Chapter Text
“Does Albedo dislike me?” Kaeya asks.
Amber blinks at him, hand tightly wrapped around Baron Bunny’s plush one, “Are you dumb?”
Kaeya frowns, “I’ll have you know I am very intelligent.”
“You’re hopeless is what you are,” Amber teases, “However, I think rather than hating you, he doesn’t quite know how to interact with you.”
“Albedo does have the habit of locking himself away in his laboratory for long periods of time, but he doesn’t seem to have problems with social interaction when he does emerge from his lair. Albeit, when it comes to me.”
Amber sighs again, taking the bag of sunsettas the store clerk hands her. They were out running errands for the knights, collecting medicinal goods to restock, “You’re right. He doesn’t have problems with other people, just you Kaeya.”
Kaeya pouts as he scuffs his boot against a patch of dirt on the street, “So he does dislike me?”
Amber groans, “No, you idiot, just-” she takes a breath to calm herself, “just try toning down the flirtatious personality a bit next time you talk to him. I think, perhaps, it’s a little much for him. He may have mastered many of the human emotions since his master created him but even a homunculus may have trouble handling your prominent personality.”
“Flirting is my thing though,” Kaeya whines.
She gives him a deadpan look, “I’m sure you’ll survive oh Mr. Calvary Knight.”
“That’s Captain to you, Amber.”
***
The next opportunity to talk to the alchemist arises soon after. A meeting between those who hold prominent positions in the knights, just to simply discuss the current status of Mondstat and any future proceedings.
Albedo rarely speaks during these meetings, only talking when he is in need of more supplies for his experiments. On the contrary, Kaeya talks almost as much and the Acting Grandmaster and the Resident Librarian.
Despite his position as the Calvary Captain, he handles many other areas in the country as well. Most notably, he has tabs on everyone. Kaeya serves as the knight’s wealth of information. With a string of informants and the cunningness to keep them all in line.
He arrives early, all of the captains and chiefs slowly filtering into the meeting room after him.
When Jean and Lisa finally arrive right on the dot, there is only one person missing.
Kaeya leans over to whisper at Noelle, who was included in these meetings simply to act as a learning experience, “Where is Albedo?”
Noelle discretely whispers back, “Chief Albedo is making his way here from Dragonspine. I heard the conditions there were rougher than usually the past week, so he may be a little late.”
Kaeya frowns, worried, “What the hell is he doing in Dragonspine? It’s dangerous.”
Noelle shrugs, “I believe he is simply conducting experiments.”
Kaeya sighs. That man’s curiosity knows no bounds. One day he’s going to bite off more than he can chew. Kaeya can only hope that both the alchemist and Mondstat survive the aftermath when that happens.
Twenty minutes into the meeting when Kaeya is giving his report on the movements of the Liyue branch of the Fatui, Albedo comes bursting through the door.
“I’m-” gasp, “Sorry to be late, Grandmaster.” Albedo breaths heavily, resting his hands on his knees as he gasps for breath. Kaeya absentmindedly admires the work of his creator, Albedo may be made of a mix of elemental energy and machinery, but he seems to be as human as the rest of them.
Jean gives him a warm smile despite the heavy bags under her eyes, “Worry not Albedo, so far Kaeya has done nothing but ramble.”
Kaeya, who was absentmindedly nodding along with Jean’s reassurances does a double-take, “Yes, its qu- wait. Hey!”
“I’m only teasing, you know very well how important your work is to the safety of Mondstat, Captain,” Jean reassures him.
Kaeya slumps down in his seat, a pout on his face that is mostly just for show. Mostly.
Albedo walks over to the last empty seat, directly across from Kaeya. From here Kaeya can point out the flush of his cheeks and small beads of artificial sweat beading his hairline, “I have news.”
The whole table blinks in silence at him. Albedo never has news.
“I discovered something of notable importance while in Dragonspine. A cursed sword. Unable to be wielded by those of this world. I’ve ascertained that it has the possibility to be quite powerful if used correctly.”
“Does it present a threat?” Kaeya asks him, more alert at the possibility of danger.
Albedo bites down on his lip and turns to Jean with a guilty look, “I may have… done some experiments with the help of Aether.”
Jean sighs, reaching up to pinch at the bridge of her nose. Lisa reaches over to clasp her free hand in reassurance. “What happened?”
Albedo wrings his hangs in front of him, “There isn’t really an issue with the sword, but rather we may have… awaken a cryo regresivine in Dragonspine.”
The entire table lets out a series of groans. Regresivines don’t pose a threat to the city, as they are unable to move locations, however, there are always instances of citizens wandering into their path and not making it out alive.
Albedo keeps his eyes trained on his feet, “I’m really sorry.” Kaeya can hear the thickness in his voice and wonders if homunculi are able to cry.
Lisa is the one who salvages the situation, ever the sociable witch, “Kaeya, make sure you assemble a team to take out the regresivine as soon as possible. Bring along Amber, a pyro vision holder will be quite useful in this situation. I would also see if you could track down Xiangling if she happens to be in Mondstat.”
“Understood,” Kaeya responds automatically, already noting that Xiangling’s last known location was near Stormbearer Mountains.
“I will come along as well,” Albedo speaks up.
Jean glares at him, “Absolutely not Albedo. I know you would like to make up for your mistake but I can see you still trembling from the cold even now. You will stay here until you are back to full health.”
