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A gentle melody of the flute floated in the air from a practice room alongside his echoing footsteps. Diluc walked down the hall, his violin case was slung over his shoulder, swaying ever so slightly with every step he took.
He eventually came to a stop in front of one specific practice room. The same practice room he would find himself visiting almost everyday for the past few months without fail. A habit he unknowingly formed after a certain blonde man joined the orchestra group. It wasn't his intention to form some kind of attachment, or you could label it a ‘friendship’, with him but he felt a sort of pull.. an interest towards him that he couldn’t ignore.
Diluc’s hand froze above the door’s handle when the melody came to a halt and he heard a sigh. He was now rethinking whether he should pay the blonde a visit or not. The tie around his neck felt like it was suffocating him, he reached out to loosen it as his mind went into a whirling mess of thoughts.
Was it really a good idea to see him before the concert?
Why was he even overthinking this to begin with?
Diluc was going to see him in the after party either way. So at this point, it didn't matter when he would see him and certainly Albedo would not need anyone to encourage him before the performance. He was one of the most renowned musicians afterall, to have him featured in one of their concerts was an honor- or at least that's what their conductor, Zhongli used to say a lot in meetings and practices. And he definitely didn't need a random acquaintance he just happened to strike friendly with to visit, Diluc already bothered him enough.
Maybe it was the concert itself that made him panic? But it wasn't his first performance, he has been performing with the orchestra group ever since it was established. Nothing added up… he just shook his head slightly, wanting to clear his head from unnecessary thoughts that would only waste his time.
Still… he couldn't understand where this sting of anxiety he felt in his heart came from.
Through the slight open crack of the door, he spotted a glimpse of him dressed in the most elegant suit as he fixed his music sheets. Albedo stood with his back turned to the door, his golden hair flowing loose from his usual half updo braid. Diluc couldn’t see his expression nor tell anything from his stance.
‘Maybe, this is a bad idea..’ He clenched and unclenched his hand a couple of times, trying to get rid of the feeling of his gloves sticking into his skin; tighter than usual which annoyed him even more. ‘This is a bad idea.’ He took a deep breath and finally placed his hand on the doorknob, telling himself it won’t be bad just to say hello and leave.
Diluc knocked halfway after opening the door as he entered, a bit too late to do so- but he did anyway. He cringed at his own awkwardness but kept moving, or tried to move. He paused mid way through the door, the room was dimly lit compared to usual and surprisingly empty without the usual piano, and table that were previously there yesterday. Only the music stand and two chairs on the side of the room remained. His eyes moved to fixate on Albedo, once again weirdly drawn to him.
Albedo always stood naturally, with elegance when playing his instrument and without breaking a sweat, it gave the illusion of confidence. Or maybe it was actual confidence, every movement and action he does, was done with perfect precision and no mistakes whatsoever. He always shone with a glow- a mesmerizing uncanny aura Diluc was unable to put into words, if he could describe him; he’d say he was an angel- no, a divine being descendant from Celestia unlike any other.
‘Fuck, what am I even thinking? Where did that even come from.. Ugh.. that was awful..’ Diluc mentally slapped himself, he was definitely losing his mind and cringing at his own unexpected thoughts.
“This room is occupied. Please don't enter- oh, Diluc.. Hello.” Albedo had turned around with a surprised expression before he composed himself. His eyes scanned Diluc then he gestured to him to come in, a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Hi.” He breathed out nervously.
“Come in.”
“Sorry to disturb, I wanted to check on you.” Diluc closed the door behind him in a swift move. He set his violin case on the ground and leaned himself back on the wall, completely acting casual as if he wasn't panicking or lost in his weird and uncontrollable thoughts a few seconds ago.
Albedo has never refused Diluc’s company, never once told him to leave or not disturb him wherever he visited; to an extent where Diluc thought that he might have carelessly set a spell on him. A spell allowing Albedo to accept the whatever mess Diluc was, but the reason could also be because he was usually silent and allowed him to practice without interruption.
“I didn't expect to see you here so.. so early or visit me before the concert as a matter of fact.” He spoke in a quieter and gentler manner than usual which seemed odd. Diluc could catch the faint bits of hesitance from his voice which made an unexpected smile tug on the corner of his mouth, removing his usual scowl. And before he could say something, Albedo added, a slight glimmer of mischief flashed in his eyes, “You.. you look quite nice in that suit, and dare I say it suit you~”
Ah he was waiting for an opportunity to say that. puns…
Diluc blinked a bit at his words, before he let out a long loud sigh, followed by light laughter. “You never miss a chance to throw one at me, don’t you?”
“Do you not like it? I think it was a well- suit ed compliment.”
“Albedo.. It's not that I don't like it- well, it’s just.. Hah forget it,” another huff of laughter escaped him before he shook his head. “Well thank you for the compliments, I could say the same to you.”
