#albedo x oc | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ilydottie · 2 months

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| Heaven and Earth |

Pairing: Albedo x OC!Juniper

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, This is NOT an x reader, Soulmate AU, Reincarnation AU, Selfship/Self Insert, Death, Heavy Angst, Implied/Alluding to Suicide, He/Him Pronouns for Albedo, She/Her for Juniper, Juniper and Albedo have a kid, Panic Attacks, Mental Breakdowns, Toxicity/Toxic Relationship (my selfship isn’t technically toxic but for this fic it might come off a little unsavory at parts), Albedo is implied to have PTSD, Trauma, 4.9k words.

A/n: Hi this fic was inspired by the conversation where me and @/auphelia bounced ideas about my selfship lore hehe so enjoy guys <3

Summary: Albedo and Juniper are victims of the archon's fascination and are reincarnated in many lifetimes. The problem is that only Albedo remembers anything from those past lives and thus must prove himself worthy to Juniper in every lifetime.

Tagging: @auphelia @suyacho @themovingcastlez @tighnarly @fleur-de-leap

Heaven and Earth Playlist

“Oh my god, Mr. Albedo you’re a genius!” Sucrose exclaims.

She held up a vial to her colleague with pure excitement. She thought she’d get the same reaction in return, but what she witnessed instead frightened her. Albedo turned to her slowly and with eyes as empty as ever, he replied coldly.

“Don’t ever call me that.”

His voice sent shivers down her spine. She tried to ignore it but even Sucrose knew better than to chalk this up to simply nothing. Sucrose saw how Albedo was slowly descending into madness. Some moments she wondered if this was inevitable, but then quickly snapped herself out of it. Reassuring herself that her friend was not like that. Unfortunately, there was only so much she could do, especially in that moment. So, she kept a watchful eye and confided in Kaeya about moments like this, moments where Sucrose could slowly see Albedo drowning underneath the weight of it all. She tried to reassure him that he could talk to her if ever he felt the need, but it wasn’t as simple as that.

Albedo couldn’t just tell Sucrose what happened and what has been happening over and over and over again. He couldn’t tell anyone. Who would believe him? Genius or not, it would ruin what little reputation he had left. There was always that voice in his head that told him that talking about it with someone wouldn’t hurt, it wouldn’t go as badly as he thought, but that was before one of the worst memorable moments of his lives had happened. Before he spilled his heart and soul to Juniper, and became utterly distraught from his feeble attempts at trying to save her. Albedo didn’t remember much from that day except for the parts that stung like hell. Like when he told her all about the reincarnations and how he was the only one who remembered anything, and that she would die in many ways he could never predict.

It started calm and collected, his words moving carefully and cautiously, but somewhere down along the line it transformed into something frantic, drenched with guilt and regret. He watched as her face went from concern to fright. He wasn’t quite sure why he was scaring his wife, and even when the answers were right in front of him, he just couldn’t control himself. The words spilled and poured past his lips like a damning prayer. Albedo didn’t remember much but what he did remember was the way her eyes lit up in terror. That expression of hers would be forever branded into his brain.

He remembers the way he clawed at the bottom of her skirt. Her skirt, so graceful and free, which had been trapped in his hands which were balled into fists. Albedo’s nails carved at the fabric of her clothing, ripping holes into something beautiful he had made for her and turning it into something ugly. You looked down at his expression in absolute horror, his face red and wet from his desperation and tears. His face was twisted into a horrific expression, one that bore the pain of many, many people. Maybe he was telling the truth? Juniper thought to herself. Maybe, I had died in a past life with him. Maybe when he wept, clinging to her for dear life and begging for her to trust and believe in his words, perhaps he was telling the truth.

“Please.. You.. you have to believe me.” He cried out, pulling her closer to him by the hem of her skirt.

But she didn’t believe him. There was simply no way to believe in him. That sort of thing didn’t happen, right? In her anxiousness she pulled away from him, enough that he would tighten his grip only to loosen it in just a few seconds. It couldn’t be helped, she was scared. She had a right to react the way she did. Didn’t she?

“Bedo you’re… you’re scaring me.” She whispered, too frightened to raise her voice an octave higher.

This time she pulled completely out of his grasp, no lingering touches grazing her or her clothing. He stared up at Juniper with tear-filled eyes. There were heavy bags underneath his eyes, darker than she’d ever seen anyone's look before, and his mouth fell slightly open as his tears dripped down to his lips. The taste of his sorrow was more sour than the day he lost her, and all he wanted was the sweetness of her love again. It was tragic really, that a man who was destined to be with his soulmate in every lifetime was forced to fail in every single one. Albedo had been gifted gold and had managed to tarnish it in almost every life he had lived.

So, he watched helplessly as she walked out on him, frantically tripping over her own feet as she ran out the door like a scared house cat. As Albedo fell apart, melting into the wooden floors they had both walked on in those past years, he swore to himself this would be the last time he initiated contact with her. No longer would he go out of his way to befriend her, woo her, love and cherish her, only for his love to die right before his very eyes in every lifetime. It was then that he decided to do the most sane thing he’d ever do, leave. He left, so that when and if she returned, which she most certainly did, she would be left with absolutely nothing but his memory. He would never be there to witness the pure panic she endured as she realized, nor watch the way Juniper and Kaeya searched for decades all across Teyvat just looking for him.

Albedo would never see how it absolutely destroyed her. When he left to put a bandaid over a self-inflicted gash, she continued to wither and die slowly until all that anguish finally caught up with her. It infected her until what only remained was an extremely sad memory. She wondered as she died if things would’ve been different had she listened to him, and as her heart began to slow she couldn’t help but hear his words ring true in her ears which had barely heard much of anything those days. As you took your final breaths your hand twitched, slowly reaching out for the hand of a long lost lover. She died warm in the bed he’d made her, Kaeya was kneeling on the floor, holding her hand gently as he watched the light finally leave her eyes. People said she lost her life to old age, but both Kaeya and Albedo knew better than that.

So, as that life eventually took her , and Albedo eventually found his own way out of this one, he once again was reborn into another lifetime. A life where all he would worry about was seeing her again, and it would prove to be one of the many curses bestowed upon him. He tried his best to avoid her, but fate had a way of mocking him. It was when he had taken a spontaneous walk that his unluckiness would catch up to him. He locked eyes with her figure from afar, and quickly hid behind a nearby tree. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, panic enveloped him while his worst fear slowly crept behind him. He just had to keep still and hidden, he convinced himself. Sadly, his reassurances did nothing to ease the fear he felt. Especially when a hand placed itself on his shoulder and a soft voice of concern followed soon after.

He couldn’t possibly face her like this, not in this awful state. Her eyes looked at him with nothing but compassion and worry, and all he could do not to fall apart was remain completely still. Visions of what if scenarios haunted his mind and so he remained completely frozen, refusing to move even an inch until he was sure he could act with complete control. He sat there crumbling onto the grassy ground as she rubbed his back and soothed him through his attack, and for some magical reason it worked. Before he knew it his breathing had slowed, and his heart rested at a rate that was somewhat normal. Letting himself be still with her, even if for a moment was healing in a way he’d almost forgotten about.

Still, as sentimental as this moment was it did not erase the damage he had done nor the madness that stirred within his body. He shared some of this life with her. Yes, he had allowed himself to know the joys of her laughter and feel the tender touch of her skin against his, but never did he forget the damage he had caused. As he lived in a house with her that was nearly identical to the homes they shared in other lifetimes, he didn’t once forget how her eyes looked at him on that day. He could never erase the memory of her wrinkled hand in his as she gave him one last smile. Albedo could never forget all the memories he shared with Juniper, and even though he was staring at her, healthy and full of life, he would never forget the image of his beautiful wife disappearing right in front of his eyes.

It was a fresh new hell with every life he lived, and to be doomed to never die of old age was just one of the worst aspects of it. Being a homunculus had its benefits, but dying was not one of them. While you could continue to die of old age or any natural cause, Albedo had to resort to more drastic measures to die. Unless some unfortunate circumstance had happened to end his life, Albedo oftentimes had to take matters into his own hands. Thankfully, this was not something he thought twice about, making no hesitation when he had to take the blade to his throat to stop whatever it took to keep him alive underneath all that skin and bone. He was thankful for the times where someone did the job for him, dying with a smile on his face as he watched the world darken around him. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t take long before he was opening his eyes to the sight of his master, again. She wasn’t as pleasant company to have as Juniper would’ve been, but he was grateful just to have something or someone distract him from the madness that brewed within him.

Sadly, this “bliss” only lasted for so long and soon, he was left all alone in Teyvat. A few centuries had passed before he crossed paths with you again. He had some time to recover from the agony of her, only to be reintroduced to it all over again. Albedo wasn’t too sure why he did what he did next. Perhaps he wondered how this life fared for the both of them. Maybe he started to finally heal from the damage that had been done, or maybe he was simply homesick. Whatever the reason, he had convinced himself that this time would be different, that this time he would enjoy this life with Juniper no matter how it ended.

At first he remained true to his words, making a life for himself with his wife and child in the cool meadows in Mondstadt, but then something happened, or should I say someone. Albedo hadn’t noticed it in the previous lives but eventually he caught on to this stranger's presence lurking in the shadows. At first he thought nothing of it. After all, he’d become quite paranoid due to the lives he lived, but he soon realized that it wasn’t paranoia and instead was a worry that was much warranted.

It happened first when Juniper and him were celebrating their first anniversary, they’d taken themselves out to a nice picnic in a nearby meadow. Everything was peaceful and the kindness of Juniper’s voice soothed his forever aching heart. Albedo’s heart was full as he heard you inquire about some experiment he was currently working on. Sadly, the moment was brought to a cold halt as he saw a familiar stranger out in the distance. The figure did nothing but stand there and glare down at him, and in a matter of moments he vanished. This visual would be something that would continue to haunt Albedo no matter what life he lived. In the ones that came before he hadn’t thought twice about it and now he wished he had.

He tried his best to ignore it, truly he did try, but even his best wasn’t enough. The man showed up even in his sleep, dreams turned to nightmares and nightmares soon became night terrors. Waking up in a cold sweat he’d sit upright, hyperventilating as his wife tried her best to calm him down. No matter what had happened in his sleep the man always showed up, the one constant theme being the mysterious man and his intentions. Albedo had his theories but never anything solid, that was until that night when the stranger spoke to him in his night terrors.

“I know what you’ve done.”

There was something incredibly bone chilling about those words,it felt like a threat to Albedo and all he cherished. Then the madness started to slither its way back into his life. Many nights were spent sleeplessly working on his research, thinking back to his past lives and what the appearance of this daunting figure meant. This continued on for about a decade or so before Albedo’s research came to a slowed halt. He hadn’t seen this figure in quite some time and foolishly thought with hope in his heart that this man had given up. At the very least he hoped this was someone who he could easily get rid of, but fate had a peculiar way of baring its fangs.

The next time he would see the man would be much farther in the future, long enough that Albedo almost forgot about him. Almost. It was summertime when the three of them, their child included, made their way into Mondstadt City. Albedo was holding his daughter, talking to her about the many flowers at Flora’s stand when his eyes locked with another pair. As his wife was paying for the gorgeous flowers she’d planned to decorate the house with, Albedo was preoccupied with a tall, blonde man’s eyes piercing straight into his. His immediate instinct was to take out his sword and protect what was precious to him, but he forced that urge down as hard as he could. That would only bring more trouble, he thought to himself.

He thought at best the stranger would leave him and his family alone, but he was sorely mistaken. After the man made a point of glaring at him and his daughter, he started to approach him. Albedo had no clue what he should do in a moment like this and he had no proof to tell the knights of favonius that he was a threat. So, instead he chose to remain exactly where he was. Albedo watched the stranger extra closely as he closed the distance between them, his hand twitching at his side as he readied to strike at any moment. It wasn’t until the man was standing right in front of him that he could truly get a good look.

He stood before him, tall with a threatening aura that followed, staring down at him and his child. There was a fire burning in his eyes, a dangerous hatred that threatened to tear him limb from limb, but before Albedo could say anything he turned to Juniper who had since bumped into the unfamiliar man by accident.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there. You.. are?” She questioned with a look of confusion.

He moved out of the way and smiled at Juniper with a look that was most unsettling. He said nothing and did nothing, just stood there, remaining frozen until his daughter, Rose, had reached out a hand towards the man. Quickly Albedo pulled her arm back against her body, holding her in a protective hold. Albedo stood his ground, now staring down the unfamiliar man who he knew now more than ever was a threat to his family.

“Nobody important, I was just on my way anyway. You.. have a good evening.” The man said as he walked past albedo, now bumping into him by mistake.

Although, one could hardly call what he did an accident. Juniper watched as the stranger floated away, vanishing among the crowd while Albedo focused on his daughter, refusing to give her up to even his wife. It seemed that Juniper had forgotten about what just happened and offered to carry Rose, but Albedo shook his head, reassuring her that he had it handled, but she wasn’t too sure about that.

The three of them walked home together in silence. That was until Juniper finally confronted Albedo. “Albedo?”

“Hmm?” He tilted his head to look at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road in front of him.

“What was that about? Do you know that man?” She pushed.

Albedo stayed silent. Not sure if he should be truthful or lie. He knew what would happen if he was truthful with Juniper, but he hated the idea of making a fool out of her. Sadly, Albedo did what he thought was best, even if Juniper saw right through him.

“No, I don’t know who that was today.” He said.

She turned to face him as her expression became angry. “You’re lying to me. Why are you lying to me, Albedo?”

“Let’s not discuss this here.” He tried his best to calm Juniper down, worried it would wake the baby, or at the very least that’s the excuse he gave her to keep her distracted.

Juniper was silent up until the moment the three of them returned home and tucked Rose into bed, but she did not forget about the man or Albedo’s suspicious questions. So, the very minute she had the chance she cornered Albedo in an attempt to force some answers out of him, but still he barely budged.

