#We send klee

[moonilit]

Chapter 63 alternative ending once upon an eclipse by @leeryder

[dutybcrne]

From a very young age, Kaeya held such a fondness for handholding. Whether it was his father clinging tightly to him to make sure he didn’t get lost, Adelinde’s gentle, grounding hand closed over his to comfort him whenever his nerves got the better of him, Crepus’s rough-palmed, firm yet comforting grip as he brought him back home, or, as it was most often of all, Diluc’s warm, yet at times uncomfortably tight hold as he dragged him anywhere, everywhere, determined to always keep Kaeya close and eagerly show him all there was to see, Kaeya treasured the gesture greatly.

Of course, being as shy as he was, initiating it himself was always the harder part. So much so, he would tend to hold pinkies, rather than outright take a person’s hand in his own. Eventually, it would become his most common way to go about the gesture of affection.

[teacastellas]

a white day present from big bro bedo... bom bom macarons

[chalk-homunculus]

The system's little sister got our number (finally? For whatever reason she didn't have it before) from our father and has been texting us every day since. It never fails to brighten our day. She's 10 years old and it's so heartwarming for us, I specifically would be ready to destroy not only mondstadt, but the entire Teyvat to protect her. I'm not exaggerating.

[hiraya-rawr]

lover from another nation ~ hcs .

characters !! all the genshin men i could think of rn...

note !! it's been a while since i've written hcs for a lot! aaaah just some thoughts i had today (i had a few culture shocks here and there when i met up with new friends hahahah)

~ m o n d s t a d t ~

grabbing zhongli by the hand to dance and sing in the middle of the square because mondstadters live for the festivities! he quickly learns to freestyle dance along with you, moving with the crowd and cheers and wine. (remember that Tangled scene? yes)

kaveh wasn't sure how to react the day you ordered hard liquor on your first date. sure, your freedom and love for a good drink is one of the things which made him fall for you but wow– are you really gonna down that many glasses on a date? what do you mean you're still sober?

ayato finds himself in love with the way you sing. it doesn't follow the rules of inazuman opera at all; it's much more freeing (much like how his house help sings as he does chores) and you'd tell him stories and the history of your homeland in the form of songs. no mondstadter could ever forget the songs they grew up listening to!

heizou being almost appalled by your rather... robust and reckless nature. you don't have any backup plans whenever a situation goes south, you simply hold his hand, smile, and say "we go where the wind blows!"

~ l i y u e ~

diluc having chopsticks as part of your dining utensils because sometimes, you're more comfortable eating with it (let's not forget often having rice on the table! he must learn the joys of garlic rice with his steak <3)

dainsleif stays by your side as you offer incense and fruits to your ancestors. he whispers quiet prayers, bows when you do, and helps you clean their altars. he finds solace in the familial piety of liyuens– it makes him wish he could honor his ancestors with the same kind of peace as you do.

kazuha getting tongue tied over the language being so similar to inazuman but also so different– why are some of the characters the same? why are the meanings different? there's a bit of miscommunication in the start, but you both find your own ways to understand each other when words fail.

we all know gorou has always wanted to climb the mountains of liyue and you made it possible! meeting him by the docks and touring him around your home nation, you made sure to pick hiking routes with the most scenic spots, even managing to tour him around the jade palace and the floating lone island.

~ i n a z u m a ~

kaeya has no idea how you sit on the floor while being comfortable. you've made him sit with you once while reading a book, after that, his bones ached for days! shaking every time he stood back up!

albedo met you in the irodori festival- he painted you for practice and spark between you started. the long distance was difficult at first, but his long letters always had a little drawing of you and you'd send back the scent of cherry blossoms. klee would also send you letters, asking you to come visit soon!

childe loves a new fighting style; like most sword users in inazuma, you followed the raiden shogun's teachings– swift, efficient, and at one with the sword. he loves how you fight and it's often how you end your dates!

cyno was almost confident that you were playing a prank the day you said you'll make him your specialty and you showed him a platter of raw seafood. it's "sashimi and ngiri" you say, and he waited for you to explain the pun of your joke. it wasn't a joke.

~ s u m e r u ~

thoma is quite used to mondstadters and inazumans, two very different cultures, then he meets you and your sumeru upbringing! you show him how to cook foods that can be eaten with hands, and your menu is often so colorful he can't help but admire it!

itto doesn't really understand the study culture of sumeru, but he totally supports whatever it is you're talking about and tries to add in comments (his comments don't exactly make sense though...)

scaramouche, in his "path of redemption and healing", unwillingly gets involved with you as you show him around the beautiful parts of sumeru! you argue that he needs a different, better outfit with a color scheme that matches his vision. he insists that the hat stays. you tell him he looks like an aranara.

~ s n e z h n a y a ~

al haitham was almost concerned the day you got a heatstroke after being in the desert for no more than a few minutes. snezhnaya has prepared you for harsh weather, but never the heat. soon enough your lover is carrying around heatstroke-first aid packs just for you.

bundling up tighnari's fluffy ears before setting foot in snezhnaya because you just know the cold would practically freeze them off. his tail also gets wrapped and bundled warm in the large coats you wear, protection from the harsh snow. he says he looks like a big lummox.

note !! alright, choose your favorite dynamic! i personally think mondstadters with liyue/inazuma would be interesting maybe because i want to force feed them the joys of rice...

// if i misinterpreted a culture then umm... just know it wasn't intentional and let's consider it a real thing in teyvats culture 🫣😎

commissions || general m.list

taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @stygianoir14 @shizunxie @bluriie @aestellia @abyislan08

[thetempleofhades]

DANCE OF FLOWERS!

repost of one of my older fics that i had saved somewhere. I was and still am really proud of this fic, i still like it a lot.

Upon hearing about you, The Tsaritsa found herself eager to find out more. To see you with her own eyes. That’s why she finds herself in Monstad for once. She doesn’t want to be here, of course, but you’re more important than any of those she holds in contempt.

Laughter sounded from a crowded area just up ahead, and she went towards it. She listened to the tune playing as successfully weaved herself to the front of the crowd.

The laughter and music grew louder and she couldn’t help but watched in awe as you twirled yourself and the child you held onto, smile wide on your face. Your face flush red from happiness. This look was what she liked best on you. Happiness suited you better than the benevolent neutrality that people made you famous for.

Flowers were weaved into your hair, resembling the ones that bloomed all throughout teyvat. Flowers seemed to blood in her stomach as well as she stared at you, completely mesmerized.

You locked eyes with her and smiled at her, head tilting to the side before letting go of Klee’s hands and heading towards her. “Dance with me.” You spoke out, smiling happily at her without a single trace of fear as you grabbed her hands. They were cold, like ice, but you didn’t mind.

“Ah.” She spoke out finally, looking down at you and let you drag her out. She easily followed your footsteps and twirled you around without having to be told.

Venti watched closely while still playing the tune with ease. He was a bard after all. He knew why she was there and he didn’t want her hurting their precious creator, so he made sure to keep an eye on them.

“You dance really well, my lady.” You beamed at her as you held onto her hands, cheeks flushed as you still danced to the song that was nearing it’s end. “It was my honor to dance with you.” You smiled as you looked up and all kind of petals rained down upon the surrounding people.

You stepped back, letting go of her hands and reconnecting with Klee before turning around and heading off with Klee and Venti in tow.

She searched for you for weeks afterwards but never found you, so she went back to Schneznaya with hope that you may get her gifts and letters.

