Epilogue: Never Let Me Go
Albedo stands quietly in his workshop pretending to read Timaeus' latest report. He he had finished it hours ago but is intent on avoiding the chaos of the wedding in the city by hiding away in his study. The other knights leave him be, preferring only to mutter muted congratulations when he had passed them earlier.
But he is no fool and he knows it cannot last indefinitely. For once the Cavalry Captain concludes his business at the Angel's Share, he would fetch the Librarian from her study and descend to drag Albedo out of his.
The Alchemist does not startle when there is a sharp knock on his door. He had been expecting the Cavalry Captain's arrival hours ago.
"Come in," he calls with a weary sigh without looking up from the report.
"Still at it I see, Herr Kreideprinz?" Captain Kaeya beams as he strides in. As Albedo turns to greet his colleague the taller man stops and pretends to have forgotten something before lowering himself into a deeply reverent bow. "Forgive me for being so rude, your majesty."
"Captain Kaeya, what will it take to convince you and Xingqui to stop calling me that? You two are the reason Klee and I never know a moment's peace whenever we visit Liyue Harbor," the Alchemist informs him bluntly.
"Oh? I wasn't aware that you were so popular with our southern neighbors," the Cavalry Captain chuckles. "Interesting. But I suppose it is to be expected given your status and all. While I can't speak for Mr. Xingqui, I can tell you that the price for my compliance is far more than you would be willing to offer."
"Try me," Albedo replies dryly.
The taller man smiles broadly as he crosses the room to meet him with long powerful strides. A dark hand reaches to nudge the Alchemist's chin up as the Cavalry Captain leans down intrusively, his periwinkle eyes twinkling indecently.
"Cut it out already, Kaeya!" Rosaria snaps from the door.
"Sister Rosaria?" Albedo mutters at the sight of the prickly nun.
"I'm only here because Lady Gunnhildr sent us to get your flagon for the wedding," Rosaria informs him with a dismissive shrug.
"Oh, well it's over there on that table in the corner," Albedo points. The nun walks to retrieve the flagon pausing briefly to give it an experimental swirl.
"Smells good," she mumbles pleasantly taken aback. "What's in here?"
"Cecilia and Valberry wine," the Alchemist replies slightly bemused. It was the longest exchange they had ever had, and he wondered if perhaps the wine had something to do with it. "I can have Sucrose whip you up a bottle and send it over."
"Don't be dim," Rosaria sighs. "Sister Victoria will have a cow if she catches you delivering it to the Church. Not like it's any of her business. No, keep it here and let me know when it's ready. I'll stop by and get it."
"Will do," Albedo smiles. The nun nods and takes her leave with a dismissive wave.
"You know," Captain Kaeya says clicking his tongue disapprovingly. "The groom is supposed to brew the bride's flagon."
"I thought the groom was merely supposed to create or customize the recipe?" Albedo mumbles uncertainly.
"Well, now that you mention it, I suppose that you're right," the Cavalry Captain muses. "Well, shall we? Herr Ragnvindr himself sent me to fetch you."
"Oh?" Albedo hums distractedly as he rises from his seat. "Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. I think," Kaeya chuckles pleasantly.
They walk out of the study and up the stairs until the reach the main hallway of the Knights of Favonius headquarters. A few passing knights see them and greet the pair of them with a couple stopping to congratulate the Kreideprinz.
"We still meeting up at Angel's Share Captain Kaeya?" Adler asks cheerily.
"Why Adler you don't think I'd forgotten our little bet, did you?" Kaeya smiles.
"Huh, what bet?" Wood asks blinking after them as Kaeya guides the Chief Alchemist past. They head to the stables and retrieve their horses before setting off for the Dawn Winery.
It is still quite early in the morning and the streets of Mondstadt are stirring with early risers scurrying about their errands. On any normal day the store vendors would be out in droves preparing to open shop but with the entire city invited to the wedding, most stores will open much later. A few passersby recognize and greet them as they ride past and the Cavalry Captain waves and calls back, basking in the attention. Albedo manages a polite nod and a brief word doing his best to appear nervous but excited.
