Finding The Real You - Kaebedo

Chapter IX - Lingering Feelings

"Kaeya, why exactly are you here? If I'm correct, you should be currently suffering from a hangover."

"I'm not so weak as to succumb from a hangover, you know this Albedo." Kaeya spoke like he was offended, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but in reality he was happy that he cared about him. Or was that his mind just twisting Albedo's words?

"Kaeya, it's midday. You should get more rest, you've already been up for 12 hours, assuming that you even got any sleep. We went to bed at midnight, and we woke up early in the morning, this can't be healthy."

Kaeya just let Albedo rant on about how he needs sleep and how this wasn't healthy and whatever. Honestly, what was one day going to do? He's not on the brink of death, and he's not doing anything hard right now.

"So? You came up here while also suffering from a hangover. I only happened to find you up here instead of in my house."

Albedo sighed, knowing Kaeya wasn't going to give up. He made one last effort to get Kaeya to rest.

"Kaeya, there is no reason for you to be here, but there are many reasons for you to go back. Dragonspine is dangerous, if you're not in the right mind being here could be fatal."

Kaeya seemed to consider what he said, but only for a fraction of a moment. Then he snapped back again.

"Well, if venturing in Dragonspine is so dangerous, shouldn't I have a strong knight escort me back? And aren't you the perfect fit for that role?"

Albedo cringed at the compliment, maybe he'd have to argue with him for a little longer. Maybe he should just ditch him here and go for a walk...

"Fine, just stay here. I'm going to go get some materials, and no, you are not coming with me." Albedo spoke, irritation leaking through his voice. That definitely shut Kaeya up.

Kaeya uttered a single 'okay' as Albedo walked off into the distance.

What was Albedo even going to do? He didn't need any new materials, but it wouldn't hurt to get a few more lizards.. He walked along the path, his eyes absentmindedly darting around for lizards. Meanwhile, he was lost in his own thoughts.

Why did he feel bad about leaving Kaeya there? It would be safer for him that way, but he felt guilty for some reason. Maybe he could ask Lisa about that later.. All he did was deny Kaeya's request, was it really that bad?

Oh well, there isn't much he can do now. At least Kaeya'll be out of harm's way, isn't that all that mattered?

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden strong force. He reached out, trying to grab anything. He tried to soften his fall with his arms but they just broke through the ice, at first he thrashed and tried to breathe, but he couldn't. And soon enough he was losing all his senses, drifting away in the endless river.

- - - - - - - - -

By now, Kaeya had the spot he last saw Albedo burned into the back of his brain. He didn't think he made Albedo that angry, did he? All he can do now his hope that Albedo returns safely, he did say something about it being dangerous if you're not in the right mind...

Albedo arrived just on cue, almost like he could read Kaeya's thoughts.

"So, do you have time for me to escort you back now?"

Albedo wasn't angry with him? Why did he seem so happy? He quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as an outstretched hand reached his, pulling him up from the floor. Albedo was never one for physical contact, so why was he of all people initiating it? Albedo wouldn't usually offer even a hand to someone, did he go smoke another spider while he was away? Wait, did he smoke or eat them? Well that doesn't matter right now.

"Well, only if you're willing to take me the whole way." Kaeya said this with a smirk on his face and a smile in his tone. He was happy that Albedo was finally becoming comfortable with him, maybe he would have a chance with him one day... But that day is not today and he should focus on Albedo right now.

Albedo never bothered to let go of his hand, instead deciding that they'll hold hands for their walk. This felt like a dream come true for Kaeya, being able to hold Albedo's hand, even if only for one short walk. But this walk was far from short, it was going from Dragonspine to his house! This was amazing, but he couldn't help but feel like something was off. Would Albedo actually do this?

"Well, what made you change your decision? I swear you were angry with me a moment ago.." He tried to ask it like any normal question, but the lingering feeling of uncertainty made his own voice sound weird to him. But Albedo seemed to reply to this just fine, almost like he was expecting the question.

"I felt bad for rejecting you, and I had the time to walk you back. There isn't much else to it."

The answer didn't shake any feelings of uncertainty Kaeya had, instead it intensified them, but why? Okay, that was enough 'why' questions for today. He can figure this all out after a good eight hours of sleep tomorrow, and maybe a nap today.

Kaeya replied with a joke, and from there the conversation flowed. Hours sped by like seconds, and the uneasiness was left alone. It was amazing, too good to be true for Kaeya. He wasn't this lucky, was he? Or did the man he's liked for years now have his eyes on him? All of this could just be a cruel joke, Albedo could be toying with his feelings for all he knew. But even if he was being toyed with, he enjoyed every second of it.

Even if the feeling of uneasiness lingered after Albedo disappeared.

:)

Sorry that this chapter isn't as long or even as good as the others, this was written in a rush and finished at 2:24 AM. But since it's 2 AM, Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day, I'm gonna go sleep now

Word count - 1017