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“He looks like he’s dead.”
Aether flicked the back of Paimon’s head, causing the little companion to yelp. She turned to him, rubbing the spot and scowling. He rolled his eyes, scolding in a hushed tone, “You don’t have to say it so loud.”
“So you agree with me, then?” Paimon lowered her voice in turn.
“Well,” Aether turned his head to the person they were describing. Albedo was hunched over his desk, head resting on folded arms. His hair looked greasy and disheveled, braids abandoned for a messy ponytail that had several strands loose. His clothes were wrinkled and from where the two stood, dark circles were present under sunken eyes. Not exactly a presentable look for a Captain of the Knights. “Jean was right to ask us to check on him.”
It wasn’t just Jean. Sucrose, Timaeus, and even Kaeya of all people had asked Aether to check on the alchemist. Whatever he was doing up here obviously took priority in Albedo’s head. Which could only mean he most likely forgot to look after himself.
“Do you think we made it in time?” Paimon tilted her head, hovering behind Aether. “He really looks gone.”
Aether gulped. From where they stood, Albedo was very still. Who knows how long he had been here? Had he been passed out for days and the cold finally gotten to him? Slowly, Aether walked up to the desk. He hesitantly placed a hand on Albedo’s shoulder. He was cold as ice. The camp was dark, snow starting to cover some of the crates near the entrance of the cave. How long had the torches been out? Placing two fingers on Albedo’s neck, he could feel a faint heartbeat. He breathed a sigh of relief. Turning back to Paimon, he shook his head.
Paimon in turn placed a hand over her chest, relaxing her shoulders. “Well, we should probably get him somewhere warmer than here. That blizzard only looks like it wants to get stronger.”
Aether nodded. “I think it would be a bad idea to attempt the trek down with deadweight in tow.” Aether eyed his satchel. “Looks like we’re camping here tonight.”
Paimon floated closer as Aether set his satchel down and took out the teapot. “Oh, yes! Let’s get out of here already! Paimon wants a nice warm cup of cocoa when we get there!”
Aether laughed, setting the teapot on a crate towards the back of the lab. Carefully, he carried Albedo in his arms; mumbling an apology. Albedo did not stir. Aether was surprised how light he was. Was he forgetting to eat again? He added that to the mental list of things he would have to remind Albedo about once he awoke.
“Alright then,” Aether closed his eyes, approaching the teapot. “Let’s head in, shall we?”
✧
The first thing Albedo noticed upon waking up was that it was warmer than he remembered on Dragonspine. The second was that he was not in his lab on Dragonspine. He groaned, staring at the ceiling. The room did not look like any in Mondstadt. Light trickled in from the windows behind him, which looked Inazuman in design. As he sat up, he heard the sound of barking from outside the room.
He felt shaky all over, barely managing the strength to sit up and lean against the headboard. Peeking under the covers, it was clear that someone had removed his normal clothes for a simple night shirt and pants. Whoever had brought him here took great care to make sure he was comfortable, at the very least. Now where exactly was “here”?
He surveyed his surroundings and tried to piece together what he could. The room itself seemed to be a mish mash of different furnishing styles. Albedo recognized a bookshelf similar to the ones in his lab in Mondstadt, filled with notebooks and strewn paper, an inkwell and feather on top of it. There was a small table and chair next to the bed. On the table was a black box, the ornate silver designs catching the light. To the far wall a wooden armoire, Albedo recognized the Liyue-like patterns. It seemed like whoever this room belonged to was a traveler of some kind, having a bit of everything.
Wait. Traveler…?
The barking grew more aggressive as the thumping of footsteps coming up the stairs grew louder. He closed his eyes, trying to suppress an oncoming headache.
“Oi! Kagerou-AH!” The familiar laughter of a certain star-bound traveler could be heard outside the door. “Down, boy! Down! It’s just me!”
