Chapter Text
Lips met first, then tongues intertwined.
All the rest came into a blur.
Things started slow, with the Traveler showing up far more than usual—far more than considered normal. He was always alone, always bearing clothes that left him shivering in the cold. Where’s your little floating companion? Albedo remembered asking on the first night as he draped the thickest blanket he could find over Aether’s shaking shoulders. Light and careful, scared of the pull—the temptation calling him to give in to his desires.
Always looking away when he drew near exposed skin—Aether’s exposed skin.
The Traveler merely shrugged, holding the blanket closer to his hold before returning a small smile,
“Paimon’s giving me space.”
Secrets left unsaid, but Albedo had secrets of his own as well. So he settled his curiosity with a curt nod and returned to his work, but not without his eyes darting to and fro at the figure sitting by the fire. Tracing the silhouette of the carrier of stars, he licked his lips and swallowed a feeling that made his throat run dry. Albedo pushed off the ringing thought of the Traveler left bare and naked, save for a bottom undergarment.
But the hunger remained insatiable.
He should have stopped him that first night, with the two of them left alone in the frosty cold of a tempestuous terrain. Albedo was not a stranger to solitude. Even with his master, their stoic and detached character led him to grow accustomed to isolation. Enough for him to embrace the shadows looming and enveloping—ringing his ears with whispers only he could hear. And for years, that was his life. Thinking of nothing but to be of use, he strived and followed and studied the secrets of the universe, only to be struck by a being from another world.
A quick flash of lightning. A single flap of a butterfly’s wings.
He’s a stranger like me, he remembered thinking after Timaeus animatedly recalled the events of a strange traveler saving the city of Mondstadt from Dvalin’s curse. A stranger… but a welcomed stranger.
A hero. A savior.
“Albedo,” a familiar voice called him back from his trance, and he was met with the very stars at first glance. Aether smiled at him, and he could do nothing but smile in return. The Traveler’s hand traced his face, feeling its callous surface brush against his skin. It was a warmth he didn’t know he’d been craving, not since their first meeting far up the deep trenches of Dragonspine’s steepest mountains.
Today marked the Traveler’s seventy-first visit since he wandered here all those months ago without his loud and bubbly companion in tow. The silence was unnerving—it remained unnerving still. A peculiar thing to Albedo, for he always preferred silence and concentration to the point of forgetting the demands of a human body. But with Aether’s constant visits, he found himself distracted. The sight of the Traveler’s bare skin caused every part of him to tighten, to coil back in surrender for fear of breaking and losing control. Aether appeared unbothered and continued to make himself comfortable among the makeshift comforts of his base. In those first seventy visits, his guest spent the time sitting, staring—as if he was waiting for something to happen, but Albedo could only stare back in return. Careful, of course, from dropping his gaze on bare shoulders and a slender, inviting nape.
More often, the blanket covering his torso slipped and Albedo could spy pert and rosy nipples within his vision. The Chief Alchemist had to grip the table tight and shut his eyes closed, drawing his focus away from the being shaped by the very stars in the universe. After the Traveler grew satisfied with his stay and left with a lingering trace, Albedo would find his thoughts back on that smooth and graceful neck. He wondered what the Traveler would taste like. Salty, sweet, or both at the same time? He wondered if he was ticklish; if Aether would shudder as he crept nearer and nearer, whispering sweet nothings until his visitor was left hard and moaning. He wondered about the sounds escaping from his lips—were they high and squeaky or hoarse and taut? He wondered and wondered and wondered until his fantasies brought his transgressions out and about. So, to repent for his sins, Albedo greeted the Traveler coldly after that. Polite, yet cold. Curt nods and short replies were returned, but the Traveler remained oblivious and bare and teasing—
He was back to wondering after Aether had left, with his hand on his cock and shallow breaths gasping out the Traveler’s name again and again.
“Albedo,” the Traveler called again, feeling warmth blossom all throughout his entire body. Both hands were cupping his face now, light and hesitant as if Aether wasn’t sure if he was crossing the line or not. Albedo’s head was ringing, and the warmth before him blinded him from thinking. So, he pushed all other thoughts aside and caved in to his cravings. He wrapped his palms on Aether’s hands and pressed all the doubts aside. Albedo breathed in the Traveler’s warmth and allowed it to swallow him whole.