“What’s going on, Albedo? This isn’t like you.” She questioned him, desperate for answers.

Still, Albedo wouldn’t give in. He wasn’t trying to ignore Juniper but he was at a loss for words. He wasn’t exactly sure how he could tell Juniper that he had seen this many times before for such a long time, and that he had some less than savory theories about the stranger, as well. To put it simply, there was no way he could be truly honest with his wife. Not without things going awry that is.

Juniper stood in front of Albedo and grabbed both of his hands, holding them against her cheek. “Albedo, talk to me. Please?” She continued to push him all while he remained absolutely silent. “Can you at least tell me if he’s dangerous?” She asked in a hushed tone, her voice barely audible.

Albedo kissed her hands and then sighed. “I think so, yes.”

She pulled away slightly to give him a look. “You think?”

He sighed again and replied. “I have my theories of who he is and why he’s here, but that’s all I can say for now.”

The both of them sat in silence for a moment, neither of knowing exactly what to say. Albedo thought about the man and the many theories he had about them, and Juniper wondered about the stranger and Albedo’s theories. In a way their minds were connected in a very distorted and unorganized way. Thinking on the same wavelength but in opposite tempos. At some point the two of them decided nothing would be properly handled or solved with a mind and body that lacked sleep, and thus chose to end the conversation there for the night. Juniper slept soundly through the night while Albedo remained restless.

If there was any chance of Albedo getting any sleep it was long gone once he heard footsteps outside the window of their room. At first he wondered if he heard correctly but as the footsteps approached the room where Rose was located, he wasted no more time wondering and jumped out of bed. Carefully and cautiously he crept to the side of the room where Rose was, pushing the door slightly open to peek into the room to check in on his daughter. Once he was reassured of her safety he made quick work of finding his sword and gripping it close to his hips. He took a peek out a nearby window before opening the front door and closing it behind him softly.

Looking around him he held his sword at ready until he laid eyes on the source of the noise. It was him. Albedo felt rage course through his veins as he rushed towards the familiar man.

Reaching him he pointed the tip of his sword at his neck and spoke quietly. “Who are you?”

The man scoffed. “You can call me Dainsleif.”

Dainsleif held the demeanor of someone who had already won, the look in his eyes assuring Albedo that he would always be one step ahead of him. That was only one aspect of him that gave Albedo a bad feeling. Albedo took one step forward, holding the handle of his sword extra tight. He would not hesitate to swing his blade if he felt necessary, but for the sake of his family he restrained himself. He poked Dainsleif’s adam's apple with the tip of the blade, serving as an unspoken warning.

“What are you doing here, Dainsleif?” Albedo’s voice was thick with venom.

Dainsleif stood there motionless, not moving a muscle. Then he turned his attention to the house, eyeing the window that belonged to Rose’s room. This motion did not go unmissed by Albedo and immediately questioned the strange man. What could he possibly want with an innocent child?

“Why are you here?” Albedo spat in reply. Growing more impatient with every passing second.

“I’ve been watching you for a very long time, Albedo.” Dainsleif admitted.

That’s when Albedo lowered his sword momentarily, too stunned to speak just yet. What could he possibly want with me? With my family? Albedo asked himself. Although, an answer is what he sought, an answer would not return to him.

“This is not the first time we’ve met and nor will it be the last.” He continued.

Albedo’s head began to spin and spin until he ultimately fell to the ground onto his knees, sword now laying beside him. “You know.. Don’t you?” He asked

Dainsleif looked down on Albedo and then to the house, again before replying. “I’ve always known.”

Albedo dug his nails into the cloth of his shorts, praying that this hell would stop, but he knew better than to be hopeful at a time like this. Sadly, he remained hopeful with childlike wonder, having an idea that he was so sure would bring him relief. He hesitated for only a moment until ultimately deciding to do it, going against the bad feeling that ruminated in his gut.

“Do you.. Do you know how I can save her? Is there a way to save her?” Albedo asked weakly, his voice broken and strained.

Dainsleif looked down on Albedo with a cold glare. “What makes you think I’d ever help you?”

Everything was starting to unravel before his eyes. Albedo was beginning to see for the very first time in any of his lifetimes. He was doomed from the very start. As fate would have it Albedo would never see the good in his continuous lives as long as the archons looked down on all of Teyvat. As long as Albedo lived to see the daylight and die underneath the moon’s cold embrace, so would destiny let its hands do its cruel bidding.

“Please.. There must be something that I can do in return? Anything?!” Albedo begged, but again, Dainsleif refused.

Shaking his head and walking further from Albedo who was currently on the ground groveling, he replied. “You’re dangerous. I cannot trust you with this invaluable information.”

Albedo reached out a hand to Dainsleif but before he could even graze his body he had vanished into thin air. The strange man had cast upon his judgment and before Albedo could even defend himself he had left. Albedo remained on the ground for quite some time, hours passed by while he cried and prayed to the archons for forgiveness. That, whatever would come to pass, would be most merciful to him, but his prayers would grow unanswered. He wept and yelled to the skies, cursing them for being born with such an unforgiving face. Although his voice was loud it did not carry along with the wind. Some things could not be helped, a prisoner will always feel tied down even in a land as free as the wind.

At some point he must’ve carried himself back to bed to Juniper. He hoped this would all be some nightmare that would soon pass and be just one big miserable memory. Sadly, though this was just one hellish day, it would eventually come to haunt him in the future. For when Albedo’s time with Juniper in this lifetime ended, another life would follow with an even more nightmarish revelation to follow, too.

The same usual moments would happen, still, but it was when he took that fateful walk by a familiar hill that would damn him to heartbreak eternally. Eternity is a thing of the past, but the way Juniper looked at him would forever be etched into his mind. He didn’t even notice the presence of a certain man standing beside her until he looked away from her cruel expression. She wore the same one Dainsleif had that night, frozen and unsympathetic. There was no escaping his fate, the worst had truly come.

Looking back at that night which happened so many years ago, Albedo couldn’t help but feel that man was nothing but one brutal omen. He wondered if he had ignored him would he still be in the same situation? Would he not still be damned to suffer just as all mortal men are? Their eyes locked onto him, etching into his skin the sins of man. Although Albedo was nothing close to human, there was something about being lumped in with any other human made him feel insane.

Albedo thought that surely there must be a way to free himself of this torment? But there wasn’t. Not in this lifetime, the next, or any that would follow. Still, he tried to fix what was never broken to begin with. He tried and tried to connect with Juniper, build something out of nothing, but each time she would scowl at him and look at him in disgust, immediately shutting down any and all words he had to say. Still like a mad man he continued this pointless mission that would end in defeat every single time.

At one point Albedo had managed to convince himself that this was only his fate in that lifetime, but oh what a sad realization he had waiting for him in his remaining lifetimes. As time went on Juniper looked at him with an expression that grew crueler with every glance she gave him, as if to say “I remember”. Not only did she resent him with every reincarnation, but bit by bit she started to become more like the man that had always lingered around her. Never letting her out of his line of sight, something that truly sickened the alchemist.

Eventually Albedo had no choice but to accept this destiny of his and hid himself in a much better place than Dragonspine. Although no place would be far enough when in regards to his love for Juniper, wherever he was headed was a damn good place to start. He focused on his studies for some time, avoiding all social contact of any kind. Keeping himself holed up in a secret location that none knew about (that he made sure of) until he forgot how she looked. Sadly that day would never come in that life or the next. Her face haunted him from sunup to sundown. A horrific reminder carved into his psyche until the day that the archons would cast mercy upon him, but that day never came.

The only thing that would remain constant for Albedo was the anguish and the ever maddening silence which surrounded him. Death was not an ending for Albedo but instead was the gasoline which ignited the fire. Even as he crafts something on his trusty alchemy table, somewhere far from any livable life form, he could still hear her voice and feel her cold eyes burning into the back of his neck. An eternal reminder of the selfishness of mankind.

#albedo x oc #albedo x original character #genshin x oc #genshin x original character

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ventismacchiato · 2 years

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Hiiiiii how are you- I saw requests were open and I had a sudden albedo brain rot so..,

Taking care of Albedo after he gets sick/injured???

Ty!!!

taking care of albedo when he’s sick/injured headcanons

albedo x g!n reader ࿔

a/n: i’m doing ok, bit tired from college tbh! haven’t updated my ao3 fics in so long but it’s sm easier to write x reader,, anyways hope this is sufficient sorry that it’s short !!

notes: genshin universe, established relationship

✰ being albedo’s partner was great, he treated you well and was an amazing listener. always accompanied you on commissions, especially if it was an odd one because it meant he got to take samples of all the creatures you’d annihilated

✰ the most annoying thing about being his partner was seeing him overwork himself every other day. sure, he made time for you. but most of your dates consisted of you sitting in his lab as he stared into his beakers for hours on end. or he’d drag you to the top of dragonspine and ask you to do physical tests for him. of course, he’d never put you in danger, but some of the things he had you do were scary to say the least

✰ either way, he was constantly overworking himself. more often than not you’d have to drag him away from the lab or snatch his notes out of his hands so he could pay attention to how he hasn’t been taking care of himself

✰ he’s probably cooked up remedies and medicine that can cure most of his sicknesses since this is a common occurrence, but you want him to take a break so you don’t let him go back to experiments until you’re absolutely certain he’s okay

✰ “y/n, i promise i’m doing alright. may i please continue my previous experiment? if i’m away too long i’ll have to restart—,” albedo asks from where he sat on his bed, which was unused for the most part with often he slept at the lab.

✰ “no, you’re going to relax for the rest of the week,” you reiterated, joining him on the bed after dimming out the lights. you drag him to rest his head in your lap and tell him to close your eyes. first he’ll try to leave, insisting he has to work, but the moment you start raking your fingers through his hair he’s like mint jelly in your palms

✰ sometimes albedo forgets to wash himself, why would he do that when he can observe the specimen he’s been growing in his lab? so under the guise of cooking him dinner you invite him to your teapot and practically shove him into the pool of water. you’d let the hot steam overtake him and watch as he strips and sinks into the water. you’d get behind him, perched on a rock, and wash out the dirt from his hair, much to his embarrassment.

✰ he probably got injured after caring for klee and accidentally getting hit by one of her bombs. instead of getting treatment immediately he hid it from her as to not worry her until he got home where he collapsed onto the floor. you could only stare in horror as you had to drag him to a bed and tend to his wounds. he’d insist he was okay, even if he winced when you applied the ointment he’d concocted. you agree with him to withhold this information from klee and you take care of her the next day, telling her albedo was too tired to play that day.

✰ you both would get into arguments more often than not since you tried to prevent him from going to his lab or hiding out in the mountains for too long for his health. but overtime he understood you were only looking out for him and would always bring back a bouquet of flowers he’d grown himself for you along with a painting of you. whenever he needed a break from doing work he’d look to his side to where you were either napping or working in his lab and sketch you out <3

author’s note: hope this was okay, kind of just a brain dump ^^ masterlist

#genshin fluff #genshin imagines #genshin impact #genshin impact au #genshin au #genshin headcanons #genshin drabbles #albedo x gender neutral reader #albedo x reader #albedo x y/n #albedo x you #albedo headcanons #albedo drabbles #albedo au #albedo x oc #kai requests

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winter-cheshire-writings · 23 days

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Echoes and Experiments Chapter 11

Mieko's birthday flew by, and the woman was right back at working again. Albedo was worried about her, but he also didn't stop her from doing what she felt was necessary. It was becoming harder and harder for her to pay shop rent, and she was fighting hard every day to make it work. Albedo didn't want to take that from her. But some days, he felt like he had to distract her, force her to sit and rest. It didn't usually work for long, but Albedo would exploit the fact that she listened to his requests and would turn up the charm to get her to agree. “You're terrible.” She would tell him while smiling. “But I'll rest, just for you.” However, her sleep schedule was deteriorating quickly. And one day, after one of the sleepless nights, someone came by to visit.

“Miiieeee!” A brunette with blue eyes ran into the workshop, nearly knocking Albedo down in the process before clinging to Mieko. The woman gave an exasperated sigh before petting the girl's head.

“Natalie. What are you doing here?”

“Let's go out, Mie!”

“Out where?”

“To fight some monsters!” Albedo was surprised that someone was asking his workaholic partner to hunt monsters, he was sure everyone else in Mondstat thought Mieko was just a shopkeep, save for the Knights of Favonious vision holders and Koyuki's family. Who was this girl?

“Introduce yourself to Albedo first, then. I'll go and change so we can go.” She sighed, getting up from her chair before heading to change out of her workshop outfit. Albedo quirked an eyebrow at the brunette, who turned to him with a big grin on her face.

“Ohh, so you're the one Diluc told me about!” She smiled. “I'm Natalie, I've known Mie and Diluc since I was little.” She grinned. “So, so. You're her partner? Her boyfriend???” she questioned, inquiring about how Albedo treated Mieko and stopping when the woman returned. “So, let's go!”

“Go where?” Mieko asked, seeming exasparated but not willing to let this girl go anywhere herself, much like how Jean treated Klee.

“I got a commission, so let's go to Brightcrown Canyon!”

“Goodness, you picked the most infested place.” Mieko grumbled. “Did you introduce yourself?”

“I did, I did!”

“She did, Mie. Are you sure you're alright to go fight monsters in your condition?” Albedo asked her, knowing her stress was high and her sleep had been limited.

“I can't exactly turn Natalie down. Diluc will throw a fit.” She replied simply, smiling. “Want to join us?” She asked.

“I haven't been there in a while. I will accompany you, to sketch the scenery.” He said, smiling at her.

“Very well.” She nodded. “Then let's go.”

Upon arriving, Natalie went right to work and Mieko just hung back and let her hunt down her monsters by herself. “She was always clumsy when she was little, and I think it got worse when she got her vision.” Mieko explained. “Diluc has always worried that she might impale herself on her sword if she isn't careful, so I got used to escorting her around on missions since her return from Liyue, and she got used to coming to ask me so Diluc wouldn't scold her.”