“But-”
“No. You are far too valuable to the knights for me to needlessly put you in danger.” Jean interrupts sternly.
Albedo doesn’t try to argue again, although it is evident from the small frown on his face that he is not pleased with the agreement.
The meeting ends shortly after, almost everyone leaving while Jean keeps Albedo behind to give him another stern warning. Kaeya waits outside the doors of the headquarters, head tilted back to drink in the feeling of the sun. Being a cryo vision wielder means being in a state of perpetual coldness. The sun is his saving grace in times when the cold creeps up his body leaving him feeling like he may freeze from the feeling. Albedo walks out of the door a couple of minutes later, completely oblivious to Kaeya as he mumbles to himself under his breath, hands in front of him as he counts something off on his fingers.
“Albedo,” Kaeya calls out to him. The alchemist doesn’t hear him.
Kaeya reaches out to tap his shoulder. Albedo jumps, turning toward Kaeya with wide eyes.
“Ah, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Albedo quickly averts his eyes, “I have a lot to do if this could wait till later, Captain.”
There it is again. Always avoiding him. Scurrying away after muttered excuses and short responses.
Kaeya remembers Amber’s words and takes a step back to make sure he doesn’t feel cornered, “I was just- uh.”
Shit. He didn’t actually have anything to say, he just wanted to take the opportunity to talk to him.
He racks his brain for something to say before his brain hops to the person closest to the alchemist, “I was just wondering how Sucrose is adjusting to her position? I haven’t been able to speak with her since you took her in as your assistant.”
Albedo blinks at him, seemingly surprised at the question, “She’s doing quite well. Although after speaking to you here it has come to my attention that I should probably allow her more free time.”
Kaeya fumbles at his response, “Oh god, I wasn’t trying to question your mentorship or anything. I just wanted to know.”
Albedo sighs, allowing his eyes to flutter close as he turns his face to the sun much like Kaeya had done moments before. Kaeya’s brain dumbly notices how long his eyelashes are sitting against pale skin before aqua eyes are focusing on him, “No, I didn’t take offense. It just reminded me that she is not unhuman like me. I forget sometimes, that everyone else needs things like sleep. I have probably been overworking her in my forgetfulness.”
His expression looks, not quite sad, but wistful. Kaeya’s heart aches and he has the urge to grab his hand. He doubts that would offer the alchemist comfort.
“I’m sure she is overworking herself through no fault of yours. It is quite difficult to tear that girl away from her studies.”
Albedo smiles faintly at this and Kaeya is pleased that he seems to have offered him some form of comfort.
“I should be going now. I will prepare warming potions for those of you venturing into Dragonspine.”
Kaeya frowns, “Jean instructed you to rest.”
Albedo gives him a small smirk that leaves Kaeya reeling, “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
He leaves, and Kaeya is left staring at the spot he was standing in moments before. He never really thought that Albedo had a rebellious streak in him. He was sorely mistaken.
***
Two days later Kaeya does a headcount of the people who will be joining him on the expedition. They managed to track down Xiangling. She and Amber are chatting cheerfully off to the side. Kaeya tried desperately to drag Diluc along, but he promptly stated he would rather chug a bottle of dandelion wine than step foot in the cold climate of Dragonspine. A powerful statement coming from the alcohol despising winery owner.
Mona is tagging along, Kaeya convincing her with the promise of mora.
Kaeya signs. He would have liked more vision wielders who were effective against cryo enemies, as he was practically useless with his cryo vision. He also mourns the lack of warming potions. Albedo had never shown up to drop them off. When Amber had asked about them early that morning he had claimed that they were not finished yet.
“Alright, we’re going to head out. I see everyone dressed warmly. If you need more layers I have brought a couple of jackets and blankets. Just let me know.”
After informing them of this, Kaeya and the others begin their trek to Dragonspine. They make it to the end of the bridge before someone calls after them.
“Wait!” Kaeya turns around to Albedo running over to them, his hair falling out of the delicate braids on his head.
Kaeya resists the urge to smile at the sight, instead simply raising an eyebrow at the disheveled alchemist, “Brought the warming potions?”
Albedo nods, “Yep, I’m ready to go.”
That’s when Kaeya notices his attire. Instead of his usual uniform, he is wrapped up in a winter jacket entirely too thick for the moderate climate of the city.
“Jean is going to kill both me and you if I let you do this.” He says, face completely blank.
Albedo returns the look, “I don’t care.”
“Well, I do. I would like to keep my head attached to my body, if at all possible.”
Albedo is getting worked up now, something that Kaeya has never had the pleasure of seeing, “Don’t be dramatic.”
Kaeya feels a flare of annoyance rush through him, “I am not being dramatic!” he yells, surprised at the volume of his own voice. He looks over at the rest of the group, stubbornly ignoring the look on Amber’s face that says 'really'?
Kaeya huffs, grabbing Albedo’s arm and dragging him over to the side, “This isn’t a good idea, Albedo.” Kaeya whispers.
Albedo chews on his bottom lip, “I know. I just- I need to do this, Kaeya.”
Kaeya ignores the loud sound of his pulse echoing in his ears. Albedo had never used his name before. Always some variation of Captain.
“Please?” Albedo asks, looking up at him with pleading eyes.
Kaeya decides that he is a very, very weak man.
“Fine.”