"You're pretty good at this pretending thing," the Cavalry Captain notes in his typical straightforward manner. "Something tells me you'll make a wonderful Gunnhildr."
"I thought Barbara's last name was Pegg?" Albedo replies uncertainly.
"Of course, it is," Kaeya chuckles. "But you honestly don't expect Lady Gunnhildr to part with both her daughters in the space of a year?"
"Both her daughters?" the Alchemist muses with a befuddled frown. "Forgive me, but I didn't know that the Dandelion Knight was getting married."
"Neither did I. My dear brother mine actually sprang it up on me last night over drinks."
The Chief Alchemist's bemusement deepens much to the Cavalry Captain's amusement.
"Interesting," Albedo mumbles. "Mr. Ragnvindr never struck me as being particularly close with the Dandelion Knight."
"If you got out of your dungeon more you would know that they've been more than 'close' for quite some time now," Kaeya chuckles. "Although the engagement seems rather rushed. If you asked me, I'd say they were expecting."
"A large crowd?" The Alchemist puzzles blinking blankly as his colleague bursts into a fit of raucous laughter.
"A large crowd," the Cavalry Captain repeats weakly as he recovers from his fit. "I really need to hang out with you more Herr Kreideprinz."
"Just Albedo is fine Captain Kaeya. We're peers after all."
"You'd better get used to that title quick," Kaeya chuckles. "Barbatos knows no one will be calling you by your name after tonight."
"What do you mean?" The Alchemist inquires arching an eyebrow. "Why would they keep calling me Kreideprinz?"
"You don't get it do you?" The Cavalry Captain blinks somewhat taken aback. "Marrying into the venerated House of Gunnhildr elevates even the lowliest peasant to aristocracy not to talk of the famous Kreideprinz—the greatest alchemist in Teyvat."
"But the aristocrats were banished, and their institutions were abolished," the Kreideprinz counters.
"If you truly believe that then you really ought to be paying closer attention," Kaeya replies without further explanation.
An attendant greets them at the entrance of the winery and leads them out to the vineyards where the Ragnvindr heir is inspecting the growing vines. He acknowledges them with a small nod before conversing briefly with his foreman and excusing himself to join them.
"Good Morning," Albedo greets. "We haven't had the pleasure yet, but I am Albedo."
"Diluc Ragnvindr," Diluc introduces as he extends his hand to the smaller man. "Your reputation precedes you. I daresay with the exception of Jean, Lisa, and the Grand Master you are the only Knight of Favonius who is deserving of praise."
"Oho! This is high praise indeed especially coming from you this early brother," Kaeya chortles dryly before turning to address the Kreideprinz. "As you might have noticed from my rather pointed omission, my brother seems rather upset with me this morning."
"Don't you have more important business to attend to Kaeya?" Diluc sighs.
"What could be more important than the Kreideprinz's wedding to Mondstadt's Shinning Idol?" the Cavalry Captain shoots back with a smirk. "I'll have you know that the Grand Master has asked me to chaperone my noble colleague to his wedding."
"Typical," Diluc sniffs crossing his arms. "Well, I'd like to discuss a private matter with the Chief Alchemist here if you don't mind."
"Not at all," Kaeya returns pleasantly, bending into a deep bow before walking away.
"I expect he's told you about my engagement to the elder Ms. Gunnhildr?" Diluc asks stiffly once he is sure that his brother is well out of earshot.
"We discussed it briefly," Albedo acknowledges before adding. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," the Tycoon nods. "I figured since we will soon become brothers it made sense to formally introduce myself to you."
"Of course," the Alchemist replies. "Have you both picked out a wedding date?"
"Not yet," Diluc shakes his head. "But Lady Gunnhildr insists on us having it sometime this summer before Ms. Gunnhildr's condition progresses any further."
