Archive of Our Own

“Albeeedoooo, please come to the party, I’m begging you!”

Kaeya hiccupped as he tried his best to not let his phone slip from the way he was holding it against his ear, shielding it with his other hand against the noise. A stupid smile was on his face, thinking of dancing with his boyfriend. He was way too drunk for his being, looking down to his feet to concentrate better.

There were butterflies in his stomach and he felt the most confident he has ever been. Surely this time he would come, wouldn’t he?

Though… the answer is the same as always.

His boyfriend on the other side of the phone sighed deeply. Albedo’s voice was hardly audible with all the noise and music around. “No.”

“What did you say?!” Kaeya raised his voice a little in the hope the other would hear him.

“Diluc is going to hate you for this, I swear to god!”

He laughed, drunkenness slipping right into it. He’s the type who suppresses his laugh a little to people he doesn’t know well, so only his boyfriend and friends know when it’s real.

“Please… Please, Albedo! It’s so much more fun with you! Plus, you always look so good in party outfits and…”

And with that, the phone hung up. If he could see Albedo right now, he’s pretty sure he’s rolling his eyes at him.

“Aw, seems like he’s not coming.” He hiccuped one last time before pouting, glancing over to the direction of where the music is coming from.

He was at Diluc’s mansion, hiding away on the stairs down to the basement. The air smelled like smoke and alcohol… or perhaps that’s just his breath.

The band had just held their first concert and that’s worth celebrating! So Kaeya decided, why not throw a party and invite all their fans into his mansion, while that stupid brother of his is on his ‘vacation’?

Vacation being working in another country. Like the workaholic he is.

Albedo was missing out on this! They could’ve been making out in a corner of the mansion, drinking booze, and just having fun in general.

But that man is against parties without permission and such! He’s no fun sometimes, always trying to follow the rules.

Life is about rebelling and having fun! Rules are just made to be broken, they say!

“Will Albedo come?”

He got shocked out of his thoughts by Rosaria, who walked down a couple of steps, before leaning against the wall. Curious eyes met Kaeya’s, but the look in his eyes showed that he did not succeed.

Rosaria sighed, shaking her head as she closed her eyes. “Albedo is such a party pooper anyway.”

“Hey, don’t say that!” Kaeya pouted, though she was right. Like always. “He’s just… Uh, I guess rules are important to him.”

“Lame.”

He gasped as he felt insulted. “Oh, shut up, will you? At least he’s making sure we stay out of trouble!”

“Yeah, totally avoiding us getting in trouble…” So sarcastic.

“Come on, don’t worry about it! Aren’t you drunk enough to forget it?”

She poked an eye open, before grinning. “I guess I should take a few more drinks…”

He couldn’t help but grin back. “Good, I’ll join you, let’s get going!”

And with that, the two of them walked up the stairs, to the table with drinks. He’s lucky his brother has a winery too since that’s more problems solved! Unlimited drinks.

Partying and talking to friends is fun but…

Soon enough, the band members were going to regret ever throwing a party like this.

-

Their band consists of 4 people.

Kaeya is the vocal singer, who also plays electric guitar. His ears must be dying by how piercings there are on them. His favorite ones are the black ones that stretch his ears.

Albedo is the drummer, with arms tattoos from the tips of his finger to his shoulders, full of stars. Even has one on his throat. For this reason, he is called the star of the band. Even has stars on the scars on his chest.

Kaeya finds this very attractive, of course. What a better match of one person whose ears are going to die off, and where the others' arms will die off.

Then we have Rosaria, whose obsession is roses. She is a bit of a mix of both. Her right ear is about to die off from the number of piercings, and her left arm is filled with all sorts of flowers, mostly roses. And a single eyebrow piercing.

Then we have Venti who likes wearing shorts. There’s a tattoo on his thighs with eyes, a tattooed thigh garter, and then on his lower legs is something that would remind you of a magical girl anime series. For his work outside his band, he wears long pants and higher socks, so he can hide it all. He’s the one who’s the least open about having a band. Especially with the type of music they make when he has a more adorable face. He doesn’t want to scare his coworkers too much!

And well. Originally, there was a fifth member. Who we will call as… Darknight hero.

This member does not have tattoos or any piercings. Someone who comes onto stage with a mask sometimes. Mostly when one of the band members is sick. Though he does not sing, he can play instruments quite well.