Every single gift and letter she sent was intercepted by one of the acolytes, except for a music box.

A beautifully crafted music box with the same tune that the two of you had danced to, and on top where the figurine usually was, sat you. Beautiful, kind, happy you with petals drifting around. It was a beautiful gift. One you fawned over to everyone that would listen.

“Your Grace....” Zhongli glanced at your pouting lips before his eyes drifted over to your puffed out cheeks and up to your furrowed eyebrows. “Please understand, it’s dangerous. We only wish to keep you safe.”

“Why would she hurt me? She’s been sending me gifts and letters! Which you always discarded Zhongli!” You crossed your arms, upset at the actions they took.

Zhongli’s face softened as he came closer to you and grasped at your hand so that he might press a kiss to it. “I’m sorry. I just want to protect you. I’m your loyal acolyte. I wish only good things to come your way. I should have consulted you first, my creator.”

Your face softened and a sigh came from your lips as you gazed at him. “I can never stay mad at you.... But!” You added on as his face brightened. “I want to meet with her! She sent an invitation to have tea with her in her palace! I’ll take Aether and Lumine! I’ll be safe so please Zhongli!!!” You pleaded with him, grasping at his hand, desperate for his approval.

You knew they only did these things to protect you, to protect your happiness so you always let it slide but you wanted to see her again so badly! You couldn’t stop playing the music box and listening to it with longing.

Venti sighed from the doorway before making his way into the room. “C’mon Zhongli! It’s the Honorary Knight and Lumine is just as capable! They’ll be perfectly safe. Let them have a little fun.”

“Alright.” He sighed as he agreed, making you jump for joy and hug him tight, repeatedly thanking him.

You were so happy! You had been waiting so long to see her again. Ever since that dance, you hadn’t been able to get her off of your mind. And now, you were going to have tea with her in Schneznaya. Lumine and Aether would be there too but you knew they wouldn’t cause any trouble, they were good people.

Oh, you couldn’t wait!

And that led you to where you were right now! In front of the Zapolyarny Palace with the twins at your sides and a bouquet of red carnations in your hands.

“You have to be on your best behavior, okay? No matter how much someone aggravates you. The Tsaritsa has been very kind to allow us to visit, so we must be kind in return.” You lectured them, sternly.

Lumine nodded her head and nudged Aether to the same. “We’ll make sure to be civil no matter who it is, right Aether?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry so much your grace. We’ll be role models!” Aether pumped his fist in the air with Paimon at his side watching in suspicious silence.

“Paimon too, right?” You smiled at the floating girl and she pouted before nodded reluctantly.

“Paimon will be nice.”

A snort cut through the silence as Scaramouche appeared in front of them. “Surprised to see you three, survival must be easy for you huh?” He smiled mockingly at them before it turned sincere once he turned to you and bowed. “Your Divine Grace, The Tsaritsa sent me to guide you to the tea room.”

“Thank you.” You smiled at him and ushered your three companions to follow as you knew they disliked Scaramouche and you knew why but you aimed to have a peaceful tea time with The Tsaritsa!

“You’ve come.” Once she saw you, the Tsaritsa smiled at you, the corners of her eyes crinkling up with it. “I thought you wouldn’t, you never responded to any of my letters....”

You rubbed the back of your neck with a hand. “Ah, yes. The letters and gifts except the music box and the letter than came with it were all not given to me.” You spoke and upon seeing the Tsaritsa’s rising anger, hurried to soothe her. “They’re just trying to protect me. Will you forgive them this once?” You pleaded with her.

“If it’s what you wish...” She conceded, not wanting to go against your will.

“I... um.... I didn’t know what kind of flowers you like so I made red carnations for you.” You handed the bouquet over to her and she smiled down at it.

“You are much too kind, come. Let’s have tea together. Scaramouche, lead the twins and their companion towards the other table.” She commanded and you smiled at the three companions.

Lumine frowned but bit her tongue. You wanted them to be on their best behavior. Even if it means being nice to....ugh..... Scaramouche, she’ll do it. For you.

Aether was working hard to hold himself back, reminding himself that this was what you wanted.

“Sorry Travellers, heard you were coming and made sure you wouldn’t have too many options. Must hurt your head to think all the time, huh?” Scaramouche remarked as he smirked and walked forward.

Aether wondered if it was too late to stop being nice to that prick.

Meanwhile, with you and the Tsaritsa, you both were chatting happily with each other.

“Thank you for the music box. It was lovely.” Hands clutched at the teacup in your hands as you smiled down at the contents in the cup.

“I’m glad you liked it, you left an impression on me. I wanted to see you again.” She spoke out as she reached out her hand and brushed her thumb along your cheekbone. “I’m happy you came to see me.”

Red filled your cheeks and you nodded fervently. “M-Me too! I wanted to see you too......”

You bit into one of the tea cakes, a pink one. “Mmm!” You made a sound of approval as you swallowed it. “So good!” You spoke before taking a sip of your tea. "I’ve never had a tea cake that tasted so good before.”

The Tsaritsa watched you with a fond look on her face as she pulled back her hand and grabbed the white chocolate tea cake grabbed a piece of it with her fork. “Let me food you.” She insisted and you nodded eagerly, opening your mouth.

She fed it to you and you made another sound of approval. “This one is good too!” You looked so happy and she couldn’t help herself but to learn forward and press a kiss to your lips.

A crash sounded somewhere behind you and you turned bright red as you hid your face. “My lady! W-W-W-” You couldn’t form a response to what had just happened.

My first kiss!

You could have sworn you heard Scaramouche cackling behind you as Lumine whispered at Aether to calm down.

[queenothegeeks]

Creator with coping mechanisms

part 2! Part one can be found here (pls let me know if the link doesn’t work I’m doing this on my phone and I’m d y i n g)

Even the creator gets stressed, so, how do you relax?

A creator who cooks or bakes to deal with stress

After a very stressful day of meeting important dignitaries and public figures, you felt like settling down, reading a recipe or making something from memory to remind you of home. Maybe you have music playing in your head or maybe it’s just empty, feeling comfortable doing something you love

Maybe giving the food you make to other characters in the game, or you hand them out to random people, like kids from the house of the hearth.  Or maybe you just sit and eat it all for yourself (which, is valid, bc tbh I don’t want anyone else eating my food)  

Hey (insert character)! I made too much of this and I was wondering if you wanted some! I hope you like it!

Hey Timme, I'm really sorry for scaring away all the birds, but I made an extra loaf of bread for you to feed them with, is that okay? 

Creator who writes stories or fanfiction as a coping mechanism (me) 

Finding it hard to sit down and write, even though you really want to. Maybe it's the environment or the people that you are with, but once you get into the zone, the world just disappears. 

Maybe you write the fluffiest fluff that ever fluffed, with found family and just silly moments with your characters (oc or not), or perhaps you write the saddest things known to god that make even the most heartless of characters cry

“Are you…are you crying”

(sniff, sniff) NO! Maybe…” 

“Are you okay? Why are you crying”

“I stole-borrowed your notebook because I was worried about you (they wanted more intel or smt idk) and I started reading it. And it's really sad WHY ARE YOU WRITING SUCH SAD STUFF?”

“WHY ARE YOU READING MY NOTEBOOK!?” 

A creator who embroiders to relax (don't @ me pls i've never embroidered) 

You didn't tell anyone about it, knowing that someone would try to convince you to make business out of it (probs Dori) but after you had to ask for a few bandages after you poked your hand on your needle, the cat was out of the bag. 