"Condition? Is Ms. Jean unwell? I wasn't aware that she was ill," Albedo mumbles distractedly. "Do you know any of her symptoms? I'm sure Barbara wouldn't mind whipping up an antidote for her later. We have to make sure it's not anything contagious."
"Oh," the Ragnvindr equivocates, crossing his arms somewhat awkwardly as he avoids the Alchemist's gaze. "It's nothing to worry about really. It's a fairly common condition that afflicts the fairer sex and typically resolves itself in a couple of months."
"How many months exactly?" The Chief Alchemist pushes. Diluc's ears flush darkly at this as his red eyes study the crown of Albedo's hair distractedly.
"Nine."
"I see," the Kreideprinz blinks. "Um, congratulations."
"T-thank you," Diluc stutters slightly before turning to lead him indoors. Jean mentioned that you have some experience watching children."
"I do," Albedo nods. "Klee can be quite a handful by herself, but her heart truly is in the right place."
"So I've been told," Diluc grumbles. "I hear you and Barbara decided to skip out on your honeymoon."
"Well, we pushed it out until the school breaks for the summer holiday to allow Klee enough time to complete her term."
"Well, what if we offered to watch Klee?" the Tycoon asks. "While you guys were away on your honeymoon."
Albedo blinks up at the taller man for several long moments, unsure if he had somehow misheard him.
"I'm never around kids and have little experience interacting with them," Diluc explains. "With one on the way, J-Jean—I mean the elder Ms. Gunnhildr suggested that I get some practice with Klee."
"No offense but I don't think Klee would be a good practice subject," the Alchemist equivocates. "Besides, the astrologist Mona Megistus could watch her when we leave for our honeymoon."
"Are you sure?" The Tycoon's tone sounds almost hopeful. But he catches himself quickly and snaps out of it. "No, no. I need to do this. For Jean."
"Very well," Albedo assents after some thought. "I will inform Barbara after the ceremony."
They converse briefly about the logistics of Klee's custody before Diluc excuses himself to return to his morning inspection. The Cavalry Captain had been watching them from a nearby bench drinking a glass of calla lily wine and approaches once his brother is out of view.
They remount their horses and return to the city. The streets are buzzing with laughter and excited chatter as the townsfolk bustle about in preparation for the wedding.
At the Seneschal's insistence, Kaeya leads the Chief Alchemist to a room within the cathedral that had been set out with his things. Albedo retreats to the washroom to freshen-up while the Cavalry Captain inspects the clothes laid out for him.
"Ah, Lady Gunnhildr really doesn't waste any time now does she?" Kaeya chortles to himself as Albedo returns in a light dressing robe.
As he arrives, the Cavalry Captain turns to acknowledge him and his smirk broadens as he gives him a lingering onceover.
"I do hope you don't ever intend to expose this side to anyone else," Kaeya says dipping his voice into a low husky murmur as his eyes drink in the Kreideprinz's features with an appreciative smirk. "At least for Ms. Pegg's sake."
"Hmm? Do you mean the robe?" Albedo hums distractedly.
"Between that and your hair I imagine anyone would have trouble restraining themselves."
"Are you saying this to provoke some sort of reaction in me?"
"Partly," Kaeya confesses with a teasing chuckle. "Why? Is it working?"
"If you have to ask does that not already answer your question?" Albedo wonders blankly.
The Cavalry Captain chuckles and turns around to give his colleague some privacy to disrobe. While the Chief Alchemist would have preferred to change in complete privacy, it was clear that his eye-patched colleague had every intention of rattling him for his amusement. The longer he argued the longer he prolonged the Cavalry Captain's supervision. He hastily changes into a pair of sharply pressed white slacks and emerges from the dressing screen to retrieve the rest of his clothes.