“Thank you.” Albedo looked away, biting back a smile as he acted to be busy organizing his music sheets. “Did you need me for something by the way?”
“Uh.. no, not really? I came to see yo- to see how you were doing.” nice save.
“Really? You shouldn't have, I don’t want to be a bother. You do know I'm perfectly fine, concerts like these rarely affect me. I'm very much used to them.”
“Um? But you’re not a bother?” Right, he shouldn't have. He was taken aback slightly but didn’t show it, instead he decided to put on a teasing front without giving it a second thought. To say he was annoyed with himself for doing so was an understatement, it was out of character for him. “Yes, of course, I meant no harm by saying that, since such a renowned and well recognized musician does not need reassurance. You are astonishingly talented.”
“Oh please, stop it. You just sound like Mr. Zhongli now. I do not need another person praising me all the time for the littlest things I do.” Albedo let out a small chuckle at his teasing, which easily made Diluc’s heart flutter. A reaction that left him confused, both at his beating heart and the teasing words that came out of his mouth. It was unlike him, Why was he feeling so- words can't even explain what it was. “That doesn't mean I don’t appreciate you coming here before the concert. It's sweet of you to think of me despite not knowing me for long.” added Albedo after a while.
“Really now?”
“So, I’m glad you're here is what I’m trying to say.”
“Ah.. I see…” At that moment, Diluc realized that he wanted to see Albedo for his own benefit rather than the opposite. He was mindlessly seeking his reassurance, his words, his company more than anything, and he felt at odds with this realization. The sting of anxiety he sensed earlier came back tugging on his heart even more, no, it wasn’t anxiety; it was something else and that terrified Diluc to an extent and he was too flustered to even think of what else to say.
“When are we to be present on the stage?” Albedo inquired.
“In two hours or so,” Diluc replied after checking his watch.
“Alright, give me a few minutes to collect my items. We’ll head there together.”
“There is no rush, take your time.”
They fell into a shared comfortable silence, they spoke a few words every now and then as Albedo went about organizing his papers and putting his piccolo away back into its case.
Conversing was neither of their strongest suit. Diluc has always been a man of few words, so was Albedo when it was only them alone together but they found solace in the smallest of bits of conversation between the tranquil silence they shared. Even a few glances between them was enough for Diluc. Of course, not every instance was like that, they did have their fair share of boundless conversations and he cherished every one of them.
Now that he came to a realization he might actually feel something more than friendship to the blonde, it made him hyper aware of every moment they spend and will spend. Diluc didn't think it to be bad, at least for the time being but at the same time, he wasn’t well acquainted with such new feelings to be able to fully navigate it and now wasn’t really the time to go into a crisis.
A rattling sound caused Diluc to look up in a startle. Albedo was currently fidgeting with his phone that had the front camera on to find a place on an edge to set it down. His hair was the last thing he needed to get done and from his furrowed brows, he clearly was struggling.
Diluc chuckled, he never once saw him in distress like this before, Albedo always had everything under control. He pushed himself off the wall and walked towards him to stand behind him and took the hair tie from his hand,
“May I?”
A simple two word question- more of a request actually. His fiery red eyes met Albedo’s calm icey blue ones, expelling any previous unwanted thoughts he had or was going to have. A spark ignited between them from the clashing contrast of their eyes and it was impossible to avert his eyes away from them. Albedo’s eyes brewed in an ice storm that captivated Diluc, everything about him drew him in and left so many unspoken words remaining deep within his heart. He lost his ability to form words that didn't make him sound weird or lame.
“Hmm? You don’t have to, I can do it. It’s just my usual hairstyle, I didn’t have time to do it before. Actually, I’ll go to the bathroom, it’s better than using my phone for this.” Albedo’s voice interrupted the silence between them.
“No, wait. I insist, let me help you. If it turns out bad, you still have time to fix it and I’ll treat you to something as an apology?”
“Interesting offer, I might take you up on it.”
“Then, why don’t you?”
Albedo let out another laugh, “Do you know how to braid?”
“Yes, one way or another.”
“Can’t say I’m not intrigued. You're full of surprises.” He huffed in amusement.
“So are you.” Diluc muttered as heat rushed to his cheeks from Albedo’s constant gaze, and he instantly averted his eyes away, unable to hold the eye contact. “Now, … may I?” He repeated his request in a low hesitant voice.
Once he received an approval nod from him, he removed his gloves and set them on the other chair. He froze for a split second, forgetting one thing- He never removed his gloves in front of Albedo, never practiced his violin in front of him and never mentioned anything related to his scars. Diluc didn’t feel comfortable enough to reveal such a thing nor talk about it and he only removed them right before performances and put them back on immediately to not attract too much attention. And if he did, he would avoid it like a plaque.
