ? I would have been homeless at ten or twelve, without a Knight’s job to survive !” That felt like a slap to Diluc.

“Father wouldn’t have - “

“How do I know that ?! Maybe, but maybe not ! Child or not, maybe he would never have wanted to keep a fucking spy in his family !”

“Well, I’m telling you he would have accepted you ! And I do too, now !”

“You do, now ?! But what about in a week ? In a month ? Next year ? What if you change your mind ?!”

“I’m - “

“I’m not a fucking pet project ! I would rather cut you out of my life and never talk to you again if this is what - “

And then Kaeya seems to realize what he just said, and his eye widens, and it seems he regrets it immediately.

But Diluc… Diluc heard enough.

He came here to talk to Kaeya, and he just heard his decision.

Fine.

If Kaeya never wants to talk to him again, then fine. Diluc will abide by his will.

He feels as if someone just poured a bucket of ice-cold water down his back. Of fucking course, this was to be expected. He hurts Kaeya, and now he faces the consequences.

“D-Diluc, I didn’t mean - “

“Save it. I think you made it clear enough.” 

“N-no, I - ”

Diluc huffs, not listening. There’s no need for Kaeya to try and spare his feelings. He’s no longer the little naive, bright-eyed kid bumbling around and thinking the world was rainbows and love and justice. Diluc grew up, and reality is a disappointment. 

His life is a fucking disappointment.

“I don’t know what I expected, honestly.”

And he turns around, prepared to march out of this room, of this building, and go straight back to Mondstadt, Cavalry Captain be damned, he should not have bothered, and -

And when he opens the door, he’s met with twin glares from both the Harbinger and the Alchemist.

The ginger makes a rude gesture - which he returns - but the blond one, for all he seems to hate him, is actually trying to communicate with some vague hand movements.

He’s… pointing at him… then behind..?  

He does it one more time, and then it clicks, and Diluc quickly spins around.

Kaeya hasn’t moved at all. 

And… He looks heartbroken.

Diluc was here when Kaeya was fourteen and had his first crush on a girl from the Knights of Favonius. He was also here, a mere month later, when his baby brother got dumped and cried himself to sleep in the evening.

(That day, Crepus had to physically restrain his older son from marching to Mondstadt to fight for his younger son’s honor.)

That expression is, however, not quite the same… But Diluc could swear he’s seen it on the blue-haired boy's face before… But when..?

And he remembers.

It was during Kaeya’s first year staying at the Winery. Before he was officially adopted.

Every time there would be a day with heavy rain, dark clouds hiding the sun and water drowning the grounds, Kaeya would sit near a window, and would stare forlornly at the paths leading in and out from the Winery.

The same paths on which he was abandoned. By his birth father.

He would stare, and stare, and no one ever showed up, and he wasn’t surprised.

Just sad and defeated.

And that’s exactly the same look he’s sporting at the moment.

Sad, defeated, and not surprised that Diluc is leaving.

He does try to pull on his usual mask as he sees that the redhead is not moving, but it’s simply not working. His humorless laugh feels forced.

“Ah… M-Master Diluc, what are you doing ? Haha, I… I didn’t know you were such a slacker…”

Archons. Diluc is such a fucking idiot.

“Kaeya. What do you want ?”

“Uh ? Weren’t you leaving ? What are you - “

“Kaeya. What do you want ?”

And isn’t it the million mora question.

The one he should have asked, on that night, years ago, instead of unsheathing his weapon against his brother without hearing him out.

Diluc was an idiot back then, and still is one honestly, but dammit this time he’s going to try and do the right thing.

Kaeya looks at him, really looks at him for the first time today, and his only visible eye widens and glistens, and his lips wobbles out a little as he speaks.

“I wish… I want… I-I want us to go b-back to being b-brothers… Please…”

The older man doesn't think, doesn’t hesitate, before taking two steps forward and engulfing his little brother in his arms, in a bone-crushing hug.

Kaeya looks surprised for a whole three seconds… And then he starts sobbing and Diluc is maybe starting to panic because he’s never been good at comforting others, and, Archons, what if he fuck this up ??? 

He’s awkwardly patting the other on his back, feeling Kaeya’s tears soaking his shoulder despite the thickness of his coat, when the sound of a door closing brutally reminds him they had an audience.  

He can make out some muffled conversations from the other room, some Snheznayan cursing, and, wow, he should wash that ginger’s mouth with soap, and the softer tone of the Alchemist that he can’t quite hear as well… But it does not matter at the moment, because Kaeya is still crying, and he needs him, and this time Diluc is going to be here for his little brother in the way he hasn’t in the past five years or so.