Opening his eyes, he saw the face of the heavens beaming. Aether’s golden eyes stared back, half-lidded and wanting; his cheeks glowing like the blaze of the flaming flower, and his mouth parted—waiting patiently for something to happen like his first seventy visits. Unable to contain himself any longer, Albedo felt the walls of his control break like an overflowing dam reaching its peak. Everything happened quickly. His hands slipped down the Traveler’s bare waist, mapping the fine lines of his lean muscles. Feeling Aether shudder from his grasp roused him further, but Albedo remembered himself for fear of scaring him away.
“Tell me to stop and I will,” Albedo whispered, hungry and wanting, but he cared for the Traveler a great deal and he needed to know if he wanted this just as much as he did. Aether answered by moving closer and closer until their breaths were just an inch away from each other.
“Do anything but stop.”
A surge collapsed all the fears and doubts, and Albedo leaned in, capturing the lips of the Honorary Knight. Aether’s lips were chapped and cold, but upon their meeting, a heat bloomed. He wanted a taste, just a quick and short taste but the power within him urged his greed and longing. With a flick of his tongue on the other’s lips, he waited for Aether to take a breath—parting his mouth open before crashing their lips, now with their tongues, once again. All those awkward kisses shared before this, before him, all of those were nothing but a farce. This—this was the kiss sung in songs and written in books. This was the kiss that the gods deemed as the divine, the sublime, and Albedo wanted nothing more than to share a hundred kisses with him. Thousands. Millions. An eternity’s worth of kisses with him, and him alone. Albedo cupped the Traveler’s face, reaching for him to come closer because this wasn’t enough, nothing was enough. He wanted to breathe in every gasp that escaped from Aether’s lips. He wanted to taste him more—discover each trace of his body with his tongue alone. He wanted nothing more than to swallow him whole and to be swallowed in the same manner.
He wanted and wanted and wanted, feeling like a spell, a curse, a decree of the heavens.
“Tell me to stop and I will,” Albedo basically growled in the Traveler’s ear, but instead of being met by fear, Aether returned a light chuckle before wrapping his arms around the alchemist’s shoulders and started grinding his cock against his.
“I’m yours, Albedo. Do as you wish with me,” he whispered in his ear before his breathing grew more and more labored after every contact. Albedo placed his hands on the Traveler’s bare thighs, quickly shifting their position but careful for Aether to land softly on the furs settled on the floor. Meeting their eyes, he saw the same feral hunger creeping through his skin—turning his body all hot and bothered and needy, so needy for a release. Gritting his teeth, he looked at the Traveler sprawled out on the floor with nothing but his underwear. His braid had long set loose with golden locks now free and disheveled, a fitting crown for the most perfect being in the universe. His face was flushed with want and arousal, and his lips full and wet from their shared kisses.
Shifting his gaze lower, Aether’s nipples now came into his view and he no longer felt like a filthy voyeur. Albedo grazed his hands along the Traveler’s thighs all the way down his calves, peppering his foot with light kisses. “Aether…” he began, now licking on his foot and sucking on his toe like a man starved and deprived of all pleasures, “Aether, I want you… so much. But I… I need to take a step back.”
The Traveler appeared too preoccupied in hiding his embarrassment than to understand the words escaping from the alchemist’s lips. His hands covered his face, but nothing could conceal the flush creeping up even to the tips of his ears. Albedo, too mesmerized by Aether—his Aether’s shyness, pulled himself back up and licked his ear, whispering gently, “Show me your face.”
The Traveler complied after a short intake of breath, showing his flustered face and meeting Albedo’s gaze.
“Aether, do you trust me?”
The Traveler nodded without skipping a beat, and Albedo could only smile before he met their lips for the second time this evening. Albedo felt his entire body burn, but he could only nip at the Traveler’s lips and meet the heat he had been craving for months and months of wondering, longing—fantasizing. Giving Aether time to breathe, he began kissing the shape of his jaw down to the back of his neck, grazing the Traveler’s skin lightly with his teeth. Brushing his fingers all over his chest, Albedo made a quick experiment and flicked the needy-looking nipple near his reach. Aether’s stricken moan caught him by surprise before moving quickly to uncover another discovery.
Albedo untucked his top off of his pants, and pulled his cock out—all hard and leaking and aching for the man before him. Aether moved to touch him, but he stopped him swiftly. Instead, the alchemist lightly pinched his nipple to lure another song out of his lips.
