Chapter Text
When Albedo first arrived upon Mt. Aozang's peak on Xiao’s back, he was taken in by the sudden shift of atmosphere. The soil, the air and the large tree that had taken root in the middle of the lake — they boasted a sacred quality befitting the adeptus that took residence. Truly the difference between highly spiritual lands such as Liyue and a godless one such as Mondstadt was remarkable. It even influenced the wildlife itself, as monsters with a geo signature visibly prospered.
While Zhongli mentioned of the lands occupied by each adeptus after having retreated into a life of seclusion from the human realm, Xiao was more concerned with emphasising the rules when it came to these sacred lands, that the adepti had no tolerance towards trespassers unless they bore the Sigil of Permission — before cursing the fact that the Fatui had been in possession of one prior to giving it to the traveller.
But this time, it was by Zhongli's invitation, with permission from the adeptus herself, that allowed Albedo to visit one of these abodes.
Before the grand lake, the adeptus of Jueyun Karst — Cloud Retainer, descended before them.
"One has been expecting your arrival," Cloud Retainer greeted, casting her gaze upon the two as it turned skeptical. "Has the journey been that rough?"
"He is still recovering from a recent catastrophic event. His constitution is weaker than usual," Xiao explained and lowered himself to let Albedo off.
"Oh? One would not have minded should you choose another day."
Raising himself back to his feet, Xiao scoffed and folded his arms across his chest. "The alternative was for him to remain in bed, which seemed to be an impossible task as the days passed."
Truly, it had gotten to the point where Xiao was certain the light was dying out in Albedo's eyes prior to Zhongli's proposal. It was the period where Albedo related to Sucrose's sentiment over a torturous vacation period the most. Active minds such as theirs were poisoned and doomed by boredom.
"It is nothing to be concerned over," Albedo reassured politely. "It's an honor to meet you. I am Albedo, visiting from Mondstadt."
"One hears much about you from Rex lapis and cannot help but become intrigued," Cloud Retainer remarked, bowing her head to get a closer look. "And consider it having grown when one hears of your relationship with the Demon of Conqueror. Although calling it mere curiosity would be an understatement."
A scoff descended from Xiao's lips, turning to Cloud Retainer with an unamused gaze. "I assumed you were beyond having interest in my personal affairs."
Cloud Retainer waved with a single wing, chuckling. "That was always in your own stubborn beliefs, Xiao. After all, one often involved you in one's idle talks with oneself."
Xiao grumbled something under his breath, most likely to criticize Cloud Retainer’s use of time. He much preferred being absent in the minds of his fellow adepti, at least he would not have to know what they thought of him. If what Xiao thought of himself was anything to go by. Unlike the other adepti, he also held another title of a yaksha — which was what mostly drove him apart from the others.
Unfortunately, Cloud Retainer did not think to consider that fact before treating Xiao as though he was fully like their own. It was incomprehensible.
Taking no offense to Xiao’s souring mood, Cloud Retainer simply turned her beak back to Albedo. “One only hears of your extraordinary ability from the mouth of Rex lapis. Would you be as kind to indulge one in a simple demonstration?”
Straight to the point, as always.
“Of course.” Sensing Xiao’s eyes on him, Albedo smiled softly at him, which was seemingly enough to make Xiao relax. “Don’t worry. This will only require a very small, immaterial amount of energy.”
After the reassurance, Albedo gathered the once broken down dust into his loose fist, concentrating his energies into the formation (“ Arise, lifeless dust of the universe and that within, thou art reborn! ”) as dust dances around the center — and upon reopening his hand, a geo crystalfly burst forth into existence.
Cloud Retainer observed the process. Though alchemy was a common practice, such a high level of skill and ability was unheard of within the mortal realm indeed (though, effortless for the adepti) — the manipulation of life itself, was a transcension beyond mortal boundaries and to do it with such ease, as though innate to the alchemist himself. Not to mention, this would only consume only a negligible amount of his energies.
Undoubtedly, from that knowing, it was obvious that this was not the furthest reach of his ability — merely a core. It would be difficult to imagine the sheer outcome upon using the full extent of his power, with every piece of knowledge of the universe under his arsenal.