Albedo sighed as the shadow of a figure appeared on the sliding doors, getting closer and closer. When the door slid open, he was greeted by Aether’s bright smile. He held a covered tray in his arms. “Oh good! You’re awake!”
“Hello, Traveler.” Albedo smiled back, although it came out more like a smirk. He attempted to slide out of the bed, but the pulsing headache made him dizzy.
“Woah! Hold on,” Aether set the tray on the table, turning around to tuck Albedo back in. “We don't know how long you were out for, but you are definitely not in any place to move yet. Just relax, okay?”
“I collapsed?” Albedo furrowed his brows, trying to remember the events of what happened before waking up. The headache wasn’t helping.
“We… We were asked to locate you on Dragonspine since nobody had heard from you in a couple weeks.” Aether took the chair by the table and angled it so he was facing Albedo when he sat. “Found you passed out on your desk. At least, you looked that way. You were pretty cold. I honestly don’t know how long you were there.”
“Ah.” Albedo looked at his hands, mumbling, “I should apologize for concerning everyone.” He could feel his face warming up.
“Don’t worry about it.” Aether chuckled, waving a hand. “We’ll contact the Knights once the storm outside has settled.”
“The storm?” Albedo craned his head. The windows didn’t show much but he was positive that there was sunlight coming from them.
“Oh, right!” Aether rubbed the back of his neck. “We had to hop into my teapot to avoid the storm. I stored it in a safer place in your lab, so we should be safe if anything happens outside.”
“I see.” So that’s where he was. Aether had mentioned his Serenitea Pot a couple times before, but Albedo had never had the opportunity to come by to investigate it himself.
“How do you feel, by the way?” Aether leaned forward, placing a hand to his forehead. Albedo realized he was also not wearing gloves. Aether was so close. Did he not realize how close he was? “Hmm. You still feel warm, but-”
Albedo took his wrist, but was unsure if he wanted to move it away or pull it closer. Aether seemed to realize how close he was now, pulling back and awkwardly looking away. He mumbled an apology. Albedo stayed silent, not sure why Aether seemed so tense. Aether’s eyes were looking around the room at nothing in particular, lighting up upon landing on the tray.
“Oh!” He clapped his hands together. “Are you hungry?”
Before Albedo could respond, his stomach did, growling loudly. Albedo looked away in embarrassment when Aether started laughing. Aether took the tray and balanced the legs over Albedo’s lap. Unveiling the lid revealed a small bowl of goulash. The meat looked tender, and the vegetables shimmered in the broth. The steam felt nice on his face. Maybe he really was under the weather, as he couldn’t smell the dish.
“I know you have the appetite of a bird.” Aether says. “So I gave you a smaller portion. A hearty meal should help you after being in the cold so long.”
Albedo stared at the dish, contemplating. It wasn’t that he was a picky eater, per se, but he wasn’t exactly the biggest fan of hearty meat dishes. He would often decline the dish whenever he returned to the camp at the bottom of the mountain, preferring something lighter. However, he wasn’t sure exactly how to proceed with not accepting this one. It was made by Aether. He must have been working in the kitchen tirelessly to make it. It would be rude to not accept it, but…
“Albedo,” Aether broke him out of his thoughts. He had his arms crossed, a stern look in his eye. “Are you being picky?”
Albedo blinked. “Pardon?”
“You were making a face at the dish like you didn’t want to eat it.”
Oh dear. For someone who was often described as being stoic, this was a surprise. “I was making a face?”
“Don’t play dumb.” Aether snickered. “Klee makes the same face when she doesn’t want to eat something she doesn’t like.”
Albedo could feel his face heating up but it wasn’t from the soup or a fever. “Is that so…” He muttered.
Aether laughed. “I wondered where she got it from.” He took the spoon from the tray and collected some of the soup. “Come on, I need you to eat it. It’s better for you to eat something like this after being in the cold.”
Albedo swallowed. Aether made a valid point, and he shouldn’t be rude about it. He couldn’t smell the strong aroma that it would have usually, so maybe that would help with stomaching it. “I guess… I can attempt a few spoonfuls.”