“I’ll be quick. I just…” he began to explain while he stroked his needy cock, his gaze never turning away from the Traveler, “I’m so close and I don’t want to hurt you, so please—”
“You could never hurt me.”
All the pressure weighing on Albedo’s shoulders quickly dispersed as he eagerly drew his cock so close to the Traveler’s face and rubbed it against the nipple he pinched a few moments before. He told no lie, bringing himself to a close in a few minutes. But before he could move away to release his come out of the Traveler’s field of vision, he was stopped with two hands gripping his thighs tightly.
“Come on my face.”
“Wha—”
“Come on my face, Albedo,” the Traveler repeated, locking his golden eyes with his and luring his tongue out teasingly, “I want to taste you.”
And with that, Albedo obliged his request, gasping his name again and again until he shot his come all over Aether’s beatific face. The Traveler held his tongue out and wide—like the thirsty calling for the fall of rain. Their gaze met as Aether wiped his come off of his cheek and proceeded to lick it off of his hand. Unable to contain himself any further, Albedo pulled the Traveler up and stripped him off of his underwear before proceeding to lie on his back.
“Sit on my face.”
The Traveler went back to looking all coy despite his shameless display of swallowing his come just a moment ago. His knees were pulled together, trying his hardest to conceal his arousal but Albedo could smell it—couldn’t wait to taste him and lap at his come just as enthusiastically. He reached for the Traveler’s reddened ears and stroked his cheek as if he was painting a masterpiece.
He remembered the world all bleak and still before… before love appeared and painted the canvass of his blank surface. He remembered being scared, he remembered being lost, he remembered being lifeless before his Master came and called his name like the very breath of life. He remembered Alice’s comforting arms stretched out, welcoming him to a place he could call home. He remembered Klee’s weight as she jumped towards him—trusting him to catch her from falling. And he did… every time. He remembered Sucrose and Timaeus’s utmost respect for his capabilities despite being an intruder to their home. He remembered Jean, Lisa, Kaeya, Amber, Mona, Barbara, even the young master Xingqui coloring his world and accepting him for who he is—what he is. And at this moment, he remembered the Traveler’s first time smiling at him.
The moment he promised the world to Aether, and to him alone.
“You’re so beautiful, my dear traveler,” he said softly, his fingers mapping the outline of Aether’s face—committing it to his memory, “the most beautiful in any universe.”
“You’re just saying that…” Aether returned, back to covering his face out of sheer embarrassment. Albedo reached for his hands and drew them to his lips, whispering silent promises he would, one day, gain the courage to speak.
“I could stare at you for all eternity… if you’ll allow me.”
Words escaped his lips before he could even stop himself, but these very words drew Aether to surrender to his wishes, but not without reaching for another lasting kiss—an apparent craving… like they have been longing for each other after all this time. But the Traveler was far too beautiful for him to keep. He walked with a train of lovers and admirers, singing songs and writing tales of his gallant courage and strength. The locals, the vision-holders, the adepti—even the gods worshipped his genuine kindness and vigor. This was a dream… a mere dream, and he would treasure it until the lasting decay of this body returns to the deep, dark abyss of the ocean floor.
“What are you thinking of?” Aether breathed in his ear as he traced his teeth across its shape, causing Albedo to shudder in divine rapture. The Chief Alchemist fixed Aether’s position, spreading his legs wide and bestowing the pleasure of seeing his cock so close he could almost taste it. Aether’s cock was stiff and leaking with a few drops of come peeking through, begging to be touched and swallowed.
“How you are revered by the gods themselves.”
He began by licking a long, hard stripe and took in the moans escaping from the being made entirely of starlight. Pleased to see that the Traveler was relishing the worship he could offer from one hard lap to another, Albedo held his tongue out and swallowed the tip of his aching cock. He remained patient despite the aching grasp of the Traveler above him, and slowly bobbed his mouth to the length of Aether’s cock. He steadied himself by moving his hand up and down the base, even gently kneading on his balls with his fingertips. But before he could even hollow his mouth so he could reach even deeper and swallow the Traveler’s cock further down his throat, Aether began pushing him away. Albedo, however, remained stubborn and stayed. A hot rush of come flowed through his mouth, the bitter and salty tang reached his tongue, but he was more entranced by the beauty standing before him. The Traveler had both of his eyes closed, his head tilted up to the heavens with moans of pleasure ringing all throughout the cave. He steadied himself by holding onto Albedo’s shoulders and eventually grew weak for his knees to support him. The Chief Alchemist was quick to his feet, however, holding on to the blissful wonder and laying him against his chest. Albedo watched the Traveler catch his breath while he slid his hand across his wet thighs and licked the remaining come off of his palm.