"A curious level of skill indeed. One wishes to be able to pry you open and study the essence of your creation," Cloud Retainer commented.
Immediately, Xiao stiffened and growled, ready to stand in between. "You are not serious, are you?"
"Once you are finished, will you share the results with me?" Albedo asked earnestly from beside him.
Xiao whipped his head around to face Albedo, unimpressed, and Albedo immediately closed his mouth shut.
"Haha. One is beginning to grasp your nature. As a fellow pursuer of knowledge, one very much enjoys your spirit." Cloud Retainer laughed and looked at Xiao with a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Worried for your paramour, are we? One simply jests, but to witness the Demon of Conqueror losing his normal composure makes it quite worthwhile, no?”
“I am beginning to wonder if you are becoming too bored being on your own,” Xiao said dryly.
“Lest you begin to fret, one must reassure you that there is still much to innovate in these lands,” Cloud Retainer answered with a small scoff herself. “As a matter of fact, one has been continuously remodelling one’s abodes with refined traps and puzzles. And one was considering requesting this mortal to assist in its testing.”
“I would not mind,” Albedo replied.
Scowling, Xiao faced Albedo — who was determined to be reckless in every move. “Did you fail to hear the ‘ traps ’ part? There will be monsters,” Xiao reminded.
Albedo turned to Xiao, shaking his head. “I will be fine, Xiao. I can still handle my sword at the minimum level.”
Xiao narrowed his eyes, and was about to open his mouth to retort before closing it when he saw the intrigue and light excitement subtly shining in those teal eyes. A frustrated sigh escaped from him and he considered relenting to the argument for the sake of Albedo’s choice of entertainment. After being cooped up in his room and confined to the bed for two days, Xiao supposed it was about time Albedo began finding ways to reinvigorate his brain.
It was not that he doubted Albedo’s skills either. Albedo held a prestigious rank amongst his own homeland, clearly in possession of strategic expertise and could perform an elegant but deadly swordplay with ease.
Yet, with Albedo’s current weakened and exhausted condition, the yaksha wished not to risk it. Even if Albedo were to survive the ordeal, it would still inevitably put an unnecessary strain on his body.
“Forget it. I will be your companion for this venture,” Xiao said.
Blinking in surprise, Albedo canted his head to the side. “Hm? Xiao, are you certain?”
“The monsters are nothing compared to my tassel,” Xiao replied, turning around to head towards where he knew Cloud Retainer’s abode laid. Amid his walk, he momentarily inclined his head towards Albedo, gesturing for him to follow. “Let us make our way, lest the other guest arrives early.”
Smiling, Albedo sauntered over to him, and kept up with the yaksha’s pace. "So does this count as our first date?" he asked, playfully.
Once they were within the domain, Albedo casted his gaze onto his surroundings, such a breathless display. The floating pedestals, the skies that hung above despite it being within a mountain. There were no traces of any outlook of the rocky terrain it was held within. Certainly, these were the powers of the illuminated adepti — seemingly having manipulated the space and time within a confined area to enlarge it akin to that of multiple cities.
What a remarkable ability. To explain it in alchemy terms would be arduous, and would have deficiencies within existing theories. Although, Albedo could attempt theorizing the very foundation in which the powers were drawn upon to allow such incredible feats manifesting and securing itself to existence for a prolonged amount of time.
“Be careful. It is surprisingly easy to lose one’s footing in here,” Xiao muttered, turning around to fasten the shawl around Albedo’s shoulders.
Albedo smiled warmly at the gesture, and placed his hand on Xiao’s in assurance. “I understand. It feels more reassuring to have your company.”
“You were in your room for too long. One might be afraid you would begin losing your mind without stimulation.” Xiao lifted his gaze to meet Albedo’s own, grumbling softly when his chest lightened at the bright, amused look upon Albedo’s features. “Either way, let’s get this over with.”
Turning on his heels, Xiao led the way further into the domain, letting Albedo work his way around the mechanisms, turning pedestals to form translucent bridges for them to cross while commenting on the energies at work. The extent of adepti powers were unfathomable to mortals’ minds and to Albedo who held interest in the unordinary mysteries, Xiao could tell this was already cheering him up.