He pauses to inspect his reflection briefly before a floor length mirror hanging on the wall behind the dressing screen and freezes when he feels Kaeya's gaze trailing him. When he turns his expression falls as he notices a second mirror hanging on the wall directly in front of his colleague. From its angle it is clear that the second mirror had directly reflected everything the first mirror had caught behind the dressing screen.
"Is everything alright, Herr Kreideprinz?" The eye-patched voyeur asks pleasantly, a shameless smirk twisting the corners of his lips.
"My shirt, have you seen it?" Albedo asks feigning indifference.
"May I do the honors?" The Cavalry Captain asks sweetly holding up the dark purple dress shirt.
"It's fine I ca—"
"Please, I insist," Kaeya Alberich presses as he approaches him. "After all, we shall soon be brothers and I mean for us to grow closer."
Albedo sighs and turns around as the taller man holds out shirt. He slips his hands quickly into the sleeves and is about to start fastening his buttons when the Cavalry Captain smacks his fingers away, replacing them with his long dark fingers. Albedo's breath hitches as Kaeya's calloused fingers linger indecently over his collar bone. When he meets the taller man's gaze defiantly Kaeya's fingers stray to his covered nipples, flicking and stroking them brazenly.
"C-captain Kaeya, st-stop—"
"If I wanted to have you right now," The Cavalry Captain murmurs leaning intrusively close to the blond's ear. "What would you do to stop me?"
"Enough!" Albedo snaps shoving the taller man away with all his might. The eye-patched knight stumbles unto a nearby couch where he collapses into a fit of laughter.
"Oh, I cannot wait until we are brothers," Kaeya Alberich chuckles. "For I so love to laugh and you amuse me to no end."
"Please leave," the Kreideprinz instructs. The Cavalry Captain rises from the couch and pretends to approach the blond before reconsidering it.
"As you wish. Your Majesty," he bows.
The crowd behind Albedo fell into awed silence as the Shining Idol emerges from her dressing room. The hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as he turns to watch his veiled bride's graceful march to the altar. Awed gasps trail the petite songstress and her sighing father as the spectators crane their necks about for a better glimpse of her flowing white gown. When she reaches him, Albedo meets her gaze through the fabric of her veil and is relieved to note that she is as terrified of the entire ordeal.
The Seneschal lingers protectively at his daughter's side before being guided away by his eldest daughter. Cardinal Calvin blesses the pair and begins the ceremony.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of Barbatos, and in the company of his faithful subjects to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. Which is an honorable estate, instituted of our Lord Barbatos, signifying unto us the venerable union between Mondstadt, his holy church, and the noble Knights of Favonius. A union that is honorable among all men and therefore, not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of our Lord Barbatos. Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined."
The Cardinal turns to Albedo lifting a cup of fragrant philanemo mushroom wine which he hands to Barbara. He pours a second cup of Albedo's wine which he hands to him before turning to address him.
"Albedo, will you have this fair maiden to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after Barbatos' ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, cherish her, nourish her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," the Alchemist responds without hesitation as a lump begins to form in his throat.
"My fair, sweet Barbara, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after Barbatos' ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, cherish him, nourish him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," Barbara manages through her tears.
"My dear children raise your chalices and offer your betrothed the fruits of your endeavors so that they may drink and know the true depths of your affections."
As they comply the Cardinal turns to address the crowd as he raises an empty chalice and fills it first with wine from Albedo's flagon before mixing it with wine from Barbara's.
"My faithful neighbors, witness as before Archon and man these matrimonial wines are mixed representing their everlasting and inextricable union."
When they had finished sipping from each other's goblets, the Cardinal retrieves their goblets from them in turn before offering Albedo a sip from the chalice with the mixed wines.
"Now that you have partaken in the fruits of your separate and unified endeavors and borne witness to the depths of your beloved's affections, you may now recite your vow of fidelity and devotion."
"I, Albedo, take you, Barbara, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever."
"And now, my fair, sweet Barbara. Now that you have partaken in the fruits of your separate and unified endeavors and borne witness to your betrothed's vow of fidelity, you may now recite your response."