“You must see her like a sister, the way you worry about her.” Albedo pointed out.

“I do, I do.” She nodded. “If Yuki had grown up… I think she and Natalie would've been good friends.” She smiled a little sadly. Albedo understood now why she was so willing to stop everything she was doing for Natalie's request. He took her hand and squeezed it, making Mieko turn to him.

“I'm glad, that you have something other than work to do.”

“Ah, have I been overdoing it?”

“I think you have. You clearly need a break from the shop.”

“Hm… Very well. I'm sorry, if I've been causing you to worry.” Mieko squeezed his hand back.

“You can make it up to me later.”

“Hey. C'mon you two, over here!” Natalie waved from the top of the cliff. “I think I found a good one!”

“A good one, huh?” Mieko sighed. She began walking up the hill with Albedo. “Probably a big camp of Hilichurls…” as they arrived at the top, Natalie pointed at the camp, telling Mieko that they could attack from up here when Mieko froze, whipping around and blocking an attack from hitting Natalie, eyes wide. “Oh no…” A Pyro and Electro Abyss Mage appeared in front of them. “Of all the rotten timing…”

“We need to take care of the Electro first, the Pyro can wait.” Albedo told her, the woman nodding. They fought as well as they could against the two enemies, but something was still bothering Mieko about this. It didn't feel right. As Albedo was thrown back and away from her, something caught his attention. “Mie, move!” She managed to side step a stray bolt of electro coming at her, glaring at the appearance of a tall being cloaked in purple.

“Another being of the Abyss…?”

“What a fascinating little specimen you are.” It cooed, staring right at Mieko. It clearly held some interest, but why? “You fight so hard… Why don't you just go to sleep?” it asked. Natalie was occupied with the Pyro Abyss Mage, and Albedo with the electro one.

“You're not convincing me any more than a burglar breaking into my house telling me to sleep.” She stated.

“How dreadful.” The Abyss Lector laughed. “If you sleep long enough, you can go and see your best friend again. Wouldn't that be nice? Her name is Yuki, isn't it?” He asked, Albedo's eyes going wide when he heard the being say Yuki's name.

“Mie, don't listen to him!” the intrusive thought of losing her to the Abyss terrified him, a feeling that he was very unused to. But she simply stood there, listening to the Abyss Lector talk.

“What do you say, hmm?” The Abyss being asked after offering her the “sweetest dream” of being able to spend her days happily with her dearly departed friend.

“What do I say?” Mieko laughed, confusing the Lector. She looked up at it with a dark look on her face, her eyes strangely sharp and dangerous. “You don't think I hold onto Yuki's memory because I would give anything to see her, do you?” She slashed the Lector across the face, causing it to stumble. “How dare you say my dear sister's name, trying to bait me.” She slammed the broad side of her weapon into the Lector's head, then stabbed her polearm through the Lector's robe. “Natalie. I believe Diluc will forgive us in this circumstance. Go ahead and do it.” She activated her skill, causing dark, dangerous rainclouds to form above the beings of the abyss. Mieko took a few steps back from the Lector and walked over to Albedo as he flung the Electro Abyss mage towards the other enemy. Natalie grinned when she realized what Mieko meant and flung the Pyro Abyss mage, causing it to barrel into the other two. It began to rain heavily around the place Mieko's weapon was plunged into the ground, the circle of rain ending just short of Mieko, Albedo, and Natalie.

“Alright!” The brunette exclaimed, raising her hand to the sky. “Time for a Snow Day!”

“A… Snow Day?” Albedo asked, confused as Mieko took his hand. The sky grew darker and the air chilled. Little white things began to fall from the rainclouds at frightening speed. “Are those…?”

“Snowmen.” Mieko smiled. “Natalie is one dangerous kid, when it comes down to it. But combined with my powers?” She chuckled. “It's much worse.” the snowmen rained down on the Abyss Mages and the Lector, pummeling them. When it was over, the Lector stood up, ripping his robe from the weapon. The mages were long gone.

“You think that was enough to stop me?!”

“No.” Mieko replied. “But this next one certainly might be.” She smiled, a flash of orangey red slammed into the Lector. When the dust settled, there stood the red haired young master of the Dawn Winery. “Great shot, Diluc~”

“Mie.” He sighed. “You can't always count on me to show up…”

“But I can when Natalie is involved.” she smiled, the red haired man clearing his throat.

“Heyyy, Diluc you melted my snowmen!” Natalie exclaimed, hands on her hips and a pout adoring her young face. Diluc paused as he turned to the brunette, sighing as she pouted at him more.

“Is that what you imagine Yuki would have been like?” Albedo asked, Mieko nodding while holding his hand. “I see… What an interesting personality.” He replied.

“Mie?” Albedo walked into the kitchen to see Mieko sitting on the kitchen counter again, staring down into her cup of tea. “Is something wrong? It's well after 1am.”

“No… I just can't sleep again.” She stated softly. “I'm alright…”

“You hardly seem alright.” He stood in front of her, placing his hand on her thigh. “This is the 4th day in a row you couldn't sleep, isn't it?”

“I'm really okay, Albedo.” She shook her head, placing her cup down. “Don't worry, I just-”

“Don't say another word.” Albedo's finger came to rest on her lips. “Come along. Bed time.” he helped her down off the counter and took her to her room. “I'll make you another potion, if it will help.” he said as he sat down with her.

“I took the one you left for me… It didn't do anything.” She replied, leaning on his shoulder. “You help me sleep far more than any potion… But even now, it's hard to rest, for some reason.”

“Then, let me stay with you until you manage to fall asleep.” he said, reaching to play with her hair. She was clearly exhausted, and Albedo was getting concerned again. “Since you won't sleep yet… Windblume is coming up, isn't it?”

“Yes. I'm hoping that perhaps I'll make some good sales.” She replied. “Windblume is a big event… I can only hope it will be lucrative.”

“I see… I… Wish you the best of luck with that.”

“Hmm… You sound disappointed.” She looked up at him from his shoulder, smiling. “Were you perhaps… Hoping to go together?”

“I was.” He admitted, staring back at her before kissing her forehead. “But if you'll be busy, I don't want to bother you.”

“It isn't a bother.” She replied. “I will spend some time with you for at least 1 day.” She added.

“That would be lovely… Thank you darling. Now, try and sleep.” He had her lay down and pet her head, sitting at her side until she fell asleep finally. He sighed, staring down at her. “Mie… You keep pushing yourself so hard… Why won't you take a break?” He pondered, smiling a bit as she grumbled in her sleep. He sighed, staring at her for a while before laying down at her side, gently playing with her hair. “One day, perhaps, I will understand that behavior of yours, darling.”

Mieko was practically running herself into the ground, and Albedo could see how tired she was. But she pushed through until the week before Windblume, and now he finally had her to himself for a short while. He took her to Dragonspine and kept her with him, the isolation from her shop finally allowing her to decompress a little. He knew her living above her workspace made it hard on her, because work was always on her mind. But this felt different. He took a deep breath as she laid there on his cot, continuing to work on his experiments with a potion brewing on the side for her. The urge to protect her only grew stronger with every passing day, every incident of her not feeling well or pushing herself. Albedo put a hand to his chest, taking a deep breath.

“Mie… What is it about you that makes me feel like this?” he asked, glancing back at her as she rested. He was becoming fearful for her health, for her state of being. “These feelings have grown so deep, Mieko… Can you explain them to me, one day?” He asked as she stirred, smiling as she sat up.

“Did you say something, Albedo?” She asked, rubbing her eyes.

“Just musing to myself, my dear. Did you sleep well?”

“Mmm, for the short while I was asleep, I think so.” She yawned. “It's almost dinner time, isn't it?”

“That it is.” he nodded. “Are you craving anything in particular?” He asked, putting down his work.

“Honestly…? I'm not all that hungry. I'm hoping the smell of good food will work my appetite up.” She admitted, tying her hair back up with the hair clip and ribbon Albedo had given her. “Did you want me to make Sunshine Sprat?”

“I don't mind cooking.”

“I mind, you've been babying me since I got here.” She said, eyeing him from her seat.

“Perceptive as ever, darling.” He chuckled. “I'm concerned for your health. Your lack of sleep worries me. It's been getting worse.”

“I… I know.” She sighed, looking up at him as he walked over to her. She pulled him gently by the hand to sit in her lap and leaned her forehead against his shoulder. “Since that fight with the Abyss Lector, I've been sleeping less and less.” She nuzzled him as he moved to wrap his arms around her. “It's bothering me… The way it called me a specimen… And the way it talked like it knew me and my past…” she clung to his shirt, releasing a held breath as Albedo rubbed her back. “It doesn't feel right, Albedo.”

“What does it feel like, Mie?” he asked. “Can you verbalize the feeling at all? Explain to me the closest thing it reminds you of?”

“I can't tell…” she shook her head. “It just feels bad…” she said softly. “I… I just feel strange… It feels kind of like when…” she paused. “Oh… It's… Similar to the day before Yuki died…” she said softly. “That's the closest thing I have to compare to…” she added to Albedo.

“I see… Well, I'll do my best to stay at your side, so you don't have to worry.”

“I… Alright…” she nodded, not denying his assistance and company. “I don’t know what the feeling is linked to, but hopefully it at least settles my nerves.” she smiled a little, hugging him back. “For now…” she kissed him. “I think having you right here is helping more than anything else…”

“Then, let's enjoy a light dinner and the evening air.” Albedo smiled back at her. “Then you can take what you need from me, my Mie.”

Mieko always had trouble falling asleep, but somehow the way Albedo would slide his hand into her shirt and gently rub the small of her back was so soothing to her. She felt so safe when he wrapped his arms around her that it usually lulled her right to sleep. She would nuzzle into his shoulder or the crook of his neck, depending on how he was holding her. Albedo would plant soft kisses to her forehead or the top of her head, and hold her tight. "Goodnight, Mie, darling." He would whisper as she began to fade. Mieko knew that now, there was no one else for her. Albedo was her one and only, as long as he wanted her. But even then, a little voice inside her head told her that wouldn't be enough. That not even Albedo could save her from what was coming, even though she had no idea what that thing was. She sighed, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

“Yuki! Yuki!!!” Mieko sighed, opening her eyes. Again with the nightmare about Yuki dying. This happened often enough, but recently it had been getting louder, more painful. She watched as her younger self cried over losing her sister, her best friend. But then something changed. Mieko looked up to see Yuki's parents and brother staring at her. She steeled her nerves as they opened their mouths to speak.

“You're the reason Yuki died.”

“That's a lie.” Mieko muttered.

“You killed our daughter!”

“A lie.” She repeated.

“That damn vision of yours, why didn't you die instead?!” Mieko shook her head, shaking a little.

“I don't know.” She replied honestly. “It was my fault…”

“It wasn't.” Mieko paused, turning to hear a very familiar voice. “Big Sis, cmon, don't cry.” She couldn't see who was talking, but she felt a hand on hers. “I'd never blame you, Mie.”

#winter-cheshire-writings #albedo x oc #genshin albedo #genshin impact #genshin impact albedo #genshin oc x canon #oc x canon #mieko - oc #echoes and experiments

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shinsukeee · 11 months

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𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐱: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Prim can't sleep again.

It was weird for her to not feel sleepy, considering that her body is on sleep mode before 12 am.

She gets off bed and peeks from the window, gently pushing the curtains as the moon glows brightly.

Her eyes shining a little, like little stares decorating the starry night sky, how beautiful must it be for her be able to see?

She shivers and gently wears her cream-colored cardigan as she quietly exits through the window.

Now, you may think that she sleeps on the Second Floor. Who in the right mind would be so suicidal to use the window as a way to sneak off?

Prim.

Prim would.

She's done this before back in the real world, only difference? Just to get a cold glass of water or needing to take a shit.

Her footsteps were always quiet, her movements are calculated. She knows when to silence her own self when it's midnight.

My family had thought I was a ghost and would never feel my presence whenever I'm in the room. Heck, they scream whenever I enter the room, claiming I 'appear out of nowhere'. How foolish.

She says in her head as she quietly lands on the cobblestone (?) ground and heads to the lake.

She took off her slippers and dipped her toes in the water, she removed her cardigan and gently placed it on a big rock as she feels the cool water touch her feet.

She softly hums and hears the crickets, it isn't unusual to hear this thing outside. She closes her eyes and moves her body, gracefully dancing on the water.

As if she too were a liquid, like a fairy performing a dance that would forever be remembered by history.

She hears the bush rustle, she stops her movements and stares at the bush.

An animal?

"Ah, my apologies."

Albedo, the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius.

It was her favorite, one Prim remembered that person cherished and simped for, it hurt for Prim to see the Chalk Prince. But she isn't stupid, she needs to see Albedo as himself, not that woman's loved character.

"Greetings and Salutations."

Prim softly greets, doing a princess-like bow in which Albedo does a prince bow in return.

"Are you here to tell me that it's late in the evening?"

She softly asked in a teasing way, Albedo softly chuckles.

"If you so wish, Your Grace. I could"

Prim softly chuckles before lending a hand out to him, saying her most well-known line that only that lady would know.

"Shall we dance?"

Albedo gently placed his hand under hers and bringing it to his lips, kissing her knuckles.

"We shall."

#genshin impact sagau #genshin self aware au #genshin impact #albedo kreideprinz #albedo x oc

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leap-loves · 5 months

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Tea to the Power of Two - Genshin Impact - [Opposites Attract]

Another little drabble I did! This time some Calla and Albedo! This is apparently the first thing I've written for them?? So have some cute little domesticity!

Rainy days were some of Calla's favorites. Thanks to the gentle weather of Mondstadt, rainy days were never a concern. Just a gentle rain hitting the roofs, watering the plants in the city, softening the lighting from the outside world, and giving a perfect excuse to stay inside and read.