Diluc held his breath, worried about his reaction to the burn scars on his hands but there was no reaction or questions, Albedo was busy rummaging through his bag to find his hairpins. Either by luck he didn’t see or he decided not to comment on it, and he was grateful for that.
With his attention back to Albedo’s hair, his fingers, gentle and steady, started combing through it, earning a satisfied sigh from him. His hair was soft, nice to touch with a sweet and floral scent of Cecilias as it flowed like water between his fingers. Diluc wasn’t going to lie to himself nor the giddy feelings in his heart, he enjoyed this more than he thought he would.
He then placed the tie and a few hairpins between his teeth for easy access as he began braiding his hair, careful not to do it too tight or hurt him in any way. He was so focused that he didn’t notice him using the front camera of his phone to watch what he was doing, nor noticed the smile Albedo was trying so badly to hold back.
“I didn’t take you for someone who would be interested in this.” Albedo commented, the smile he fought back was now evident on his lips.
“It’s just a random skill I picked up from Alice forcing me to babysit Klee few times throughout the year and…” He trailed off, his tone growing duller. A distant memory of his past from his childhood flashed in his mind of when he used to braid his younger brother's hair with the help and direction from their house maid. He failed countless times, creating huge knots in his brother’s hair but he never gave up until he achieved a good braid. A memory he cherished but didn’t know if he had the right to after what happened.
“Nevermind.” He quietly said which was barely audible and quickly shifted the topic, “Another hairpin please.”
“Here.” Albedo handed him one. Taking notice of the shift in mood, he took out a small box and opened it, revealing flowers and pearl bead hairpins. “Speaking of Klee, do you mind decorating my hair with these? She wanted me to do so, even made me pinky promise her and I do not want to disappoint her.”
“Oh?” Diluc couldn’t hide his surprise as he eyed the box for a split second, then focused back on the braids trying to tie the ends together. “Yeah, sure. Just give me a second, I’m almost done.”
Albedo just hummed.
“And.. done.. How did I do? Hopefully not too bad.” He announced and took a step back to see if he actually did a good job or not. Albedo remained silent for a few minutes as he inspected his hair, and was painfully taking his time. It only made Diluc more fidgety, he tried his best to stop himself from pacing around the room.
“I’m surprised, actually.” He finally said, slightly fixing his bangs. “It’s done really well, even better and tidier than what I usually do. Now you’ve gone and made me jealous from a random skill you unintentionally mastered..”
“Heh, come now, it is actually just a random skill I happen to pick up. But.. I’m glad you think so.” He let out a laugh of relief and reached out for the box. “Only these are left, right?”
Before he could even touch it, Albedo ducked it away from his grasp, mumbled something he couldn’t catch and stood up. The next thing Diluc knew, he was the one sitting on the chair and Albedo stood next to him.
“Albedo?”
“May I?” Albedo asked, ignoring his confused look. His eyes flickering to Diluc’s hair as his hand hovered an inch away from his hair, waiting for permission. The blonde used the same words Diluc used and he, in an instant, knew what he meant by them. But why? His hair was already styled and done in a low ponytail.
“N- no no, I’m fine, my hair is already done. We’re.. we’re going to be late if we don't hurry.” He stumbled over his words and attempted to stand up but Albedo gently pushed back to sit down and smiled.
“We still have time and I’d really like to do your hair, it will be a very simple small side braid and won’t mess up your hair at all. So please?”
How can Diluc ever refuse him when he looked at him with such pleading eyes and that smile of his. That damned cute small smile had an instant effect on him today for the first time ever. He now was sure he’s losing his mind. Diluc cleared his throat, trying to find the right words to answer. His heart skipped too many beats at once, not calming down for one second and he was so sure his ears probably already turned crimson red as the color of his hair was. In the end, he uttered a defeated yes.
“Thank you.” Albedo undid the black ribbon bow that held the redhead’s hair and ran his fingers through the side of his head. “I always wanted to braid your hair, it looks so soft and.. Beautiful-- ah.. hope that doesn’t sound too weird.”
“Not at all. You.. you can braid my hair whenever you like, I wouldn’t mind.” Diluc closed his eyes shut, unintentionally leaned more towards his touch. The way he combed through his was too tender and light, barely even there, a sensation he doesn't want to stop. He never liked anyone touching his hair, only very close and long term friends could. Yet, he allowed him, who he knew for less than half a year to touch and braid his hair and he wasn’t annoyed or irritated in the slightest.
Albedo took few parts of the longest strands of his bangs and began braiding and joining it with the hair right above his ear. Diluc didn't know how much time passed but Albedo was fast with his work, perfectly braiding his hair within minutes. Now, he looked at the picture taken of his hair, styled and ready… which was put in Albedo’s signature hairstyle… which meant..