"I Barbara Pegg, accept and now take thee, Albedo, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish for as long as I may live."
"Now friends, bear witness for those whom Barbatos hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Barbara and Albedo have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before Barbatos and his faithful children, and there to have given their pledge, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving the wine of betrothal, by the power vested in me by the holy Church of Favonius, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
The cathedral erupts as the Alchemist lifts his bride's veil and leans forward to capture her lips with his. All around them music and merriment erupts as the crowd presses forward to hug and congratulate the Deaconess' now sobbing parents. They do not know that as Albedo begins to pull a way he freezes when he catches a glimpse of vaguely familiar amber eyes where Barbara's should have been. He blinks and looks closer still, leaning back as amber gives way to pale blue.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Pegg."
Albedo hurries through the streets of Liyue Harbor as fast as his legs will allow, silently cursing himself for accepting Xingqui's invitation to board the Pearl Galley. Beside him, his host hurries to keep up turning every so often to assure the Kreideprinz.
"I'm sure it's probably something as silly as a little heatstroke," Xingqui chuckles.
"Knowing her it's probably something serious," the Alchemist replies breathlessly. "I knew I should have stayed in with her. She's been feeling rather nauseous but has been pretending so we would not cut our trip short."
"It's probably just something she ate," Xingqui mutters nervously as they climb the steps to the pharmacy.
They find Barbara standing near the entryway pleading earnestly with a tall well-dressed man while the clerk hovers patiently with a package of medicine.
"Barbara?" Albedo calls out arching an eyebrow in confusion as he moves to join her. "What's wrong? Are you alright? I heard you passed out."
"Oh, Albedo!" the Deaconess squeals as she hurries to embrace him. "I'm doing well. This gentleman saved me but won't tell me his name so I can properly thank him."
"Honestly, there is no need for thanks," the tall stranger assures her as he sheepishly averts his gaze. "I did what any person would have done in that situation."
"Well at least let us thank you, sir. Why don't you join us for dinner or something? We have reservations this evening at Liuli Pavilion." The songstress presses sweetly.
"What happened? Barbara, what's going on?"
"I believe I can explain," Mr. Baizhu announces with a kind smile as he emerges from his office in the backroom to join them. "Mrs. Pegg here passed out while enjoying the view on Mt. Tianheng. Mr. Zhongli here happened by and brought her here for examination."
"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli," the Alchemist sighs as he extends his arm towards the tall stranger in a sharp tailcoat with a grateful smile. "I have no idea how to repay you."
"Are you alright Mr. Zhongli?" Herbalist Gui asks when the stranger does not immediately accept the Kreideprinz's hand.
"Yes, I'm quite fine. And it was nothing," Zhongli smiles back as he accepts the Chief Alchemist's hand in his. "Really."
"Well, I do have some news on Mrs. Pegg's condition," Mr. Baizhu announces.
"Oh? Nothing serious I hope," Xingqui replies with a nervous smile.
"Well, it is somewhat serious, but I imagine it should be quite happy news for the young couple."
"Oh no! What do you mean? What's going on?" Barbara asks nervously.
"Relax," the Pharmacist smiles. "The reason you passed out and have probably been feeling rather faint and nauseous all this time is because you're pregnant."
A stunned silence falls over the room as the petite couple flushes deeply.
"A-are y-you sure?" Barbara squeaks finally, sneaking a nervous glance at her husband.
"What do you mean 'is he sure?'" Xingqui teases as he claps his friend's back loudly. "Of course, he's sure. You silly lovebirds sure don't waste any time, do you?"
"No, no it's just that Albedo—I mean my big sister Jean's pregnant too and I've been hanging around her a lot helping her plan her own wedding and honeymoon so perhaps I started to mimic her symptoms."