“But we could sell it for a ton! We could even send a few things to museums! …if you want ig”. 

“Thanks, I'm good…”

“Why not!?”

(Don't threaten them with needle Dont threaten them with needle Don’t threaten them with needle-)

Or if you get lucky, maybe they just ask you to make them something instead of making a glorified pyramid scheme. 

“Can you make something for me?”

“You should work with Chiori!”

“Can you embroider me!?”

… Yeah maybe this isn't much better.

Chaos demon! (Arson with klee 2.0!)

“Are they okay..?”

“Let them have this”

“Sir, their grace is setting everything on fire”

“Its fine”

Let me know if I missed any habits in the comments! Remember, if you see any spelling mistakes, no you didn’t.

[generalsdiary]

listen I might sound crazy but you know how Aventurine would spend all of his money on his family were they alive? like they grew up poor- worse than poor, and he is always gambling yes- but he is also insanely rich. you just know he'd shower them in money and buy everything for them and that credits today have little to no meaning to him because he has gotten them too late. it wasn't "fast enough" to save them, to ease their lives. and you just know he regrets it, but still hoards more credits, gambling, earning, wasting, etc.

now allow me to draw a parallel to a character in gi most of the fandom doesn't like. dori. LET ME SPEAK- dori's sister died (in her arms) from an illness because her family didn't have enough money to buy the herbs prescribed for her sister's treatment and that is why Dori ends up cherishing every mora/money, turns in a mora hungry capitalist powerhouse and makes everything about her; just money. because she couldn't help her sibling when it mattered. also the "limitless mora" for her comes from receiving a bunch of items from Alice (Klee's mom) - they made a business deal, etc, just a detail.

and it is interesting how most of the fandom dislikes dori so much (meta wise I get it, and also some other povs), when the parallel to aventurine is a straight line and he is loved and liked by so many (granted, I love riney). no amount of mora/credits can bring their family member(s) back or fix what happened, yet they stay in it, hoarding more, be it due to our boy's luck, or Dori's deal and persistence. I know many ppl draw his line to Kaveh, but from this pov it is screaming Dori.

and yh his story is more tragic- but we are talking money rn ppl- stay focused;

here is where their characters differ in the money area. with how little regard he has towards the money, Aventurine, our Kakavasha is so kind, so so kind. he gives out freely, he doesn't give two shits while sending money to the TB (it is worth mentioning that he thinks he also HAS to do it, and that gifts and things of high material value are most appreciated, ex. the gifts the TB receives after become the captain of the ship in penacony. he sadly has a view of it that everyone needs to be given something in return, truly struggling with forming real friendships/relationships except with the TB and Ratio- which I'd love to go more into on another analysis), he openly shares his money to whomever- and in his contrast, dori would probably rather jump off a cliff than give a single gold mora coin to... well, anyone.

both have been through such tragedy and turned rich later on through various means- when it technically no longer matters to them as much as it could've mattered before- and to see one be indifferent towards it/see it as a means to an end & what ppl respond well to vs. the other be stingy to the point she is hurting people while doing it and purposefully putting them in debt (I hate you for what you did to Kaveh TWICE, dori.), makes a really interesting parallel made by hoyo ngl. thoughts?

[fictoculus]

౨ৎ their voicelines for you; part 4...

send a request!┊masterlist┊taglist applications

part I┊part II┊part III┊part IIIII

featuring... cyno, kazuha, kaeya, beidou, klee (platonic)

A/N... i cannot write poetry to save my life, so kazuha's haiku came from google... unfortunately, i'm unable to find out who actually wrote it, please let me know if you have any idea!

✧ cyno.

"... so, as i was saying, i do believe it is quite necessary for your companion here to under-go judgement, traveller. you see-" "general mahamatra! there's someone here to see you" "alright, just give me one moment to finish talk-" "[name]'s here" "well, i believe i must take my leave, it was nice talking with you, traveller, paimon. remind me to tell you my joke next time, i'm sure you don't want to miss it"

("paimon's struggling to tell if cyno was actually joking or not... we don't really have to come back next time... do we?")

✧ kazuha.

"ah, traveller, good timing. i was wondering... would you perhaps be able to listen to this haiku i wrote for [name]? yes, for [name], would that hinder your skills of perception? good, then i shall read it out for you: 'i want to feel it, the breathtaking certainty, that comes with our love.' you think they'll like it? i'm glad. well, then, traveller, it was nice seeing you, i must go find [name] and share my haiku..."

✧ kaeya.

"archons, the things i do for them... *he grumbles, forcing himself inside the angel's share* diluc... look, i want to be here just as much as you want me to be here, i just want to know if you've seen- [name]! you've been here this whole time?! archons, i've been looking everywhere for you! you're drinking with traveller, but not me? unbelievable! ... yes, yes, of course i love you i- oh, shut up diluc!"

✧ beidou.

"[name]? yeah, of course i know 'em! we go out for drinks time to time, they sometimes even come onboard the crux with me 'n the crew! uhuh, i've gotta admit, they do have some tricks up their sleeve... i mean, of course they do! how do you think they won me over otherwise, hm? *she laughs heartily* i guess you're right, they are pretty good lookin' aren't they..."

✧ klee.

"hey, hey! traveller! paimon! have you seen [name]? we're playing hide 'n seek but i can't find them anywhereee... no, it's not cheating! i- i just need a hint, that's all! oh, you're right- we should be quiet so that they don't hear us... wait, is that them over there? quick, let's go! *proceeds to yell* WE'RE COMING FOR YOU [NAME]!!!"

part I┊part II┊part III┊part IIIII

thanks for reading ♡ want to read more? my requests are OPEN, so please feel free to let me know what you'd like me to write next!

© FICTOCULUS 2023; please do not steal, translate, or repost my works as your own

[theaquamarinearchives]

[ a day in the sun ― albedo & kafka ] "happy birthday, my love. may the sun shine in the sky only for you on this day - shall we take a walk?"cw. gn!reader, fluff, modern!au, established relationships, reader wears dresses, petnames (dear, baby), just some sickly sweet fluff overall, ooc kafka

aquamarine's findings. happy birthday to my dearest little dove, @heiayen !! i hope this day proves to be fruitful and kind to you. you deserve the world !! ♡

with the sun shining bright in a seemingly endless blue sky and spring in full bloom, ALBEDO had plenty of ideas for this special day - it was just his hardest decision deciding which one to go with or even more so, creating an itinerary just for you. unfortunately for him the moment klee had found it your birthday was approaching, she begged him to let her in on the plans. you truly are adored by that small girl.

your toes sink into fine grains of sand, warm beneath your steps with two blondes at your side. one is bouncing, her small hand grasping yours as she tries to tug you along the length of the beach. in her spare hand is a melting ice lolly you wish she would pay a few seconds more attention to now that it's starting to drip down her hand.

the other blond somehow can't contain the small smile on his face as he watches the pair of you, the way you're laughing and yet still sending worried glances at klee's ice lolly. he can imagine the sticky mess that she's going to create the moment she reaches for something - or someone - with that hand later.

"klee, give them a break or you'll hurt their arm," your lover tries to reason with the excited child who - at the prospect of hurting you - quickly lets go of your hand to run ahead, squealing as she kicks up sand, "are you okay, dear? she can be overwhelming."

