Finding The Real You - Kaebedo

Chapter XXI - Trust?

Albedo sat on his bed next to Kaeya, Albedo was fidgeting with his thumbs, while Kaeya was just sitting there, trying not to give into the urge to fidget.

"I believe that my Master's creation will try to hunt us down, so it would be less than ideal to stay stagnant. It will target me first, taking my place then killing everyone who knows. If we're unlucky, it may go for Lisa as well, but everyone else should be safe."

Kaeya wasn't very sure on what he was implying, but it seemed like Albedo wanted to leave Mondstadt. Albedo remained fidgeting and staring at his lap, and Kaeya watched him fidget.

"What if we just hide near here? Do we have to leave?"

Kaeya started to rub his forearm, he didn't want to leave Mondstadt, Mondstadt took him in when Khaenri'ah couldn't.

"If we stay it will endanger the citizens of Mondstadt, there's less of a chance of it tracking us down if we go to another country. Inazuma would be the best place, as there would be an ocean between us."

Kaeya could feel himself start to sweat, he didn't want to leave, not yet. His grip on his forearm intensified and his hand stopped moving, instead he started rubbing circles into his arm with his fingers.

"Can't we just take it down? There won't be any problems if we defeat it. What if we befriend it?"

The statement surprised Albedo, was Kaeya okay with his original intention?

"We could befriend it, but I doubt Mondstadt would accept it.."

Kaeya pressed his lips together until they formed a thin line. Was there really nothing they could do? All he wanted was to be happy with Albedo in Mondstadt, where his "family" was. Was that too much to ask for?

"I'm sure there's something we can do? The citizens of Mondstadt don't know about it, so all we have to worry about is Lisa."

"Perhaps that may be a viable option..."

Hope shone in both of their eyes, but neither could see it as they were both focused on their methods of calming themselves down.

"How do we try that? I doubt it would be easy, he wants to kill us for Archon's sake." 

Kaeya spoke with annoyance, but it lightened the mood somehow, and for the first time in this conversation, they made eye contact.

It was weird and their eyes immediately darted away, but it was nice.

"If we're able to have a normal conversation we should be able to understand it's motivations, but I suspect that it's mostly to do with Master not giving it a chance at life, which is what we could offer him."

"Him?"

"If we wish to welcome him into society we might as well refer to him as a person, no?"

Kaeya smiled at that, for some reason Albedo could always fish a genuine smile out of him. It was nice being with someone who would understand your struggles, even if they didn't know them yet.

"I guess so."

Kaeya looked at Albedo with a fond smile, maybe he was worth leaving Mondstadt for...

"Would it be weird to say that I'm almost excited to go talk with him?"

There it was, the smile in Albedo's voice that Kaeya yearned for. He wasn't sure how anyone could think that Albedo wasn't perfect, he was definitely rethinking his decision on not leaving Mondstadt for him.

"Well, what's stopping us from going now?"

"Uh, I can't walk."

"Oh. Then can I carry you?"

"No."

"Oh."

Kaeya opted for his other option, still picking up Albedo, he brought him to the table that they routinely ate meals at. It would be nice to take a breather from this situation for once, even if it's only a meal.

"So, what would you like to eat?"

Kaeya felt so proud in that moment, just for it to be shattered by Albedo's next statement.

"I was made to not require much food, so I don't get hungry."

Sure he maybe didn't need to eat, but what if he wanted to eat? Kaeya was sure that there were foods that he liked more than others.

"Alright then, what about your preferences? I'm sure I can get you something, even wine."

Kaeya attempted another wink, it came out as nothing, not even a blink. He debated taking off the eyepatch or not, but taking it off would lead to a conversation on him and his brother and he didn't want to change the happy atmosphere.

But maybe a change in atmosphere was needed, Kaeya knew everything about Albedo and Albedo knew barely a thing about Kaeya.

"Albedo, is there anything you want to do?"

Albedo stared at Kaeya in confusion, why would he be asking this all of a sudden?

"Not at this very moment."

Albedo was quite curious as to what they were going to do, but it was also nerve wracking at the same time. Why was it nerve wracking? He wasn't sure.

"Well then, wanna talk about my past over a glass of wine? I'm sure you will benefit with the information I'll give you."

Kaeya motioned to a bottle of 'Death After Noon' that he had on a shelf not-so far away, but he kept his eyes glued to Albedo's face to see how he'd react.

"I must admit that you've got me intrigued, but is this something you want to share with me?"

Kaeya took that as a yes and grabbed the sealed bottle off the shelf in a swift motion, while quickly returning to his seat so he could start. Who knew he could ever be this excited to talk about the thing he hated most, but was this really excitement?

"Albedo, I trust you, more than I've ever trusted anyone in my life. I'm sure that you would understand my situation better than anyone I've ever met too.."

It was genuine, but although he didn't want to remember that night, he always did, and every time he remembered it, it felt like it was happening all over again. It happened so many years ago, yet it was clear as day in his mind.

So much for a 'breather'.

:)

Sorry for the short and not that good chapter again, I am suffering from being too bored to do anything that will make me less bored. But I will be releasing another chapter soon because I will have to disappear for a bit. You might get another chapter after that one too if I realise that I'll disappear for too long, but after that I'll go back to the normal schedule of every three days. Have a nice day or night then :)

Word count - 1035