“Now, we match.” Albedo chuckled and that was definitely a teasing smile on his face.
Words got stuck in his throat, nothing but his breathing could be heard and it was too loud in his ears. His reluctant gaze flickered to meet Albedo’s once again, then to his hair that now had the flowers and pearl pins in. When did he even have the time to do so? Was Diluc staring at the picture like an idiot for long minutes? He just did not know how to process this nor how to react that they had matching hairstyles. What for? What was he even supposed to feel or react about this? That stupid tug came back again and his heart erupted, pounding against his chest.
“Do you not like it? I can fix it for you?” Albedo asked, worry furrowed his brow as his head slightly tilted to the side.
Diluc coughed into his fist, an awful attempt to recover and hide his confusion but it only made it more awkward to him. “No, that's not the case. I’ve.. never had my hair styled like this. I just.. does it really suit me?”
“Yes, of course it suits you just fine- no, more than fine. I think a lot of styles would suit you very well, Diluc.” He grabbed the redhead’s gloves off the chair and turned to face him. “If you don’t like it, I can treat you to something as an apology.” He offered, using the exact words of Diluc again. Just what was he trying to get at.
“There will be no need.” Diluc shook his head, turning away from him to hide his face and whatever expression he was making.
“Hey, wait.. you look really good in that hairstyle, I’m being honest! I apologize if I upset you.” Albedo stepped closer to him, his hand going to gently brush Diluc’s bangs away from his eyes. “And I’m also serious about letting me treat you to something.”
It's that offer again… where Albedo offers to get him coffee or invite him for lunch. It started happening two weeks ago. It wasn't constant, but he asked him four times and it always set Diluc into panic mode which led him to making excuses of being busy or not hungry. He wasn't doing this on purpose, really, nor was he trying to avoid him, he just didn't couldn’t bring himself to say yes. It felt awkward to him, despite them hanging out for hours in the practice room and around its building and small garden.
“You're just saying things. It’s fine, no need to treat me to anything, I like my hair. Now, we’re going to be late, let’s go.” He stood up, panic stricken, his only thought was this situation was getting awkward and uncomfortable again. He didn’t dare look at Albedo and only stared at the picture of his hair for a second before he deleted it.
“I’m not! Believe me. Diluc, can you not shut me out for once, please?” Albedo’s tone was firm that it caught him off guard enough to look up with widened eyes at the boldness and intensity of his gaze. Even Albedo looked a bit taken aback from his own intensity but didn’t back down, he couldn’t, not now.
“What? I’m not shutting you out. What makes you think that?” Diluc retorted.
“You keep changing the subject every time I offer to hangout or grab something to eat after practice. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“No! That’s not the case.” Diluc shook his head. “You're not making me uncomfortable in the slightest.”
“Why do you keep avoiding me?”
“I’m not, it’s not like that. Can we talk about this later? Let’s just go, I don’t want to get scolded by Mr. Zhongli.” His eyes landed on his gloves in Albedo’s hand. He forgot about them and instinctively reached out for them, only for Albedo to take a hold of his hand.
“What are you doing?”
“Let’s talk now.”
“Albedo-”
“Please? At least listen to what I have to say, okay?”
“But- …. Alright.”
“I want you to be honest and comfortable with me. I’m not good with talking, nor am I good at reading social cues or interacting with people much. I don’t ask you to tell me anything and everything about you, that’s not what I want. I would just really like to be around you more, even in silence. I really do feel more comfortable around you than anyone else.” Albedo sighed softly, a hint of pink on his cheeks mirroring Diluc’s as he continued to hold his hand. “I apologize if I made things awkward, I didn’t know how else to.. convey myself. And I didn’t want to make the mistake of not.. reaching out first again..”
“That makes the two of us.” Diluc muttered, heat rushing to his face but mostly felt his ears burning. “I’d also like to apologize for making it seem that I was uncomfortable with you or that I’m avoiding you. It’s genuinely not like that, I .” He cleared his throat, trying to pull his hand away but Albedo didn’t let go.
“Then..”
“Then?” Diluc furrowed his brow in confusion.
“Then, let me try again..” Albedo, instead of letting go of Diluc’s hand, brought it up to his lips and pressed a light feathery kiss to the back of his hand, exactly on his big burn scar. Diluc stiffened at the sudden contact. This man will be the end of him, he’s already making him act out of his usual self.
“Say Diluc, do you mind if I draw you sometime later this week as we grab coffee? My treat.” Albedo asked, with a slight smirk on his lips, something Diluc didn’t expect him to do. He was more dumbfounded by his expression than the request as it took more time to settle in before he reacted.
“Huh?!”
Today was definitely full of surprises and they sure were going to be late.