"how often do you bring her to the beach? she acts like she's never seen it in her life." you find yourself musing as the young girl crouches down to inspect something. your curiosity peeks, wandering to crouch with her as you tilt your head. albedo watches the pair of you in intrigue, the way you are both tilting your heads like confused puppies.

albedo refrains from attempting to defend his little sister's overexcited actions and instead peers to see what has got the two of you in awe. a pile of neatly collected seashells in an array of shapes and colours, embedded into the sand. klee gasps, a chubby finger pointed at a particular pastel purple seashell and you also let out an excited noise - albeit a little quiet.

his blue eyes soften, that small smile from earlier widening on his face as mid-length blond locks tickle his eyelashes, the sea breeze drifting through them and creating an even more messy appearance. no matter how long he's been dating you, he can't seem to stop admiring you. his eyes dance over how the breeze carries your hair and the pretty summer dress you decided to wear for today, how your jewellery compliments every aspect of your outfit... how did he get so lucky?

he almost chuckles at his thoughts, his cheeks warming considerably and he wonders if he could blame the weather should klee's keen eyes notice. the artist is undeniably in love with you, after all you're the source material of a lot of his works now. he's familiar with your every crevice and detail, familiar with painting them delicately onto his canvas.

he wouldn't change that for the world when your sparkling eyes return to him, a happy smile on his face as you hold up a seashell to him, exclaiming excitedly as you fawn over something so simple and yet so treasurable.

━

you knew very well how your girlfriend's job worked and whilst you never interfered, you wished sometimes that she could spare you a glimpse of time outside of what her boss' 'scripts' leave you with. that's not to say she was a bad partner - oh no. regardless of that slightly insufferable teasing attitude she has, the one she always brings to the table in a light-hearted manner, you knew KAFKA loved you. perhaps more than she's willing to convey with words.

kafka follows her scripts intricately, never missing a detail right up until the last second. these control her days, creating schedules upon schedules she's never faltered to argue against nor break the habit. yet she fails to tell you that in the days leading up to your birthday, she'd been very much planning to do just that.

"you look beautiful," she chimes when you enter the lounge, pausing in your steps when your eyes meet hers. she quirks a brow, amused by the way your eyes widen in surprise, "what is it, baby?"

you squint, hesitant to approach your girlfriend - what did she have in mind? what was going on? usually at this hour, the shared house you live in together was filled with the melodic sounds of kafka's classical music and in turn, her own violin. slowly, your confusion regarding the silence of the house settles in as to why your girlfriend was here and not in her study.

"did you forget your own birthday?" kafka raises to her feet, shaking her head as a light laugh escapes her lips, "oh dear, we can't be having that - definitely not today."

the woman saunters closer to you, slim hands drifting over the curves of your body in that sundress as she smiles coyly, eyes glinting in the reflection of the sun through the open window. there was never any telling what your girlfriend had planned, with the woman being exceptional at keeping her schemes concealed and hidden safely in her mind. oh, how you'd pay to be inside her mind for a mere day.

"of course i didn't," you pout, awkwardly avoiding her gaze as she presses her forehead to yours. her hands settle on your hips, a hum coming from her chest as she examines your behaviour, "you're not-"

"in my study?" she cuts you off, finishing off your thoughts as your eyes snap up to meet hers again. they're glittering, filled with mirth and amusement as her fingers tap at your hips, shaking her head before she presses a soft kiss to your lips. it's demanding despite how soft it is, her grip on your waist tightening if only for a few seconds.

when you pull away for a moment of air, kafka hums yet again and straightens up, taking hold of your hand in her gloved one. the feel of leather sends a shiver down your spine, contrasting to the cared-for hands beneath them. the ones you knew were very much soft, gentle, smooth - and they knew your body equally as much, every inch and fibre of your being.

"the sun's out and i intend to spend this day in it - with you so come on. we're going on a walk and later you can choose dinner. today, elio's scripts are off the table."

the archives' notifications. @bisexuawolfsalt, @lovingluxury, @auroratumbles, @ryuryuryuyurboat, @soleillunne

@zamorazz, @zworllyx

© theaquamarinearchives 2024 ; reblogs appreciated. do not re-upload, translate, etc. my works on any platforms or feed any of my works to ai.

[swannieluv]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖꩜ Portraits and flowers- PLATONIC Albedo and Klee x Child!Reader

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐆𝐍!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐜: 1,4k

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆!!: Slight mention of a bruise.

✦⸼࣪⸳ Part II of: Alchemy, bombs... Family?

✦⸼࣪⸳ A/N: HII!! Writing for Klee is so nice, she's just a silly ball of energy. Hope you guys like it!! Also, a friendly reminder that you're free to send whatever thoughts you have about this or my other fics on my asks <3

"Stay still."

These two words had been repeated thousands of times over the last two hours. A single command that should be simple, if it weren't terribly boring to sit in an armchair posing for so long.

"I still don't understand..." Their eyes turned to the back of the easel, which concealed Albedo's work. "Why do you want to make a portrait of me?"

"Because you're our new addition to the family; it's only fair that we have a portrait of you to put on the wall."

He wanted to present them with a painting that he would do himself. Although most of his drawings didn't make it out of the sketch phase because he always found other inspiration and left his unfinished projects lying around, Albedo was clearly making an effort for them.

For Albedo, this wasn't just a gift. It had been a few days since [Name] had joined the small family made up of Albedo, Klee and Alice; although they still hadn't had direct contact with the latter.

They were still adapting to the new reality they were living in, in the midst of a great deal of internal confusion because they couldn't remember anything about their past. That's where the idea for this gift came from, something that would make them feel embraced by him and Klee.

Albedo then returned his attention to the painting. He seemed focused, trying to capture every possible detail in his work and create the best possible representation of the person in front of him.

"It's already a great honor to have the opportunity to be painted by the 'genius' Albedo..."

They teased him in a light-hearted way. Albedo was known to many as a 'Genius'. Something in his mind said that the person who told [Name] about this title was a certain Cavalry Captain with, apparently, too much free time for his liking.

He wasn't particularly fond of being called that, thinking it was a big exaggeration on people's part. Nevertheless, he decided to join in.

"And it's a great pleasure to be able to paint the great Dodoca..." he smiled and looked at the canvas, his eyes analyzing every detail of what he had already done so that he could correct the mistakes.

"The mini terrorist will surely want a portrait if she sees it."

"Mini terrorist? New nickname for Klee, I see."

In a small family of three - or four if you count Alice - Klee was the bomb-maniac little sister. Although Albedo was the one who spent most of his time looking after the little girl, now that [Name] is here, she has been dividing her time between the two of them. Whenever Klee met [Name] along the way she would jump around and show off her new bombs, causing the two to end up in solitary confinement more than five times before even a week had passed since their arrival.

And today would probably be no exception.

"Mr. Albedo!"

Klee appeared as energetic as ever. The girl looked as if she had just returned from her adventures in Mondstadt, adventures she could only experience outside solitary confinement. In her hands was a bouquet of orange flowers: Windwheel Asters.

"I did it! I've collected all the flowers!"

Albedo stared at Klee in silence with wide eyes, his panic inside was apparent. He had agreed with the little girl to deliver the flowers after the painting was finished, not before!

But seeing Klee's sparkling eyes, he could only laugh softly and stroke her head gently. The little girl was really excited to hand over her present.

"Thank you, Klee."