Secret fifth band member, however, was fuming at the moment. And really fuming. The tension in the air was thick.

“I… come home, and what do I see?”

Most band members, aside from Albedo, were kneeling on the ground before him in his mansion. Instead, the man who did not come to the party had his arms crossed, sitting in a comfortable armchair.

“I told you that Diluc was going to hate you guys.”

“Oh, shut it, will you…” Venti mumbled through gritted teeth.

“Answer the question.” Diluc was not kidding about being mad. His eyes were empty and dark, glaring down at them. Kaeya just laughed nervously as a shiver went over his spine, while Rosaria seemed unbothered.

“You saw us having a good time, Diluc!” Venti smiled innocently, opening his hands to gesture towards the room. “We can help you clean up and everything is solved, no problem!”

“‘Clean up’? What is there to just clean up? There is no way you’re going to be able to get all the alcohol stains and cigarette burns out of my carpet! And what about the broken vase on the ground, hm? Did you think about how you will fix that?”

“Vacuum and super glue are your best friends!” Kaeya joined in on the smile and innocence. Diluc snapped his eyes to Kaeya, and immediately the man felt the smile faltering.

“Vacuum and super glue. Hah, I’d like to see you try. If you don’t get this all cleaned up by tomorrow. I will use all the money you earn from concerts for cleaning this up. Until everything is back to my old house.”

Everyone looked at Albedo, but he had closed his eyes and ignored them. This was their problem and not his.

-

After trying to clean the house as best as they could, they eventually had to give up. Diluc was right, there is no way vacuuming and super glue would solve everything. Though a lot of it is gone, there is still a lot to clean as well.

They were gathered near the fireplace, all standing together. Minus Albedo, who’s relaxing comfortably at home.

“There goes all our money…” They stared into their empty wallets. Venti sighed deeply while Rosaria grumbled. They then put the wallets away.

“Only Albedo still got his money…” Venti pouted before his eyes lit up and a big smile came to his face. “Oh, Kaeya! What if you beg for it with your sweet eyes? You’re his boyfriend anyway. Just give him something in return!”

“Like what? Albedo is tough to get through…”

Venti grinned as he rolled his eyebrows, Kaeya just rolled his eyes.

“Real funny Venti.”

“Come on, Kaeya, you can try at least! Maybe take him out on a romantic dinner and more!”

“With my empty wallet…?”

“Sell the wallet!”

Kaeya rolled his eyes again, closing his eye and sighing. “I can try to get the money, but I can’t promise you I will succeed.”

“I guess you will have to learn how to cook then.” Rosaria looked at her nails, one arm laid across her chest.

Kaeya opened his eye and tried to look insulted. “Hey, I can cook just fine! We can just… eat tortellini!”

“That ain’t cooking, that’s just dumping it in a pot and waiting for it to cook!” Venti’s grin grew as he crossed his arms over his chest, standing up more straight to show confidence.

“You can’t complain. Both you and Rosaria helped ruin Diluc’s house!”

“Hey, it wasn’t us! It was our fans who got drunk and decided to party their ass off.”

“And we…” Rosaria sighed dramatically. “were the ones who hosted the party.”

That made the both of them quiet down, biting their tongue.

-

“Albedo, sweetheart.”

They were sitting on a couch in their home. Albedo was on one side of the L-shaped couch, laying down comfortably, while Kaeya was sitting all the way on the other side.

The television was on, and Albedo was watching it with full concentration while Kaeya stared at him.

Albedo had forbidden him from touching him, as this was his punishment in a way. He did not even bat an eye when his name got called out.

Kaeya shuffled a bit closer.

“Ah-ah-ah. Alberich, stay in your place.”

Kaeya pouted, hard.

“Albedo, baby sweetcakes.”

Yet no reaction again, so he shuffled closer.

“Kaeya.”

“Yes?”

No reply.

“Albedo, bebe, my heart, my soul…”

Kaeya now came as close that he could put his arm around his shoulders, leaning his head against his, and rubbing his cheek over the top of his head. A hand was placed on his shoulder, too afraid to put it around his shoulders.

Albedo’s eyes slowly made their way to him, and the other widened his eyes a little as he felt the fear come into his body.

“Kaeya Ragnvindr, you know well that I am very mad at you.”

“Awww, come on, baby, you can’t be mad to this face right?”

Albedo sighed as he sat up, reaching his hand behind him to the pillow he was laying his head on.

