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Xiao, four years ago, had to have a flower removed from his body. The procedure had left him with a disconnection between most feelings, and people now only saw the lack of an expression when gazing at his face. Quite a shame, most people percieved him to be quite beautiful. Among those people was his friend.
Albedo had been with him since before he had the stupid flower removed. He was always there to cheer him up or keep him warm when it was cold out. Though Xiao had originally only had eyes for the traveler (no one actually knew their name), Albedo could've sworn it obvious he was quite interested in the guy. Even after the removal of the disease, Albedo was the only one who stuck around. Nobody else wanted to be the shell of a human's friend.
To give him credit, though, Albedo was really the only person who remembered Xiao's love for simple things, like birds and almond tofu. He also remembered just how much Xiao enjoyed cuddling. Which was what they were doing now.
Xiao had silently approached him while he was laying in bed and curled up to him with his face buried in his chest. Albedo didn't mind. The subtle scent of Qingxin flowers was a nice distraction from doomscrolling.
It was nice. Quiet. Comfortable. For him, at least. Xiao seemed to be shifting slightly, as if something was on his mind. And so, Albedo decided to ask.
"What is bothering you, Xiao?" He questioned, his tone neutral. He hid the leap his heart made when Xiao gazed up at him with those ever so golden eyes behind a carefully practiced expression.
"Nothing." Xiao muttered out, pausing a second before humming gently. "Actually, something. I'm having trouble with a question someone asked me earlier today. I... think it upset some part of me. You were the one I thought of that could help." He explained. Albedo hid his slightly red face in Xiao's hair.
"May I know the question?" He hummed out, moving to gently massage the other's back, if only to keep his hands busy. Xiao seemed to like it, as he muttered a small "right there" when Albedo shifted his hands down slightly.
"'Do you remember what the basis of love is?'" He quoted. The blonde could hear how he tried to mimic the tone of the person who asked the question, even if it came out as dry and inexpressive as ever. Albedo thought about the question. It was a tough one indeed. How was he supposed to explain what love was to someone who couldn't understand the feel of it?
"Well..." he started, "love isn't really something that can be described with detailed words. People may try, but it simply isn't possible. 'Love' is a concept without context, only actions. Like... how someone may take care of another when the other is feeling down. One may not want to, but one will if it's for the person they love."
He could feel Xiao's lashes flutter gently as he blinked. He may have gotten sidetracked when explaining. He glanced down to meet the other's eyes. He spotted a small sliver of curiosity lost in the golden indifference.
"... you take care of me when I feel 'down'." Xiao stated. Albedo's eyes widened slightly, before he glanced away.
"Ah, yes... yes, I do. Why are you bringing this up?" He managed to get out, trying his best not to show his fluster.
"Does that mean you love me?" The room was silent for a moment after those words. Albedo didn't know what to say. He lay there, shocked for a moment, before smiling gently. Damn feelings.
"You can-..." a sigh, "Yes. I love you, Xiao. More than you'll ever know." He gazed back at Xiao. Something had settled over the other's face. Some form of warmth he couldn't quite pinpoint. It seemed to be satisfaction? Or realization? He couldn't tell. All he knew was that Xiao had gently pushed him onto his back (he hadn't noticed that he had sat up) and hovered above him for a moment before leaning down and kissing his cheek.
His skin heated up quickly and rapidly. His face was blank save for a gentle shock, but his mind was going a hundred miles an hour. Why did he do that? Did he know what it was? What it symbolized? Did he actually, truly reciprocate his own feelings? After all this time? He snapped out of it when Xiao looked confused.
"Is that not how others show their love for one another?" He asked, tilting his head gently. Albedo let out a small chuckle.
"It is. You just caught me off guard, is all." He replied, sitting up slowly and meeting the other's eyes.
"Oh. Apologies." Xiao responded, glancing down. Albsdo noticed that he kept his eyes trained on his stomach area. Cute.
"It's alright. Say, I do know of another way to show love to your partners. Mind if we try?" Xiao nodded slightly, and Albedo smiled softly. He then brought a hand to the other's chin, gently lifting it and leaning closer. Their lips touched in a gentle and caring manner, and he closed his eyes. Soon, he felt Xiao kissing him back, just as gently.
They broke apart after a moment, but Albedo kept his forehead against Xiao's. Both had a moment to catch their breath, before the blonde broke the silence.
"I love you, Xiao..." he whispered, keeping his eyes closed. He could feel the other's lashes flutter against his own.
"I... I love you, too." Xiao replied, wrapping his arms around Albedo's shoulders. The latter took this as a signal, and wrapped his own arms around the other's waist.