Aether smiled. “That’s all I ask.”
He held out the spoon for Albedo, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that wasn’t a good idea. Albedo lifted his hand to take it, but his hands were still shaking badly. Aether took his hand and placed it on his lap. He set the spoon down and adjusted his seat again, getting close enough to the tray that he could reach it easier. He took the spoonful of soup and held it in front of Albedo’s mouth, opening his mouth and saying “ah”. Albedo, stunned at the act, silently complied. The soup, despite his lack of smell, was quite good. He wasn’t fond of spice, but Aether had prepared it in a way that it wasn’t so strong without it losing any flavor.
“See? I knew you’d like it!” Aether took another spoonful up to his mouth.
Albedo was more hungry than he thought. Either that, or maybe it was a good thing the serving was small. The next thing he knew, he had finished the entire bowl. The shaking in his hands had subsided, but he still felt weak in his legs. Albedo leaned back, hands over his stomach. His head felt lighter, the pounding headache from earlier subsiding.
Aether sighed in relief, clearing the tray away. “I’m glad you ate. You seemed pretty light when I carried you here.”
Albedo’s brows shot up. “You carried me?”
Aether froze, cheeks tinted pink. “Yes. I uh… had to bring you with us somehow.” He giggled nervously. Albedo smiled. He was shy about that?
“I appreciate all of this, Traveler.” Albedo said, eyes half-lidded. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, no problem! No problem at all!” Aether waved his hands.
Albedo yawned. “Perhaps I am still exhausted from everything. I am feeling quite tired.”
“Of course.” Aether helped him lay back down in the bed, pulling up the covers. “Get some more rest, Albedo. We’ll be around to help you.”
Albedo closed his eyes. He wasn’t one to sleep often, but perhaps his body required more rest to heal properly. He was always putting himself in harm’s way; whether it be for experiments, his research for his master’s final assignment, or just his duties for the Knights of Favonius. For just a while, he felt no danger. He was safe. He was cared for.
It was something he could get used to.
✧
The next time Albedo woke up, he felt sticky. He grimaced as he slowly got up. He was hot, sweat sticking to his neck and shoulders. The headache was gone at least. He was still in Aether’s room. The light outside the windows was now a dark orange, the room dark save for a few lamps on the shelf. Albedo removed the thick covers, feeling a bit of relief from the heat.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it would be nice to get out of bed. He attempted to stand up, but almost stumbled to the floor. How long had he been in bed for? Surely not too long. After stretching his legs he tried standing again, using the chair as support. He could feel himself wobbling as he moved a few steps forward. It was better than he expected at the very least.
The door slid open, making him pause. Albedo turned his head to see Aether balancing a bowl and a small washrag against his hip.
“Oh! Albedo, you’re up!” He smiled. He was always so bright when he smiled.
“Good… morning?” Albedo realized he wasn’t sure of the time. There wasn’t a clock in the room.
“Evening, actually.” Aether set the bowl down on the table. “You’ve only been asleep about five to six hours.”
“Ah.” Albedo eyed the bowl. It was filled with water. “What is that for?”
“I was just changing the washrag out.” Aether explained. “I had Paimon watch over you to keep a compress on your head. She said your fever got worse as you slept, and she had to keep changing the water. When I got back, she was apparently too tired from carrying the ‘heavy’ bowl.” He bent two fingers on each hand up and down when he said that. “It looks like your fever broke though. I’m glad.”
“Yes, that would explain why I feel sweaty all over.” Albedo scratched the back of his neck.
“Hmm.” Aether rested his hand on his chin in thought. “Would you like a bath?”
Albedo nodded. “A bath would be nice.”
“Alright. It’s just down the hall. Uhh…” Aether looked down at the chair Albedo gripped tightly. “Would you… Do you need help?”
