Chapter Text
The thing about these kindergarten school activities is that they’re usually intended for a child’s parents to come and watch.
Albedo does not share that distinction. He’s Klee’s big brother, as the little girl is wont to mention. He’s at least twenty years younger then all the other adults in the room, still beginning his first year in college as a science major. This fact, naturally, makes him stick out like a sore thumb, draws attention to him like bees are drawn to nectar.
Or it would have, if not for the very conspicuous presence of another college student.
Kaeya Alberich is a name he recognises from around campus, and the dark-skinned man is a common sight at these school functions as well. If the average person is but a glittering star, Kaeya blazes with all the subtlety of a supernova streaking across the night skies. He simply oozes style and charm, with that navy blue ponytail swept over one shoulder, an eyepatch strapped across his right eye, and his lips always forming a damned smirk.
The parents dote on Kaeya, and Albedo supposes he can see why. A young man showing up to a parents-only event is cause for curiosity. Better Kaeya than him, as Albedo is an asocial loner who prefers to support Klee from the sidelines. Kaeya’s natural charisma lends to him easily becoming the star of the social gatherings, with his quick wit and easy smile. And if that wasn’t enough, there are certain things Albedo has heard about Kaeya’s reputation from the young ladies and men around campus as well.
Albedo is never sure what to make of him, so he keeps to his corner and continues sketching the children engaged in their various activities. His album is coming along quite nicely.
This event is over rather quickly. It’s barely three before the little girl in red is tugging at his sleeve, looking up at Albedo with a cheeky grin that could melt the coldest of hearts. Albedo gives her a little smile of his own, picking her up and asking, “Did you have a good day at school today, Klee?”
“Yes! It was so much fun! I missed you, so I thought: what would big brother Albedo do?” At that, Klee rummages through her backpack to proudly show off a piece of paper to Albedo. “So… ta-da! I drew Dodoco!”
Albedo examines the cute little bunny-like creature and accepts the gift easily. “Thank you, Klee. I’ll pin this on my board when I get home.”
“Oh, wait! Wait! Albedo, I promised Diluc I’d ask you if he could come over to play today!” Klee looks up at Albedo with pleading eyes.
Albedo frowns in thought. That name seems familiar somehow. “I’m sorry, but who’s Diluc?”
“He’s in my class! Super quiet, so I thought he was kind of weird at first – but then I talked to him and he’s actually really nice,” Klee explains excitedly, waving her arms around. “He helped me with my math and then we sort of became friends, I guess? We play the same games at recess and stuff!”
“Well, I don’t see why he shouldn’t come over,” Albedo replies after giving it a moment’s thought. “I’m glad you’re making friends, Klee.”
“Yay! I’m gonna go tell him right now!” Klee wiggles to signal she wants out of Albedo’s grasp, and so he lowers her to the ground gently. Albedo watches her run inside her classroom. He walks closer in curiosity and spies Klee speaking animatedly to a quiet boy with fiery red hair. He simply nods as she continues gushing excitedly, but there’s a small smile on the little boy’s face.
Albedo is extremely surprised when Klee walks out of the classroom hand in hand with Diluc. “Okay, let’s go!” Klee cheers, swinging Diluc’s hands in hers. The boy’s eyes widen, but he doesn’t protest. Albedo can’t help but wonder if Klee’s the one dragging him along instead.
“We can’t just go like that,” Albedo protests. To Diluc, he asks, “Are your parents aware of this arrangement?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m all for it!”
Albedo stiffens as an arm wraps around his shoulders and pulls him in. He dares to glance upwards and is met with the cool, star-filled glance of the one, the only, Kaeya Alberich. “And just so we’re clear, I’m your age,” he adds, and even though Kaeya has only one visible eye Albedo is pretty sure he has just winked at him.
Albedo belatedly remembers just why Diluc’s name had been familiar. He had heard Kaeya yell it at the top of his lungs, perhaps in some nonsensical attempt to cheer the little boy on. It had simply made Albedo put his headphones on, because he isn’t fond of loud noises and distractions. Not at all.
“That’s great,” Albedo says stiffly, trying his best to step away discreetly from Kaeya. “Well then. I suppose I can drive Diluc home, and you can pick him up later in the evening.”
“That sounds great to me.” Kaeya kneels down to address Diluc, rubbing his head affectionately with one hand. “Be good, okay?”
Diluc blinks up at Kaeya and does not reply.
“He means yes,” Kaeya says with a laugh, standing up so it’s clear he’s talking to Albedo now. “Don’t worry. Diluc’s perfectly well-behaved, so he shouldn't give you any trouble. I’ve got a class later on at four, alright? It should be over by six, so have fun!” Kaeya waves and then he’s gone.
That was… strange.
Albedo looks down to see Klee excitedly bouncing up and down on her spot. “You’ll get to see all kinds of cool things at my house, Diluc!” she exclaims. “I have some fireworks in the backyard.”
Diluc gives her a look of concern. “Is that… allowed?” It’s the first Albedo has heard the redhead speak.
“They’re small sparklers,” Albedo explains as he leads the children back to his car. “They’re safe as long as you’re careful with them.”
Albedo settles Klee in her regular seat. He moves to help Diluc, but realises he’s already strapped in on his own. He gives them a glance over before he nods and steps into the driver’s seat of his car.
As he leaves the parking lot, he sees Kaeya Alberich at the bus stop. He has a phone pressed against his ear, and he’s talking animatedly with ridiculous gesturing all around. In that moment, Kaeya looks up and spies Albedo through the window of his car. He smiles then, giving the blond a wave with his free hand.
Albedo does not know how to respond to this. He figures Kaeya will understand he needs both hands on the wheel, and so he drives past without a second thought.