Along the way, Xiao fought off any slimes that were to attack them, ensuring to pull his battles within the perimeter of Albedo’s unleashed Solar Isotoma — despite Xiao’s constant reminders for Albedo to avoid overexerting himself.
With yaksha’s unparalleled strength coupled with Albedo’s prodigious intelligence, the two worked their way swiftly through the lesser complex puzzles.
“So we require a pyro vision user to activate these pillars at a certain order,” Albedo remarked, gazing at the five pillars rooted to the current pedestal. “But not necessary.”
Xiao watched quietly as Albedo retrieved a number of slime condensate they acquired from previous battles and with his powers, he turned them into dust and let it fall to the ground. Next, Albedo collected grass from the area, creating trails of differing quantities from the dust to each pillar.
“This should do it,” Albedo murmured.
With a snap of his fingers, the dust reforged itself into a flaming flower and sent fires through the grass patches. The trail with more quantities of grass lit up faster on the way, leading the first pillar of the puzzle to activate, and another, one by one all the way in a specific order until the pillar with the least grass trail was activated.
With the correct sequence recorded, the mechanism released itself from its locked state which allowed Albedo to create another bridge leading towards the Cloud Retainer’s resting place.
“It almost seems too easy for you,” Xiao commented as they walked towards their destination, undoubtedly his chest swelling with pride for his companion.
“Pillars such as these were made for a pyro reaction, as opposed to being struck by a pyro user,” Albedo remarked before continuing on without pause. “Even in battle, these flowers cause fire that have sufficient powers to activate a reaction. As part of my research many years ago, I found that a plucked flaming flower still emits heat. Its bud has highly reactive properties with pyro and yes, it is still faintly alive — despite losing its stem.”
Xiao hummed thoughtfully at the small lesson, though it was also one of the many trivias Rex lapis liked sharing in his old days. Truly, they found fascination in what Xiao would often describe as mundane. Although, the way Albedo tended to share his knowledge with those bright eyes that made him seem even more alive was ... pleasant.
Once Albedo stepped onto the final floating pedestal, his body finally staggered from the prolonged travel and he held his hand against his throbbing forehead as a wave of dizziness shot up. Sensing the faltering, Xiao immediately turned around to place his hands on Albedo’s shoulders to support him.
“You have overexerted yourself,” Xiao said in a softer voice.
“I have mistakenly overestimated the recovery process,” Albedo said, and let out a small sigh. “The existing medicine does not work on my body as well as it does for other ordinary humans — so my body is currently reliant on its own functions to repair itself.”
Ah , Xiao silently lamented yet understood the aggravation of it all. “You should have informed me.” He carried Albedo on his back towards Mt. Aozang, he could do it again. (Although, there was some opposition on Albedo’s side when Xiao had simply bent over and swept Albedo up on his back before leaping onto ledges of Mt. Aozang.)
Looking over at the exit, Xiao surmised that Cloud Retainer could afford to wait for a few. This was more important. Slowly, he led Albedo to sit down on one of the piles of rocky rumbles and took out a peach from his pocket. It was Albedo’s favourite, playing up to the guy’s fondness for sweet food and before he sat down, Xiao placed it in Albedo’s hands.
“Here. This will not cure you but it will help you recover some of your energy, at least,” Xiao informed.
“Ah ... thank you.” Albedo said softly, gratefully as he accepted the fruit. He raised it to his mouth with both hands, taking a bite out of it, and savoured the sweetness rolling in his mouth, stimulating his senses in a near instant. “It’s really delicious.”
Xiao simply gave a nod, bearing a hint of smile at the sight. Albedo often wore a blank expression revealing nothing and as frustrating as it was, times like these where Albedo would relish in a simple fruit with such a contented expression was endearing. Cute, even.
It had been a few days ever since they decided to give this … moral concept of a romantic relationship a try. There were doubts, of course, in both of their minds. It was never meant to be as seriously as mortals tended to take it — it was a sentiment that both of them shared. Regardless, indulging in simple moments like this with only one person in mind, made it feel more of a blessing, less of a mistake.