“I want you inside me,” he ordered weakly. Albedo wiped the sweat forming across Aether’s temple, and began to map his neck all the way down his back with scattered kisses. He ran his palms all over his bare skin, stroking his nape, teasing his nipples, and licked his arched back in long, steady stripes. Aether continued to groan out of pleasure, leaning his body until he’s on all fours.
He continued to caress the shape of the Traveler’s lean body, continued his teasing, continued his worshipping until he was staring straight at Aether’s luscious and puckered hole. Steadying himself, he drew closer and closer until his breath was so close, the Traveler couldn’t help releasing a sudden shriek.
“Albedo—what… what are you doing?”
Brushing his hands along the curves of the Traveler’s ass, Albedo licked his lips and blew a teasing puff before gripping Aether’s thighs as if his life depended on it.
“Paying homage.”
He started gently, he always did. Albedo first littered light kisses along the Traveler’s inner thighs. He grew hungrier, however, and began grazing his teeth on rich and golden skin. His kisses became fervent and heated, sucking on the skin and leaving bruises to mark the Traveler as his, his—only his. He was Aether’s, and in this dream, Albedo wished Aether was his too.
Only in this dream will he succumb to his inner greed.
At the first lick on his hole, Albedo felt the Traveler shudder. At the second lick, he heard him groan—unrestrained and uncontained. The Chief Alchemist thought that this suited him perfectly. As a being capable of challenging the very heavens—the very stars that form every little thing in this world, Aether should be free to do as he wishes. Taking in his scent and gripping the Traveler’s aching cock once again, Albedo began to devour him. He wanted to taste every surface, wanted to capture every come dripping, wanted to fill him with all the pleasures of the world. The moans escaping from Aether’s lips became rampant as well, moans that chanted Albedo’s name as if he was the one revered and worshipped. Shortly after, however, the Traveler’s hand moved to stop Albedo and it caused a rush of fear within him. Was he too rough? Was he too inexperienced? Was he too hungry—too thirsty for the being before him? Did the Traveler realize the depth of his affections—the gravity of his… of his adoration scared him away? But before more thoughts—evil thoughts clouded his mind, Aether cupped his face and placed a chaste and tender kiss on his lips.
“I’m ready,” he whispered in his ear and began stripping off his top. Aether was magic—Aether was wonder, for with a mere whisper he could drift all the clouds and shadows away. The very shadows that consumed his being ever since he can remember. The Traveler ran his palms all over his bare chest, and brushed the edges of his torso, pulling him closer—closing the distance in between, “I want you inside me, Albedo.”
“You’ll get hurt,” Albedo tried to argue, but his arms were already wrapping themselves around the Traveler’s waist. Aether nipped his ear, panting in wanton rhythms and singing muted hymns of pleasure. He began to rock his cock against his once again. But now, no clothing stood against them. Skin to skin met, and bodies trembled in heat and arousal. Albedo kept burning—kept being pulled to the heat of his desires and he wanted nothing more than to drown in it.
“I’m ready, I’m… I’m prepared. I’ve been preparing myself for a long time now, so please…”
The image of Aether begging to be fucked while he was holding him was something even dreams couldn’t reach, but here he was, pleading to be filled. His cock was dripping—both their cocks were hot and dripping, and who was Albedo to deprived his majesty, his Almighty from his pleasure?
“Albedo… please.”
The alchemist planted a soft kiss on his temple before moving to honor the face he had spent hours and hours looking at—memorizing until he can sketch the outlines of the Traveler from his memory alone. Aether’s cheeks were red and warm, his entire body was red and warm. His lips were full and inviting, deep breaths escaping—looking so debauched and wretched, Albedo couldn’t think of a singular thing to challenge his beauty.
He believed that nothing could come close.
Albedo stared at his eyes, golden irises barely seen by how dilated, how hungry he was for his touch. He felt his heart clench and his cock grow stiffer by breathing in the Traveler’s warmth. Running his fingertips from his jaw to the curve of his neck, he pulled him close and whispered the secrets of his soul, “As you wish, my dear Traveler.”