As soon as Albedo's hand left her head, she ran and threw herself over them in a tight hug. Causing some of the flowers in her arms to slip, not that that was a problem at the moment.

The seat didn't have a back support, so as soon as Klee jumped, they both fell straight to the hard floor and remained there completely motionless while hugging each other.

The sound of two awkward giggles echoed around the room. The fall was funny, but a little painful for [Name]'s back.

"That was so fun!"

Klee stood up awkwardly; her backpack weighed a lot, even if she could carry it around. The contents of the backpack? A mystery, she always took the most random trinkets out of it. The only thing you could be sure of was the dozens of bombs she must hide in there every day.

"Klee picked the best flowers she could find! Just for you!" She brought the flowers close to their faces; a sweet but early surprise for [Name].

"You didn't have to..."

They prepared to get up, wiping the accumulated snow from their clothes. Their efforts were met with a gentle hand extended to them, just like the day Albedo and Klee had helped them.

"Thank you."

They accepted the support and were finally on two feet. Their sore backs would probably end up having a few bruises from the sudden impact they had suffered, but they didn't want to have to worry when they were having such a good time.

“Did Klee hurt you? I didn't intend to…” she mumbled under her breath, a hand over her mouth as the worried girl looked at them.

“I'm not hurt at all. It's okay.”

It wasn't exactly the truth, but what heartless person would say that to her? She looked so guilty right now, fearing having hurt her new friend like that.

“You could've used your vision to avoid your fall. Why haven't you done so?”

That was a reasonable question. The fact they wielded an anemo vision and weren't actively using it when needed was quite curious for him; maybe he could get the answer he was searching for. All evidence, from their vision's shape to their past clothing pointed out their origins coming from Snezhnaya.

It would start to make sense if they truly had come from the snowy nation, since they could stand the cold naturally without feeling slightly bothered by the lack of natural warmth inside his lab – unlike Klee, who would complain to no end about how her ears were “freezing” before getting her vision and becoming the walking heater she is – and their effortless pacing around the mountain, when even skilled adventurers would find the area rather hostile for exploring sometimes.

Yet, no answer would be concrete while [Name]’s memories continued to stay locked inside their mind for who knows how long. But even so, Albedo was more than willing to help them and wait for the right time when things will finally become clear.

“I don't know…” they answered with a rather puzzled look on their face. Their hands clutching to the hanging vision on their side.

“It's alright, just take your time.”

He put a hand on their shoulder, it was a reassuring action to make sure they knew he truly meant those words. Behind him was Klee, picking the flowers that fell when she jumped.

“Remember, no one's pressuring you into remembering anything”

Albedo's tone always carried a wave of gentleness with it. Years of taking care of Klee had surely improved his skills when dealing with children, she was the perfect definition of a ball of sunshine that could melt everyone's hearts.

“Yes, thank you—”

“What's this?” Klee’s question caught you two by surprise. She was standing close to the canvas, eyes exploring the painting quickly as if she was searching for something specific. Yet her facial expression showed a hint of confusion. “Oh, a drawing?”

“Yes, I'm important now so I can have one.”

They playfully stuck out their tongue to her, which she responded by leaving the flowers on a table and putting her hands on the hips with a pouting face. Of course Klee found [Name] amazing now that she was their friend, yet it didn't prevent her from feeling slightly jealous of Albedo's attention. Though it was more of a lighthearted, childish kind of jealousy.

“Right, Mr. Albe—”

He was gone.

“Oh.”

Albedo disappeared without saying a word, leaving them both alone in the lab without any kind of explanation.

“Let me see it.” [Name] ran to where Klee was, in front of the easel. Instead of a half done portrait, there was only a sketch.

Two hours, two freaking hours staying still like a porcelain doll for a sketch. It was quite infuriating, but maybe that's how artists worked? They wouldn't know.

“...”

They were so focused on their representation in the canvas that had failed to see the other two faces composing the picture. It wasn't only them; Albedo and Klee were also present in the sketch by their side. Written delicately in a small blank space was the word “family”.

“Family…"

A cozy home, big dinner, and a fireplace. Those images appeared for a second in their mind alongside the face of a familiar woman, but they couldn't remember whose face was that. It was blurred, just like everything else about their past.

"[Name]?" Klee's voice cut their thoughts. She had the flowers in her hands, ready to gift them with it.

Klee finally gave them the Windwheel Asters. A small smile on her face as she placed them carefully in [Name]’s hands. Maybe, just maybe, they were accepting it better than they thought.

“Klee wants you to be happy. Let's be siblings! I promise I won't explode you with my bombs, really!”

This time, though, the one to start the hug was [Name]. Their arms cautiously wrapped around the smaller child, afraid of hurting her somehow.

If Klee was a small flame due to her vision, [Name] would be the calm breeze to carry her with themselves. It's the very concept of siblings, right? Fighting, yet hugging by the end of it all.

“Thank you, Klee.”

[zweetpea]

Kaeya Prince of Khaenri’ah 

Happy birthday baby 😚

(Listen if he doesn’t end up canonically being the prince then just consider this an AU. It already kinda is but… um… I suck at wording.) 

“The prince of Khaenri’ah will be arriving in Mondstadt tomorrow for trade negotiations.” Grand Master Varka explains to Jean, Lisa, Amber, Diluc, Eula, Albedo, Noelle, Klee, and you. “I want all of you to be on your best behavior.” 

“He means you and Klee.” Diluc looks over to you. 

“Hey! That’s not entirely fair. I’ve been keeping Klee out of trouble for months.” 

“Yeah! Miss Knight and I have been very good! I haven’t bothered big brother Albedo, I haven’t blown up any fish, and no one’s got mad at me and dodoco.” 

Varka kneels down to Klee. “We’re all very proud of you for that Klee but you need to be extra good okay? Mondstadt needs Khaenri’ah to help us out.” 

“Okay, Master Varka! Can me and miss Knight go fishing now?” 

Varka sighs and and smiles at her. “Okay, just be careful and don’t blow up anything.” 

“Come on you little pyromaniac. Let’s go get some fish.” 

“Yay!” Klee cheers and pulls you out of the Knights HQ. 

You two make your way down the street towards the front entrance of the city. On you walk you see a stranger at good Hunter. He had blue hair; tan skin; pants, boots, fingerless gloves, and a corset (all black); a short blue vest; a white shirt; and a fur collar with a cape attached. 

“Hmm, what should I get? Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother a beautiful woman but do you perhaps have any wine?” He asks Sara. 

“Oh, no, I’m sorry. We don’t serve wine here.” 

“Oh that’s unfortunate. I suppose it’s made up for by the fact that a stunning, kind, woman works here.” 

“Well aren’t you a charmer.” Sara smiles at him. 

“I just try to make people’s day.” 

“Excuse me!” You and Klee walked over to the man. He turns around and he has a beautiful blue left eye and his right eye is covered by his bangs. His face over all is ethereal. “Um, I, Angel’s Share is known for its immaculate wine. The Cat’s Tail also has some great choices of Alcohol apparently, I don’t usually drink but Crepus does enjoy their drinks.” You blush as this gorgeous man smiles at you. 

“Crepus? The owner of Angel’s Share and the Dawn Winery?” 

“Yeah, I helped him escape a Fatui Ambush a few years ago at his son’s birthday party.” 

“Interesting, so you know the Ragvindrs?” 

“Kinda, Diluc and I trained together to become knights. He’s very strong and incredibly and Crepus is so proud. I’ve only met the older Ragvindr a handful of times but he’s been like a father to me.” 