Kaeya got slapped in the face with the pillow for that. He whined extra loud to sound like he was hurt, but he was laughing on the inside.

“Come on, don’t call me that. I don’t want to be reminded of when I was mischievous and my father would call me that.”

Albedo laid the pillow back like before, before proceeding to lay down again. “Get used to it, since this won’t be the only time.” There was a small grin on his face. Well, Albedo can’t stay mad for too long. “You deserve it, Kaeya Ragnvindr.”

“Yet you’re grinning!”

And then the grin faded, and he glared at Kaeya, which made him cool down a little too. Albedo is scary when he’s mad…

Kaeya remembered breaking his favorite mug, but luckily he seemed to be happier with the new cup he got. And if he does get mad, it isn’t as bad as now.

“Okay…” He sighed. “I just need attention…”

Wrong. What he needed is that cold hard cash… and a bit of attention too.

The whole plan was that he would approach him, act extra sweet and then get him to pay for them.

Albedo is the best boyfriend ever, so he’s sure he can get him to pay! He loves spending his money on outings with Kaeya so… that explains a lot!

Albedo sighed but grabbed the hand which was on his shoulder, kissing it softly. “Here, your attention my prince.”

“Hmmm… I need more.”

“What more could Kaeya want?” Albedo’s eyes went back to the television, relaxing more in his hold.

“Maybe…”

He can’t suggest it just yet… Otherwise, Albedo won’t give it at all.

“I could give you a massage?

“A massage? That’s odd…” Albedo hummed, taking a peek at him. “But I would appreciate it, you guys are giving me so much stress…”

Kaeya grinned on the inside but looked sweet on the outside. Perfect.

“Haha, I just want to take care of you, you know!” And maybe get a reward out of it. Well, it’s always a pleasure doing things for his boyfriend.

Kaeya gave a ruffle over his head, before removing the hand. Albedo went to lay on his side, looking up sweetly, yet a bit of suspicion was in them as well.

He pressed a small kiss to his forehead, to which the other fluttered his eyes closed. Then he pressed a kiss to the cheek, before the mouth.

It made him feel all warm inside, a happy and relaxed feeling washing over his body, starting from his chest and spreading all over his body. The idea was slowly pushed aside, enjoying the affection he got after being ignored.

“Mmm…” Albedo sounded satisfied with all the kisses. He gave him one last kiss on his lips before he stood up to go to the TV remote, turning it off. Meanwhile, he looked over his shoulder, watching as his boyfriend turned to lay on his stomach.

He walked off to get his smartphone, which lay on the dinner table, coming back a moment later while relaxing music was playing. To set the mood.

He dimmed the lights before climbing onto the couch, placing his legs next to the others' legs laying close together. He gently grabbed his arms, making them lay by his sides.

“Did you have fun yesterday at least?”

He looked up at the other's head, watching it lay on his cheek, eyes closed. He tried his best to relax.

“Fun… more than fun.” He hummed, placing his hands onto his open palms. He then slid up his arm with his fingertips, featherlight. Then when he reached his shoulders, he gave them a light squeeze, before moving to his upper torso. This made Albedo let out a pleased noise, a bit shaky at that. He slowly slid them down near his spine as a little proof test for the massage. “You should’ve been there.”

The answer came in a breath. “And deal with Diluc’s anger?”

“It was worth it.”

“Hm.” Albedo hummed, exhaling, and relaxing even more. Kaeya rubbed his thumbs over his shirt when he reached the lower back, pressing into the skin.

“Let’s get this shirt off so I can massage you better.”

Albedo gave a nod, slowly getting up a bit. Kaeya helped him out of his shirt and slowly helped him lay down again. The shirt was laid next to his head, folded up. “And now, you just relax. Leave it all to me.”

The man let out a small hum to let him know.

Kaeya rested his fingers on his shoulders, pressing with his thumbs on his shoulder blades and slowly rubbing them in circles. He could feel Albedo exhale more out, and the relaxation hitting his body.

“How far did you clean?” Albedo’s voice was quieter and airy, and he could feel him relax even more when he began massaging the shoulders. They are very tense, so Albedo let out a painful noise, but the other was quick to comfort him with a kiss on the back of his head.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head over it.”

“But I want to know…” Albedo hissed. “Ow, Kaeya, be more careful.”

