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“Finally done.” Kaeya leaned back in his chair and stretched as he finished with the last report he had to write up. There had been a slight increase in hilichurl activity that he was tasked to check on today, and with that, he also had to record it for Jean to look over. She had enough work on her hands as it is, and he wanted to help lighten that load.
Despite it being a calm afternoon, everything seemed to be too bright and loud for the cavalry captain as he dragged his feet along in a daze. Kaeya let out a sigh, fighting the urge to tightly squeeze his eyes shut to avoid the blinding sunlight. Pressure was built up in his head, in a way that made it feel like it was being squeezed. He longed to lay his head on his pillow and rest.
With his body aching from fighting the hilichurls earlier, he made his way through the streets. His route home seemed to be longer than usually with each step he took. Though, in reality the walk was quick and he soon found himself standing in front of his home. The pressure in his head persisted as he fumbled with his keys to unlock the door, leaning his forehead against it to get an ounce of relief from its cool surface.
From the kitchen, Albedo heard Kaeya staggering inside with a groan. Setting down the kettle, he made his way out to greet him at the door only to see the other slumped against the wall with his head in his hands. His eyes were closed as he rubbed at his temples.
“Long day?” He asked him, his voice full of concern as sat down next to the other, gently brushing strands of blue hair from his face. Kaeya opened his eyes to make eye contact with the other and smiled weakly as he instinctively leaned into him, resting his chin on the other’s shoulder as his eyes fluttered closed. Snaking his arms around his waist, he mumbled a quiet ‘yes’ as he clung to him.
“You made it through and I’m sure you did such a good job as usual. ” Albedo said softly as he lightly rubbed circles into his back in a soothing manner. The two stayed there for a few minutes as Kaeya needed a little time off his feet before getting up again.
“Let’s go get you cleaned up,” Albedo said softly after some time had passed as he stroked Kaeya’s hair. The blonde then took his arm and helped him up, pulling him along to lead him to the washroom.
Hot water began to fill the tub as steam fogged up the mirror. The water seemed to reach the ideal temperature within seconds. Albedo had gathered soap and hair products to bring over. Opening the bottle of the lavender scented soap, he poured some into the bath upon cutting the water off. He was quite fond of the soap, not only for the scent but also for its soothing qualities. He kneeled down next to the tub as held his hand out for Kaeya to hold on to as he carefully got into the water, instantly feeling his muscles relax. He knew he was tense, but he didn’t realize just how tense he was as he let out a sigh of relief.
Albedo had a look of concern as he looked over the bit of scratches and cuts on his body. Even though they weren’t bad, he still worried for the other. He watched as the suds formed on the surface as he reached for a wash cloth to soak. The blonde began to softly hum as he scrubbed dirt from Kaeya’s skin. The other took in a sharp breath at the initial contact, the soap causing just a slight sting on the cuts. It faded almost as soon as he felt it though. After another few minutes, Albedo began to lather shampoo into his scalp. The feeling of delicate hands combing through his hair had a soothing effect on him as the dull pain from before seemed to fade in no time.
“You shouldn’t push yourself so much.” Albedo spoke each word softly and full of care as he raked his fingers through Kaeyas hair a bit more before pouring some water over it to rinse it out. “How about staying home tomorrow. I’m sure Jean will understand.”
After a few moments without a reply, the alchemist spoke up again as he ran his hand through Kaeya’s hair once more, “You work so hard, you deserve some time to relax. It’s okay to take things one step at a time.”
Shifting a bit, he turned his gaze to Albedo as he nodded in agreement to staying in, leaning against the side of the tub. He knew the other was right. It was a habit of his to take on more tasks on top of his own. Before he knew it, his vision blurred as his eyes welled up with tears and he sniffled. He wasn’t upset at all. With Albedo’s kind words and the calming atmosphere, he was simply unwinding from the day’s stress. In vulnerable moments like these, he always felt safest when Albedo was with him.
Once he had calmed down and wiped his eyes with a cloth, he noticed that the pressure he felt in his head earlier was gone. The pain from before was nonexistent and he only felt minor soreness from the work he had done that day. Noticing that the water no longer held the warmth it once had, he lifted the plug to let it drain before reaching for a towel to wrap himself in. Getting up, Albedo returned all the soaps to their spots on the shelf before he pressed a kiss to the other’s forehead before leaving him to get dressed while he returned to his previous task in the kitchen.