Idly, Albedo let his hands fall onto his lap, his thumb slowly dragging themselves along the skin of the fruit. His attention was wayward, had been ever since they were reunited again. Looking up at the sky, it truly felt like it was beginning to swallow him up.
“Is there something bothering you?” Xiao asked, causing Albedo to snap out of his thoughts.
“Oh—! Hm. Yes, there was, just something,” Albedo spoke slowly, his voice drifting away as his heart began to race. His eyes flickered from side to side, his throat harbouring a strained sensation. “Something I have been meaning to address more properly.”
Xiao blinked, slightly tilting his head. It was odd to see Albedo being this visibly unnerved, often as the guy tended to drone on and on about anything that caught his fancy.
Albedo released a deep breath to calm himself. Truly he was not the best with words. "I wish to apologize, Xiao. My actions and behavior had hurt you badly."
“Have we not had a conversation about that before?” Xiao asked, confused. In fact, it went on for six hours of Xiao giving a strict lecture on top of all that.
Giving Xiao a strained smile, he almost chuckled at the memory. Yes, Xiao was … oddly attractive when he was angry too but that was not the point. “Yes, but I am afraid that I have not thought my actions through more thoroughly. For what reasons I gave was for my own personal agendas, I have … made you upset, and many others important to me. And, had I made a different choice...”
“That wouldn’t be like you,” Xiao murmured, shifting his legs to prop it up against a rock. “You have no desire for easy fortune or power. I find you in possession of a very single-mindedness towards your work, which in the extremes, was not always a good thing. Nothing could stop you, not even the deities themselves.”
Albedo closed his eyes. “...Yes.”
“Had you made a different choice then, would you have made the choice you actually wish to make later when it comes the second time? I believe you would.” When a mind was disturbed, the body would eventually seek a solution for it. Xiao lightly pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose, sighing. He did not believe Albedo was evil but his opinions held no weight to the reality at hand. “But the result of your judgement still lies within Mondstadt and its leader.”
“Yes, Grandmaster Jean is working on that now.” Ah, and yet another duty Albedo caused to fall upon her shoulders. “I might be looking at having my own solitary confinement room,” he joked weakly.
Xiao raised a brow, then considered it. “From what I have seen you struggling with remaining in your own bed, it seems to be a fitting punishment.”
Albedo let out a small amused noise at that, and Xiao quickly glanced away when it reached his ears, reaching the veins of his thrumming heart. What a pleasant, stirring noise.
After Albedo calmed down, his shoulders gradually relaxed and smiled to himself. "The concept of connections have always eluded me. But… spending time with you was truly some of my happiest. I like you, that is how I feel," he admitted near quietly, mulling over phenomenal changes within his soul — from the day his master left, to meeting Miss Alice, and now to meeting Xiao. "At first, I thought your existence was breathtaking. Then, it was so much more. When you are around, it feels like my thoughts would quiet down. It was peaceful."
Xiao slightly pursed his lips, listening to every single word that dripped into his chest. To hear Albedo’s honest thoughts right now certainly was embarrassing but, he felt closer to Albedo more than ever. He did not even realize how much one’s words could stir his soul, how being loved in such a manner could go against his millenia of restraint against wanting to return to his old kind self. Maybe he deserved none of it still, but at times he sorely wished he did.
Tentatively, Xiao reached out for Albedo’s hand, laying his own on top of it. As long as his presence could make Albedo this happy then, it was worth it and he would continue to serve in this manner. “I’m glad.”
“I find being with you is one of the few things I would allow myself to indulge in.” Albedo glanced back at Xiao, smiling. "Getting to know you, talking with you, watching your combat skills, teasing you, battling by your side, walking alongside you, listening to your beliefs, teasing you, watching the way you become closer to those around you, exploring the unknown."
Perhaps that was why Albedo never wanted to see Xiao hurt, especially by his own actions.
Xiao narrowed his eyes into an exasperated half-lidded look. "... There was something in there that was mentioned twice."
Albedo chuckled. “It’s just your imagination,” he said innocently, and leaned over to press his lips softly against Xiao’s cheek.