“Just a little bit longer, baby.” He laid a small kiss on the back of his neck. He could feel Albedo shift under him, and it made him chuckle. He tried to hide his face. “You need to lay still, darling~ I need to get the knots out!”

“You know what you’re doing, Alberich. Don’t go kissing me all over, I can’t relax like this.”

“This isn’t the first time I kissed you! You should be used to it by now!”

“Yet it makes my heart act up every time…”

Kaeya removed a hand to gently rub over his hair, pushing his hand into the locks and letting the hair go through his finger gaps.

“Do you know how much I love you?” Kaeya wasn’t thinking about the money at all anymore, he was just thinking about how soft the hair felt under the palm of his hand. How his boyfriend is so soft to the touch. Though his shoulders are extremely tense. He looked down over his entire body, taking it in as he softly petted him on the head.

He feels so happy right now.

“You can tell me.”

“Like the flowers that bloom in the spring to the lyrics that leave my mouth when I sing. A message to you, to the people around us, how much I care about you and how much my world lights up with you in it.”

“So that’s why you like singing love songs so much.”

“They all remind me of you.”

Albedo went to lay his head back on the cheek, glancing at him with a smile. A small blush was on his cheeks and a soft look in his eyes. He seemed to like that answer.

“Can you give me another kiss?”

“Of course. Where would you like it, Albedo?”

“My shoulders, to make them relax… all the other places that need relaxing… Maybe a little kiss on my mouth.”

“I’ll start with the last one then.” Kaeya crawled closer, placing both hands beside his head now to lean in. And when he did, he kissed the corner of his mouth, making him pout a little. He chuckled at it, before pressing a deep one against the mouth, then another small one when he pulled back.

It made him feel even warmer and very comfortable. The mood was right, the music was soft and relaxing, and the lighting was very romantic. This was just perfect.

“Mmm… I want more kisses, Kaeya.”

“Can I lay beside you then?”

Albedo rolled onto his side, making space for him on the couch. “Of course.”

Kaeya eyed the spot, but first pulled the shirt over his head, his eyes downcast since he felt a bit shy. Albedo’s eyes curiously went over his form, but it wasn’t unwelcome.

And so, he went to lie down right away, bringing one arm around his waist, the other arm underneath the others' head, pressing a deep kiss to his lips again. And another few kisses, until eventually they got enough happiness and softness and pulled apart, crawling closer and bringing their chests together, skin-to-skin contact.

It felt heartwarming and safe, him in his arms, skin contact with each other. Kaeya closed his eyes, breathing softly to match the others’, gently patting him on the back, before his hands went back to the knots, and softly began massaging them again.

There were no more words exchanged, just relaxation for the both of them, the music filling their ears in a slow rhythm.

He lifted his head to kiss his shoulder once it was more relaxed, trailing it up to his neck and feeling the others’ breathing slow down more. His skin was warm, and each spot he kissed filled him up with more relaxation.

Then their positions returned to before when the knots were as good as gone, one arm hugging him around the waist and the other one under his head.

Albedo shifted a little, crawling closer to the other. He whispered the words softly, so soft that he could barely hear it. “Thank you, Kaeya.”

And just as soft, he replied. “You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”

Albedo laughed quietly, rubbing his cheek onto his chest.

“Kaeya.”

“Yes?”

“I know why.”

He opened his eyes slightly, hazily looking through them. It was beginning to relax him a little too much to the point he may fall asleep.

“Hm?”

“You’re trying to win me over so I can give you something.”

“And what could that be…”

Albedo laughed again, hugging his arms around him too. It made his heart speed up a little, before slowing down again, trying his best to keep his eyes open.

He leaned to his ear and whispered…

“The money. You want me to pay.”

Consciousness went back into Kaeya. He stiffened up. He forgot about it and laughed slightly nervously. The guilt filled him, and he had to gulp hard. This time he felt his entire body boiling instead of being warm. Especially his face.

“Uhm… Well, that was half… the other part genuinely wanted to take care of you.”

Albedo sighed softly, in a more positive way. “I needed this, yeah. But I let it be fully since I knew you were taking care of me.”

Kaeya chuckled again. The other's voice stayed a whisper, making something bubble into his stomach.

“I have a deal.” Albedo narrowed his eyes in relaxation. “I slip a little money for each concert you will hold. And you… meanwhile, will take care of me. Extra care."

Kaeya's hand rubbed over his back above his shoulder blade. He hugged him closer.