He remembered his fingers creating an opening on his hole. Aether’s entrance was loose and wet—maybe from his licking, maybe from something entirely different. He easily pushed a finger inside and his dear Traveler yelped in excitement, blurting out words that bewitched his entire body and soul, I want you inside of me. I’m ready, I swear, Albedo my love, I’m ready—
Albedo watched the Traveler grab his cock and lead it inside of his hole.
All the rest came to a blur.
Everything burned—the tightness, the heat, the moans escaping the lips of this stellar being, everything burned and he wanted nothing more than to let this fire consume him. He wanted to be gentle, he wanted to be slow, but Aether had tears falling down his cheeks and kept begging and begging and begging that Albedo quickly lost control. He pulled the Traveler closer, their skin meeting—sweat and come all came to a meeting and he began thrusting. Aether continued groaning, out of pain or pleasure, Albedo couldn’t tell, but with the right thrust at the right angle, he was pleased to have found the spot that made the Traveler lose all of his senses.
Aether wrapped his arms around him tightly, probably from the fear of falling but Albedo wouldn’t let him fall—never. He held him with the same ferocity, the same pressure, and breathed in the moans worth all the heavens in the universe. Nails scraped his skin, teeth sank into his shoulders. Bruises were probably forming, but he paid no mind to the aches and the limits of a mortal body and kissed the Traveler with his everything. Teeth crashed, lips scraped, breaths turned ragged and panting, but he only saw Aether painted in pleasure and lust—the nearby fire bathing him more golden than the very sun.
“Aether,” Albedo said with a deep thrust earning another chorus of uncontained rapture, “my sun and stars, my saving grace.”
“Tell me you’re mine,” the Traveler managed to croak, his voice rough and gruff from all the screaming, “Tell me you’re mine, my prince.”
“I’m yours… Since the very beginning—I am yours forever.”
Aether looked at him with tears forming in his eyes, full of brightness and contentment, and the alchemist kissed his tears away before another round of deep thrusting. The Traveler was close, and Albedo held him firmly for fear that he would run, escape, regret the dream they shared—were sharing together. He wanted more, he wanted everything the Traveler could offer, but he would let him come first. Sliding his tongue from Aether’s neck down to his perky and taut nipples, he took a harsh bite, ran his hand up and down the aching cock, and took in the Traveler’s orgasm.
He was close too, so he waited until Aether caught his breath before he slid his cock out of that glorious hole.
“Wha—what are you doing?”
“I’m close… very close.”
The Traveler kept his weight down and slid Albedo’s cock back to his hole, earning a sudden rush of pleasure before regaining his composure. Their eyes met once more, only this time, power and might surfaced through the Traveler’s gaze—enough to feel his knees grow weak and his breath hitch because of such outstanding beauty.
“Come inside me.”
“Your stomach—”
“Gods—you’re mine, remember? You belong to me.”
Albedo was a few thrusts away from coming, and his need to release began clouding all of his reason. He managed to capture the man he held, however. Captured the way his entire being glowed—challenging the light and warmth of a thousand suns and more. Captured the way he kept his reign despite his body trembling from overstimulation. Captured the way he mouthed the words, you belong to me.
Albedo Kreideprinz was nothing but his most devoted believer.
“Yes… yes, I’m yours.”
“Then, come inside me, my prince. Fill me up.”
At the command of his sun and stars, Albedo came inside, filling his walls—his tightness and heat with his fill. His skin ran hot and feverish, his heart started beating in unsteady rhythms, and his body shuddered and flushed from a transcendent sensation. Aether egged him on and held him close before meeting their lips once more. After satisfying his desires, he felt the weight of exhaustion on his shoulders—felt the ache of bruises, bites, and scratches, but when Albedo tried to stand, his mind drifting to where he might get a clean, wet cloth, Aether stopped him.
“Stay with me.”
With his decree, the alchemist followed suit. Wrapping his entire body—all moist from sweat, spit, and come around Aether’s and planting light and chaste kisses within his reach, they drifted to sleep with their bodies entangled against the furs that kept them nice and warm. Dreams did not come that night, not when the Traveler’s body against his was better than any wish upon the heavens.
—
After the satisfaction came the realization.