When her kettle was just about to start whistling, she took it off of the flame and carefully poured the hot water into the two mugs waiting on the counter, absently humming to herself as she worked. She's not even sure what exactly she's humming, some mish-mash of songs she's heard Venti working on. Once satisfied with the mugs, she set the kettle aside to cool down, putting some sugar in her mug and a little bit of honey in the other. With that, she picked up both mugs to carry them out to her couch.

She smiled softly when seeing her guest still comfortably settled into the couch, his nose buried in the book he was reading with a relaxed expression. Good.

“Here you go, ‘bedo.” She offered gently, her voice soft to not startle him too much.

He looked up curiously at her voice, not taking long to understand what was going on. He shifted to set his book in his lap after making a mental note of the page number, just in case. “Ah. Thank you.” He hummed appreciatively, carefully taking the mug she offered to him, holding it closer to enjoy its warmth. He may not be bothered by the cold, but that doesn't mean he can't appreciate the warmth.

Calla, for her part, set to work settling herself back in on her couch with her own mug and book. She had forgone her usual attire in favor of something more comfortable, leggings and a large, deep blue sweater, and now settled in with her mug of hot tea. She has truly achieved peak comfort. Or… almost achieved peak comfort.

Once she had both her mug and book in hand, she shifted on the couch to lean against Albedo, her back against his arm and her legs tucked up slightly under her.

There we go. Perfect comfort.

Albedo didn't seem to mind at all, simply letting her adjust herself and taking an appreciative sip of his tea. Just a spoonful of honey, enough to sweeten it, without overwhelming it with sugar. Her attention to detail, and memory of his preferences, never fails to make him feel so… cared for. So much care being put into even the small things for him… there was a time where he didn't know how to handle something so simple, but with Calla's help he's been adjusting to simply appreciating it, and reciprocating where possible.

Calla didn't seem to notice his introspection, distracted by her romance novel and holding her tea mug close to her chest to relish in the warmth for the moment. He finally turned his attention back to his own book, holding it with one hand and his mug with the other. He took a few more moments still to soak up this moment. Such opportunities for quiet moments with just the two of them come few and far between, let alone with the same comfort and… domesticity, that today has.

Either they are out and about in the City, spending time together while completing other objectives, or they have Klee with them and are working together to mind and wear out his dear younger sister. While they do get something similar to this when she goes up to visit him on Dragonspine, they have so much else to mind there. Ensuring she’s not going to end up cold, his current alchemical experiment… They don’t necessarily get to simply be in each other’s company, with such closeness. Now it makes so much more sense why people seem to find such comfort in proximity. Not even simply from a survival standpoint.

No…

It satisfies something Albedo hadn’t even realized he’d been lacking, a hole that had been there since his beginning, that he hadn’t even known was meant to be filled. The comfort of having someone near, of simply not being alone.

“Is something wrong?” Calla asked, tilting her head back against his shoulder to look up at him.

Albedo shook his head, offering her a soft smile. “No, nothing is wrong. I was simply thinking.”

“Must have been thinking pretty hard.” She mused playfully, her book resting against her legs now.

He glanced up and noticed she was using a bookmark he’d made her some time ago, carefully painted crystal flies on a very thin piece of wood, and a tassel on the end with teal and gold thread with a single purple bead. It made his chest feel tighter to see her using something he’d made for her, but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. Pride, he supposes.

“You usually read so much faster, I was starting to get worried that something was distracting you.” Calla continued, to explain her concerns.

“I was distracted, yes.” Albedo admitted, looking down at her as he considered. “But it was not in a bad way. I was simply relishing in the peace of the moment. I see now why you find such comfort in closeness like this. Why you styled your apartment as you did. While I am comfortable in my lab on Dragonspine, it does not feel quite the same.”

Calla’s expression softened as she listened to him, humming as she closed her eyes, blobbing against him a little bit more for emphasis. “I’m glad, I was a little worried that it would get overwhelming to be so out of your comfort zone here. But I had a feeling that you would need something like this.”

“Once again, you prove to show a better understanding of me than even I possess.” Albedo chuckled softly as he watched her.

She opened her eyes again, snickering softly as she stuck her tongue out at him for a moment. “You give me too much credit. Your honesty and openness is refreshing.”

He hummed in response, amused by her playfulness. He didn’t respond verbally, simply enjoying the quiet and turning his attention back to the book, managing to actually go back to reading this time.

Once satisfied he was done talking for the moment, Calla lifted her head again to go back to her own book with a sip of her tea, letting the rain fill the quiet, with the wind occasionally managing to make her windchimes outside chime, offering its quiet melody to join the ambiance. They settled into their initial comfort, enjoying the close contact and ability to feel the other breathing while they each did their own things.

Rainy days may be dreary to most in Mondstadt, however…

Albedo thinks they may become his favorite days, too.

#text post #my writing #otp: opposites attract #albedo x oc #genshin impact #gi #oc x albedo #oc x canon #self insert #self ship #selfship

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rene-is-an-insomniac · 9 months

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Hi! Im writing this submission for the crush exchange event, im gonna use my genshin oc for this if you don't mind ^^

Her name is Amaranthe (she/her) and she is a painter from Fontaine and she is hired by Lyney and Lynette to make promotional posters for their magic shows. Amaranthe really likes flowers ESPECIALLY sunflowers. Besides painting, she is also talented at sword fighting, playing the violin and the cello, dancing the waltz, and probably alot more (she is very talented in many forms of art hehe) Also she jas a hydro vision

Amaranthe's personality is best described as dedicated to her work, kindhearted, creative (its obvious sjsj), she apologizes very often (like she'll say sorry if someone points out that she always says sorry 💀), gets flustered very easily when someone gives her compliments (she's not used to it), she is kind of of a tsundere (emphasis on kind of), touch starved but is afraid to admit it(?) (idk how to word it), often reminisces her childhood, and she's very focused

Likes: sunflowers, painting, playing the cello, making art for people (the reactions to her gift arts makes her very happy), being alone (but not too alone iykwim), the twins' magic shows, lemon tea, sweets, and fairytales.

Dislikes: insults (unfortunately she receives those quite often), getting interrupted while she's drawing, small talk cuz the conversation always gets awkward, spicy food, and milk (she hates the taste and smell)

Hobbies: painting, taking a stroll around the city, reading the history about several iconic paintings, gearwork(?) (idk how to explain it 😭😭), and organizing her painting supplies (if she has nothing else to do)

Sorry Traveler, there was an error when I submitted this. I'll ping you when the response is fixed~

@raeharmonia

Apologies for the error, here's what he sent!

Greetings,

How's the quality of your work been lately? Do you still work with the Fontaine Magician's Troupe? The magic shows have been getting more and more popular all throughout Teyvat ever since word of the Steambird got out. Aside from my research, I received a new Novel from Inazuma. The plot revolves around a man who awakens to discover that the entire human civilization has been locked in stone for a long period. After he gets back to his feet, he immediately begins attempting to find his way around this strange new environment. Klee just returned from Sumeru with Kaeya and Traveler. She informed me about people she met and assisted along the way. She even took pictures to show from her journey. I'll submit them along with the letter.

Safe Travels,

Albedo

Cheif Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius

A/N: I haven't wrote for him in awhile, so I hope I did well.

#100 follower event #crush exchange #genshin fic #genshin albedo #albedo x you #albedo x oc #albedo x fem!reader

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akallia · 1 year

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the fluidity of concrete, part 1

Hello, all! I'm back. Nothing much here but there will be important notes at the end. This is a cross-post from AO3, and there will be a link to it at the end if you want to read it there. Happy reading!

Pairing: Albedo x Fem!Reader, Kaeya x Fem!Reader if you squint

Word count: 4k

Concept: Albedo, son of a renowned German architect, finds himself in small-town America as his mother slips into a coma. You, an employee of your local library and resident architecture nerd, form an unlikely relationship with the foreigner with the platinum blonde hair.

CW: smoking, language, substance abuse, death, abusive parents

Most people would never get to see true stasis. Stasis, a state or period of inactivity or equilibrium. The best place to find stasis is a home owned by someone important which was turned into a museum after their passing. That is where stasis is in its purest form. Where else would you experience a state of such stillness? It feels so wrong - either the original owners should come back and inhabit their home, or the tourists should occupy it. Regardless, the stasis of an empty, culturally significant home possesses an arresting emptiness to it. It is… stasis. Stasis implies that there will be change, soon. It is a home. Homes are for living. Where are all the people?

The home in question: mid century modern, hidden away behind rows of thick symmetrical hedges, a sprawling lawn behind it stamped with a checkered mowing pattern, dotted with willow trees. A bright conversation pit in the center of the living room with a baby grand Steinway adjacent, immaculately dusted and wanting. Low, flat ceilings, floor to ceiling built in bookshelves decorated in antique clocks and obscure coffee table books on art. A wall of glass behind the conversation pit that faded into a short concrete porch.

Gold stood there with her hands clasped thoughtfully behind her back, a large, ugly hat on her head as she surveyed the lifeless lawn and its perfectly cut grass. Just her, and her “translator” on the phone in the kitchen, making sure she didn’t wander off. She tended to use her old age to her advantage these days, meandering wherever she pleased in the name of “allowing an old woman her pleasures.”

—

Again, Gold and her omnipresent companion, now at one of the churches and preschools downtown. Mona, her translator, always on the phone, balancing herself on one hip with all her weight on a dangerous-looking black stiletto heel and impeccably dressed with her innate balance of tasteful and expensive. She jabbered on in German…

“Was du gesagt hast, klingt für mich so, als ob…” She gave a quick glance at Gold, who had picked up one of their discarded umbrellas and was meandering. “Ach nee!” She said rudely.

The courtyard of the church was a strange one. The church itself was large and imposing, a compound occupying an entire city block. A large L-shaped rectangle formed the main structure, and in the crook of the L it sank down to an open courtyard an entire story into the ground, a sort of hamster tunnel up above from the preschool to the church proper providing the only shelter from the elements. White concrete contrasted against the green summer grass that housed a small fenced-in playground. The concrete proudly exhibited its popularity with wheel tracks from skateboards and roller skates.

Gold collapsed in a heap on the concrete as the clouds opened and rain fell on her old body.

Mona dropped her bag and flung her heels off and ran, dialing 911 as she went.

It was your mid-afternoon smoke break. You wished books weren’t so delicate. If they weren’t, you might be able to smoke in the library instead of outside. It was so fucking hot outside, in the June midwestern heat. You hated it. But the view of downtown was nice, and you got to stare at the church, the library, and the Ragnvindr house. You didn’t mind that much. It might have been a less miserable smoke break if Kaeya was there to keep you company. He was good at distracting you with intellectual bullshit.

You stared thoughtfully at the large gray-green sculpture that the kids aptly called Dinosaur Bone. The architect had designed it such that when you looked through it from the right angle, the clocktower of the L-shaped church across the street was framed perfectly inside of it. You leaned against the wrought-iron fence of the Ragnvindr house that bordered the library, observing the clocktower, which was in desperate need of renovation. It was interesting that something only a few decades old could rot like that. But it didn’t surprise you. Rot was everywhere, no matter the age.

While you pondered, you ran over the script in your head, rattling off lines about the church. You hoped the historical society would accept your job application for a tour guide. You knew your stuff, but the thought of staring at strangers, with their expectant eyes intently gazing back at you, and having to recite something from memory gave you heart palpitations. Another drag from your cigarette. You clenched the clear red gas station Bic lighter for dear life.

“Fuck,” you whispered. You stepped on your cigarette, and went back inside to clock in for the rest of your shift at the library.

Inside, you were in the zone as you called it. It was easy to get lost in yourself working here. The library was always occupied, but never busy. The ceilings were impossibly high and waffled with concrete, lights inset in every adjacent square like checkers. The rows and rows of wood shelves complemented the red brick walls and dated blue carpet, and the lazy midsummer light pouring in from the monstrously large sections of glass between the brick pillars made you feel cozy.

A half hour of stocking the shelves with returned books came and went, and you had made it to the back of the adult fiction section. There, on the floor leaning against the stacks, was your coworker Kaeya. His thick raven hair was pulled back in a signature low bun, and he wore the same vans, black jeans, and button-down that he wore almost every day, a getup which you affectionately dubbed The Kaeya. He was holding a book open in his tanned hands, brows furrowed in concentration.

“Reading anything good?” You took a seat on the floor next to him. It was getting close to closing, and you were sure that nobody desperately needed a third copy of Crime and Punishment at this hour.

“Not sure,” he responded, not looking up at you. “Might just be grad school gibberish.”

“If you need help with something, let me know,” you offered.

“Yeah…” he trailed off, still engrossed. He suddenly shut the book with one hand and met your eyes thoughtfully. “Do you wanna… see a movie tonight?”

You were taken aback. Kaeya was your work best friend and nothing more. You bit your lip, wondering how to handle the situation, though you couldn’t deny you found him attractive. In all honesty, it was a bit shocking he wasn’t taken. The two of you did live in the middle of nowhere, after all. Specimens like Kaeya were snatched up fast.

You kept your expression guarded so you could gauge the situation. “I… can’t. I’m getting dinner with a friend tonight," you lied.

“Like a date?” He looked a bit disheartened, but maybe your mind was playing tricks on you. Kaeya wasn’t the type to mope about stuff like that, you didn’t think. He was a bit of a ladies’ man.

“No, no, just a school friend.” You tucked an errant strand of hair behind your ear, messing with the hem of your shirt. “Nothing like that.”

He met your avoidant eyes with an even, contemplative look. You could almost fall for him like this, you think. His eyes were deep, dark pools of blue. “Yeah, sure, whatever.” He opened the book again. You wished he would tease you. Normally he would’ve teased you over something like that.

“Do you have your master’s?” You asked, changing the subject. This was getting uncomfortable. If Kaeya really was interested in you, you certainly had a lot to think about.