He swears it.

—---------

When he exits the room, Kaeya still rubbing stray tears from his eye, still close to him - mostly because Diluc himself was gripping Kaeya’s sleeve like he would disappear if he let go - he’s greeted by a pleased smile from the gold-eyed Adepti.

And then there’s a grunt, and some more Snheznayan swears muttered by Harbinger, as he… Cooks ?

The Fatuus is looking positively incensed as he chops vegetables to put them into the boiling pot on the fire. He looks straight into Diluc’s eyes as he aggressively minces an onion.

“Behave,” the Adepti mutters.

The ginger grunts once more, before turning back to his soup.

Now that he looks, Diluc can see that there is an actual feast led out on the table. His stomach rumbles. Looks like he will have to take the risk that it is all poisoned. The Fatuus scum’s stress-cooking smells divine…

“Are you okay ?” the Alchemist asks, and Diluc startles, having not seen him up ‘til now.

Kaeya nods, and squeezes Albedo's hands. A whole conversation seems to happen without a single word being exchanged, as his brother gives a little smile and the Alchemist looks pleased too. Seriously, what the fuck is going on between those two…

Lunch… Or breakfast ? This is no breakfast food, but it is a little too early for lunch. 

Well, the meal is a quiet affair.

No one talks , the only words being polite requests for salt, water, or more soup.

And yet, the atmosphere feels much less tense than it did earlier, before he and Kaeya started talking. It’s not really comfortable yet, but… 

Diluc thinks they can make it work. It will take time, but they both want it. 

Once they’re done eating, the Harbinger gets up to wash the dishes. He’s murderously scrubbing plates as Zhongli sighs and joins him, a calming hand on the ginger’s shoulder as he helps dry the fine porcelain.

Kaeya and Albedo excuse themselves, walking back to the blue-haired man’s room.

Diluc follows them.

He… Does not want to leave just yet. Not like that.

He feels as if he should stay around just a little longer. Around his little brother. To show that he really, really means it. He gets the feeling that Kaeya’s abandonment issues have abandonment issues of their own, and that he will have to reassure him often that he’s not leaving him behind again.

The moment they are all in the room, the blond shrimp turns to glare at him.

“I want to make things clear, Master Diluc . I do not appreciate how you acted toward Kaeya until now, but I can recognize you are currently trying to make amends,”

“Albedo, there’s no need to -” Kaeya tries to interrupt.

“But if I see that the relationship you’re building anew takes a turn toward something abusive, I will make sure there are consequences. While Kaeya is fully able to take care of himself, he does not have to do so alone.”

“Aw, Albedo…”

“...And I’m sure Master Jean would have a few choice words with you if she heard about everything that happened in Liyue.” the shorter man threatens. Kaeya chokes on his saliva a little, trying to get the other Knight to keep Jean out of this.

“Fine,” Diluc grunts. “But so will I keep an eye on you. On all of you. I don’t really care, but Knight or not, Harbinger or not, Adepti or not, if anyone hurts Kaeya…”

The latter looks a little misty-eyed at having his protective big brother back and throwing threats around like when they were kids.

“For now, I will remain polite and not antagonize any of you. Is that alright ?” Diluc concludes.

“Fine. As for me, I suppose for the sake of my boyfriend ,“ and the little shit put so much emphasis on that last word that Diluc can feel a few embers threatening to get out of his gloves to singe his face, “ - That I can be civil with you. I will proceed to do so… starting five minutes from now. Please forgive me.”

“Why are you - “

And then a Geo construct pops out under Diluc, and before he can do anything he’s sent careening into the ceiling.

“ALBEDO !” Kaeya gasps, and maybe it’s because he’s a little dizzy, but Diluc isn’t sure if his brother was horrified or amazed when he said it.

The Alchemist is sporting a smug expression that is similar to the Cavalry Captain’s usual smirk.

“That little shit,” Diluc thinks.

Is he talking about Albedo, or Kaeya, or both ? Who knows. Not him at least. That fucking ceiling hurts .

“What the fuck ! I’m gonna have to repair that hardwood floor !” Childe screeches, entering the room after hearing the commotion.

And then his gaze moves from the scratches in the floor to the human-shaped imprint in the ceiling, then to the Wine Tycoon holding his head between his hands and cursing, and suddenly he’s laughing and clapping the blond man on his shoulder.