Every inch of Xiao’s muscles stiffened and his face began warming up at the light touch of Albedo’s lips upon his skin. Embarrassed, Xiao whipped his head away from Albedo’s curious stare and coughed lightly into his hand. What an insufferable person! And to think that an adeptus such as himself would be caught off guard.
“You…!” Xiao grumbled.
A silvery chuckle from Albedo breathed into the air, clearly pleased by the reaction he had gotten as he watched Xiao regain his composure. There were still traces of red on Xiao’s skin but he merely sighed at the entire scene of it all, before turning his head back to where the opposite pedestal was within sight. Albedo’s hand was still incredibly warm underneath his own, even through their gloves, and he supposed this was preferable to being alone.
Contrary to what many would believe, Xiao was not entirely robbed of his deeper (or softer) feelings. There was simply no one to display such a side of him, and even if there was, they had a risk of ending up dead in the near future simply by being close. Except, Albedo almost ended up dead by Albedo’s own hands.
It was not a thought he liked to entertain again in future. That was why...
Xiao turned and leaned their foreheads together, lips inches apart. "No matter what, promise me that you will call my name if you were ever in danger."
"Xiao…"
"I know you wish to avoid hurting me but nothing in this world will be comparable to the sheer pain of losing someone important," Xiao murmured and averted his eyes.
Albedo’s eyes widened for a second before he closed his eyes in understanding. “Mmn,” he softly agreed. “It is certainly a painful experience if nothing else.”
Even Albedo too did not wish to lose Xiao to the throes of death.
Silently, after a few seconds, their lips reached for each other into an impromptu, soft kiss. They remained still as their heartbeats tormented them with each quickening beat, reminding them of their respective weaknesses — but they paid it no mind, only focusing on the way their breaths gently mingled. Slowly and carefully, Albedo reached his other hand up to touch Xiao’s cheek, pressing against the one he came to become so fond of so much against all odds.
They parted from the kiss after a while, breathing slightly heavier than usual still. When their gazes meet, Albedo promptly averted his to Xiao's chest.
"Albedo?" Xiao called out.
"I was simply collecting observations from my senses," Albedo replied, gathering his thoughts on the matter within his own head so he could share. "Whenever we, kiss. It feels comforting. Safe."
"...Is that so?"
And then their lips connected once again, if not to fully explore the possible sensations with their bodies. Neither of them understood human emotions well nor do they believe they were made for such human intimacy — but they were on the same wavelength despite and because of all that. They were becoming addicted to each other's presence, like how one spared a look and the other never failed to fold, like the steps that always followed whether to home or hell.
Centuries could pass, and Albedo wished that they would never fail to return to this moment between them. Because Xiao was special to him, because the sky could continue to float if they existed together underneath, because even the flowers around them wanted it that way.
Because the world was much more vast with Xiao by his side.
Zhongli arrived shortly before they exited Cloud Retainer’s abode, to which Xiao stepped forward to apologize for their tardiness. Ever the stickler to good manners as the illuminated adepti were, and so was Zhongli, but the archon was never stern towards others for a reasonable delay. As a matter of fact, Xiao admired the endless kindness and patience in his beloved lord — a fact that was no secret to anyone that had gotten to know the yaksha.
As Zhongli conversed with Xiao at the stone-made table at the tree, Albedo was called over to assist Cloud Retainer in preparation for the meal.
“One thinks it is best to offer them some time. After Rex lapis’s Rite of Passing, they had not spoken to each other as much as they would,” Cloud Retainer said, as she stirred the pot of shredded meat.
“Xiao truly holds the Geo Archon in high regard,” Albedo commented while chopping the lettuce into perfect, equal length and width of strings. “From my observations, it is not an exaggeration on his part. Conversing with Zhongli has been an enlightening experience.”
“Rex lapis’s worthiness goes beyond his feats, and his sacrifices are not to be made light of. All adepti share the same reverence for our lord, as many would not forget the sight of Morax protecting thousands of people behind his back.”
Albedo emitted a small thoughtful hum. The lands were proof of those words, the accumulated memories having given birth to its shape and mien. “The adepti of Liyue are very devoted to their duties. Even with the pain they carry on their backs.”
