The Experiment [Build a Boyfriend Series Part 2]

6

"Brother Albedo," Klee ran into the camera room with three new notebooks in her arms. "I got you more-" she looked around at the stacks of sketches on the ground. Albedo hadn't even noticed her walk in. His eyes were still glued to the screen. Kaeya was currently dancing around half-naked while singing into a spoon, pretending it was a microphone. Did he forget he was being observed? Or did he just not care? 

"Brother Albedo?" Klee repeated. 

Albedo flinched and turned around. "I didn't hear you come in," he apologized and took the sketchbooks. "Thank you for these," he patted her on the head. 

"You've been drawing a lot..." she looked at all the paper lying around. "Much more than with the others." Klee picked up one of the drawings and then looked up at Albedo. 

"I'm fully expecting him to leave in the next week so I need to get as many sketches and take as many notes as I can. No one typically passes the two-week period. You know that," Albedo crossed his arm. 

"Uh huh," Klee shook her head and held up the drawing for Albedo to see. "These are more detailed. Do you like him, Brother Albedo?" 

Albedo's jaw dropped slightly. The thought hadn't crossed his mind. He'd been very interested in Kaeya but he thought it was just because he hadn't had someone to observe in a while. Did he really-? 

Klee jumped up and hugged Albedo. "Thanks for letting me stay the weekend," she grinned, running off. Albedo was left alone, to his own thoughts, and he promptly turned around to his various screens again. 

"And this one, is for Mr. Scientist, wherever he is," Kaeya pointed the spoon at a camera and went on to his next song and dance routine. Albedo's face felt hot. 

"Do I have a fever?" he walked into the bathroom to stare at his face, only to see an expression he didn't know he was capable of. Rubbing his cheeks as he stared in the mirror, Albedo was even more confused. "Am I...blushing?" 

...

"Oooh, what are you making me today? You haven't done this in a while," Kaeya placed his hand on Albedo's shoulder and leaned over to see what was in the pot. Albedo flinched upon contact. 

"Chili," he replied. He'd been observing people and their interactions with others for years but for some reason when his own heart wanted to beat rapidly he was confused. Was this really what it was like to have feelings for someone? 

"It smells good." 

"Glad to hear it," Albedo took a glance at Kaeya and immediately regretted it. He already knew this man walked around shirtless most of the time but now it was completely unbearable. He could feel his face heat up and tried to calm down. Luckily, stoicism was his forte. Kaeya didn't notice at all how flustered Albedo was getting. 

Kaeya went to go sit at the table. He stretched and sighed. Once the chili was done, Albedo got two bowls and placed the pot on the table. "You're going to eat with me this time?" Kaeya asked. 

"Do you not want me to?" 

"I didn't mean it like that." 

Albedo sat down with his bowl in front of him. He took a spoonful and blew on it quietly before eating. Kaeya stared. "What?" Albedo asked, feeling incredibly self-conscious all of the sudden. 

"I've never actually seen you eat before," Kaeya said. 

"Is there a problem with the way I eat?" 

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you this, but you're very cute, you know?" Kaeya smiled. Not expecting a real expression at this time, Albedo could not hide the slight redness on his cheeks. He lowered his spoon. "Are you okay? You seem a bit off today." 

"I..." Albedo stared at his bowl. "It's very hot in here," he forced out, and unbuttoned one of his shirt's buttons. He felt his cheeks get even hotter. 

"It's not hot, I always keep the temperature down, I like the cold," Kaeya stood up and leaned over the table. He placed his hand on Albedo's forehead. "You're really warm. Are you sure you're okay?" 

"Perhaps I have a low fever," Albedo stood up. "I'll leave for now," he said. 

"Are you going to be okay?" 

"Yes, I'll be fine." 

"Really?" Kaeya reached out and grabbed Albedo's hand. 

Albedo withdrew from his contact. Upon seeing Kaeya's perplexed and nearly offended expression, Albedo stated: "I wouldn't want you to catch it, if I am sick, so I shall go. You're an important data subject, after all." 

"Ah," Kaeya pulled his hand back and scratched the back of his neck. "Is that all I am? A piece of data?" 

Without answering, Albedo left.