Finding The Real You - Kaebedo

Chapter III - Self Care With Another

He woke up, but he didn't want to. In his current situation he'd be allowed to sleep in anyway, Jean always gave him this day off and it's not like he was drowning in work, but his mind had other ideas.

Why mope around anyway? He could go drink his troubles away at the Cat's Tail to avoid Diluc or he could have a little fun.

He decided on seeing Albedo, it was only expected. He decided what to do and thought about looking his best on this sad day, it would boost his confidence when it was already at it's lowest, right?

The water splashed down his back, it was freezing but he was used to it at this stage, even though it froze his hair. He thought about all the things he could do with Albedo today, forgetting that all those things could only happen if he actually answered.

He got dressed in his usual outfit, barely changing a thing, not even forgetting to drown in his cologne. After he made sure everything was prepared he continued to think of situations with Albedo, it was a guilty pleasure and sure, he probably should be a little more focused on cooking but was this really hurting anybody?

Right when he finished cooking a knock sounded at his door, probably Jean coming to comfort him again. He did wonder why she kept taking time out of her already busy schedule to come care for him, I guess she really did care for her colleagues.

He opened the door, expecting Jean but instead he saw Albedo. Wait, Albedo? Why was he here?

"I heard about why you never work on this day, and I came to express my condolences. I came to see if you were okay, sorry if I bothered you."

Albedo spoke, staring Kaeya in the eye. It was quite intimidating, but appreciated. There was an awkward silence, held by eye contact just as awkward as Kaeya processed this.

Kaeya forgot how to speak for a moment, fully forgetting that the person in front of him was still there and not just some robot. Once the cogs in his brain stopped turning, he jumped into Albedo's warm embrace.

Albedo was the one who was left stunned this time, visibly buffering. The hug wasn't initiated by Albedo so Kaeya didn't know if Albedo was really okay with it, he just hoped that he didn't have anything against hugs. Instead of pulling away, Albedo hugged back, knowing Kaeya needed the comfort. He wasn't able to provide much considering his height, but it was appreciated even if Kaeya had to bend down a little.

Albedo was soon welcomed into Kaeya's home, taking a mental note of the interior, for future reference. The smell of pancakes wafted through the air, they were appetizing, even if a little cold.

Kaeya seemed quite embarrassed to welcome in anyone but himself, which was understandable but out of character. Usually he'd be this confident flirt, but here he was just awkwardly trying to give Albedo an unnecessary tour that wasn't asked for.

He acted like he'd just remembered something, overplaying every little detail in a painful way, what did he want Albedo to see?

The subject was quickly changed to something more interesting, not because they were necessarily bored, just that it was painfully awkward. They headed over to the kitchen, deciding that eating would give them at least something to do. Food was a problem though, the cold pancakes were an option but they had no toppings and cold food isn't the best, it also wasn't nearly enough for two.

They both stared at the plates, wondering what to do. Albedo felt like a burden, if he hadn't come then Kaeya would've already eaten and done whatever he needed to do, he could be sleeping right now. Speaking of sleep, why was he awake at this time? He knew that he got this day off so why was he awake?

Albedo took mental note of this, reminding himself to ask Kaeya later. Kaeya seemed to get an idea, well, more than seemed, as everything was overplayed. He suggested that they went to the Good Hunter, which was a fine idea, but when did it open? They both did sometimes enjoy meals from there, but all they knew is that it was always open for the traveler, was it the same way for the others?

The only way to really find out was to go there, so that's what they decided on. Little was said with words, but they could tell what eachother were thinking, so there was no need. Everyone was also a little tired from it still being the morning.

Sara greeted them with a smile on her face, already sending out food for the traveler to deliver. Both of them working at this hour? Especially with how much work the traveler has? It's concerning how the traveler is able to function or get any sleep.

They both ordered the best that they could get from Good Hunter, choosing takeaway as the option, and headed back for the hotel. Kaeya found himself staring at the ground and spacing out often, sometimes even forgetting what he was doing. He found himself standing at his door, once again. Turning the handle, forgetting Albedo was there. He was nervous, but now he seemed to just not care? It was still early in the morning, so it was expected that after some time his brain would switch off. But now?

- - - - - - - - - -

Albedo felt uncomfortable, he was fine in following Kaeya and all, he enjoyed Kaeya's presence, but it was so quiet, even Kaeya wasn't trying to fill the silence. It felt like he'd be disturbing something if he spoke, but when in Mondstadt, sound was common. Unlike Dragonspine, Mondstadt had people living there, in Dragonspine the only sounds you'd hear would be from nature or the odd hilichurl. He associated quiet with peace, so you'd be correct to assume that he went up there when he wanted to study things without disruption, or just take a break from the busyness of the city.

Albedo almost crashed into Kaeya when they stopped at his door, the walk felt so short but so long at the same time. The handle was turned, and the door was opened.

:)

I wrote most of this straight onto my computer so I didn't fully beta-read it, sorry if it's lower quality. If there were any mistakes please let me know, I want to make sure that this is the best for all of you :)

Word count: 1055