Albedo blinked his eyes, noticing that the fire in the hearth grew feeble and low. The cold seeped through, biting to the feel of his skin—a sensation he wasn’t a stranger to for all the time he spent in this land of ice and snow. He laid naked and exposed, but there was a warmth remaining even with the fire almost gone. Turning to his side, he spied Aether sleeping restfully beside him. The Traveler laid on his stomach, his bare ass covered in dried spit and come. Seeing him forced Albedo to recall the events that transpired just a few hours before. He felt his cheeks burn—his throat dry and hitching before he finally gained the strength to stand to his feet and grab the nearest clothing he could reach. Thoughts began to flow one surge to another—what possessed him to do that? To sully the very being of the stars—leave him corrupted with his touch? Was it the loneliness that was his constant companion ever since he can remember? Was it the greed inside of him… slowly stripping and swallowing him one second after another?
What was it?
He dressed quickly, unable to picture the bareness of his body and soul—the words that left his lips. The very whispers of his heart. Attempting to compose himself to face the boy he tarnished with this… with this body, he jumped in surprise to see golden eyes staring back at him. The Traveler bore a cold air in his gaze, even colder than the biting chill from the lack of a proper campfire.
Albedo tried to speak but found himself at a loss for words.
What should he say? What was the proper thing to say? What? What? WHAT?
A soft rustle of sheets snapped him back from the storm brewing inside of him, only to find the Traveler already reaching for his bottoms in silence.
Everything felt cold—Albedo felt like his entire body was being scaped. His stiff jaw prevented him from breathing, much less speak, so he could only take in slow and shallow breaths to still himself from… whatever was happening. Lips wanting to utter anything—anything at all laid silent. Albedo wanted to shut his eyes and force his way out of this terrible nightmare, but he could only stare at the boy dressing before him.
After the Traveler fixed his scarf on the neck littered with bruises and kisses—Albedo’s kisses, he finally met his gaze once again.
“I’ll take my leave.”
Albedo wanted to stop him. He wanted to reach for his hands and make him stay. He wanted to talk—to apologize for his disgusting behavior, to express the secrets of his heart, but there were no words. No words escaped, only a dry, useless throat and dozens of thoughts that came like a storm surge.
He watched Aether stand there, cracked lips quivering and swollen eyes reddening, yet he didn’t do anything but return a curt nod.
When the Traveler left after his seventy-first visit, no lingering warmth remained. The memories of unrestrained heat and incessant tenderness came like a fleeting dream. Albedo Kreideprinz was left with nothing but more shadows looming, whispering all the wickedness of his being.
A star fell and left a hollow before he could even think of making a wish.
—
Two months. Nine weeks. Sixty-four days. One thousand five hundred thirty-six hours. Ninety-two thousand one hundred sixty minutes. Five million five hundred thousand—
“The stars told me you fucked up badly, Albedo,” a sharp and cutting voice called him out of his reverie with the sound of the curtains being opened. The torrid light of the midmorning sunshine blinded him for a short moment before a figure standing proudly in her custom astrological attire came into his view. Blinking his eyes until he regained his senses, Albedo couldn’t help groaning irritably at the look of Mona’s stern and judging face.
The stars had no right to intrude on his business and neither did Mona Megistus, but Albedo kept his mouth shut for fear of being thrown in a wet and dark abyss. Especially when this mortal body lacked its much needed sleep.
“I was not aware that stars can talk…” he scoffed under his breath, but no words could escape the astrologist's hearing, not even when she was a few feet away from him, blankly staring out the large window near his bed. He was met with silence—a chilling and fitful silence that brought him out of his composure. The frustrations multiplied day after day since that… that dream—just a mere dream, and he often found himself losing focus and making mistakes. The Acting Grand Master stepped up and demanded him to take a vacation after Sucrose and Timaeus’ worried accounts for their Chief Alchemist. He wanted to argue—to confront her with her hypocrisy, but she was his superior and his friend. He knew she was only trying to help. So, he packed his bag and trod back to the capital carrying a deep frown and a heavy heart.
Two months. Nine weeks. Sixty-four days. One thousand five hundred thirty-six hours. Ninety-two thousand—
“I fairly remember you calling a certain someone ‘the brightest star to have ever graced the world.’”
Albedo swiftly met her gaze and saw cold eyes staring back at him. Mona Megistus always seemed cold and mocking, but within those icy walls laid a warmth that understood and respected him. She probably knew the secrets he didn’t know himself but treated him no different.
He was thankful for that gesture alone.
But now she needed to leave him be.
