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Kaeya swung open the door of Angel's Share, waving and flashing a fake grin. He spotted a table of Treasure Hoarders and moved towards it, careful to maintain a leisurely stride.
The thieves tensed when they saw the knight approach, but seemed to relax when he shot them a wink and lightened the mood with a few jokes. "Can I order you a drink? Free of charge, of course. I don't charge new friends…" He smirked, "Only longtime acquaintances." He met the annoyed glare Rosaria sent him (he hadn't noticed her coming in, but that was to be expected).
Already drunk, a single Treasure Hoarder broke into senseless laughter, soon joined by the others. Kaeya maintained his friendly demeanor for now. He should've felt that rush by now of breaking down the thieves defenses, but instead he continued to just feel hollow inside. What in Teyvat was Albedo doing that was more important than him?
Later that evening, Kaeya thought to question Albedo about it and maybe spend some more time with him, but was left with more questions than answers. From what Kaeya could gather, Albedo had spent the entire day holed up in his lab, working on something so difficult that he even required Mona's help. Kaeya had tried to enter, of course, always one to ignore the signs Albedo put up on the basis that they didn't apply to him, but found the door every time stubbornly locked until he stopped bothering to check.
After a good few minutes of waiting, Albedo slipped out the door, putting on his coat and still ignoring Kaeya. Whatever was happening, it seemed like he was in a hurry.
"Bedo, what'cha up to?"
"Oh, Kaeya. It's nice to see you." Though monotone as ever, something shimmered in Albedo's eyes. Something almost… apologetic. After a brief kiss, initiated by Kaeya himself and ended early by Albedo, they went their separate ways.
Kaeya stood there for a minute, watching Albedo walk into the night with intention, wondering if he should run after him. Instead, Kaeya went home and, for what felt like the first time in years, despite being in the relationship for far less and having gone to bed without him for a few days in a row by now, slept alone.
Kaeya felt so weary, but he had responsibilities. If anything, it was his fault for letting his feelings for Albedo get in the way of his judgment, and of course it wouldn't last very long. This was Albedo, after all. Charming, beautiful, intelligent, illusive Albedo who settled down with no one.
Kaeya attempted to calm himself, shoving the metaphorical mask onto his face harder than ever. This wasn't his first time feeling this way, it probably wouldn't be his last, but he'd keep going as usual and somehow make it through.
He turned when his drink was pulled away, only to see who it was.
"Albedo?"
"Kaeya… I owe you an apology." Albedo turned towards Rosaria who was glaring daggers at him, then continued unfazed, "I let my priorities get confused and have left you alone without me."
"At least tell me what you were doing."
Albedo looked again at Rosaria whose glare was unrelenting.
"Here, take a look. This was meant to be a surprise, but…" On the table, five crystals were placed, each a deep purple and decorated with silver metal along the top, each sporting the figure of a six pointed star and with lights glowing from inside the crystals themselves.
Kaeya stared silently and Albedo continued, "I tried to get all six, but… I'm sorry. There are no excuses to be made."
Albedo flinched when Kaeya started laughing. "You actually did it! You brought down the literal stars to give to me as a present. I am so sorry for bugging you and getting suspicious when this was all for me. Thank you so much!"
"So five is enough for you?"
"Even one or two would be impressive. Of course five is more than enough!"
"I'm glad you think so. I still don't think it would be enough to express my love for you, but well, few things are. The only thing I can think of that is on par is my love for Klee, and you know how much we both love her."
"She keeps things interesting, that's for sure."
"Anyways, I know I can't recreate the care you put into your gifts, but I thought to at least give you something of value."
Kaeya leaned into Albedo's touch, the rest of the tavern nothing but background noise.
"I'm sorry Kaeya, but I really need to go this time. I have kept Sucrose waiting long enough."
Kaeya nodded, a plan brewing in his mind.
That evening, Kaeya returned home to find Albedo finally where he belonged, seemingly preparing dinner. "Welcome home, Kaeya. Have you used your stella fontuna yet?"
"Not yet, I wanted to save that for you."
"That's nice. I was initially planning on running an experiment, but… these are yours. I shouldn't be the one to make these decisions."
"I'd gladly take part in any experiments you have planned, but first I got you a little something."
Albedo looked inside the bag Kaeya handed him, full of flowers, art supplies, pastries, and various sorts of trinkets. "I know it's nothing compared to what you got me, but… I wanted to at least get you something. I mean, how am I supposed to respond to a gift like that?'
"Would you say it's the best gift you could ask for?"
"Not quite. There is one thing I would enjoy even more." Kaeya leaned forward and took Albedo's hands gently in his own.
"What would that be?"
"More time with you, of course."
"If that's all you want, you can have it any time."
"Then forget all these fancy gifts and tell me about what you've been doing."
Cuddled up on their couch, sharing one plate of food, Kaeya and Albedo talked about everything they could think of, to keep the conversation going just a bit longer and hear more of the other's voice until they finally fell asleep against one another, still together in their dreams.