“One is simply grateful that there is another in this world who could see Xiao for who he is,” Cloud Retainer remarked, sympathetically understanding of whom Albedo was speaking of. “The yaksha’s exploits were not unknown, especially in the days of old. Though the yaksha ultimately serve to protect, mortals would choose to avoid being indebted to ‘violent monsters’, as they call it and hence do not pray to their kind.”
Cloud Retainer scoffed at the absurdity of these mortal beliefs. For lives that were ridiculously short, they were riddled and full of ignorance. The adepti saw the hardworking mortals for the admirable kind they were. However, for the ones that only knew to look out for their own backs, who would seek to exploit the adepti for their own naive ideals of effortless prosperity and treated Xiao like a monster to be feared — truly having a shortened life could make one so desperate.
Silently, Albedo moved the tofu to the chopping board, carefully and delicately pushing the knife through its substance in equal cuts.
“There is without a doubt that every human in Liyue carries a connection to their guardians. But the further one’s connection and understanding is to another, more fallacies arise,” Albedo said. “I too feel it would be good if they were to see Xiao as how he wishes to see himself.”
Cloud Retainer closed her eyes, lamenting. In truth, Xiao was the most levelheaded of them all, but it was not a quality captured in mortals’ record. “Even the Conqueror of Demon himself is not resistant to the concept of solitude. One briefly saw how he was — so openly gentle and innocent when untouched by tragedy. He still is, but he dared show none of it.”
A small smile appeared on Albedo’s lips at the memory — from when he knew Xiao to their moments prior. “I believe he does show it, but without his knowing.”
“Indeed. He has his own reasons to remain stubborn, but one wishes that he would find it in himself to wholeheartedly accept the good that he is.”
Albedo had an inkling that Xiao was harboring such desires too. Even for an immortal that was several millennia old, there remained a sense of purity within the yaksha despite having warred with blood on his hands. Such opinions were controversies between the difference of Xiao’s and Albedo’s own respective views — but Albedo also had the opinion that Xiao was much too harsh on himself, as though he was seeking to endlessly punish himself because life was much too valuable in Xiao’s eyes.
For an immortal that often reminded everyone of the boundaries between the adepti and mankind, Xiao was awfully human at his soul. But what did Albedo, of people, know of humanity?
Looking over to Xiao, Albedo silently watched as Xiao attempted to hold up a conversation with Zhongli. The disparity between two guardians of Liyue was clear, not only in terms of ranks. For every reservation that Xiao felt his words were not worth listening to, Zhongli was attempting to bring Xiao out of his shell. It was a heartwarming relationship.
Turning to Cloud Retainer, Albedo hid a smile behind his facade and took something out. “Actually I have something to show you.”
After Cloud Retainer and Albedo finished making the preparations, they laid the food out on the table. It was then Xiao looked up from his discussion with Rex lapis, at Albedo who was placing a bowl of fresh almond tofu before him. At the look, Albedo offered a small smile and sat down comfortably beside Xiao while setting his own ridiculously small portion of meat skewers before him.
While Xiao was more than endeared to bide his time for Rex lapis, he would every so often glance at Albedo in between sentences. There was a relief within him when he found Cloud Retainer and Albedo conversing amiably, especially given Cloud Retainer’s own lack of tolerance towards those she did not know well. Perhaps the two of them were as alike as they were in their respective interests.
Once everyone was seated, they began their dinner together. A bottle of dandelion wine was offered by Zhongli to the dining table, and he poured everyone a modest level to their cups.
“One must express relief at not having Rex lapis peering over one’s shoulder and giving instructions for once,” Cloud Retainer remarked.
Impressed, Zhongli finished chewing his portion of his mora meat and set it back down on his plate. “I have faith that Master Albedo has the same penchant for perfection as I do.”
Albedo’s eyes brightened at the observation and nodded. "Yes, I tend to be very precise in the amount of ingredients I use. But for Xiao, I have added in a very special ingredient."
Xiao raised a brow as he placed a spoonful of sinfully delicious almond tofu in his mouth.
"Love," Albedo answered without batting an eyelash or losing his composure.
Meanwhile, Xiao's throat caught the food and he coughed harshly. "What?"
Was Albedo messing with him again? Did Albedo lose his mind?