“Please spare me, I’ve only arrived a few hours ago…” he returned weakly, trying to smother the heat creeping up his cheeks with a nearby pillow and trying his hardest to swallow the tightness in his chest. When did he begin sounding so… lovesick? How many more saw past his longing—heard the whispers of his heart before he could understand anything? His stomach hardened, the once welcomed softness and comfort of his sheets suddenly grew suffocating. He wanted to trash his bed, strip it off until it was all bare and vacant, but he could only take a deep breath and count from one to ten.
“Who let you in any way?”
“Klee’s making breakfast with Amber,” the astrologist said listlessly, far too preoccupied with her gloved fingertips. She began scanning his room, however, going as far as to invade his sketchbook sitting haphazardly on a nearby settee. Feeling an uncomfortable burn all over his body, Albedo scurried off of his bed and snatched the notebook from Mona’s grasp. He was too late, however. The astrologist saw his sketches, but he was certain she already knew before even taking a peek. Mona gestured a mocking sneer and crossed her arms, towering over him despite her shorter stature.
“This is unlike you, Albedo. But then again, so is falling in love—”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but why are you still here, Mona?”
The astrologist shifted back to her cold, judging look in a swift second before releasing a deep sigh.
“You ran away.”
She spoke no more, but Albedo understood. His friend was disappointed in him—but she wasn’t alone, he was disappointed with himself as well. Yet, he was doing nothing to fix his shortcomings. He was running away, just as she stated. Albedo felt his shoulders dropping and his knees growing weak. So he slumped his entire body back to the comforts of his bed and pressed his hands over his face, trying very hard to keep his eyes from watering.
Silence stood between them though it rarely did because Mona was full of opinions and chronicles—complaints too, but silence remained until he saw nothing but darkness. To his surprise, however, he heard the astrologist moving close until he sensed her standing before him. Gentle hands reached for his, forcing him to meet the blinding light of a midsummer’s day. Instead of a cold gaze, he was met with sympathy and a light caress on his cheek.
“Fate is a peculiar thing, but it is called as such for it cannot be changed nor can it be reversed. It can only be accepted.”
“I thought you don’t give advice,” Albedo attempted wittily, but his friend was already brushing the tears flowing down his cheeks, so he gave in to intimacy.
“It’s a fact, Albedo, not a piece of advice. What lies ahead is your own decision. Now come, I’m afraid any minute longer and you will find yourself without a kitchen.”
Mona Megistus extended her hand, waiting patiently for the alchemist to answer her call. Breathing out all of the heaviness, he finally reached for her hand and let her lead him to a kitchen only seconds away from turning into crisp. Despite the loudness, however, he breathed in the animated ruckus of his dear sister and his friends. One bite of his half-burnt breakfast sandwich eased all of his worries like an unknown, yet magical spell.
—
One of the reasons Acting Grand Master Jean called him back to the capital was to prepare for the upcoming Windblume Festival. Due to his stubbornness, however, the Chief Alchemist only reached the last week of the festivities. Upon arriving at the gates of the city, he was met with wonder as he spied garlands of floral foliage at each and every turn. Even at the dead of night, the capital continued to sparkle with tiny, starlike lamps appearing like endless glitters. Come morning, joyful laughter, enchanting hymns, and lively voices brought the city to life.
A peculiar being, at this moment, stood at the center of the plaza with a great crowd mesmerized by the melodies escaping from their lyre.
The tune kindled stories—muted stories of the old. Its haunting symphonies carried the secrets of every being who shared the delights of this grand festival, and Albedo could only stand there in awe. An expanding feeling fluttered on his chest—an ache, yet a welcoming ache all the same. Memories of his Master blossomed in his mind. Their cold hands conjured magic—called in life. Then another thought bloomed, now in the figure of Alice, then Klee, Mona, Jean, Lisa, Kaeya, Sucrose. Another face appeared, but before he could spy the smile of the golden boy, he felt a pull.
“Albedo!”
Two months. Nine weeks. Sixty-seven days—
“Albedo, you have to come and help!” Paimon’s loud voice came and seized him away before he could even speak, their tiny fingers pulling his arm with all their might. Albedo, too distressed by the alarm in Paimon’s voice, followed suit. They led him to the familiar route towards the Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, moving past familiar and unfamiliar faces present to attend the joyful event. It was the last day of the festival and people from all over Teyvat crowded towards the plaza, eager to see the chosen offerings of the Windblume Stars. Paimon, however, cared little about the struggles Albedo had to endure. He pushed himself against the crowd just to follow the floating creature to where they wished to lead him.