“Hm, you and this Diluc must be a very happy couple.” 

“Ew! Miss Knight would never be with that weirdo!” 

“Klee! Sorry about her. I try to teach her to be nice to the other knights. Diluc and I have a friendly rivalry so we send jabs back and forth and Klee can sometimes be defensive of me.” You smile politely at the cute stranger. 

“She’s very cute. Though she looks bit old to be your daughter.” Klee starts tugging on your sleeve. 

“Oh no, she’s not mine. I’m more of a nanny. I’m sorry to cut this short but Klee and I were heading to starfell lake.” 

“That sounds like a good time.” 

“Yeah, she likes catching fish and I sit and watch her to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. Maybe you’d like to join us.” 

“I would actually, thank you. It would be my pleasure to entertain a woman as radiant and stunning as you. For all the stars beauty could never compare to the shining light of your eyes.” He takes your hand and kisses your knuckles. Your heart is thumping wildly in your chest. 

During the afternoon you three play at the shore of starfell lake. Well Klee and dodoco play, you and this stranger (who you learn is named Kaeya) talk about life and your interests. He is an incredible charming man. 

“Wait so this Diluc guy got his vision on his 18th birthday?”

“Yep, because he helped saved his dad. I don’t want to brag but I did get my vision before him.” 

“So you mentioned before that you’re a knight. What’s that like?” 

“Well I’m the cavalry captain so I manage funds for the horses. I could take you to meet my horse Marshal. How long do you plan to stay in Mondstadt for? I’ll be busy this week because the prince of Khaenri’ah is visiting but maybe on my lunch break I could introduce you to be noble steed.” 

“I’d love to meet Marshal. Oh wow it’s getting late. I should head back. I’ll see you tomorrow miss Cavalry Captain.” He kisses your knuckles again and walks off. 

“I call dibs on being the flower girl!” Klee shouts and you blush fiercely at the implication. 

——

The next morning you get up and clean your, get on a professional but still combat oriented dress, and made breakfast then rushed off to work. 

As you got to the front hall where the other knights were waiting, you joined Diluc and Lisa in the corner. 

“Attention! Knights, I’d like to introduce to you all Kaeya Alberich, the prince of Khaenri’ah and his personal guard Dainsleif.” Varka announces.

You look over in shock and see the man from yesterday. He was dressed head to toe in whites and blues. White pants and shoes, a dark blue vest, light blue shirt and jacket with white fur on the bottom trim. He was decked out in sapphires, and his right eye was showing. It was a dazzling glowing gold. He’s so pretty. 

Oh yeah and there was a blue eyed blondie in black and blue armor next to him. 

— 

During lunch he came to your office and knocked on your door. “Hey cute stuff.” 

“Hey stranger, or would you like me to call you ‘your highness’?” 

(A/n: you guys don’t even know how tempted I am to have Kaeya say “I’d rather you call me your boyfriend.”)

“Kaeya is fine. Varka told me that you were on lunch break so I thought that we could go see Marshal. If you’re not busy, I understand if you are.” 

“I’d love to entertain a handsome charming man.” You smirk as you turn his words from yesterday on him. You pull him along and he starts idle conversation with you. 

“You have no idea how many times Dain had to stop me from mentioning you.” 

“I’m flattered.” 

“Well it’s not every day that I see someone who can rival the Archons beauty.” 

“You flatter me too much.”

You bring him to meet a white horse with brown spots around one eye and more sporadically around his back. “Hi Marshal!” You pet him. 

“He’s adorable.” Kaeya smiles. “Can I ask you something crazy?” 

“Go ahead.” 

“Will you be my girlfriend? Or at least let me take you out for dinner?” 

“I’d love to go on a date with my new boyfriend.” You say as you grab his hands and pull him into a short but intimate peck on the lips which he returns. 

[gorkaya-trava]

*trows their entire desk* HEAR ME OUT.

let's. let's just imagine for a second WHAT IF RHINEDOTTIR IS REALLY AN ABUSIVE MOTHER. like we all know that she's created a bunch of kids and then abandoned or eliminated them before finally creating albedo and declaring him The Final One right?? so my take here is: she never treated him as a child. she never saw him as a living human being let alone a living human child. it's literally mentioned in his voicelines, that she always was cold and distant and threatened him to abandon him if he screws up. right???

SO. what if. just what if she didn't try to give him "a happy life" sending him to mondstadt as he assumes. like what if it always was her plan? to create him, to raise him, to bring him up according to her own design. there never was a room for his own wishes and thoughts. so there's a purpose of sending him there, right? and what if it always was intended for him to destroy mondstadt?

like. we know that she creates her children using some kind of abyssal powers and they all have brought destruction to teyvat in one way or another. so what if it's not albedo's researches or anything that would destroy mondstadt but just his own nature? what if he just doesn't have another choice than to lose himself one day and become the "gold" he's intended to become? it's not him who pursues "gold" but the very way he was created; it's just the abyssal energy deep within him that would answer the abyss call one day and prevail over him and everything that makes him human.

this is why albedo is so tragic for me. it's one of my favorite tropes in fiction - an inhumane creature whose greatest wish is to become a human. to feel like one, to find and understand what makes one a human. he was raised knowing he resembles people but would never become a real person; that he has to blend in with the society to eventually destroy it; that he has to become greater than a human. bonus points if rhinedottir created him in her own image so everytime he looks into a mirror his own reflection reminds him of what he is and what he would eventually become.

rhinedottir's plan, if it ever existed, is both brilliant and cruel - to create an ideal human, to teach him to hate those who live on the surface, to make him start the long-awaited war between abyss and teyvat... but there's one flaw in it. she just did a really good job creating albedo, so good that he turned out more human than it was intended. she didn't see him as a living human being, and that was her fatal mistake - because when albedo came to mondstadt, because when he met alice, klee and everyone else, it was the first time in his very long life when he was treated as a person.

[zhongrin]

◇ a/n ◇ @thestarsofenkanomiya happy birthday haku!! 'tis but a small little present but i hope it brought you just a little bit of joy &lt;3

oh, and here's a handy tool if you need it!

◇ characters ◇ albedo, heizou, ??? (cyoa style)

◇ tags ◇ fluff

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ⬙ 𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡

the morning sun rouses you from sleep, and the birds outside the window insistently chirp as you struggle to gather your consciousness. with a stretch and a sigh, you rub the sleep out of your eyes before glancing lazily at your side table.

.... hmm?

you squint and examine the foreign object that was definitely not there before you went to bed last night.

curious and intrigued, you reach out to take the item, which is…

▷ 𝑖. a thin rectangular package wrapped in brown paper, sealed with a star sticker. ▷ 𝑖𝑖. a simple envelope sealed with a maroon-colored wax stamp. ▷ 𝑖𝑖𝑖. a medium-sized, bulky package in black, with a somewhat familiar crest on it.

▶ 𝑖. a thin rectangular package wrapped in brown paper, sealed with a star sticker.

To my dearest [name],

Thank you for being born and for coming into my life.

I hope that was not too straightforward. I truly wish I can be with you on this very special day, but alas, my responsibility as the Knights of Favonius’ Chief of Alchemist had to intrude at the most inopportune time. Rest assured, however, that I have scheduled the rest of my afternoon and evening off, so I will be by your side soon enough.