"Alice often told me that the most important ingredient in cooking is love." Placing his elbows on the table and leaning over towards Xiao, Albedo's lips stretched into a smile — his eyes twinkling in teasing. "Did you receive all of my love?" he asked, voice purposely soft.
Both Zhongli and Cloud Retainer turned their heads to Xiao who looked as though a fish caught stunned by a sudden ripple on the water surface.
Bringing a hand up to his own face, Xiao covered his eyes and emitted a grumble. "Do not ask me something like that so casually."
Clearly pleased with the result, Albedo straightened his back once more and enticed a piece of meat into his mouth, chewing it slowly. Once again, his expression betrayed nothing, not even the wave of amusement and softness flooding in his chest at the sight.
On the other hand, Cloud Retainer merely inclined her head, her own eyes glinting with their own restrained gaiety. “One would assume you would be past the point of embarrassment. After all, you were quite expressive with your mouths in one’s abode.”
And for the second time that day, Xiao had been rendered speechless by the people around him. The proud yaksha merely averted his gaze back to his bowl of almond tofu, unwilling to contribute anything to the table that would only add to the liveliness at his expense. More often than not, he regretted to admit that he was easily lost to time and his surroundings whenever Albedo was involved.
But Xiao had really hoped Cloud Retainer would not put it in such an uncouth manner, as though they were animals without any sense of moderation.
Meanwhile, Zhongli seemed unbothered by the conversations or implications around the dining table. Although, there was something relevant to the topic that he would like to share.
“As a matter of fact, Albedo and I have been busying ourselves with the observation of intimacy, watching and analysing as every two mortals kiss,” Zhongli shared before taking a sip from his cup.
Xiao’s mouth slightly hung open and then he shook his head. The image of Albedo and Zhongli sitting on a bench, intensely staring at every single couple’s private (or not so private) moments was something he wished did not appear in his head. “I have no words to express my dismay at your massive leap from bird watching to people creeping,” Xiao commented dryly.
“Observation is the first and crucial step in achieving a desired result,” Albedo explained, as though there were even any form of reasons to justify watching people. As if it was not enough, Albedo retrieved his sketchbook and flipped to a page. “I even sketched them.”
Xiao frowned, narrowing his eyes at the artwork. Nevermind that he was absolutely certain Albedo did not seek permission to create this sketch. “They are not simply kissing...” Xiao commented in confusion.
Looking up, Xiao caught sight of another one of Albedo’s playful looks, a look that says in a degree of haughtiness: I know right? — before Xiao took a second careful look again.
And Xiao’s eyes flew right open, cheeks reddened and he lurched back, horrified. “Is that Rex lapis ?!” he said, voice uncharacteristically dismayed as he whipped his head around to address Zhongli, who was sipping his wine again without a care. “How did you go from watching to doing it yourself?!”
Had it been anyone else in the artwork, he would have simply brushed it aside as another one of mortal’s frequent, insipid whims.
But that other person, that familiar colour of bright red on paper.
Xiao looked at the bottle of dandelion wine with newfound displeasure.
“I allowed Master Albedo to enhance his observations as I desired to experiment from my own analysis,” Zhongli replied.
“Was the mortal of Mondstadt aware of it being painted on Albedo’s sketchbook?” Xiao asked slowly. Was the mortal even aware that Albedo was there to begin with? Where was Albedo even, when all of this was happening?
“Ah...” Zhongli trailed off, as a thoughtful, faraway look appeared in his eyes. “I believe I have… neglected to notify him of this aspect of the activity.”
There would be much to talk about once he revisited Angel’s Share.
An hour passed since their dinner and Albedo was nowhere to be seen within that time frame as the adepti busied themselves with discussion over their presence in Liyue, having been brought up by Cloud Retainer herself. At present, the Qixing had taken formal rule over the city, though there still remained many other threats that mortals would not be able to deal with on their own. As it were, Xiao had no intention of leaving his post or transferring his duties to the Qixing.
When Xiao finally found Albedo, the alchemist had fallen asleep up against the tree, with his shawl wrapped securely around him. The look in Xiao's eyes softened, and for a moment he did not feel like he was the terrifying, barbaric yaksha as told in Liyue’s lore.
