Chapter Text
Albedo was never one for human interaction. Whenever he was invited to something he would make the excuse that he was busy. Which wasn’t wrong. He always needed to do more research and finish some experiments. It’s just that when he did try and mingle with other people, it would end awkwardly. So he decided if he didn’t go it would save him the embarrassment. He’s much better in the alchemy department, but there is one person who never seemed to be persuaded.
Kaeya. A Knight of Favonius and Cavalry Captain. (Which seems odd because there are no horses around) Whenever Albedo would try to give excuses he never budged, always insisting that they go somewhere to dinner or staying to help the alchemist with whatever he could. Now Albedo won’t lie, he didn’t have very- friendly opinions of the Captain at first. Thinking that he was your average playboy due to all the rumors in Mondstat. Most of them being he’s slept with at the very least 15 people. But the Kaeya Albedo knew, was far from the rumors.
Sure he flirted, but nothing more than that. He never crossed any of Albedo’s boundaries- heck even the grandma's of Mond’ adore him! So if you had asked Albedo “What's the Cavalry Captain like?” His description wouldn’t fit the rumors. If you had never gotten to know Kaeya you would think that he was talking about a whole other person.
This always disheartened him a bit, because everyone views Kaeya so differently as he does. They don’t see him as approachable and kind, more of a whore and lustfull.
Which brings us to this moment, Kaeya and Albedo talking about his reputation in Mondstat, plus the rumors.
“I don’t really see why you fuss over these things dear Albedo, they’re just rumors after all,” Kaeya chuckled.
Albedo sighed, “They’re just ridiculous, you’re not at all what these rumors say about you. It’s misinformation.” Kaeya gave him a sly smile.
“Oh? Then how would you say I really act, hmm?” Kaeya said as he passed Albedo a beaker of liquid.
“From my experience I would say you are irrational, immature. childish”
“Wow thanks for the compliments I guess” Kaeya scoffed.
“But you are also kind, caring, and…how would you say it…”
“Hmmm amazing? Intelligent? Oh- charming~”
“Meticulous.”
Albedo watched as he raised his eyebrows, shifting to try and keeping his composure.
“Well I definitely wasn’t expecting that hehe… what makes you think so Chief Alchemist?”
Albedo keeps his focus on the task at hand, not bothering to look up, “Well, for one your always somehow on top of your work, you are very swift with your task while everyone is unaware, you may slack off but you do an amazing job to pay it off. And these are just the things I have noticed . People may say you are the laziest Captain, but I know better.”
Once Albedo was done talking he lifted his head to be met with unwavering eyes. Kaeya seemed to shut-up for once. Albedo then spoke once more, “I do not know why you are looking at me that way, it is simply the truth is it not?”
Kaeya stiffened for a moment but then quickly replied, “*cough* Well uhm- I suppose that is true, hah I didn’t know you observed me that much Albedo~ What? You like me or something?”
Albedo smirked and looked back at his experiment, “While I do enjoy your presence no- I hold no regard of loving you or anyone else, sorry to disappoint”
He swore he saw Kaeya look a bit bothered but he shook it off, no way did Kaeya actually like him. He knows Kaeya isn’t all too interested in being in a relationship, it would actually bother the Captain more than bring him joy. The Alchemist shares a bit of relation to that, if someone were to love him he simply could not reciprocate. Wasting your time on something as complicated as love would be too much of a hassle.
He never understood the concept of love. He tried many times too, but it never clicked for him. Love could be unpredictable. Which made the Alchemist annoyed. He even tried asking Jean who is married to Lisa about the concept of love, but she herself could not describe in a way Albedo would understand.
The sound of Kaeya taking off something from the shelf made him focus on what needed to be done. He trusted Kaeya wouldn’t break anything too important.
After another 10 minutes of complete silence, only exception being the movement of the Captain- Albedo had finally finished and started writing in his notes. A bit curious as to why the man wasn’t speaking he looked up expecting to see the Captain doing something weird, it appeared he was in deep thought sitting on the spare stool. Finishing up the last few notes he shut the book.
“You look as though you have something on your mind, what are you thinking about?”
“Hm? Oh it’s nothing to worry about, I promise,” Kaeya gave a soft chuckle. Whatever it was, Albedo did not want to pry any longer.
“Well I hope it won’t bother you too much, thank you for your help today Kaeya.” Albedo slowly stood up, as did Kaeya.
“Heh he- You're very welcome, I hope your experiment went well.” He held the door for him, giving a fake smile.
“It did, see you later Kaeya.” Albedo felt a bit uneasy, Kaeya didn’t feel like himself right now. He eyed him before leaving the doorway, waving as he turned his back to him. The sound of the door shutting and the footsteps slowly fading indicated he had left and was walking opposite of him. Whatever the hell was on Kaeya's mind, Albedo knew it was gonna bother both of them.