"I mean it. Treat me to everything nice, okay?"

Kaeya gulped again, thinking about what sort of activities they can do. It's always been his dream to bathe him once… Or make a nice romantic bed so they can cuddle on it together. He should buy a book they both enjoy and read it together. It made his heart tingle with joy thinking about all the activities they can do.

"Understood?"

"Yes, Albedo, I'll accept the deal.

"Great. You can start by helping me put my shoes on when I go out later."

He chuckled, his eye smiling with it.

"Sir, yes, sir."

This made Albedo giggle, kissing him onto his neck, making the joy bubble in his stomach again.

He wanted to cuddle longer. But of course, there are other things to do as well.

-

The days after that were busy. Kaeya did his best to take care of his boyfriend as best as he could, treating him like the prince he is. He deserved it all.

But they had to gather together as much money as possible in a short time. So he was trying his best to be able to get as many concerts as possible.

By the end of the day, Albedo of course added some money of his own to the payment, which made Kaeya happy.

After another concert, everyone jugging down water behind the scenes and wiping the sweat off with their sweat bracelets and towels, Kaeya looked to his boyfriend, grinning.

“So… What did you think of today? Enough for you to add extra?”

“Owww, perhaps after a massage on his wrists…” Albedo groaned as he sat down and sank into a plastic chair. “I’ll consider it.”

He is the drummer after all. Kaeya had seen how good he played. Definitely needs a massage after that.

“Of course!” Kaeya held his hands out as he knelt before him, to which the other laid them in.

“Gross, guys!” Venti called out by the fridge, taking out a non-alcoholic beer, opening it, and taking a sip. “Do that at home!”

“Hey, at least I’m making sure we are getting all the money!”

“Yeah. Getting laid for payment, huh.”

“Venti, that’s not what’s going on at all!” Plus, Albedo is not much interested in sex.

As Kaeya was massaging his wrist, he glanced up at him. Today was the first time he spoke on stage after a while. A lot has changed since he did it for the first time.

Albedo is transgender. He has been transitioning for a while now. His voice was always deep but sounded more feminine in the past. He had been training hard for it to change into more masculine.

He expected that as usual, he wouldn’t talk during concerts. But this time when the song was over, he got off behind the drum set and walked up to the microphone, taking it in his hand with a smile. And he actually… began to talk to the audience.

Kaeya was nervous for him during it, but aside from widened eyes in the crowd and some cheering, everyone seemed happy. This for sure was going to make them more popular. The star of the band, drummer Albedo who never talks, suddenly talks.

He just hopes they get famous for that, and not for the fact that he’s transgender. He’s more than his gender.

Everything seems to be going alright. Everyone is coming by, preparing themselves to leave soon.

Rosaria walked out of the backroom, only to return a few moments later. “We have some people who want their autographs signed! I told them we would be able to for some money.”

Kaeya glanced over his shoulder at her, his eye lighting up “Great! That’s just perfect! More money.”

“They’re mostly interested in…” Rosaria grinned at Albedo. “you!”

He blinked a few times. When Kaeya got a good spot to massage, he gritted his teeth a little in pain. “Tell them I’ll be right out.”

And off Rosaria went back out of the room. Kaeya went easier on them, humming a little song to himself as he did so. His eyes were focused on the wrist, but when he glanced up at his boyfriend’s face, the humming slowly quieted down to a halt.

Albedo’s eyebrows frowned, his eyes wide and his lip between his teeth. “Oh god. I exerted myself, didn’t I… I just felt bold and…”

“It’s okay, Albedo. You did so well. You were so brave. Especially since this is the first time since transitioning more.”

Kaeya smiled at him softly, his eyes joining it. Albedo has always been very brave, especially when he first heard that he was transgender.

He was so nervous! He was even shivering slightly!

Kaeya has always loved him, no matter what he identifies as or how he presents himself. He has always been their cool drummer, their trouble solver, and most importantly, his extremely cool boyfriend.

“You are stronger than you think, Albedo.” Kaeya closed his eyes, massaging his wrist a little more before he petted the backside of his hand slowly and softly. Almost featherlight by trailing his fingertips onto the skin. “You already achieved so much in the past, I believe you can greet our fans with a smile as well. They all love you!”

Albedo breathed in slowly before he shifted his position. Then a kiss was softly placed on his forehead, making Kaeya open his eye and peek up.