And then Diluc is no longer dizzy, and he’s summoning his claymore, and the stupid Harbinger is no longer laughing but screeching again as he barely avoid being cleaved in half.

Diluc is aware he should be attacking Albedo, but that would make Kaeya sad. So it’s not an option. He will just… shovel-talk the bastard later. Strongly shovel-talk him.

Plus, that dumb Fatui scum deserves to be hit anyway.

—---------

Albedo doesn’t look surprised when Diluc corners him in a room, a few hours later.

Well. Not to say this wasn’t predictable, but the alchemist’s unimpressed stare still irks him.

“This is for Kaeya. No claymore, no fire, just a couple death threats to make sure he’s serious and not taking advantage of my baby brother,” Diluc reasons, throwing the full force of his glare onto the smaller man.

Credit where it’s due, Albedo does not flinch, even though the Wine Tycoon knows he’s more than a little intimidating whenever he does so.

“ You . We need to talk.”

“Go on, Master Ragnvindr.”

“What are your intentions regarding Kaeya ?”

“To cherish him, unlike what you di- Oh, sorry, that’s still a sore topic, isn’t it ?” Albedo snarks.

Diluc does not flinch, but it’s a close call.

Urgh. 

He hates that this man is fucking right. Damn useless Knights - ah, wait, Kaeya is a Knight, he should probably stop calling them - 

Whatever. Point to him, but he’s not giving up. Time to do what he’s good at ; graphic depictions of violence.

“If you break his heart, I’ll put you into such excruciating pain that you will wish I had killed you. And then, once you stop begging, I will actually kill you. Slowly. And painfully,” the red-haired man glares, with a not-so subtle gesture of his hand around his neck. Perhaps he should have summoned his claymore for this. It would make an even more compelling argument.

“Oh, such threats are not necessary.”

“I’ll damn well say - “

“Truly, if I ended up hurting Kaeya in any way, be it physically or emotionally, I would probably end my existence out of my own volition. That is, if my body does not self-destruct before, anyway,” the alchemist ponders in such a conversational tone that it takes a whole three minutes for the Wine Tycoon to process his words.

Albedo is then presented with the rare opportunity of seeing the Uncrowned King of Mondstadt looking flabbergasted. 

“...What ?”

“I haven’t done much testing, but I suspect my constitution means that the saying ‘Mind over matter’ may hold more truth for me than for the average human,” the blonde man muses.

Diluc opens his mouth -

“No, I will not elaborate,” Albedo cuts him off.

Diluc closes his mouth.

Alright, so maybe the Kreideprinz is feeling some sort of vindictive joy in this. He can now somewhat understand Zhongli’s tendency to say cryptic shit in otherwise mundane conversations. 

There are a few minutes of tense and awkward silence as the two men glare at each other.

They are interrupted by Kaeya entering the room to pick some book, then doing a double-take as he sees his brother and his boyfriend facing each other like they’re ready to get physical.

“Uhhhh… What’s going on ?” the blue-haired man asks, understandably worried.

Diluc glances at his brother, then at Albedo, then back at Kaeya.

“...You really have shitty tastes,” the red-haired man grumbles.

“ Excuse you ? ”

Chapter Text

“ - And then Diona said she’d give me lizards’ tail if I gave her some gunpowder because she uses the tails for her drinks but they’re not good enough and she has a lot and big brother Albedo told me lizards’ tail can be used to make my bombs go more ‘kaboom!’ but then I asked why she wanted gunpowder because it’s dangerous and I told her so but she says it’s not to make bombs but for a new cocktail and that sounds weird but maybe it’ll go ‘kaboom’ too and then it’d be super duper cool and - “

“That’s nice, Klee,” the Cavalry Captain chuckles, his left hand in the child’s grasps swaying as they skips along the path.

Turns out Klee missed him very much. And by extension, the rest of Mondstadt missed both him and Albedo even more, because Klee turns into a barely contained menace without either of her ‘big brothers’ present to do damage control.

He’s pretty sure when he picked up the little girl from Jean’s office earlier today, the Acting Grand Master faceplanted on her desk the moment he closed the door. Not that he would hold it against her ; his unplanned trip to Liyue left quite a lot of work for the poor woman to tackle on top of her own. 

Frankly, he was expecting some punishment in the form of a human-sized pile of paperwork for his stunt, but both Albedo and Diluc ended up explaining the situation while he was uncomfortably squirming in the background, and Lisa and Jean agreed that this was to be counted as sick leave, but please tell them beforehand next time he needs time off so they won’t worry as much.