Thankfully, Kaeya was a smart guy, and he seemed to catch your drift. “Yeah, unfortunately.”

“Was it hard to get?”

“Depends on your definition of ‘hard.’ Why do you ask?” He flipped through the book, his long, dark fingers occasionally grazing over something. The movements of his arm turning the pages constantly messed with his nametag, and it bothered the living hell out of you.

You paused. “I was just talking to Lisa, and she told me that as a rule they only give full time positions to Masters of Library Science grads.”

Kaeya didn’t miss a beat. “That’s not completely true. Rosaria doesn’t have one.”

“She doesn’t?” A flicker of hope blazed in your chest. If there was a possibility that you could land a decent-paying job without the burden of paying for school - which you most definitely could not afford - then there was hope.

“She has a Ph.D. in Lit.”

“Great.” Your heart sank and you thought you might burst into tears.

Kaeya chuckled lightly to himself in self-pity. “Yeah, whatever you do, don’t get a masters in library science. It was recently declared the worst master’s degree for a job.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he replied, still not making eye contact. He was honestly starting to bother you a bit.

“And yet you have a job,” you jabbed, irritated.

“I’m an exception.” Another page turn, his nametag flipping around again. “Anyway,” he said, finally looking at you. “You don’t want to be a librarian.”

“I might.” You weren’t sure if his words were laced with condescension or not. Regardless, a small thorn of spite lodged itself in your heart at his tone.

Kaeya sighed dramatically. “No, you don’t. What about Deborah Berke? You’d be crazy to pass that up.”

“Yeah, that’s not gonna happen,” you laughed softly. Would your future never stop haunting you? You wished you could shut your brain off and never think ever again.

“Why not?” Kaeya challenged, an indignant look crossing over his face before melting into something less severe. The book in his lap, opened again as he shifted his attention away from you once again, ruffled with the breeze of the AC unit above.

“It’s just not,” you replied, a bit of a bite to it. “You wouldn’t understand.” You leaned back on your wrists to stare at the waffled ceilings again.

“Yes, I would.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

–

It was cloudy again. Summers in the midwest were always hot and humid, but this particular June was stifling. The humidity soared with every inch of rainwater that threatened to flood the river.

You internally bemoaned these facts as you scooped vegetables into a tupperware container to save for later. Your mother still wasn’t home from work yet, and you wanted the vegetables for dinner to be at least semi-fresh for the meal. You checked your watch - 5:30 and she still wasn’t home. Her shift ended at four.

You felt a tightness in your chest. It wasn’t her fault she didn’t know how you were feeling. But at the same time, she had to understand how hard this was. How hard it was to pretend. The sporadic absences, the overworking, the lack of communication, the trying–God, the trying. It weighed on you. Your house felt so empty without another person in it.

–

You were back at the bank again. Your beat-up Civic rattled to a halt in front of the building you’d visited a thousand times in the past six years. You got out of your relic of a car and sat on the hood, staring at the four squares of greenish fluorescent lights that covered the concrete overhang for the drive-thru teller stations.

It was nighttime, and the temperature had dropped to a bearable 85 degrees despite the ever-rising humidity. You deemed this appropriate weather for crying. You stared and stared and stared at the lights and let the paradox of your existence consume you inside and out, silently crying as you always ended up doing when you went to this unremarkable bank that had become something so meaningful to you.

Most teenagers had a “spot.” For some people, it was the watertower on the west side of town with its suspiciously unlocked ladder. For others, it was the roof of the highschool on the north side. Another group might frequent the soccer fields with its soft grass and border of blue firs. For you, it had been this old mid century drive-thru bank downtown. You hadn’t had many friends in school, so nobody minded that your go-to hangout spot was a fucking bank.

9:30. Your mom wasn’t picking up her phone.

–

10:30. You were crying, this time in front of the hospital. The second shift was leaving while a well-dressed man with platinum hair dressed smartly in a navy and tan suit was exiting a taxi. He gave you a passing glance as he pulled an expensive looking matching suitcase and duffel bag behind him before disappearing into the lobby. You gave him a small smile for moral support, wondering why he was there. Maybe he was a doctor or something. If he was, you felt stupid for smiling. Doctors know what they’re doing.

There she was. Your mom, the last of the group of cleaners leaving. You walked back to the car in awkward silence as you shot down each of her attempts at conversation. You both resigned yourselves to an uncomfortable quiet on the ride home with only the rumble of the engine to fill the void of words.

–

Albedo found his way to the third floor of the hospital with no difficulties save for the obnoxious distraction of one squeaky wheel of his suitcase. Mona was waiting in the hallway for him, arms crossed and tapping her foot like a cartoon character. Her dark hair was wound in a low, tight bun that made her soft facial features look more severe than they actually were. Albedo didn’t like it on her. It made her look older. He missed the days when she was younger and happier. But then again he hardly remembered those days anymore.

The receptionist gave him a barely perceptible nod and Mona finally saw him. Her anxious body relaxed a bit at the sight of him, and he let go of his suitcase to catch her as she barreled into his arms, squeezing more tightly than he would have liked.

After what felt like forever, she finally pulled away. “Come on. Let’s go see her first,” she muttered. Albedo really didn’t want to.

–

Albedo checked into his room at the Ragnvindr house, a stately old home which had at some point been converted into a bed and breakfast. It was regal, meticulously maintained, and blessedly empty. His suite was large and tastefully decorated with rich oak walls, double hung windows, and heavy velvet curtains. His room boasted a small sitting room of eclectic vintage furniture; a massive, ancient-looking wardrobe, a beat-up desk, and a sumptuous king-sized bed on an ornately carved mahogany frame.

He dropped his expensive luggage unceremoniously on the floor and took a turn about the room he had found himself in. As he rifled through the many scraps of paper and open books still on the desk, he realized he would most likely be staying here for an undetermined amount of time.

He felt sick remembering that this was his mother’s room.

Albedo picked up one of the empty notebooks. It was black with a red fabric binding. He flipped through it, pacing the room as he looked at her scribblings and half-legible German. When he felt truly sick to his stomach reading her notes, he threw the notebook on the bed and opened the wardrobe, looking for something more tangible than the abstract, half-cooked drawings.

Inside the behemoth wardrobe was a singular cropped vest and an ugly green hat. Thankfully, his phone rang and broke him from the reverie of his mother’s hideous fashion sense.

“Ja?” He picked up. “...Nein. Rufen Sie mich später an, bitte…. Ja. Tschuss.”

He sighed heavily and laid down on the bed fully clothed, staring at the ceiling.

–

“I can’t believe how old you are. You look just the same,” Mona said, crossing her legs delicately at the ankle. She daintily took a sip of her wine, a small, faraway smile crossing over her lips.

Albedo sat next to her at the bar nursing a beer. He hadn’t bothered to change out of his suit despite feeling disgusting from traveling for so long. “That’s not true, but thank you.”

“You do!” Mona insisted, attempting to inject some energy into the clearly-deflated Albedo.

A beat passed before he scrounged up the mental capacity to grind out, “You’re sweet.”

They both took another drink before Mona kept the conversation going, her body angling towards him. “So,” she drew out the ‘o’ for too long. Albedo never understood her. She was far too friendly to be German. Did she talk to strangers like this? “How do you like being in Berlin?”

“It’s okay,” Albedo replied softly. He looked anywhere but at her, somewhat unsettled by her undivided attention. He observed the dim bronze lights hanging from the curved ceiling, and glanced at the other patrons. It was a nice, refined place, reminiscent of a chic subway tunnel. Mona certainly had good taste.

“What are you doing there?” She asked, her accent hardening the ‘w’ a bit.

“I got a job at a lab there. Science… stuff.” Albedo felt absolutely sick to his stomach thinking about work.

“That sounds interesting.” Her voice was encouraging, like she wanted him to talk. He did not want to talk.

“It is… not.” For a brief moment he considered whether or not to dump all his troubles onto her, but then decided against it. He kept a lid on it, intentionally air-tight, just for that reason. “It’s pretty painful, actually. Um, I’ve got projects still ongoing. I just got off the phone with them before we met here.”

Mona looked offended. “They don’t expect you to work while you’re here, do they?”

“I think they do. You know,” Albedo began, taking another sip for courage, “it’s that… that thing: ‘We’re sorry, family is important… but really work is the most important… so you’d better fucking finish your project or we’ll lose the grant…’” He trailed off, eyes glazed over.

“That can’t be true.”

“We’ll see.” His words held a finality to them. “I wish you were staying another day.” He didn’t wish that at all, but he felt like he should humor her and perhaps honor their history.

“I know… but I was supposed to be in Chicago a few days ago with your mother. And I have my work…” She trailed off dejectedly, tapping her fingers on the counter.

“I know,” he almost whispered. “You’ve already done so much.” He stared at the wall of wine bottles.

“I can’t believe this happened…” Mona had a haunted look in her pretty blue-gray eyes. “She was doing fine and then just… I’m sorry.” Albedo was taken aback at her change in demeanor. She hiccuped a bit and placed the back of her hand on her mouth to force back the tears. “I just… I owe her so much. Your mother means everything to me.”

The bartender tactlessly interrupted the obviously intimate moment. “Is there anything else I can get you guys?”

Mona beat Albedo to the punch. “No, I think we’re ready for the…”

“Can I get another beer?” Albedo interjected.

“Definitely. Another glass of wine for the lady?” He smiled a picture-perfect customer service smile that Albedo knew all too well.

“No thanks.”

A moment of unsure silence passed before Albedo spoke up. “She didn’t even tell me she was coming on this trip. Did she tell you that?”

“No…”

“That’s about right. Did she mention me at all?” He asked, somewhat desperate. Normally he could keep it under control, lock them away, keep them hidden, but Mona’s presence and the stress of traveling internationally and seeing his mother’s failing body and being in a foreign country was just too much. The lid was slowly popping off and he was terrified he wouldn’t be able to get it back on.

“We talked a little,” Mona said defensively, eyes darting around like a cornered animal.

He pressed her further, heart pumping. The rage, God, the rage! He gritted his teeth, spitting out the words, “What did she say?”

“Albedo…” Mona was on the verge of tears again. Albedo felt a small pang of guilt for it, but she couldn’t pretend to be blind to Gold’s problems forever, no matter how much Mona owed her. He wondered how she would feel when she found out the truth about Gold.

“Did she tell you that we haven’t spoken in over a year?” His voice lowered dangerously. The lid was slipping.

Mona looked absolutely devastated. “You’re all she has.”

“That has never been the case,” Albedo said in a deadly calm. His hands tightened under the bar counter, small crescent moons forming in his palms. He knew his mother didn’t care for him. She raised him, if you could call her parenting raising a child, and cast him aside like he was some sort of creature. Like a pet she didn’t have use for anymore. “She has her students… her work,” Albedo spat. His tone was so venomous he was sure the acidity of them could've bled through the bar.

“You’re her son!” Her voice was pleading. It revolted him to his stone cold core.

“You’ve been watching too much TV” is all he said. The lid was safely back in place.

Mona peeked at him out of the corner of her eye before waving down the bartender, clearly done with the conversation. “Can we get the check?” She sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her thumb and pointer finger. “I have to leave early in the morning. I should go to bed.”

Albedo tried to salvage the situation, adrenaline petering out. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up.” And he really was sorry. It was so painfully awkward he wished he hadn’t brought her up.

“The Ragnvindr Inn knows about the situation,” Mona explained, disregarding him. She did this sometimes. Business as usual. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised by the quick construction of the facade; she was practically raised by Gold as well. “You should be able to stay in her room as long as you need.”

They parted ways.

–

Back in the suite, Albedo stood in the ensuite bathroom wearing a white t-shirt and sweatpants, arms braced on either side of the mirror. He glared at himself. The gravity of the situation weighed on him. In that moment he believed he might just be Atlas.

“Shit.”

You were peeling vegetables again. This time, a daikon root from the backyard. You’d decided to take on gardening to pass the time, and your mother needed good healthy foods to recover. You dedicated yourself completely to your task, rinsing the root in the sink. You absentmindedly stared out the window as you grabbed the next one, watching your mother smoking under the carport. She was too young to look this old; she was truly 45 going on 60. Your heart twisted violently.

You ate your meal together in comfortable silence this time, your mother commenting on how much better your cooking had gotten. After you cleaned up, you sat together on the couch and watched Jeopardy, the blue glow of the board and Alex Trebek’s familiar voice enveloping the otherwise black darkness and silence of your tired living room.

“Do you know what you’re doing on Sunday?” She asked suddenly.

“No, I’ll just drop you off in the morning and then take it over to Wagner’s,” you replied with a mouthful of ice cream.

“It’ll cost us more if it breaks down on us…” she said with a twinge of worry. Her long, skinny arm reached across you to take a sip of water.

“Ugh, I hate cars,” you complained.

“Me too.”

--------

Author's Note

Heyyyyy! Not sure if anyone will read this but I am back from my little hiatus. I am planning on writing some other pics, maybe Link or Scaramouche, not too sure yet (and maybe even some Levi depending on when the fuck season 4 part 3 is dropped).