Gratefully, the Headquarters laid deserted with only a few guards remaining at their posts. The knights greeted him upon his entrance, but he failed to greet them in return. Upon reaching the entrance hall, Albedo stopped to catch his breath. Paimon, however, remained ignorant of his state with their voice echoing through the hall, calling for him incessantly. The alchemist had the longest patience with tiny creatures. Even if Paimon remained a mystery to him, he treated them with utmost tolerance. So, after a short pause, he climbed up the stairs of the great hall.
Paimon was nowhere to be seen, yet their voice continued to cry—telling him to come quick, so he did. Following the voice of the strange, tiny being, he was surprised to stand before his office. Paimon’s voice remained lost and no sound rang through his ears.
This was a trick, surely, Albedo couldn’t help thinking but his hand drew closer and closer to the knob until he was left with no choice but to open the door before him.
He didn’t know what he was expecting, he was hoping though. He was always hoping. The two words held different concepts in his belief. To hope was like a mere dream—an ideal that was left without ambitions, without attempts, without struggles. To expect was something strived for, something earned—something deserved, but he did nothing but run and let the shadows consume him. He allowed those whispers to devour him until he was empty and lifeless, like the very sensation he felt before his Master called his name.
So when he spied the golden locks tied neatly in a braid, he couldn’t help spying sunbursts clouding his vision, and warmth race through every bit of his being. Albedo wanted to rush towards him, to catch him in his arms—to be able to hold him like before. He wanted to palm every part of his body and fill it with endless kisses and promises. He wanted to feel the Traveler’s lips against his once more, be it brief and chaste or long and passionate—he wanted it all. A hundred kisses. A thousand kisses. An eternity’s worth.
“Aether,” Albedo finally managed to speak, his eyes only fixed at the figure bearing the colors of everything sunlit. Instead of the cold gaze all those weeks ago, the Traveler’s eyes glowed. But like a fleeting dream, Aether immediately stiffened and let out a heavy breath. Albedo watched his jaw clench, bracing himself from something unknown to him before taking a sharp turn and facing him directly—towering over him like a god about to give his verdict.
“Albedo,” the Traveler returned, the hard edge on his voice laid apparent like speaking his name equates to swallowing shards of glass. He watched Aether grip a fistful of his pants—he gripped it so tightly, his hand began to shake.
Albedo wanted to pull him close, to keep him from hurting himself, to kiss those trembling fingers and watch it grow still. Yet, similar to that day at the cave, the alchemist found no words to say. Making the same mistake, he turned and looked away in shame, unable to forgive himself for what he had done. Similar to that day, silence reigned throughout the closed apartment. The wood cracking and burning in the nearby hearth stood as the only sound. Even their breaths laid muted. The silence rang and rang until Aether moved past him, quick and fluid, but unlike that day in the cave, he moved faster to stop him from leaving.
“I’m sorry,” Albedo breathed out, ignoring all of the pins and needles that raked through his skin, “I am so sorry.”
The Traveler jerked away from his touch—another burning ache, but Albedo remained staring, searching—hoping, before hearing a bitter scoff and found Aether’s lips trembling, “Why? For treating me like a whore you got bored of? For ignoring me for weeks? For touching me—saying all those lies, then throwing me away after you got your fill?”
“Aether…”
The Traveler gave him one last look with his brows all furrowed and his lips pressed tightly together before crouching down the floor and covering his eyes with open palms. With a deep breath, Aether lef out a whimper, unable to control his emotions any longer. Albedo found himself at a loss, but he easily kneeled before the Traveler and pulled him in a tight embrace. He whispered countless apologies again and again, stroking the Traveler’s head in comfort and offering his ear to indiscernible and muddled sobs. He held his drooping shoulders, he held his stumbling state—he held him and let him cry until soft whimpers were replaced by deep and slow breaths.
Time passed by.
When Albedo saw it fit for the Traveler to share a proper conversation, he turned to cup his face—the face he sorely missed these past weeks of torment, the face that haunted his dreams, leaving his heart longing for one last touch. He brushed his fingertips along the flushed cheeks of the man he loved and whispered words that broke his heart,
“You deserve better, dear Traveler.”