Albedo made another step forward. His legs felt like putty, giving out on his attempt. He would have fallen had Aether not caught him in time. Albedo clung to his top, resting his head on Aether’s shoulder to catch his breath. They were so close now, noses almost touching. Albedo noticed the subtle freckles on Aether’s cheeks and how they almost disappeared when he blushed. Aether rested his hands around his waist.
“I… I might not be able to manage.” Albedo said.
“Well,” Aether let out a breath, smile returning. “allow me to help you.”
Albedo gasped as Aether swept his legs off the floor and carried him in his arms. He scrambled to wrap his arms around the other’s neck to steady himself. He remembered Aether had said he carried him like this when they entered the teapot. What a strange feeling this was.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” Aether laughed. “I think this’ll be faster than just helping you walk down the hall.”
“If you say so.” Albedo found he didn’t mind, letting his head fall against Aether’s chest. His heart was beating faster than normal. How interesting.
Aether slid the door open with his foot, adjusting his grip on Albedo as he exited the room. Albedo surveyed the hallway with wide eyes. Aether seemed to have little mementos from everywhere. There were tapestries along the wall with different sceneries from Liyue and Inazuma. Vases decorated with colorful flowers and more shelves lining the walls stuffed with different trinkets. There was a room right across the way from the bedroom, but Aether walked right past it. He proceeded down the hall to another room. Albedo tried to pek over the ledge to see if he could view the downstairs area, but all he could see were the stairs.
The door at the end of the hall opened to the bathroom. Aether set Albedo back on his feet, not letting go until Albedo was able to balance himself. His eyes wandered around the little room. Plain white walls with a checkered tile pattern on the floor. To the left wall, there was a tub with a shower. A small window above the tub allowed some light in before Aether could turn on a lantern. The far wall had a long mirror, the sink and a small door besides the sink that presumably hid the toilet. Albedo was leaning against a cabinet that had towels and soap inside when he opened the door to peek.
“Let me draw the bath.” Aether said as he turned the faucet on. “You can pick whatever soap you see in there. They’re pretty much all the same.”
“Now that you say that, you do have a small collection.” Albedo took a bottle and handed it to Aether. Aether unscrewed the bottle and poured the contents into the water.
“Yeah, I have done a lot of commission work for a perfumer in Liyue. She’s…” Aether looked out the window, lips pressed together as he tried to find the right words. “She’s uhh… quite eccentric . But she makes lovely soaps.”
Albedo hummed, sniffing the air. Seems his sense of smell was doing a little better. “A lovely scent indeed.”
The two were silent as the bath water ran, bubbles foaming and rising with the water. Aether motioned for Albedo to check the water. He stuck a hand in, nodding in approval at the temperature. With that, Aether shut off the water and stood up.
“Do you…” Aether gulped, avoiding Albedo’s eyes. “Do you need any help here, as well?”
Albedo should have said no. That it was fine. He would be sitting in the tub, he wasn’t feeling as shaky as he was earlier. He could handle himself quite well. Yet… A part of him wanted Aether to stay. He wasn’t sure if greedy was the right word to use in this situation, but when else would he get more time with him? At least for now.
“If it’s no trouble,” Albedo said. “I would appreciate it.”
“Ah, okay then.” Albedo found the growing blush on Aether amusing. Aether hesitated, unsure what to do with his hands.
Albedo chuckled. “I can at least undress myself, if it makes you uneasy.”
“Oh.” Aether quickly turned around. “Yeah, I’ll just… wait here.”
Cute. Was Albedo’s only thought as he undressed. He pulled the top over his head and set it in an empty basket beside the closet. Holding on to the tub edge, he pulled down his pants next, letting them stay on the floor. While it was amusing seeing Aether so flustered, he decided to show some mercy. He took a towel from the cabinet and wrapped it around his waist. Albedo looked over his shoulder to call for Aether, not missing the rapid swish of his braid.