Housekeeping stuff:

this is not my original work. this is from a movie called Columbus. I thought the story was really interesting and I wanted to stretch my writing ability and see if I could adapt a really complex, visually-heavy, story-light screenplay into text

I am part German, though my German isn't perfect. sorry if there are mistakes, I'd say I'm only about half fluent, and it's mostly German/English I speak with my family. as such, grammar isn't very strong

reader is about 25 here, albedo is around 27 or 28

for clarity again, this movie takes place in a real town called Columbus, Indiana. for reference, it is in the middle of nowhere, but it is considered a bit of an architectural hub. so if it seems weird that there are important architects with buildings here, that is why

this is already finished on AO3 if you want to read it completed there, but it is NOT edited. it needs a lot more fleshing out, so if you want a better story and a better representation of my writing ability, I'd recommend waiting it out here

this is a 7 chapter story, but I will be narrowing it down to 3-5 on Tumblr. I think longform works better with this story since the "chapters" are so fragmented

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day <3

#albedo kreideprinz #albedo genshin #genshin impact #albedo fanfic #albedo x reader #albedo x fem!reader #German albedo #mona genshin #gold genshin #rhinedottir #rosaria genshin #albedo x oc #kaeya alberich #kaeya x reader #kaeya x fem!reader #kaeya fanfic #kaeya genshin #kaeya genshin x reader

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dime420 · 2 years

Text

Day 3 of my October Selfshipping challenge:

I love this silly little alchemist with my heart man. Like if he gets/has a figure I'm getting it one day. 😭 anyway ya'll know what comfort charater letters are right? I hope so anyways I've just thought of getting like a good amount of cash to get some letters for characters I like cause what atleast am I gonna do on life?? Touch grass? Nawww I have to sensitive skin for that I don't want to feel itchy all day 🤧

#fanart #genshin impact self insert #genshin impact selfship #self ship #genshin selfship #self insert #albedo x oc #he wants me fr

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ostellaria · 2 years

Text

that dragon, durin

. . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ ࿐ྂ There was a reason why Celestia wanted to shut up the archons. It was laughable that they would do so much to maintain the stability they believed in.

Dragonspine was a contrasting region to Mondstadt. Where you would see cliffsides and marks of history in Mondstadt, you would see jagged rocks and a looming sense of danger in Dragonspine. No one needed to tell you, because just by seeing the peak of the mountain and the cloud that surrounded it, you would immediately know that being there was a bad idea. The snowy extension to the City of Freedom housed hilichurls and the occasional researcher or adventurer that mistakenly found themselves in the clutches of the frigid wind on the mountain.

Emmeline was there not for the adventure nor the scars of the past, but the corpse of Durin. Little was known about the curse that fell on Dragonspine, and that was precisely why she wanted to look at it for herself. Her curiosity showed with these trivial things. She had no part in anything that happened in Teyvat’s history but further knowledge called for her.

The cold only affected her mildly as she trekked deeper into the mountain. The map she had was useless; it only marked trails from the northeastern campsite of the mountain, whereas she entered through the west, from Liyue. It’s unconventional, yes, as well as inconvenient, yet she continued. Snow fell from the eternally dark gaze of the clouds over the mountain. Emmeline shook off the snow that got on her and walked ahead, pace a little quicker.

Before her was a path that would take her closer to the heart of the mountain. Something told her that what she looked for couldn’t be found within, but she still wanted to give it a try. She might as well see what the mountain had to offer. Plenty of hilichurls, that was for sure; and maybe some free treasure if she was lucky. Something like luck was rare for her, no matter how coincidental her meetings with new people were. It was all predetermined from the very beginning, though she didn’t know everything.

The interior of the mountain was beautiful. Emmeline stared up at the beautiful crystals littering the cavern. It masked well the danger of time within. And there was plenty. She had narrowly avoided ice falling over her as she entered the cavern. One could say that was the moment she realized that the mountain truly lived up to its reputation. It wasn’t hard to survive there per se, but a moment of confidence could cost you your life. Doing some research beforehand yielded terrifying but intriguing results. The mountain was infamous for taking the lives of plenty of adventurers, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. Unexplained deaths, a lack of corpses, non-existent passageways, the list went on. But for a place that screamed danger and death, its beauty was unmatched.

She kept her eyes on the central pillar of sorts and the pond of icy water before it, her path of no concern to her. The crushing of snow beneath her feet kept her company as she looked everywhere but in front of her. The ice within the cavern was ancient. She doubted that the ice above her was merely frozen water. Everything in the mountain had history, even if the methods of researching them were risky and pointless. As karma may have it, she bumped into something, stumbling over her feet and palms meeting the frosty ground. Emmeline hissed at both the cold and the pain of that something poking into her ribs. Clear thought washed over her as she realized that she stumbled over an easel. Her eyes instinctively darted behind her, and she saw a man dressed as a Knight Of Favonius.

“What are you doing on this mountain?” he inquired, only a little concerned over his painting. Emmeline fretted over the slimy texture of the fresh paint on her sleeves and hand as she moved away from the fallen easel. Just her luck. Streaked on the length of her arm is a mixture of blues, whites, and greens. She stared at it for a moment, fighting an urge to press her lips together.

“Don’t adventurers go up here often?” She frowned. Emmeline ran an uncovered hand over her stained sleeve, dismissive of how it transferred to her palm and spread over the fabric. As long as it didn’t feel weird anymore.

The Knight Of Favonius tilted his head, observing. “You don’t look like an adventurer.” The golden diamond on his neck drew Emmeline’s attention; it looked familiar.

She pushed herself off the ground, inwardly thanking the knight for the help that he did not offer. Eyeing the fallen easel, she took her sweet time to respond, having thought that she did not owe him any answers. “I’m not.” She put a hand over her ribs, the lingering pain from when the easel poked her sinking in right as she averted her attention from the paint. It was an uncomfortable feeling. It wasn't bleeding from a wound pain, nor was it a headache pain, it was pain from too much pressure put into a singular point. That pain, unfortunately, manifested where there was no bone. For how much she was feeling, she answered him rather blandly.

Emmeline flipped herself around, unwilling to continue the conversation lest she tripped over another one of his easels hiding somewhere in the mountain. It was obvious he spent more time than anyone on the mountain. The lack of alert in his eyes told Emmeline so. But what could be the reason for a Knight Of Favonius to devote their time staying in a mountain with no need for someone of their status? As far as she knew, unless you knew exactly what the mountain had to offer, danger would be the only thing facing you. Many ingenious minds have disappeared on Dragonspine. She was there solely for Durin's remains. Not for something cheap like research, but a definitive answer.

She wanted to see what Khaenri'ah had planned to do with the dragon. Their motivations were already interesting enough to her. She would even consider diving into the past to know more. Emmeline usually limited herself regarding these things, but personal want is different from universal benefit. It wouldn’t hurt to know what exactly happened.

She looked back at the Knight Of Favonius and found him with his brows furrowed. “Don’t you see people come up here often?” Her eyes latched on the diamond on his skin again, her saliva tasting a little bitter. It was unnatural. Related to Khaenri’ah. She couldn’t speak any further. Her mouth refused to cooperate, lips taped shut and throat unnervingly dry. She was in a desert without any water in sight, and she was getting thirsty, fast.

“You look a little pale,” Albedo observed. He was intrigued. Something was tugging at him, telling him that he should keep her occupied for as long as he possibly could. She knew something. About his master; about that mark on his neck. He was interested in the knowledge that she seemed to possess.

“Ah.” Curses. Emmeline showed fear a little too much. “Do I, now?” She tried to mask her discomfort and dread by forcing a smile to tug at her lips. Her throat still felt painfully dry. She didn’t understand either, why this was happening. She nodded stiffly to Albedo’s offer of taking her to his camp. Emmeline was still suspicious of him, but she had determined that he wasn’t a threat, although he hadn’t introduced himself.

They exited on the opposite side of where she came from. Through the path on the map she had. Looking up, she spotted a Statue of The Seven on a platform, jutting out from a ruin of a civilization of old. Even older than Celestia, it seemed. Emmeline was taking careful glances at Albedo as he avoided hilichurls and deterred them from their path. She had met Knights Of Favonius before, but none of them was as suffocating as he was. She was certain others would see a warm and serious man when they meet Albedo, but from what she knew . . . that was hard to perceive.

The next few hours would be spent in mutual silence. Emmeline never felt better even with exposure to his presence. The bonfire in his camp crackled and filled the air with sound. At least white noise didn’t render either of them deaf. The longer she would stay with him, the sooner night would fall. After that, Emmeline would have to move her plans to investigate Durin’s corpse to the next day and stay even longer with Albedo for safety. He was more than prepared to camp out in Dragonspine.

As night fell, Albedo found himself unable to keep his lips shut anymore, and the first words he spoke after taking her to his camp would be in the form of a question, “What are you looking for in Dragonspine?” The look in his eyes was steeled. He demanded an answer from Emmeline, and she could no longer deny him that.

Emmeline controlled her breathing. Admittedly, she had prepared to answer him if he ever asked her about her agenda in the mountain. She spent hours rehearsing what she’d say. “Answers,” she said, only a little vague. “I’m sure you know of the dragon Durin that lies on this mountain.” She stared at the night sky. Of course, stars were nowhere to be seen, but she could visualize them hidden beneath blankets of cloud and fog.

Albedo pressed his lips together, eyes narrowing.

The dragon Durin . . .

“I can take you to its remains,” he said. “It’s just outside. I’ll guide you down the mountain.” Emmeline shivered at the notion. He made it sound like he was going to murder her. He wouldn’t have any problem doing so, either. Emmeline wasn’t a fighter. She never was, and she probably would never become one.

Her eyes darted uncomfortably. “It’s late.” He was being so nice to her. Emmeline felt guilt for what she’d been feeling in his presence. Her thoughts helped her ignore it, but it didn’t last long. She could only think of so much to distract herself.

“It’s not safe for you here.”

“Neither is it for you,” she responded, eyes meeting his.

“I’ll be fine,” he said like he was right. “I’ll get you back to the campsite. Go with the adventurers back to the city and head for the Knights of Favonius headquarters.” He nodded. “Tell them Albedo sent you.” Emmeline pushed a breath through her lips. A part of her wanted to stay to get used to his presence, but on the other hand, she understood what Albedo was saying. The mountain is dangerous. She reluctantly complied, committing his name to memory now that she knew it.

She had an inkling suspicion that something would go wrong, and she wanted to see it.

***

“So you are related to Khaenri’ah.” But that was unable to abate the discomfort she was feeling around him. She should have noticed what was wrong earlier on, but the idea of him being related to a dead civilization haunted her mind. Fortunately, she was more accustomed to his presence now.

Albedo nodded softly, offering his hand to her as he went over a platform. “I would have answered if you asked me.”

“Except you are lying.” They were strangers then. If Emmeline had been straightforward about it, he wouldn’t have done anything to confirm nor deny her suspicions. It would be safer that way if she had chosen to ask him. He also had many things to hide, that she knew. Because she was uncomfortable around him.

“How do you know about Khaenri’ah?”

“If I told you I was immortal, would you believe me?” Emmeline asked. “You wouldn’t.” Albedo didn’t seem like someone who took things at face value. He wouldn’t just take something she said as fact. If she told him something about Khaenri’ah, she doubted he would even believe her.

“I think,” Albedo started, “I would believe anything if there was proof of its truth.”

“If I had proof about Khaenri’ah’s guilt in initiating the cataclysm, then what?” There was no truth in what she was saying, but she wanted to see how he reacted. “I don’t have proof about my immortality, only my knowledge, so you don’t have any reason to believe me.”

Albedo didn’t respond. He continued to guide her to Durin’s corpse. Earlier, Albedo had mentioned to her that he had cleared out the occupying Fatui in the area so she wouldn’t have any trouble traversing the terrain with him. Appreciated, but overkill. Emmeline had been stunned when he nonchalantly brought it up in conversation.

Emmeline lifted her head to observe the bones of Durin casting shadows over them. She wondered how the bones hadn’t disintegrated yet, but she already knew the answer. It should either be because of the cold or its origins. Khaenri’ah’s technology was amazing. “Have you researched Durin?”

“Yes,” he said, clearing his throat, “but I doubt my hypotheses will be of any use to you. I research not for Khaenri’ah, but alchemical purposes.”

“I wasn’t going to ask you for them.” She turned her head to Albedo, who stopped before a cave. Parts of the ground were red, and when she peered inside, she saw what seemed to be a beating heart partially enclosed in stone, and chambers shooting out from the top. The entirety of the cave was distressing as well.

The entirety of it was tinted red. Even the rocks looked to be affected as well. Teeth or bone protruded from unspecified areas of the cave, and Scarlet Quartz littered the area. The discomfort she’d been feeling with Albedo intensified, almost overwhelming her nervous system. She wanted to get away. To leave. Whatever the remains of Durin were, it wasn’t good. She felt horrible. Emmeline felt horrible. The calls of Albedo didn’t reach her ears.

The beating heart’s sound reached her hearing. It taunted her of knowledge within her reach, but her body wouldn’t let her go any closer. Dread filled her bones. If only she could learn of the knowledge it possessed. The beating heart of a dead dragon. A dragon from Khaenri’ah. Her eyes glazed over, her curiosity coaxing her to move forward and her body telling her to leave.

The reds and blacks within the cave bled into one another, creating a confusing image. It wasn’t something that initiated recognition within her mind. It looked like a stained paintbrush dipping into water, multiple colors swirling around and mixing if you moved the brush around. Discomfort spread into every inch of her body.

“Are—are you alright?” She thought he was staring at her, hands on her shoulders. His touch was phantom-like. She was phasing through him, or was he phasing through her? Nothing made sense to her. Her environment didn’t; the slight cold didn’t; the concerning lack of warmth of Albedo’s touch didn’t. She was an entity that couldn’t make contact with anything. She was a soul.

Emmeline heard the deafening whisper of him asking her if she was alright.

She wasn’t. Gaining some control over herself, she shook her head, tears in her eyes as she kept whispering the word No . No, she wasn’t alright. No, something was wrong. No, she wanted to leave . All basic thought about her well-being and want for knowledge wasn’t registered in her mind anymore. Her main priority was to leave. In the depths of her mind, she reached out for stability, but her limbs did not follow. This body didn’t seem to follow what she wanted anymore.

The world collapsed before her eyes. She was conscious, but she couldn’t see. Her vision consisted of movement and blurs of whites and grays. Albedo. The discomfort she felt with him and the remains of Durin was similar. The discovery shocked her. She would have noticed earlier, had she not been focused on how strange the unease was. What could help her? She racked her brain for ideas amidst the confusion of her vision.