The lips remained longer than expected, and so Kaeya looked down to his wrist, rubbing his finger over it softly. Over the tattoo and the bumps of his skin.

He gave a few small pecks in between, and Kaeya exhaled softly, feeling the love filling his body. Warm and gentle.

Kaeya tried his best to focus his energy on his forehead, the lips touching him, so he could lend him some of his energy. Just to encourage him.

Albedo pulled back, the hand Kaeya held went to his chin, and tilted his head up.

“For good luck.”

The other grinned, before sticking his tongue a bit out.

Venti, who heard what Albedo said, raised a brow. Kaeya peeked an eye at him before going in.

“Guys, you’re not going to make out, are you…”

A little too late for that.

-

Everyone went out backstage together. Fans swarmed around them as each of them held a notebook, Kaeya laughing since they were enthusiastic.

“I get you guys are big fans of us, but I’m getting separated from my boyfriend now, please let me stand with him!”

Though it was impossible to hear with how many people were shouting and cheering. Kaeya looked over at Albedo with concern, to which the other just nodded at.

They were about to get separated for sure. Yet, they still tried to move closer to one another.

Yet it seemed to work the opposite. The fans swarmed around them and… well, there was no chance anymore.

“Hi!” Kaeya decided to just focus his attention on his fans, praying in his head that nothing will go wrong with the other. If anything happens, he’s sure either himself or Rosaria will step in right away. He tried his best to focus his hearing if he could hear Albedo, but it was impossible.

He started with a teenage-looking girl, her eyes shining with joy. “What is your name?”

“Sucrose!”

Just to be sure… this concert is 18+, so he decided to just ask for her age.

“And how old are you?”

“18!”

“Great! Here you go, Sucrose.”

And he gave her his autograph with her name written in his handwriting. The girl handed the money bill, before quickly seeing the girl run to Albedo, which made him chuckle.

Meanwhile, at Albedo’s side, he could feel his heartbeat in his ears.

He has never liked the thrill of having fans like Kaeya. He is an introvert at heart, and Kaeya is a true extrovert.

Not to mention all the loud noises… He has gotten used to it by now, but he’s sure his eardrums don't.

He nodded to a few fans and tried his best to smile, all these reactions making the crowd cheer. He had the urge to talk, but his throat closed on him, afraid of his voice.

He has slowly grown more satisfied with it, but it has been a long time. But not long enough for his voice to be fully masculine.

He smiled a bit more genuinely when he saw all the merch people were wearing, though the phones in his face were less pleasant.

“Albedooo!” He could hear the fans cheer near him… or was it Kaeya’s voice?

He quickly glanced over, only to barely see him due to the crowd. Oh well. He can do this by himself, despite how much he wanted to hold his hand for comfort. He knew the moment they stepped out of the room would be the place where they were separated.

“One at a time please.” He tried to speak confidently, but the tightness in his throat made his voice sound a lot less well as he imagined. Oh god, his voice sounds so odd all of a sudden, doesn’t it?

He tried to deepen it on purpose, but it only made his throat hurt and his voice turned raspy. He tried glancing at Kaeya again, before looking for the rest of the band, hoping to get some support.

Then he turned back to his fans with a smile. Hopefully, faking it until you make it.

-

“Wow… That was quite something!” Kaeya couldn’t believe how much he sweated.

All the band members were now at Albedo’s apartment, Venti, and Kaeya on the couch, hanging back against the back of it with spread arms and looking up at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, Rosaria was looking at her phone in his armchair, and Albedo was counting the dollar bills, standing next to the couch.

“Who’s going to shower first?” Rosaria suggested. The band members first looked at each other, before looking at Albedo.

Albedo has not been talking ever since they got together again to head home. He silently drove the car to his apartment while the rest were chatting their heads off. Both Kaeya and Venti were extroverts after all.

“Would you like to, Albedo?” Kaeya asked with a toothy smile, though concern was visible in his eye.

Albedo just shook his head and gestured his eyes to the bills in his hand, continuing to count like nothing is wrong.

“Alright, me first then!” Venti suggested, and up he went from the couch. “So… Rosaria, can you scrub my back maybe?”

“Ew, Venti, you can do that yourself."

Then he winked, and she got up with a sigh. It was their code word to leave so the boyfriends could talk in silence.

Out they went. Kaeya remained quiet until they were out of sight and waited until the shower head went on. He stood up to check if Rosaria was still nearby, checking around.