In the meantime, I believe Klee will be wanting to spend some time with you. Please refrain from getting into too much trouble. We would not want to have you locked in the timeout room along with Klee on your birthday. I believe she mentioned she wanted to make flower crowns with you, along with some ‘secret project’ she refused to tell me. I have a feeling she wants to tap into her artistic skill to create a little something for you.

They say siblings think alike. I believe the saying must be close to the truth.

My gift to you is enclosed in this envelope. As you can tell at a glance, it’s a sketchbook. But it is not just a new sketchbook for you, my dearest. You should be able to see that it looks used. And if you flip through the pages you will see that they’re filled with my sketches for the past year.

I know you have been studying watercolor painting for some time now, and as I have repeatedly stated, I am quite enamored by your works. Thus, I would like to offer a collaboration. Will you peruse the sketchbook and paint over my sketches? I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful works that sprout from your beautiful hands.

Happy birthday, my starlight. May your loveliness stay eternal - and while the notion of me making a wish here might not be an appropriate birthday tradition, please indulge my selfish desire (as you always so kindly do):

𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊����𝒍 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 (𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔) 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆.

Will you help me fulfill my wish, as i swear to do my very best to do the same with yours?

Your stardust, Albedo Kreideprinz.

▶ 𝑖𝑖. a simple envelope sealed with a maroon-colored wax stamp.

Hey partner!

Not much time to write so I’ll get straight to the point: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I’m sending you the greatest present of all, which should arrive in the afternoon at the day of your birthday! Hmm? What’s the present, you ask? Well…

𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚜: c2hpa2Fub2luIGhlaXpvdQ==

Haha, it’s not fun to just get the answer straightaway, right? Now, I hope you managed to solve the puzzle before it arrives! I wonder how you’ll react when you see it… Ah, I can only wish I can see your expression directly ;)

Heizou 🔎

▶ 𝑖𝑖𝑖. a medium-sized, bulky package in black, with a somewhat familiar crest on it.

Pet ー

I have a new and very special 𝔢𝔵𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱 waiting for you today. Wear what I sent you. You know where to find me.

Don’t be late, now. Or else.

ー 𝕯

© zhongrin | 2022 ◆ no repost. reblogs much appreciated. feel free to reach out to submit suggestions, feedback, comments, or if you just want to talk!

◇ taglist ◇ @thestarsofenkanomiya | @genshinparty | @abyssmal-skies | @hamdehlesmis | @depressivecomforts | @sophiethewitch1 | @why-am-i-here-someone-save-me | @sunnshineflxwer | @heartonthemoon | @yuutasbabe | @percyval-archives | @carbs-need-more-love | @rebeccka | @queen-belial | @stygianoir | @niverine | @silentmoths | @niktwazny303 | @dustofthedailylife | @herdrops | @clovcly | @marina-and-the-memes

ps. if you want to be removed/added from the taglist, just send an ask!

[17kay83]

I loved this event!!

I love Kirara’s outfit, that outfit is the reason I’ve decided to build her. My builds are probably absolute shit. Idk what I’m doin’. Send help. Seriously, send help.

I like how they added other characters at the end, like Jean, Collei, and Klee!! Seeing all of the characters we don’t often get to see is great! I think they should have brought Yoimiya into the event tho. She’d be great! Think about her with the aranara!

[bloody-bee-tea]

BeeTober 2023 Day 2 - Irreversible

It all happens too fast for Albedo to really understand. One moment he and Kaeya are watching Klee play around on one of the little islands in the lake around Mondstadt—fishblasting, much to Albedo’s chagrin and Kaeya’s apparent delight—and in the next moment the ground underneath them crumbles.

He has just enough presence of mind to throw himself towards Klee, safely caging her in his arms before the drop starts. And then nearly doesn’t stop.

Albedo only notices the ground suddenly rushing up to them because of Kaeya’s startled cry and the strange sickly yellow light that seems to come pouring out from somewhere. He thrusts his hand out, desperately hoping that his vision can somehow help them here and he seems to have done something because when they land it’s almost soft.

Almost.

He still makes a pained sound when Klee’s weight completely drops on him.

“Albedo? Klee?” Kaeya’s panicked voice rings out and Albedo would love to answer him, but he’s still a bit busy catching his breath. Klee has him covered though.

“Big brother Kaeya,” she cries out, clearly completely freaked out, and it doesn’t help when she digs her pointy knees into Albedo’s chest to get to Kaeya faster.

“Klee, are you hurt?” Albedo hears Kaeya’s frantic voice which is answered by a huge, heaving, sobbed “No.”

Albedo relaxes more firmly into the ground at hearing it.

“Albedo? Albedo, what about you?” Kaeya then asks, coming into view, Klee perched on his hips. “Are you hurt?”

“Why don’t you ever care for yourself first,” Albedo is the first thing out of Albedo’s mouth when he finds his voice again, because there’s blood streaming down Kaeya’s face and his stomach lurches unpleasantly at seeing it. “Let me see that.”

He sits up—not without some pain—and motions for Kaeya to sit down, so he can check the headwound more easily.

“It’s not too bad,” Kaeya says with a reassuring smile, but he subjects himself to Albedo’s fussing. “Just that cut and some aggravated ribs. Same as you, I’d guess,” he then says and reaches out to smooth his thumb over Albedo’s forehead.

Albedo should not be surprised to see it come away red, but he still is, anyhow.

“I didn’t even notice,” he admits and Kaeya gives him a lopsided smile.

“Thought so.” He then takes a moment to look up—and up and up and up—before he heaves out a sigh. “You really did save our lives there,” he then says to Albedo. “We would have died without you.”

“You would have come up with something,” Albedo immediately gives back, uncomfortable with the praise and knowing that nothing is too much for Kaeya.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Kaeya says with a surprised blink, “but my powers are not nearly as useful here. Anyway. Do you know where we are?”

“Underneath Mondstadt?” Albedo tries and is prepared for the ‘No, duh’-kind of look Kaeya sends him.

“Where did the light go?” Klee speaks up for the first time, her face still mostly pressed into Kaeya’s shoulder.

“The light?”

“There was yellow light,” Albedo now remembers too. “It looked as if we were falling right into it, too.”

“Uhm,” Kaeya says as he looks around and Albedo notices with worry the way his face drains of colour.

“What?”

“See this?” Kaeya asks and points to their right. “That doesn’t look promising.”

What he’s pointing at looks like ancient script, still faintly glowing yellow, but growing dimmer by the second.

Albedo has seen a few things like this in his time with Gold and Kaeya is indeed right. It’s not promising.

“It’s a spell that’s been used up,” he says, pushing himself up to get closer. “We must have triggered it somehow.”

“Ooookay,” Kaeya breathes out. “Do you feel any different? Anything’s changed?”

“No. I feel the same as always. Klee?” Albedo asks next and is met with a tearful gaze. “Do you feel different? Anything strange? Does something hurt?”

“No,” she sniffles out. “Klee feels the same as always.”

“Okay, that’s good, that’s good,” Kaeya sighs out, clearly relieved to hear Klee say that.

“You think someone is looking for us?” Albedo asks, craning his head to find the hole they must have dropped down from.

“They should be. That must have been a pretty big explosion.”

“Klee made that explosion,” Klee proudly says and immediately shrinks when Albedo gives her a disappointed stare.

“You did,” Kaeya patiently tells her. “And it wasn’t a very good idea. We could have seriously gotten hurt. Maybe Jean is on to something when she says no fishblasting in the lake, mh?”