She desperately wanted to stay connected to Albedo, even if temporarily, even if just for a week. He didn’t seem to know much about Khaenri’ah, but he originated from Khaenri’ah, and that was enough. It was a step forward. The farther she thought they got from Durin, the more her head cleared. And by that, she was referring to her connection with the physical plane. Durin was an anomaly. Emmeline could think of reasons why she reacted like that. One, it was related to Durin and Albedo’s creation; Two, it was related to who created them and their mark within them; And three, which was unlikely, it was related to their properties.

Her movement ceased. Her sight still hadn’t recovered, which was frustrating. She breathed a little better, now knowing where her discomfort came from. Emmeline could now think of measures to alleviate her discomfort around the alchemist. Albedo reached for her hands and put them together, placing a warm object in them.

For heat , Emmeline realized, though she did not need it. How thoughtful . She smiled softly, appreciating the gesture.

“Are you present?” Albedo’s voice pushed through the fog of her hearing. That’s gone, at least. It was a slow process of rediscovering her senses. She had touch, hearing, and probably scent. She didn’t care about taste, so all she had to wait for was sight. Still, she was grateful for Albedo’s assistance. She nodded to Albedo’s question, not confident in her ability to speak, though she could.

Emmeline took steady breaths, trying to get over the succeeding panic of what she had just gone through. It was unnatural. She now heard her heartbeat in her ears. The pace was quick. She breathed in deeply. She knew she was relatively fine after the experience. It didn’t affect anything other than her mind. Her organs were functioning properly.

She could feel Albedo’s concerned gaze on her. He could do little for her situation, and he knew that. So he stayed with her. Until her sight returned, and all was normal. It didn't take a while because she wasn’t exposed to the heart for long; they could speak to each other when the event was still fresh in their minds.

Emmeline coughed. “You're . . . an artificial human?” Confronting him like this didn’t seem like a hard endeavor. He seemed open enough that he wouldn’t deprive her of the answers she wanted from him.

Albedo nodded. “Yes. Specifically, I am a homunculus.”

“That’s impressive,” she mused. He was proof of Khaenri’ah’s advancements. Simply amazing. “I have always found their research impressive. Even if I only saw what remained of them.” The Ruin Machines were an amazing feat in their research.

“I gained consciousness after the cataclysm, so I have no idea of what happened before my very first memory . . .”

“You want to know what happened?” He nodded hesitantly. Emmeline shrugged. “You would be disappointed. I wasn’t there for it either. Which is precisely why I wanted to take a look at Durin’s corpse.”

Albedo was a homunculus. Who would’ve thought? His name was derived from the four stages of the Magnum Opus in alchemy. The second stage. It was described as the whitening. Emmeline could think of what the stage was concerned with. An interpretation of it had something to do with the psyche; however, the idea wasn’t too well-known and accepted. Such a shame. The idea was genius enough.

“How . . . are you feeling?” He sounded almost reluctant to ask the question. As if a question about her well-being was a bad one.

“Just a little bit uncomfortable,” she said, “but I’ve always felt that way with you.”

“You couldn’t have said anything sooner?”

She ignored him. “Do you know how to fix it?” Emmeline leaned on her hand. “I think it’s related to your creator.” Whoever that was. An alchemist from Khaenri’ah . . . she could name a few. Though she doubted she knew who his creator was.

“Do you know her?”

“I want you to tell me.”

“Rhinedottir.”

Emmeline’s eyes widened. “Gold? You mean to say that your creator is the Alchemist Gold?” She hid the lower half of her face in her hands, finding the newfound knowledge amusing. She still didn’t know what Gold did to make her have this reaction to her creations, but still, this was interesting.

“What do you know?” Albedo’s eyes narrowed, bordering terrifying. Was it a sensitive subject to him? He didn’t seem fazed when she asked about Khaenri’ah.

“More than the average person, that’s for sure.” Emmeline thought long and hard. That explained how she didn’t realize Albedo wasn’t human at first. Gold’s alchemy was inhumane. It helped her achieve even the height of godhood. It would have been able to. Gold was renowned enough that Emmeline could understand why she experienced this around her creations. She looked at Albedo once more, noting the color of his hair and the pigment of his eyes, as if it would be of any use to her. She only felt like she had to do it.

His hair was a light blond and he had teal eyes. His hair . . . was a light blond . . . and he had teal eyes. Blond hair and teal eyes.

“What defines more than the average person?”

Emmeline took a deep breath. She decided to ignore his question. The cataclysm was a messy event. It was the reason why she barely knew what happened during it. She didn’t want to be a part of something so messy. But now that it was history, she wanted to know about it.

Albedo wanted to know as well.

He noticed she wasn’t answering him, so he moved to his alchemy table. It could help her discomfort, but he wasn’t too familiar with what she was feeling. He knew the alchemy Gold gave to him, so maybe that could account for something. Since she had suspicions that it was Gold that was causing her discomfort.

Emmeline knew people who could tell her more about Khaenri’ah than just Albedo. But most of them wouldn’t speak about it. It was because of Celestia’s influence, but she still felt distressed about it. She couldn’t be farther from the truth, but she knew plenty. All she needed to do was to fill in the blanks and arrange what information was available to her.

There was a reason why Celestia wanted to shut up the archons. It was laughable that they would do so much to maintain the stability they believed in.

“Did you ever meet her?” Emmeline asked, glazing over what he was doing. At the very least, he knew what he was doing, even though it looked to Emmeline that he was just moving random things around and pouring substances into test tubes.

Silence.

She snickered, thinking the situation funny. “Well, if neither of us will answer each other’s questions, there’s no point in talking.” Emmeline shifted in her seat, distaste painting her face. She huffed, frustrated over the discomfort.

In just a few moments, Albedo looked at her. Emmeline tilted her head. She waited for what he was about to do. She knew that he wasn’t listening to her before. They locked eyes, seemingly suspended in time. Her heartbeat slowed, breathing steady. Time made way for a singular moment. The snow slowed their descent from the clouds. The bonfire in Albedo’s campsite stood still. Emmeline blinked and found Albedo walking toward her, a vial with suspicious liquid in his hands.

He kneeled before her, eyes resting on the vial he was holding briefly before he stared back at her once more. “I don’t know how well this will work, but I tried it out for myself,” he said, “to ensure safety if anything.” His voice was a ring in Emmeline’s ears. She nodded absentmindedly.

She took the vial in his hands without a word to say, then tilted her head upward to drink. The liquid was cold as it passed her throat. It didn’t taste like anything. Nothing else seemed to be wrong. Emmeline let it settle in her stomach before she handed back the vial to Albedo. He nodded once at her, a silent question about how she felt.

Emmeline exhaled. “I’m fine.” Her senses were a little numb, but she supposed that was a temporary side-effect.

“I’ll tell you what I know if you tell me what you know.”

“That’s a dangerous trade,” Emmeline quipped. She wasn’t on the radar of Celestia only because she usually erased the memories of those she met. She still hadn’t decided whether to let Albedo remember her or not.

“It’s a trade I’m willing to make.”

“All for knowledge, huh?” She sighed. “Alright then, if that’s what you wish.” The discomfort slowly returned to Emmeline. She smacked her lips together, startling Albedo as he blinked at her. It couldn’t be that easy, come on. If removing the discomfort was so easy, she would have been able to do it with what ability she had at purification.

Emmeline would have to gather what she knew about the Cataclysm if she wanted to trade information with Albedo. The Cataclysm for The Art of Khemia. It sounded like a good trade. She wouldn’t be able to utilize the alchemy, but she could at least figure out Gold’s methods. She was always a sucker for knowledge.

Emmeline may not have left with knowledge about Durin, but the knowledge she gained proved to be far more important than the dragon.

series: stories of a time long past

word count: 4.2k

author: ostellaria

#stories of a time long past #also on ao3 #genshin x oc #genshin impact x oc #genshin fanfic #genshin impact fanfic #fem oc #albedo x oc

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shinysam29 · 1 year

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Albedo x Serifa - Don’t Go {ANGST}

“Mr. Albedo!” Sucrose cried out louder than she’s ever spoke, rushing into the lab of Dragonspine. “Mr. Albedo you need to come with me! Hurry!”

“Sucrose? What are you talking about?” Albedo’s tone wasn’t very expressive as his drooping eyes flick from his notes to the panting girl.

“It’s Serifa!” Sucrose exclaimed, catching all of Albedo’s attention.

“What about Serifa? Is she okay?” Albedo asked, worry lacing its way into his voice.

“No, she isn’t. There was an attack on Mondstadt. Fatui.” Sucrose teared up and wiped at her eyes. “She hasn’t opened her eyes since and Barbara’s healing isn’t working. And-“

Any words that escaped Sucrose’s lips were lost on deaf ears. The pounding of his heart in his ears made any sound lost on him. Serifa was the only person who bothered to even attempt a romantic relationship with him and he had initially accepted as a sort of emotional experiment yet something about her changed his goal. Instead of wanting to see what made her tick he found himself trying to note down what makes her smile. He found himself getting lost in the stories she told with that angelic voice he adored so much.

Albedo didn’t even notice when tears began to fall from his eyes until Sucrose grabbed his arm. She looked at him with Sympathy and pulled him into a hug.

“I’m sure she’ll wake up. I’m sure of it.” Sucrose spoke as Albedo’s hearing returned to him.

“She has to…” Albedo muttered in a broken tone, tears streaming down his face for the first time in his long life. “I need her.”

Sucrose cried with him, embracing him before leading him down the mountain. Albedo moved slow, a sluggishness that gripped him as memories flooded his brain. Serifa’s smile, her laugh, the way her eyes shined so brightly with the mark of Khaenri’ah, and the way she loved him the way no one else even thought of.

“Albedo!” Serifa’s voice rang out, reaching Albedo’s ears as she rounded the corner to his cave lab.

“Hello, Serifa. Welcome back.” Albedo said without looking up from the tubes filled with various colored liquids. “How was the visit with your friend from Inazuma?”

“It was great! I got to show Yoimiya around Mondstadt and she wanted to meet you but she definitely wasn’t dressed for Dragonspine.” Serifa laughed a bit, a sound that brought a peaceful smile to Albedo’s lips.

“Well, I’ll be sure to come down with you next time.” Albedo looked up at her and his breath caught in his throat when his nose brushed against hers.

When had she gotten so close? That was the question in his brain as Serifa’s surprisingly warm hands came up to cup Albedo’s cheeks before she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. Her eyes were closed and her cheeks red as Albedo watched; this was all new to him.

“You don’t like it?” Serifa asked, frowning a bit as she stepped back after realizing he wasn’t kissing back. “I’m sorry. I was too forward.”

“Do it again.” Albedo demanded as he grabbed her hand. “I want you to do it again.”

“O-oh!” Serifa’s cheeks turned red again as Albedo pulled her body to his, their noses together. “Okay…”

Serifa let her eyes flutter closed as Albedo leaned close; his eyes closed also this time. Their lips met and Albedo experienced what felt like a jolt of electricity flowing through his body as their lips moved together. Albedo moved to deepen the kiss, something he observed from a couple in Mondstadt but never actually performed.

Serifa was surprised but accepted it nonetheless. Her hands found their way into his fluffy blonde hair, a gentle tug to it sending a shiver down Albedo’s spine. The two parted and looked at one another with a slight pant to their breathing.

“Exhilarating…” Albedo mumbled as he leaned in again, Serifa laughing as his lips captured hers again with the same amount of passion as before.

The two spent a while kissing. Albedo called them tests yet Serifa knew he just enjoyed the feeling of their lips together.

Albedo blinked a few times as Sucrose pulled him out of his thoughts, looking at him sympathetically.

“Please, Mr. Albedo. You need to focus when we enter Mondstadt.” She said, gripping his hand as the two walked through the gates.

Kaeya met up with them outside the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, clasping a hand on Albedo’s shoulder and apologizing for not doing more to help her. Sucrose parted ways there and left to gather ingredients Barbara and Lisa requested. Kaeya walked Albedo to the room Serifa was resting in.

“Her wounds were healed on the surface but Jean says it may have been worse than we thought. She’s been out for two days.” Kaeya spoke in a sympathetic tone, his usual cool demeanor having long been abandoned since the moment Serifa got attacked.

“Two days… I’ve been working for two days and I never realized she didn’t show up…” Albedo ran a hand through his hair, sighing as he sat in the chair beside the bed Serifa was in.

“Hey, it’s not your fault.” Kaeya spoke softly as he pulled up a chair also. “If anything it’s our fault for not protecting her better. She’s even my family yet I didn’t watch out for her better.”

Kaeya looked torn as he dug his nails into his thighs, gritting his teeth as he fought the tears that had begun to resurface as he placed all the blame on himself.

“Don’t.” Albedo spoke in his usual tone, eyes trained on Serifa. “Don’t blame yourself. Don’t take your love for granted either. I never took our relationship seriously but if I could change one thing it’d be how I handled everything when she loved me so much.”

“Loves. She’s not gone yet and we sure as hell aren’t letting her go.” Kaeya said seriously as he wiped at his eye, stopping his tears. “I know for a fact that you’re the thing she treasures most in life. You were all she ever talked about most days when we drank. ‘Albedo is so cute!’ ‘Albedo is so sweet to me.’ ‘Albedo is the smartest.’ ‘I love Albedo more than I could ever tell him.’”

Albedo furrowed his eyebrows, gritting his teeth as he glared at Kaeya.

“Why, even now, do you have to tease? Are you trying to hurt me further because it’s working. I never deserved any of the love she showed me and I know that.” Albedo’s tears began to fall again. “I can’t change the past but all I want now is to love her so purely. To give her the love that she always wanted and deserved.”

Kaeya shut his mouth, speechless at this confession. He nodded and stood, heading towards the door.

“She’ll wake up. She’s strong.” Kaeya tried to reassure Albedo.

