Taking over the Abyss

17- And they were roommates

You fell out of your portal and hit the ground rolling, slamming into a building. Pushing yourself up on your elbows, you breathed a heavy sigh before getting up and looking around. You landed in one of the back alleys on Mondstadt, so at least nobody was around to see you. Standing up, you dusted yourself off before stumbling away, intent on getting back to Albedo. The sky had slowly begun to darken. How long were you in that stupid portal for?

The Knights guarding the door didn't pay much mind to you, aside from a quick 'good afternoon', nor did they say anything when you opened the door to Albedo's lab. The blond was busy experimenting with the hair he stole from you, enough to not notice your return. Pulling out the flowers and grass you gathered for him, you put it on the table and announced yourself, "I got your flowers."

Albedo was completely unfazed as he paused his experiment to come over and check over the materials you had gotten for him, checking them over quickly. A soft hum came from the boy as he began setting them into two piles. Once he was satisfied, he nodded, "These are good. Thank you."

"What are you going to use them for?" Even if it made zero sense, you were still curious.

Albedo held up a vial with a bunch of strangely colored glowing liquid inside, "I extracted the Abyssal energy from that strand of your hair. These red flowers from Dragonspine gain their coloring from Durin's poison. Since Durin's poison originates from the Abyss, I wanted to see if there would be a change when they drew nutrients from your energy instead of Durin's. The others are for Sucrose to propagate on her own time."

"... Huh," although part of you was interested, the part didn't feel like sticking around longer than necessary. "Well, if you make any crazy discoveries, be sure to tell me!"

"I'll make sure of it," Albedo assured you, a small smile on his face, "Feel free to stop by anytime you like. I'm quite interested in you."

Although that could've been taken a certain way, you had a feeling his interest was more clinical than anything. Despite that, it managed to fluster you. You tried your best to keep up a calm outward appearance, but was betrayed by how hot your face felt. Trying to hide how easily you were destroyed by just a few words, you nodded firmly and bid him farewell, "I-I'll see you later then, in that case."

Damn, you stuttered. Feeling defeated, you left to go find Rosaria and report that Albedo had done basically nothing of interest. When you left the Favonius headquarters, it was a bit darker and a bit chillier than before. The air felt crisp and fresh, but that was quickly ruined by the smell of cigarette smoke wafting from the direction of the church. Assuming it was Rosaria, you followed the scent to find the nun leaning against the wall of the church and enjoying herself.

"You're back," she said, side-glancing at you and letting her cigarette hang lazily between her fingers, "Did Albedo leave his lab today?"

You shook your head, "No, he was just experimenting today."

"Good," Rosaria said. She seemed a little frustrated, like somebody made her participate in church activities, "One less problem I have to deal with then. I'm going to be heading out for the night. Do you have a weapon on you?"

"Not right now, no. But I'll have one soon," you admitted. Then you realized there was a chance your servant might not make it back, "... I think."

Rosaria scoffed, "Right. Well, make sure you have one for tomorrow. We'll start then."

She glanced over you, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she dropped the cigarette and squished it under her heel, "And maybe we'll have a special volunteer, too."

You subtly looked over your shoulder in time to see a certain civilian duck out of view. Didn't that guy have a family to get back to disappointing? Well, if she was implying he would be punished for stalking Barbara, you weren't exactly opposed to it. Offering the nun a small smile, you agreed, "I'll be looking forward to it."