“Maybe,” Klee allows and then snuggles more firmly into Kaeya’s embrace, as if being cute is going to help.

It probably is, if Albedo is being honest.

“We should just wait here until they come get us,” Albedo decides. “My construct is not stable enough to lift us all the way up, anyway.”

“Fine by me, petal,” Kaeya says with a small smile and then sighs out. “Honestly, I didn’t think you could get any hotter, but that blood is somehow doing it for you.”

“Kaeya,” Albedo hisses out because this is more than inappropriate but Kaeya only laughs at him.

It’s clear he only said it to lighten the mood a bit too and while Albedo still can’t say he likes it, it was kind of a good plan because even Klee is chuckling by now.

“You’re an idiot,” Albedo says, aware of how unbearably fond his voice must sound and then—because he can and because maybe Kaeya needs to taste his own medicine once in a while—he says “But the same goes for you.”

It has the desired effect because Kaeya blinks at him for several long moments and by the time he gets himself back under control Albedo is already in the process of exploring the room. The spell seems to have run out completely now and Albedo crouches down in front of it, though he’s not quite able to make out what it says.

“Any clues?” Kaeya asks, having followed him over, Klee still on his hip.

“No. Do you want me to take her for a moment?”

“Nah, it’s fine,” Kaeya waves him off. “I got her. You’re more useful here anyway, I don’t understand a thing I see.”

“Me neither, to be honest,” he easily admits and then gets distracted when someone shouts down from above them.

It seems their rescue has arrived.

~*~*~

It takes a while for them to be brought up, for everything to be sorted out but eventually Albedo and Kaeya find themselves patched up in Jean’s office, Klee peacefully sleeping in her own bed for now.

“So. Any new and exciting developments?” Kaeya asks and Albedo wishes he hadn’t when Jean and Lisa share a look.

“Oh. That’s a yes then,” Kaeya mutters. “Wasn’t expecting that.”

“We figured out the spell that hit you,” Lisa says and Albedo frowns at her.

“How? The script was ancient.”

“I do happen to be an Akademiya graduate, I’ll gladly remind you,” she sniffs out. “And while I’m not from Haravatat, we had to take electives. It’s just coincident that I know exactly that script.”

“I hate coincidences,” Kaeya mutters under his breath and Albedo finds that he’ll have to agree on that one.

“Hit us, then,” Kaeya says with a sigh, clearly already expecting the worst.

“This spell prevents those it is used on from lying to each other. And it’s irreversible, as far as I understood it. I’ll of course consult the Akademiya but until then—” Lisa trails off with a shrug. “You won’t be able to lie to each other.”

“Oh,” Albedo gets out and eyes Kaeya. Kaeya, who has gone completely still at this side.

“Maybe you should take some time to let that sink in,” Jean awkwardly says, clearly having noticed Kaeya’s reaction as well. “You have a clean bill of health otherwise, so why don’t you go rest up for now?”

“Sure,” Albedo agrees and then has to nudge Kaeya to follow him out of the office.

“Come back with me. Klee is going to worry if you’re not there tomorrow,” Albedo says, not quite meeting Kaeya’s eyes, but he can tell that he’s still processing.

And Albedo can guess that it’s not anything good.

He knows how important lies are to Kaeya, knows that most of his work consists of that and Albedo isn’t sure how this is going to impact their relationship.

The track back to Albedo’s house is quiet, and even though Albedo is not the most adept at figuring out emotions, even he can tell that something is brewing. And it’s clearly not good.

Albedo endures the silence until they are safely inside the house, and then he decides that it’s enough.

“I’m sorry,” he starts with and almost flinches when Kaeya whirls around to him.

“What for?” he wants to know, but there’s a nervous energy to him that Albedo isn’t used to from him.

“I know that lying is an important part of—well, who you are,” Albedo says and hopes it’s not offending for Kaeya to hear. “I’m sorry that that is now no longer possible.”

His words seem to freeze Kaeya.

“You think I lie to you,” he finally gets out, which only makes Albedo frown.

“I mean—yes? Not that I—it’s not an accusation but I’ve come to the understanding that it’s just something you do. I see you lie to Jean every time you say you’re okay after all.”

“And have I ever said that to you?” Kaeya asks and there’s hurt in his voice.

Albedo instinctively wants to answer with an affirmative but the pain in Kaeya’s voice gives him pause. He mentally goes through his last interactions with Kaeya and realises that Kaeya never said that to him. Sometimes he avoids the question, yes, but usually Kaeya answers in a manner that makes Albedo believe that maybe he was telling the truth all along.

“But what about—the flirting? I mean, you don’t mean any of that, right?” Albedo tries next but then he sees how Kaeya’s expression shutters and he knows he fucked up again.

Kaeya opens his mouth as if he wants to say something, but nothing comes out.

“Fuck,” he eventually hisses. “It really doesn’t work.”

“You were about to lie to me,” Albedo accuses him, and now he is hurt that Kaeya even wanted to lie to him in the first place.

“And what’s it to you?” he bites out, though immediately clamps his mouth shut afterwards. “It’s not as if you mean any of it.”

It’s barely audible but Albedo picks up on it anyway.

“When I returned that compliment in the cave we were already under the affects of the spell. Is that what had you freeze up in Jean’s office? Knowing that I meant it?” he asks, and sometimes he thoroughly enjoys how his analytical mind can help him even in emotionally charged situations like this.

Kaeya had frozen right up when Lisa told them and Albedo had suspected it was a bad reaction. Maybe it hadn’t been after all.

Maybe all there is to it is hope.

“You can’t mean it,” Kaeya whispers. “You don’t. You said it yourself, you don’t get human relationships and least of all romantic ones.”

Albedo’s mouth drops open at that.

“That was during the first month I came here! I barely knew how to pretend to be human then!”

“So? It’s not as if anything has changed, right? You’re still not human.”

“I’m human enough to learn,” Albedo gives back. “And I’m definitely human enough to develop feelings for a fellow Captain.”

“Don’t hit on Eula, Amber is going to cry,” Kaeya immediately says, but there is a smile around his lips and a faint blush on his cheeks.

“Good thing I didn’t mean her, then,” Albedo says with an eyeroll and motions for Kaeya to come closer.

It’s almost dizzying how easily Kaeya follows his command.

“I meant you.” Albedo states it clearly, so that there can be no more misunderstandings between them and it’s a joy to see the briefly startled look on Kaeya’s face melt into something softer.

“Good,” he says, before he leans down and presses a soft kiss to Albedo’s lips.

“Are you not going to say it back?” Albedo asks when they part and is met with one of Kaeya’s mischievous smiles.

Albedo is never going to admit that he loves that smile best.

“Now where would be the fun in that?” Kaeya teasingly asks and presses another kiss to Albedo’s brow.

Albedo is pretty sure he has his answer right there, but still. Hearing it would be nice too.

“Evasion? A cheap tactic, Captain,” he scolds him and doesn’t melt right into the couch when Kaeya chuckles into his ear.

“Of course I feel the same about you Albedo,” he then whispers, sending a shiver down Albedo’s back. “I’m surprised you could ever doubt that.”

“You’ve been flirting an awful lot with everyone,” Albedo reminds him and now he expects the kiss that’s dropped to his cheek.

“But I only mean it with you,” Kaeya admits and the knowledge that it’s the truth settles warm and comforting in Albedo’s chest.

Exactly like it should be.