Kaeya now wore some loose fitting pajamas that were much more comfortable and lighter than his typical attire. Wrapping his hair in a towel, Kaeya grabbed his hairbrush and left the washroom to join his husband downstairs. A light flowery scent filled the air he breathed in as he turned the corner. A smile formed on his face as he watched Albedo pour two cups of tea with such care to avoid spilling any on the white tablecloth.
“Here you go, my love.” Albedo brought a cup over to him with a soft smile as he set his own cup down on the coffee table before he brought over a plate with some cookies as a snack. He took a moment to pass the record player and turned on some quiet classical music before he settled on the couch cross legged and turned to the side.
Soon after, Kaeya joined him on the couch, back facing him with his legs stretched out. After taking a sip of his tea, he handed the hairbrush to Albedo, a habit they have formed each night. It was quite relaxing for both of them. He thought back to the first time he had it braided for him.
It had been another tiring day like today and he didn’t quite have the energy to do it himself. Oh how his hair was such a mess the morning after. It was the first time that Albedo had seen Kaeya’s hair in such a state, he couldn’t help but laugh a bit.
“You know, I could braid it for you if you’d like.”
Needless to say, it took hours for them to get his hair back to its usual state. Since then, whether he was tired or not, he had always asked for his hair to be braided. Never again would they spend an entire morning untangling it. It was a tiring task for the both of them.
“Could you braid it?” Albedo smiled and gladly took the brush in his hand and braided his hair. Usually, before bed he would put it up in a simple one to keep Kaeya’s hair from getting tangled in his sleep. Though there were days where the other would ask for a different style rather than how he normally wears his hair.
“There we go, all done.” He said as he moved the braid to rest over Kaeya’s shoulder, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his cheek before sipping at his tea.
After the two had finished up with their drinks and some of the cookies, Kaeya let out a yawn as he stretched. Albedo lightly chuckled. “C’mon, you need your rest.”
The two head to the bedroom. Albedo guiding Kaeya with a hand on his back. Kaeya sat on his side of the bed as Albedo went to close the curtains to block out some of the light. He smiled as he watched in awe as moonlight bathed his husband’s face. The sight truly was ethereal. He waited until the other had joined him on the other side of the bed before he laid down on his back.
“Thank you for doing all of this.” He said softly. Even though there was no need for thanks, he still wanted to let the other know that he appreciated it. Though, no amount of thanks could truly convey just how much he appreciated each action.
“Anything for you, dear.” Albedo had propped himself up with his elbows as their gazes met. Time seemed to stand still as they looked at each other with affection in their eyes. He always seemed to know exactly what would help without Kaeya having to say it.
It wasn’t long before he had fallen asleep.
Kaeya rolled over and stretched as he was gently nudged awake. After getting some rest, he felt refreshed and ready for the day. A day free of the responsibilities of work. A day where he can just take it easy. A day that he will be sharing with the love of his life.
He noticed that it was quite early. The sun hadn’t even come up yet. Looking over at Albedo, he made a light comment, “What happened to needing rest?”
“Oh hush, I have something I’d like to show you.” There was a glint in his eyes as
A packed bag sat on the table when the two got downstairs. Curiously, Kaeya stepped towards it, reaching out to look inside, but before he could, Albedo pulled it out of reach to sling it on his back. A playful expression painted his face as he took Kaeya’s hand.
They began their trek with Albedo, who wouldn’t even give a hint to what he had planned, led the way. It was still early enough to where it was quiet outside. There didn’t seem to be any activity around them other than a few birds they passed here and there. Though, they took flight if they got too close to them. It wasn’t long before their pace picked up just slightly, causing Kaeya to figure they were just about at their destination. Sure enough, they had reached the spot Albedo had planned for them to go, Starsnatch Cliff.
“Give me one moment.” Setting the bag down, the other began to unpack it, pulling out a blanket and spreading it out on the grass. The bag was then placed on top of it as he pulled out a few apples, sunsettias and of course, his sketchbook. He grinned and patted the spot next to him. “Come on, we made it just in time.”
As Kaeya made his way over to sit, he noticed the sky had gained a bit of orange to it. It was a beautiful sight, and even more so that he was sharing this moment with Albedo. He turned to say something only to be met with a kiss. Closing his eyes, he melted into it. A moment later, he pulled away when he felt something tucked behind his ear. Reaching up to feel, he realized it was a cecilia.
“Something beautiful for someone who is just as beautiful.”