“Alright, I’m ready.” Aether turned around and held an arm out, the other hovering over Albedo's lower back. Albedo’s legs trembled as he lifted himself into the tub, holding tight to Aether’s arm for support. As he sunk into the tub, he removed the towel. The water was warm and a welcome sensation. He sat down, stretching his legs out as far as he could. The heat relaxed the tired muscles in them. He leaned back, sighing contentedly.
“Already helping you, huh?” Aether squatted down to be level with him. Albedo nodded.
Aether went back to the cabinet and took out another bottle of soap, a few washrags, and a cup. He set the items on the floor and began the process of helping Albedo wash. He tilted Albedo’s head back, using the cup to gather water and wet his hair. Albedo closed his eyes, focusing on Aether’s soothing fingers massaging his scalp as the soap lathered in his hair. The warm water falling down his face when he rinsed it. Aether’s hands were careful when he took the washrag and scrubbed his body. Aether mumbled apologies as he scrubbed lower, Albedo snickered seeing the tips of his ears getting redder. Aether was so focused (or maybe zoned out) he didn’t even notice the hairs falling in front of his face.
A thought crept in. Maybe he could be a little bold here. He lifted his hand and carefully tucked the loose strands behind Aether’s ear. Aether paused, quickly turning his head to Albedo.
“Is… Is there something wrong?” Aether asked, almost a whisper.
“Nothing.” Albedo shook his head. His fingers brushed Aether’s cheek. “Hmm. You seem to be getting warm yourself. You didn’t get sick while making the trek to see me, did you?”
“I-!” Aether bolted up, splashing water on the floor. He sighed in defeat. “I’m fine. I remembered to wear a proper coat this time. I guess I’m just… distracted.”
“Distracted?” Albedo leaned against the edge of the tub. “About what?”
“Well,” Aether gathered the used rags and placed them in the sink, wringing them out. “I was worried about you, you know.”
“Me?” Albedo’s heart fluttered.
“Yeah. When Jean mentioned you hadn’t been heard from in a while, I got worried that something happened.” Aether frowned. “What were you working on that made you pass out?”
“Hm.” Albedo looked to the floor, trying to recall anything. “I still can’t seem to remember, if I’ll be honest.” Quite concerning for him, as his memory hardly ever forgot anything. “I would have to check my notes when we leave this realm.”
“Oh.” Aether laughed nervously, scratching his cheek. Albedo cocked an eyebrow. “About that. Um… While you were asleep, the storm settled. I managed to move from your campsite down to the base camp. Jean was waiting there and…”
“And?”
Aether fingers busied themselves with scrunching up the rags. “I explained everything to Jean, and... she wants to have a word with you once you’re well enough to walk around.”
Albedo let out a huff. He wondered how long the Acting Grand Master would keep him from going back this time. “As expected of her. It would happen sooner or later.”
“Yeah…” Aether tossed the rags in the basket. “Well, we can worry about that later! You seem to be doing better than I expected.”
“I would hope so.” Albedo leaned back against the tub. “My body can handle the cold more so than most.”
“That does not help my curiosity of how long you were out for.” Aether put his hands on his hips. “You were freezing cold!”
“I assure you I would have been fine.” Albedo insisted. The suds had dissolved into nothing and the water was starting to lose its warmth. “I would like to get out now. Traveler, will you help me?”
Aether assisted Albedo out of the tub. The bath did help, Albedo’s legs felt stronger. He wrapped a towel around himself. Before he even attempted a step forward, Aether insisted he carry him back. It was obvious from the smile on his face that Aether enjoyed it. How could he deny him that? Aether hung another towel on his arm and picked Albedo up again. Making the short trek back to the bedroom.
Albedo was able to stand well enough on his own that he could change himself. Aether offered him another sleep shirt and pants. As he got dressed, Aether made busy work of exchanging the thicker comforter for something lighter and removing the pillow cases for new ones.
The windows were dark out, the sun having set. Aether sat on the bed, patting the surface when Albedo cocked his head curiously.
“Sit down, I’ll help you dry your hair.” Aether offered.