“Coast is clear.” He sat back on the couch, patting the spot next to him. “Come join me?”

Albedo mouthed ‘later’ without a word. He continued counting his bills, until he put them in an envelope, labeled to Diluc.

Kaeya watched him with a frown on his face, letting out a little sigh. What is bothering his boyfriend so much…

Albedo’s eye remained on the envelope as he took a deep breath in, holding it, before exhaling it out softly. The envelope was placed inside of his bag, zipping it closed. Of course, the extra money was added to it too.

“Would you prefer for me to come to you then? Or nothing at all?”

Albedo shook his head, his eyes lingering a moment longer onto his backpack before they turned to him.

He slowly walked on over, carefully sitting down on the couch next to him after, lips in a straight line and his hands on his lap.

Kaeya held his arm out, gesturing that he wanted to put them around his shoulders. He was silently asking for permission, to which the other nodded lightly.

When he did put the arm around him, he felt how tense his shoulders were.

“Hey… Albedo, what’s up in your pretty little mind?” He shuffled a little closer so there was more contact between them. “Someone bothering you? You know I can deal with them.”

Albedo’s eyes were downcast, looking down at his feet. His face remained blank, but a shake of the head is the answer Kaeya got. Despite he wanted to hear his voice.

“Hm… The nerves got too much and need to recover?”

Another shake of the head. Kaeya could keep on guessing but… he would prefer it if his boyfriend would just tell him.

“Do you need me to be silent while I comfort you…?”

Another shake of the head.

“Hm, okay. Need me to distract you?”

And yet, again, another shake of the head.

He hummed, scanning over his face. The silence was kept for a minute until he saw Albedo’s eyes slowly making their way toward him. And sooner, he leaned in and kissed him softly. Kaeya suspected that’s just what he needs at the moment, some loving.

When Albedo pulled back, the eyes were focused on Kaeya's shoes instead.

“Kaeya…” His voice was extremely quiet, deeper than his usual one. A bit hoarse too.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Kaeya leaned in to softly kiss his cheek, before rubbing his cheek onto his in affection. He could feel a small smile coming onto his boyfriend's face. Whether that was a real one or a fake one, was the question.

He pulled back, looking at him at eye level. Though he wished the other would look at him.

“My voice.”

“What about it?”

Kaeya was smiling softly, trying to look friendly. But it began to falter when he saw the other's eyes begin to… tear up.

“Oh, baby… What’s wrong?” He spoke softly, cupping his cheek with the other hand. “Dysphoria?”

Albedo nodded and moved his face away, away not to be seen. His hair was covering most of his face.

“Oh…” Kaeya let go of his face, instead giving him a soft pat on the head. “Would you like to cry on my shoulder, baby? Or are you ready to tell me?”

“I’m…” Albedo turned his face back, crawling on over to his lap and pushing his face into his shoulder. “Both. I… want to do both.”

Kaeya let him in, exhaling softly when he felt the press of the other's face. Concern was filling him, but he was trying to stay calm. It had not been the first time his boyfriend struggled like this.

“First of all, let’s relax that voice of yours. Today was a concert, we still need your voice for the next ones to come. Plus, I've always loved your voice and don’t want to lose hearing my favorite sound.”

Albedo got tenser by the second but tried to relax. Kaeya held his hand before his eyes from a distance.

"I'm going to touch your neck. Is that alright?"

He nodded. And so, Kaeya gently placed his palm onto his neck, very light so the other could pull away if he didn't want to be touched there after all.

His throat was tense, way too tense for his liking.

"Take a breath, Albedo. A deep one."

Yet it remained shallow as he inhaled, and a very shaky exhale left his mouth after.

Kaeyas' pointer finger massaged the underside of his jaw, hoping to comfort him like this. Then the hand slid up to his cheek, rubbing his cheek with his thumb, before sliding it down again with the next few breaths, sliding the palm over it.

Albedo's throat remained tense but was able to take deeper breaths after a few times. He even began to shake a little, and Kaeya pressed a kiss onto his head.

"You did such a good job, Albedo. You're doing great."

The tears in Albedo's eyes escaped at that.

"I'm sorry."

His more usual voice. Less deep, and just the right amount that Kaeya found his lover back in it.

"There's nothing to be sorry for, baby."

"There is. I… deepened my voice on purpose." Albedo sighed. "Why, you probably think?"