Lowering himself to a knee, he idly lifted a hand to brush some of Albedo’s hair away from his face, silently admiring the smoothness of Albedo’s skin, the tenderness of Albedo’s expression. Even the glaze lilies that laid around were emitting soft drops of light around him, illuminating their faces.
Quietly, Cloud Retainer landed on the spot adjacent to them, and peered over the sleeping mortal with intrigue. “Tired now, are we?”
“He expended a great deal of energy than was allowed of him,” Xiao said in a soft voice.
For Albedo to visit the lands of the adepti on his account, even though he knew that such a spiritual place would interfere with his restoration progress. What a stubborn one, always in pursuit of anything that was of an extraordinary kind and making good relations with them. But more than anything, and perhaps it was once unthinkable for Xiao to even consider this — he was glad he was able to share this part of his life with Albedo.
Gradually, Xiao allowed his hand to drop onto his own knee, his gaze never leaving Albedo’s face, as though committing it to memory the best he could.
"Does he know of your past?" Cloud Retainer inquired.
"Not the whole story," Xiao murmured, his lips twitching at the memory and everything it could bring along. "Just for a while longer, I do not wish for him to change the way he sees me."
“Hmph. From our little time together, one has made one’s own observations of your companion.” Closing her eyes, Cloud Retainer recalled the way Albedo spoke of Xiao, of what she listened with her ears constantly surprised by the length this seemingly fragile one would go. “If one’s conclusion is correct, one believes you have naught to worry about.”
“...”
"As with Ganyu, loneliness does not suit you entirely — and life is not as cruel as to force you to suffer for eternity, my friend," Cloud Retainer murmured sympathetically.
Xiao clenched his fist, as he felt his very core struck by a sense of selfishness again by those words, and even more so by the question that was about to leave his mouth. "How will I know when my punishment ends?"
How would he know if Albedo would not become entwined and hurt by his own sins?
Cloud Retainer looked over at Xiao, then turned her gaze over to Albedo. "One believes that you would know, the moment when you and your life began to change."
Another round of silence filled the air as Xiao considered this, then at the retribution he was forced to endure, and rightfully so. For all the lives he had stolen, all the lives that could have had their own happiness had they not been slaughtered by his tassel, this was an endless karmic debt he would not be able to repay with his life alone. And far for Xiao to allow it to consume Albedo’s own life. He would never allow it to happen, no matter the circumstances.
But if Cloud Retainer’s words rang true, if there was a way for Xiao to be saved from the darkness, for him to be redeemed at road’s ends — nevermind that Albedo and the traveler were already exerting their own efforts to pull him away from a life of suffering.
Was he truly deserving of such people in his life? This unsalvageable, wretched soul of his? Even his former master's marking on his back felt as though it still burned till this very day.
But if this damned soul had any way or ability to make Albedo happy even the slightest, deities know he would give it up in a heartbeat in that exchange. As unthinkable as this was once upon a time ago.
“You have my thanks,” Xiao said to Cloud Retainer in a low voice. There was nothing more that needed to be said, not without him having to carve his sullied heart out for his fellow adeptus to see (as much as he was grateful to have Cloud Retainer bearing thoughts for him).
Leaning over, Xiao carried Albedo up into his arms and hopped away from the mountain’s peak.
He leaped from one side of a mountain to another, making his way back towards Mondstadt as the wind whipped around their hair. He was secure in holding Albedo, ensuring that the other would not fall at any cost, not under his watch. The serene look on Albedo’s face as he slept — how Xiao wished that it would continue to appear more often in future, even with the flash of memory in his head, of Albedo strung in the heart of a chaos, corruption leaking from his flesh.
Stopping at a mountain peak, Xiao gazed down at Albedo’s sleeping face once again, taking in the way Albedo lips ever so slightly moved, how some pale blonde strands gently stroke his cheek. It was then Xiao leaned down, and pressed his lips against Albedo’s forehead.
As Xiao gave word to Albedo, he would not allow it to happen again — or let the future end in a tragic ending where Albedo would have to cease existing.
Because the world just seemed a little bit easier to breathe in with Albedo by his side.