Chapter Text
Albedo was testing on samples from Dragonspine within the Knights of Favonious's laboratories. Of course, his makeshift one in the tips of Dragonspine would be sufficient, but the laboratory here had a much more extensive caliber of tools at his disposal. To their astonishment, he had collected samples of Durin's blood, his brother, on one of their investigations of Dragonspine. He had to test it in a secure environment, so returning to Mondstadt would be more suitable. If it ever became apparent that Durin's blood would be hazardous, they'd depart to Dragonspine at a day's notice.
Thus, Albedo had recently returned to Mondstadt after being in Dragonspine for many months. Their return was a surprise but welcomed nonetheless. The only people who knew of his findings were the Acting Grand Master Jean, Librarian Lisa, and his assistant Sucrose. They were in the middle of setting up one of his first experiments he'd try on the blood.
His ear twitched at the sudden knocking on the door, changing their focus to who was interrupting the quiet atmosphere. "Welcome back, Sucrose. You may come in. Have you collected the samples you were searching for?"
"While I may not be who you were expecting, I hope I am up to par with your expectations." The familiar voice stated.
Albedo turned his chair around to face the person standing at the entrance. "What a pleasant surprise. It is lovely to see you again, Cavalry Captain."
Kaeya bowed his head towards Albedo, "The pleasure is all mine, Chief Alchemist." He lingered around the laboratory's entry, looking around, "I would've visited more often if I knew it was this beautiful here."
He scoffed, "What beauty?" Albedo returned his attention to setting up the experiment, "It's a cluttered mess. I haven't gotten the time to rearrange everything yet."
"Well, it is stunning in my eyes. I wouldn't begin to understand how any of this technology works. Of course, the true core of this beauty is you." He entered the room, walking up to where Albedo was seated.
"My, who am I to be the victim of such flattery." They joked.
Kaeya softly laughed at the response, "What is your brilliant mind working on now?" He leaned over to see what Albedo was doing.
"I wouldn't say brilliant per se. It's top secret, my apologies, not even the Cavalry Captain himself may know," he quipped, "I am just setting up the equipment for future experiments. I am waiting for Sucrose to return to help her with her bio-alchemy project. I promised to help her when I returned to Mondstadt."
"Keeping to your word, I see. Well, I won't bother you much more then. Jean requested that I give this to you."
"Oh?" Albedo looked up at Kaeya, facing Kaeya directly as he handed them some papers. They changed their gaze back to the object in his hands, swiftly scanning over the contents. "Thank you. Please inform her I will read over these and get back to her."
He laughed, "Am I just a messenger bird now?"
They responded, "No, you are much more than that." They faced the Cavalry Captain and smiled warmly, "I enjoy your presence here and our friendship. You are also much more intelligent than you make yourself out to be. Not to mention, you also have such a stunning appearance." He faced Kaeya directly as they complimented him, watching his expression and demeanor change at their words.
Kaeya turned a slight shade of pink. "I thought I was the one meant to be complimenting you."
Albedo laughed, "Am I not allowed to return the favor?"
"I suppose you can. I'm just not used to hearing those types of compliments from you. Well," Kaeya paused, thinking, "Farewell, then."
Kaeya gave a short wave, then left the laboratory. He didn't wait for a response from Albedo. Catching his breath, his thoughts spiraled. How could such simple compliments make his heart flutter? Make his stomach fill with butterflies? In his ears, all he could hear was the loud beating of his heart. He was used to making others feel this way, but not.. himself.
Hearing someone walk down the stairs, Kaeya quickly gathered his composure, returning to his usual self, "Sucrose! It's great to see you."
"Eep!" Sucrose jumped back, "Kaeya!" She flushed red immediately, dropping some papers in her hands, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here."
"Ah, how silly of you, Sucrose, here, let me help you." Kaeya collected the papers scattered on the ground, handing them over to Sucrose. He noticed how intently she watched him pick up the documents from the floor.
"Thank you." She said slightly above a whisper, taking the papers, bowing at Kaeya, and quickly hurrying into the laboratory.
He smiled, watching the door close behind her.
Inside the laboratory, Albedo laughed at the way Sucrose described Kaeya.
"He's just so- hmph!" She covered her red face, "Don't laugh at me!" Sucrose was comfortable around Albedo, her usual shy personality was nowhere to be found when around Albedo. "What was he even doing here anyways?" She sighed, lying her head down on one of the tables.
Albedo finally stopped laughing at her rambling, "He was here earlier to deliver some papers from the Grand Master," he paused, "Why not just tell him how you feel?" They combed through her hair, petting her fluffy ears. She sank into the familiar soft touch.
"I don't know," she mumbled, "It's too embarrassing. Plus, I'm fine with just being here with you"
He hummed, "I enjoy being around you as well." Albedo replied with a short response, yet it clearly stated his intentions. They truly enjoyed just simply being in the presence of Sucrose as well.
She leaned into his hand, resting her head on their hand. A few long, quiet breaths passed. Albedo picked up her head, placing it in the nook of his neck, "Is this more comfortable?"
She quietly nodded.
Sucrose closed her eyes, absorbing the warmth of being so close to Albedo. He leaned his head over onto Sucrose's head. The two of them sat there for a few more long breaths. Albedo began to pat Sucrose's head, feeling her unease, "You can rest." they paused, considering, "You seem tired. We can discuss your findings at a later time."
Sucrose basked in Albedo's gentleness, and quietly nodded again before drifting off into peaceful unconsciousness.