His lip began trembling.

"Because I thought people would know I'm transgender."

Kaeya blinked a few times, before chuckling.

"You're seriously hurting yourself because you think you don't pass?"

"I don't pass at all, Kaeya. I can't be a real man, no matter how I wish for it."

"You know. Gender doesn't have a specific look, nor a specific voice. You're still a man even if you wouldn't look or sound like it at all."

"Yeah. A ‘man’ who pretends he is a man."

Kaeya chuckled, rubbing his hand softly over the back of his head.

"I think my boyfriend is a wonderful human being, no matter what he looks or sounds like. I know how hard he fought to be considered a man. To be seen as one, to act like one. You even transitioned a lot!"

"...Not everyone is as loving as you, Kaeya."

"So? You think we can't beat those obstacles, together?"

Albedo didn't reply, rather his throat kept relaxing more, his usual voice slipping out.

It sounded horrible to his ears though. It reminded him of the time before he started voice therapy and testosterone. The days when he couldn't even stand looking at himself in the mirror without wanting to crawl into a corner.

"Albedo, can you look at me?"

He nodded, and so pulled his face slightly back. A look of discomfort was clearly on it, Kaeya smiled at him with a frown.

"We will get through this together." He put a hair strand behind the other's ear. "I will remind you each time what a real man you are. A man who is always there for me in my toughest times. A man who solves everything for the group. And a man that I have loved since the very start."

Albedo’s exhale was shaky, and his eyes averted slightly.

“I will hug you tightly each time if you would let me, tell you how much I love you. Whether that be your personality or body. That perfect body that just screams how male you are. How much that body is so attractive to me. How your very personality is male and…”

“Wow, Kaeya, you’re trying to cheer me up but…” Albedo chuckled. “You don't have to do this all."

Kaeya chuckled as he watched his boyfriend look back at him. Then smiled at him softly, to which the other did as well.

"I do it with pleasure."

“Thank you…”

“For what exactly? It really is nothing much to me.”

“For just… being there. Comforting me, being my boyfriend, helping me transition. Everything.” A light blush seemed to grow onto his face from crying, the tears dripping from his eyes. “I appreciate it, like, a lot.”

“I know, sweetheart.” Kaeya leaned in on his forehead softly. Both of their eyes fluttered closed slowly, both in a very relaxed manner. “Your feelings are valid. I hope that you will feel better soon. For now…”

His lips softly pressed against the other’s forehead, trying to focus all his positive energy on them. He wished he could kiss all the good emotions in him, the ones that make him feel relieved, relaxed, and free.

He wished the very best for him.

The longer he held his lips there, the more he felt the other relax in his hold. It made a smile go into the kiss, and he was pretty sure the other was smiling as well.

As he pulled back slowly, their eyes met each other. They smiled at each other, and Kaeya wiped the tears from his eyes with the side of his pointer finger.

Albedo seemed to be observing him though. Scanning his face…

“I tried to give you some energy.”

“Well, it worked Alberich. I feel a lot better.”

“G-... Great!” Being observed like this made him feel a little shy though. “Can I do anything else for you?”

Albedo hummed, tilting his head a little in thought. Then his smile grew wider and his eyes trailed down to his lips.

“Alright, I already got the answer…” Kaeya chuckled.

And with that, Albedo giggled, and so another kiss was given.

A much deeper one.

-

Concerts were given after that. It was very fun, but also nerve-wracking. Both because they want to please their audience, but especially for Albedo, who was trying to be more comfortable with his usual voice.

Eventually, as time went on, people could hear the real him. He started to express himself, smile more, and relax more.

Though they have encountered hate as well, most of the fans were very positive.

Albedo had started to smile on stage more, which made the other band members get more cheerful as well.

And sooner, as they got more popular, they gained confidence, a bigger fanbase, and most important of all. They paid for the debt they created.

“I’ll never come to your parties again, Kaeya!” Venti pouted. “My body hurts so much from giving concerts!"

“Well, you decided to show up for the concert.”

“I wouldn’t want Diluc to play! Otherwise, he will bring us more in debt!”

And with that, Diluc’s mansion was back to new. The band members were satisfied. And Kaeya put his arm around Albedo before leaning in and…

“Hey, why don’t we throw a party again? Paying off debts with concerts was pretty fun actually!”

Albedo immediately removed it and walked off with a smile.