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“Have you ever been with someone… Romantically speaking?”
“No what does that have to do with Alchemy?” Albedo answered Timaeus’ question without even bothering to look up from his notes. If keeping friendly relationships intact was more effort than Albedo cared to expend—then a romantic one was likely ten times the work. He already had his hand's full cleaning up after Klee, he didn’t need any more work.
“Well, you mentioned an alchemic problem you were trying to figure out—so I wondered if maybe you might find inspirations in that route. You learn a lot from emotional and physical intimacy.” Timaeus explained as he continued to shelve some of the books in Albedo’s office at the Knight’s headquarters.
“Is there that much of a difference from intimacy among friends and family?” Albedo countered finally looking to the older man with a look that would seem intimidating to most, but Timaeus knew better and so he only laughed in response.
“Sometimes I forget your still so young Master Albedo,” Timaeus said with a smile.
“You didn’t answer my question.” Albedo dead-panned as he continued to stare at his older student.
“Well, it’s hard to describe the emotional intimacy, but physical intimacy is most defiantly different. There are things you would do with a partner that is different than you would with a simple friend and definitely not family.”
“Such as?”
Albedo was fucking with him at this point. He wasn’t stupid, he knew what sex and sexual favors were—during his alchemy training he read up on human anatomy and the act of reproduction. He was taught the social constructs of the act and how it would function. But watching Timaeus go red as the tomatoes sold at the market next to his workshop was too good to pass up. It served him right for being so nosey about Albedo’s personal life.
“I’m sure you can figure it out yourself sir, you are most definitely smart enough for that.”
“Shouldn’t you take responsibility to explain to your student the ideas and theories you proposed?”
The look of conflict and horror on Timaeus’ face was too much for Albedo. He smirked, finally letting the act drop.
“I’m kidding Timaeus’ I’m fully aware of the act of intercourse.” Timaeus let out a sigh of relief at that. “Still, I’m not sure how the emotions involved would do much for me in the terms of research.”
“Wouldn’t hurt to try would it?” Timaeus said with a shrug before heading to the door. “I need to get back to the workshop. I’ll see you tomorrow for lessons, sir.”
With that, the door to Albedo’s own office was closed and he was left to stew in the ideas Timaeus had just proposed. Timaeus and Sucrose knew nothing of his final assignment from Albedo’s own Master. Finding the meaning of the world, that was his task. And yet, no matter how much time he spent with the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt—he didn’t feel any closer to the answer than he was before he came. Not finding the answer was something he couldn’t let happen no matter what.
Still, the idea Timaeus presented did leave him more than a little curious. A physical relationship was something he had never experienced and he could indeed learn something new from it. Could his body even function in that sense—made of chalk and soil, not that anyone would know unless he told them. Only a handful of people knew Albedo was not in fact human: his Master, Alice, and somehow Rosaria. Though, he suspected the tempestuous sister of the Church of Barbatos had more than a few secrets of her own to keep.
These on top of his other research more than definitely put establishing a romantic relationship off the table. The relationship would have to be strictly physical then. Of course, this left a whole other slew of options for him.
He didn’t want to go to a tavern and bring someone home at random. No, that would lead to too many misunderstandings and would be far too annoying should they believe it was something more. So, it would have to be someone he approached directly. Someone who would understand his position and could stay within his respected boundaries.
This put Timaeus and Sucrose off the table. He worked with them, and should something happen that was unforeseen he didn’t want to risk losing his student's trust and companionship. Jean and Lisa were attractive options but he quickly shot them down as well. Jean, for all of her heroism and responsibilities, was a romantic at heart—she would never go for something like that. And while Lisa definitely seemed the type—she also seemed the type to pry.
This was all ignoring the fact he was fairly certain they were already involved with each other.
Amber? Too childish, she would get swept away at the moment.
Diona? The thought of the cat’s tail bartender made him cringe internally. She reminded him too much of Klee physically despite her being around his age.
Diluc? The ex-Calvary captain would likely take one look at Albedo and walk away.
The Traveler? No, they were never around enough to provide consistent data.
Albedo tried to ignore the fact he was running painfully low on options. But none of his options were appealing to himself physically or it would be much too complicated. He had started leaning next to a window in his office, looking down at the training field. Some of the knights were sparing—it was near recruitment season and the veterans wanted to be in top form for the shiny new cadets.
It was there that long navy hair and deep skin caught his eyes.
Albedo never gave much thought to Captain Kaeya Alberich before this moment. He was flamboyant, loud, and everything was a game with him. Nothing could ever be straightforward which made him the kind of person Albedo didn’t want to deal with on the regular. Too much energy and effort for the half-truths he would get in return.
But Albedo still heard the town gossip about Kaeya and his nightly escapades in the taverns. Albedo knew that Kaeya wasn’t the kind to get attached. He wasn’t the kind to pry as long as his curiosity was satisfied. And, as Albedo watched the captain peel off the coat, corset, and shirt he wore to reveal even more of his skin—Albedo certainly found his physically attractive.
It seemed like the perfect option. All that he would have to do is approach the Captain about it. He did shudder a little though as he could already hear Kaeya’s mocking tone and teasing at the proposition. Maybe he should just leave the fantasy alone and focus on what he knew best: Alchemy.
Are you ok with never seeing her again?
Albedo flinched at his own voice in his head. He hated how much logic he had to stop himself from backing out of something. If he wanted to solve the answer to his Master’s last lesson, he would have to do this—even if it seemed unpleasant.
Maybe he would just use a gag, that might help.