(Turns out he also has enough unused days off piled up that he could legally take a year off if he wanted to. Hearing that, Diluc glared at him and told him to take better care of himself.)

(And then Jean started crying at the thought of having to do both her job and his if he were to do so, and they spent a good few minutes calming her.)

“Kaeyaaaaaaaaaa you’re not listening !” the tiny girl pouts.

“Sorry, sorry, I am now !”

“Big brother Albedo always says it’s not polite to not listen to people when they talk !” Klee whines, and Kaeya has to stops himself from snorting because he’s a hundred percent sure the Chief Alchemist mentally zone out to ponder alchemical equations or whatever each time a Knight try to talk to him about matters unrelated to work for more than two minutes.

“Oh ! He’s here ! Big brother Albedoooooooo !” 

“I can see you, Klee, there is no need to scream…” the blond man answers coming from a side-path as he joins them.

He pats Klee on the head, then turns to the Cavalry Captain.

Kaeya takes his hand, kissing it, and is rewarded with the chalk flesh taking a subtle pink color - which is code for a raging blush on his boyfriend’s face.

Klee squeals.

At first, Kaeya worried about the little Pyro user’s reaction, but it was for naught.

Klee was overjoyed at the fact that her big brother not only managed to make more than one friend, but also got a boyfriend , and even more so at the fact that said boyfriend is her other favorite big brother. Only negative to the situation is that they now have to dodge embarrassing questions about marriage and the like.

(He’s pretty sure this is Lisa’s fault. He knows she has more than one fairy tale book with two princes in her collection.)

“Er… I did not bring anything, as you said, but are you sure..?”

“Yes, don’t worry. I know Adelinde, she will have packed enough to feed Varka’s whole troops.”

“I still feel as if I’m committing a faux-pas…”

“Bedo, don’t worry. And it’s not like he has any right to - “

“We’re here !!!” Klee screeches as they finally reach their destination.

She throws her backpack to the side, but thankfully nothing explodes, before removing her boots and socks and running straight to the clear water lapping the shore.

“Klee - ! Be careful, you can’t - “

And Albedo follows her, worried about a potential Cryo slime hiding near the river. Or perhaps worried for the Cryo slime.

Kaeya turns to Diluc, who is awkwardly patting down the blanket on which three separate baskets full of food are placed. He picks up Klee’s belongings, then removes his own boots to feel the soft sand between his toes.

With a happy sigh, he lets himself plop down next to his brother on the blanket.

“...You did not bring any wine ?” Diluc wonders.

“I can see a bottle of cider here. And it’s not fun if I’m the only one drinking,” Kaeya answers.

“Hn.”

“And you, are you really going to keep your heavy coat and boots on for a picnic in the sand on such a beautiful day ?” the blue-haired man asks, with a pointed look toward his brother who’s already sweating in his attire.

“...Maybe not,” Diluc grunts, removing said coat and carefully folding it next to him.

Kaeya opens his mouth, ready for another quips -

And they’re both drenched as an explosion in the river sends water flowing everywhere.

“KLEE ! Oh Archons, I thought you had no bombs !” Albedo panics, patting down his giggling sister to make sure she’s alright and looking desperately at the ‘drowned rat’ state of the two other men on the shore.

Diluc huffs, squeezing his thick ponytail like a rag. 

Kaeya blinks, looks down, and removes a fish that ended up nestled against his exposed chest.

Seeing this, the Wine Tycoon snorts, then starts laughing, and Kaeya is laughing too, and Albedo is shaking his head in fond exasperation but Klee also starts laughing, and he ends up joining in.

Later, they’ll have a sibling splash fight in the river. One that Albedo and Klee will win, because the tiny girl had yet another of her ‘treasure’ hidden somewhere on her person.

Later, they will relax and profit from the sumptuous meal the Dawn Winery’s head maid prepared for them, taking their time, Klee having fallen asleep after playing too much.

The weather will be warm and sunny, a light wind ruffling his hair like an unsaid ‘Welcome back’ from Barbatos himself, and Kaeya will feel better than he has in years.

But right now, still drenched, still laughing, Kaeya already feels happy .

And he laughs, and he smiles, and it’s genuine.

Kaeya is happy, and he’s thankful he got people who cared enough about him to make sure he would be.

It’s a beautiful day in Mondstadt, and no matter what the future has in stock for him, he will be alright.

Because he’s no longer alone.

The End