“Strength is nothing in the face of death.” Albedo choked out as a sob left his lips.

Kaeya nodded and frowned before leaving the room. After the door clicked shut Albedo rested his head down in his arms on the bed next to her body. He grabbed one of her hands in his and it felt so cold; a stark contrast to the usual heat radiating from them.

“I’m sorry… I’m so so sorry…” Albedo apologized through his sobs as he buried his face in the covers, hoping that through some miracle he could have his happy ending.

#oc fanfic #oc #genshin impact oc #genshin impact oc fanfic #genshin impact #genshin oc #albedo #albedo x oc #albedo genshin impact #albedo angst

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artssleepy · 2 years

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Albedo is quite curious about Kyo's doll jointed wrists and the fact that their hands are always freezing cold, especially on dragonspine, yet he's rather not ask about those matter in case they're sensitive to Kyo.

#kybedo #self insert #i'd destroy the world for them #i don't pay my taxes #kybedo silly lore #kybedo silly headcanon #selfinsert ship #albedo #albedo x kyo #albedo x oc

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himawari-wolf0u0 · 2 years

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Hi! Sorry i haven't postyed much here... I've been posting more on instagram...

Here i bring you a drawing that inspire me in a game of pausing the video...

And it came to me that i would have drendo vision, my boyfriend would be albedo (OMG), venti have a crush on mr and!!! my mother would be Signora

I hope you like it!!!

#fanart #genshin impact #genshin impact oc #oc #venti x you #albedo x oc #genshin impact la signora #la signora genshin impact

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lovely-cherubs · 2 years

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Follow me on AO3 if you prefer to read on there instead. Also, I accidentally deleted my Albedo x OC lemon, so I have to rewrite it again 😭 (lucky me 🥲)

#genshin impact #genshin#genshinlover #genshin oc #albedo kreideprinz #original character #genshin x oc #albedo x oc #genshin smut #smut #genshin lemon

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winter-cheshire-writings · 1 month

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Echoes and Experiments: Chapter 6

“Mieko's birthday?” Albedo asked. “Oh, no, I haven't asked her when it is.”

“You haven't? My goodness, Albedo.” Lisa chuckled. “You'll have to do something nice for her. It's only a week away.”

“Oh, right before Valentine's day? Then I missed it last year.”

“Yes. Poor Mie works herself to the bone every year right before Valentine's Day because she gets an influx of orders.” Lisa cooed.

“Usually she tries to work through her birthday. Lisa has attempted to give her a surprise party, and she was very unhappy about it.” Jean sighed. “We usually just stop by to drop off some food, but since you two are dating… Perhaps she would be more open to having your company? You might even be able to convince her to take a break and enjoy her birthday for once.”

“She doesn't enjoy her birthday?” Albedo asked.

“No. Not for many years.” Jean shook her head. “Even when we were young, people would give her gifts that were reminiscent of Valentines Day, like chocolates and such. This lead her to dislike the holiday as well.”

“That is problematic.” Lisa sighed. “Not to mention that her ex broke up with her around this time of year.”

“I see… Perhaps I could…” Albedo pondered, turning on a heel and leaving. Lisa and Jean glanced at one another, then smiled.

“Do you think Albedo can convince her?”

“I'm less worried about him convincing her, and more worried about how she'll react.” Jean sat down. “What did she do last year?”

“Oh, you didn't hear??? I thought I told you~” Lisa grinned, resting her chin in her hands. “She went to Liyue with Albedo for Lantern Rite.”

“Oh, that's right… Has it been that long?” Jean asked. “I didn't realize they had been together for a year.”

“More than a year. It’s quite something. Isn't it?” Lisa smiled cheerfully. “Our dear Mie seems much happier in Albedo's presence.”

“I do have to agree with that.” Jean nodded. “But, I hope she isn't working too hard… I know she's been stressed about her Mora recently. Her rent went up recently.”

Albedo made sure to prepare things in advance, and on the day of Mieko's birthday, he went to see her. The workshop door was open, so he walked inside. “I'll be right with you.” He heard her call from her work room. Koyuki rushed out to greet the guest, smiling as Albedo motioned for her to be quiet about who it was.

“Welcome to Echoes, please have a seat.” Koyuki said, grinning and trying not to laugh. Albedo took a seat and let Koyuki go through the motions of greeting a guest and serving the tea. When Mieko emerged, her eyes went wide.

“Albedo?”

“Good afternoon, Mie.” He said to her. “You seem quite busy.”

“Ah, sorry, I got an influx of repairs and orders thanks to Valentine's being right around the corner. Have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all. I don't mind waiting. Go ahead and do what you need to. I may borrow your kitchen, though.”

“By all means.” She nodded. She went right back to work, Koyuki pouting a little.

“Has she been working like this all week?” Albedo asked the girl. Koyuki nodded. “Then how would you like to help me with something?”

“Okay~” Koyuki went to tell Mie she was going to help Albedo, returning with a smile. “She said ‘Whatever you need’, Mister Albedo.”

“Then let's begin.” He went to cook the dinner he prepared, Koyuki being a diligent assistant. “Do you like assisting Mie, Koyuki?”

“I do. But… I know I'm not very good at a lot of things. Miss Mie is always really patient with me, though.” She smiled as she helped Albedo mix the sauce for the Sunshine Sprat. “But sometimes she looks really sad… I try to help, but I think I make it worse sometimes.”

“I'm sure that's not the case.” Albedo smiled at her. They finished making the food, and Koyuki's mother, Finneh, came to get her. Albedo walked her out.

“Oh? Spending the evening with the birthday girl?” Fiineh asked, smiling. “What a good boyfriend you are.” She chuckled. “Thank you for looking after Mie…”

“Of course. After all, I don't ever want Mieko to feel neglected.” He replied.

“Very good.” The mother and daughter left for home, Koyuki waving to Albedo as she went. The blonde alchemist smiled and headed back inside to check on Mieko, who was still knee deep in her work. He went to set the table before going to retrieve her.

“Mie, dear. It's dinner time.” She jumped a little, looking up at the clock and sighing.

“So it is…” She placed her tools down and went to the door, taking Albedo's hand. “I'm sorry… I kept you waiting.” she smiled sadly.

“Not at all.” He lead her into the kitchen where he had set up the table. He had filled the room with candle light, placed a tablecloth onto her normally barren table, and filled a small vase with flowers. “I have heard you dislike Valentines Day as well as your own birthday, so I tried to keep it simple. But I also thought if I made it a bit romantic, you would appreciate it more.” He explained as Mieko stared at her kitchen.

“You… Did all this for me?” She asked, turning to him finally. Albedo nodded and lead her to sit.

“I realized when Lisa told me that I missed last year, so I wanted to make up for it. As such, I wish to spend the evening with you and make it memorable. Preferably, I would also like for you to enjoy it.”

“Ah, you talked to Lisa and Jean.” She smiled.

“I did. Is the information I was given correct?”

“Yes, it is.” She said as he sat down across from her. They enjoyed their meal, Albedo serving dessert as well.

“I hope you don't mind the flavor of this. I wanted to get you something different.” He said, plating a piece of Muscat Cake for her.

“Oh… I don't mind at all. That's one of my favorites, actually.” She smiled at him. “You really do know me very well.”

“I do my best to do so.” Albedo smiled at her. They enjoyed their dessert and sat down together for a while, soon moving to the couch with some tea. “How have you been holding up with Koyuki being here every day this week?” He asked, Mieko smiling sadly.

"It's... Difficult, since Yuki's been gone for so long… This year makes... Oh, has it been 13 years already...?" she asked softly.

"It's been that long?" he asked, gently playing with her hair. "Oh... I suppose, even though we've been together for over a year now, I never actually asked... How old are you?"

"Only you would dare to ask a woman her age, Albedo." she smiled, chuckling. "But to answer your question, I'm turning 28 this year... Yuki passed away when I was 15."

"Then, you only spent 3 years with her...? I thought it was longer than that."

"To others, 3 years seems like too short a time... But to me... Those three years were equivalent to a lifetime.” Albedo listened to her talk for a while, staring at her and being attentive. He was so fascinated by her speaking, he had never felt like this before now. After a while more of her talking, she turned to him. “I'm sorry. You're not here to listen to me rambling.”

“I honestly don't mind at all.” He replied, smiling at her. “But since you're done for now… Perhaps I could interest you in something more… Befitting, for your birthday? Such as a present?”

“Huh? B-But you already did so much…” She said, cheeks burning as she realized the look he had on his face. “O-Oh… You mean…”

“Only if you like.” He smiled at her. “You certainly enjoyed it the last time. I did as well.�� He pulled her into his lap, smiling as she braced herself on his shoulders instead of the couch. “And your weight is very comfortable in my lap… I rather enjoy it…”

“I do hope you don't want to do it here on the client couch…”

“Oh, no, I just wanted to embarrass you a little.” He chuckled. “I’ll let you up so we can go elsewhere, but I won't join you until I clean up the dishes.” he allowed her up and out of his lap, enjoying how red she was. But something stirred in his chest when she retreated upstairs. A feeling he wasn't aware he could have. In all his years, he hadn't felt quite like this before. Not towards a person. He stood at the bottom of the stairs for a little while, smiling as he heard clothes rustling. He smiled to himself, heading up the stairs to her, admiring her from the door. She was sitting down on the bed, having changed into something more comfortable. Mieko's eyes were closed and she was taking deep breaths. Her hair was cascading down her back, showing off how long it was.

“Are you going to keep staring at me to make me more nervous?” Mieko asked him, Albedo smiling as he walked closer, standing in front of Mieko before she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“Are you nervous, Mie?” He asked her, lifting a lock of her hair to his mouth, kissing the end.

“You make me nervous, staring like that… It feels like you're going to eat me.” She replied, Albedo smiling still at how red she still was. She offered her hands and Albedo took them.

“I just might.” He chuckled, moving to kneel over her lap with one knee on the bed next to her thigh. “But you have nothing to be nervous about. I promise, if it's something we haven't done yet, I'll ask permission first.”

“Th-That isn't the point, Albedo.” She replied as he cupped her cheek.

“Oh? Then what is?” he asked. The smug expression on his face made Mieko feel like she would melt into a puddle. She didn't resist him as he gently pushed her back onto the bed, reaching up to help him undo his hairtie as he moved to straddle her hips. Since she didn't reply, he leaned in to kiss her. “May I, Mieko?”

“By all means, Albedo.”

“Mieko, are you still awake? Go back to sleep, dear.” Albedo chided his lover as he felt her tossing and turning.

“Nn, I can't sleep…” she muttered, shaking her head. He turned to look at the clock.

“Mie, it's 4am.”

“I'm sorry… I tried, but my brain just won't calm down…” Albedo turned on his side and smiled softly at her.

“Did I overwhelm your mind with too much?” He teased as she turned to face him.

“Perhaps… Why are you still awake? Or did I wake you?”

“Nn, don't change the subject my dear.” He played with her hair. “Alright, come here. Let me hold you.” he pulled her to him, his hand resting on her lower back.

“No, I'm really alright…”

“Shhhh, don't protest, you need to be up in a few hours, don't you? Sleep, darling.”

“Mnnn…” Mieko melted into Albedo's arms, the blonde running his fingers through her hair and letting her relax. Once she was asleep in his arms, he chuckled.

“You fill my head with thoughts… So many thoughts, Mieko…” Albedo said softly, smiling a bit as she got comfortable and let out a contented sigh in her sleep. “How is it that you, who sees so little in yourself, entices me so?” He spent a while just watching her sleep. “I'll have to continue testing this… And boosting your confidence.” he chuckled, holding her hand before dozing off himself.

The following morning, Lisa and Jean stopped by to deliver Mieko her late birthday present, only for Albedo to open the door. “Oh?” Lisa chuckled. “Goodness, you two must have had fun last night.” Lisa smiled, Jean's cheeks red as she realized what Lisa was getting at. Albedo's hair wasn't in it's normal and neat updo, and clearly he had come to open the door in a hurry, as his shirt was only half buttoned. “Is our dear Mie still asleep?”

“She is.” Albedo said rather proudly, something that made Lisa giggle. “Do you want me to wake her?”

“No. Sleep is good for her. Just let her know we dropped this off.” Lisa said as Jean handed Albedo the box. “Have fun treating her to the best post-birthday and Valentine's Day she's ever had~” The brunette sang as she led Jean away. Albedo went back inside, going to get ready for the day before making Mieko some breakfast and coffee. He felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist.

“Good morning, Mie.”

“Abedo… Who was at the door?” she asked. Clearly she was still half asleep, only wearing her sleep shirt.

“Jean and Lisa.” He replied. “They dropped something off for you.” Mieko went to inspect the box, placing it's contents on the counter.

“Mmm, lovely coffee and tea.” She said happily before going to brew some of her present to share with Albedo alongsidehis cooking, Albedo enjoying the sounds of her humming to herself while she worked. “Are you going back to work after this?”

“No. I was hoping I could stay with you? I have missed drawing you as of late.”

“Oh…? You have?” She asked.

“Yes. You are fascinating to draw, especially your hair.” He replied. “I am only sorry I didn't get to draw your hair last night.” He smirked, her cheeks turning as red as he had ever seen them go. “Perhaps tonight, you would give me another opportunity?” He watched her turn away out of embarrassment. “Is that a yes, my dear Mie?”

“You'll have to compensate me.”

“Of course. How would you like me to do that?”

“Allow me to patch the holes in your coat.” She said simply.

“Holes?” He looked down at his coat, realizing that indeed, there were some small holes. “Mm, very well.” he smiled, shrugging off the coat for her. “Now, let's see… What view would be best?” He muttered to himself, perching himself somewhere so he could draw her while she worked.

#winter-cheshire-writings #albedo x oc #genshin albedo #genshin impact #genshin impact albedo #genshin oc x canon #oc x canon #mieko - oc #echoes and experiments #miebedoship

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