Albedo hesitated. “Thank you, Traveler, but I-”
Aether interrupted him. “You can just call me Aether, you know.”
“Aether.” The name felt foreign on his tongue. “I can manage well enough, you’ve already done so much for me.”
“I know.” Aether unfolded the towel on his arm. “But… I want to do this. Let me take care of you.”
Oh, what an odd stirring in his chest when he heard that. He wanted to deny it further, but ultimately decided against it. Having someone want to take care of him, Aether wanting to take care of him. It was too much but he didn’t realize how much he wanted it. Silently, he made his way to the bed, sitting with his back to Aether and crossing his legs on the mattress.
The two sat in silence as Aether dried his hair with the towel. He thought of the times Alice would be drying him and Klee after their baths. She was always a little too rough and loved to tease him mercilessly. Aether was gentle, taking thick strands and drying them off separately. It felt good having those skilled hands move over his scalp and neck.
“Your hair looks really soft when it’s dry.” Aether said.
“I’ve been told that.” Albedo rubbed a lock between his fingers. “The amount of times someone has asked to pet my hair is interesting.”
“Do you not like it?”
Albedo looked over his shoulder at Aether. In his hand was a comb. Did Aether want to brush his hair?
“Usually no.” Albedo turned back. “But if it’s you, I think it will be fine.”
Aether took the comb and began to run it through his hair. Oh, how Albedo was enjoying it. As with everything tonight, Aether was careful but thorough. Those fingers meticulously separating knots while trying to keep Albedo’s comfort in mind. He never considered how nice it was to be touched like this. Then again, there was hardly anyone he wanted to be this close to before. Albedo began nodding off as Aether finished. He heard the clink of the comb being put away and sensed Aether shuffling behind him. The next thing he knew, he was being pulled back, head resting on Aether’s lap.
“This… is new.” Albedo mumbled, brows furrowed.
Aether enveloped him in warmth. While it was a little awkward in this position, it also felt… nice. Laying on his lap, having strong yet caring arms holding him. Something bloomed in his chest. He couldn’t put an exact name on it, but he was satisfied with just having it exist.
Aether hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder. “Does this make you uncomfortable?” He was ready for Albedo to attempt to sit up, but that never happened.
“I didn’t mean that.” Albedo adjusted his position to be more comfier. “I just… have never experienced this before.”
“Ah.” Aether held him, daring to pet his head. “Do you mind this?”
Albedo smiled, eyes getting heavy. “I think because it’s you, it’s not bad. It’s quite pleasant.” He yawned.
Aether chuckled. His fingers absentmindedly combed through his hair. Albedo made a pleased sound. “Rest easy, then. You’re in good hands.”
“Yes.” Albedo closed his eyes, letting sleep take over. “Thank you, Aether.”
✧
Albedo’s breathing turned steady, his chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. Aether smiled and continued stroking Albedo’s hair, reveling in how soft it was. He was happy Albedo let him get away with these selfish actions, even if it was just for now. It was nice to be helpful, it was nice to get to take care of him.
It was…
Paimon appeared from thin air behind Aether, hands on her cheeks in glee. “Aw, he looks kinda cute like that.” She cooed.
“Yeah.” Aether said, sighing happily. “I’m glad he’s doing better.”
Paimon grinned, snickering, “Seems like someone is enjoying taking care of him a little too much.”
Aether rolled his eyes, but didn’t retort. She had a point; he did find joy taking care of Albedo. The alchemist had definitely left a mark on his heart, and a part of him yearned to let it grow. It was a cozy feeling, being so close. Was it actually selfish at this point wanting to be closer? To understand him more. He couldn’t exactly pinpoint what he wanted from this relationship of theirs just yet.
“Do you think it’s love?” Paimon tilted her head.
“I don’t know all the specifics, Paimon.” Aether brushed his fingers over Albedo’s bangs, smiling when Albedo cuddled closer. “But it’s definitely something more than just friendship.”