"Well, your vision suggests otherwise," the Pharmacist points out directing the group's attention to the Deaconess' vision hanging on her hip. "When vision bearers get pregnant their vision swells and only shrinks back at the conclusion of the pregnancy. From here, your vision seems to be thrice the normal size of Mr. Xingqui's."
"I see," Albedo mutters with a contemplative frown. "Thank you, Mr. Baizhu. I'll take her home now and make sure she gets lots of rest." When he turns to address the stranger once more, he finds that the man has disappeared completely.
"You know, you don't have to pretend," the Deaconess informs him quietly as he shuts their room door behind them.
"What do you mean?" The Alchemist asks somewhat distractedly as he moves to open a window wide enough to view the impending fireworks. Barbara shakes her head and forces a small smile as she moves to join him on the side of the bed facing the windows.
"Do you miss him?" She murmurs quietly as she leans to lay her head upon his robed lap.
"Who?" the Kreideprinz asks glancing down to study his wife's visage. His breath hitches when he notes the sadness reflected within her pale blue eyes and he leans down to kiss her. She turns away at the last moment, averting her gaze.
"Mr. Zhongli," she replies at length. "Do you miss him?"
"I don't understand," Albedo chuckles. "I barely know the man. Why would I miss him?"
"I…don't get me wrong…I was…it was kind of you to pretend this afternoon when we bumped into him at Bubu Pharmacy—"
"What do you mean pretend?" the Alchemist asks thoroughly flummoxed. Barbara shifts to study his features intently, searching for any hint of mockery or insincerity. Finding none, she rights herself and turns to hold his gaze.
"Albedo, you don't have to pretend. At least not when we're together."
"I don't understand what you mean Barbara," he frowns as he reaches to stroke her face. Her eyes fill with tears and she turns away. "What's going on. Is it the baby?"
"You've never mentioned him before," she sobs quietly. "And that's the part that frightens me."
"Why would I mention him?" Albedo asks gently placing a hand on her shoulder as he tries to coax her face towards his. When she resists him, he quietly pulls her into his arms and presses a soft kiss on her forehead. "Shall I play you something on your lyre?"
The petite songstress hesitates before nodding slowly and awkwardly against his chest. But when he moves to extricate himself from her, she wraps her arms around him and buries her face into his chest inhaling his scent deeply.
"Stay," she sniffles. "Please."
"But the lyre," he replies softly. She lifts her head to meet his gaze and presses a deep lingering kiss against his lips. He leans into her kiss allowing his hands to roam the expanse of her delicate shoulders.
She pulls away from him and reaches up to free his hair from their braids causing them to cascade down his shoulders. He closes his eyes and hums contently as her soft fingers knead and glide over his scalp caressing his lush ashen locks. Her hands stray from his head and glide lower briefly cupping his face tenderly before sliding to stroke his golden birthmark.
He watches her silently and leans down to press his lips hungrily against hers, holding her soft frame flush against his. Her small hands slide between them and tug his sash free. The Alchemist leans back to allow her roaming hands as they dip and glide within the folds of his hanfu. A strangled sigh escapes his parted lips as she palms his flaccid sex through the folds of his clothes, stroking it until it stiffens.
His hands fly to undress her, nudging aside her robes to expose her pale flesh to the adoring gleam of the silver moonlight. At the last moment, he reaches up to undo her pigtails freeing her hair to fall around her face. The effect is striking. Her hair falls well past her shoulders, partially shielding her breasts from view. The Deaconess flushes deeply when she notices her husband's gaze lingering at her bosom and she hastily lifts her hands to conceal them further. His hands catch her wrists and stay them as he leans forward to kiss her exposed neck.
She arches her back into him, sighing loudly as he releases her hands to knead her breasts. A wanton mewl escapes her and she blushes and apologizes furiously as her hands fly to stifle her voice. He meets her gaze and gently coaxes her fingers away from her lips before claiming them with his own.
"Don't hide your voice."
"B-but th-they'll h-hear!" She squeaks bashfully. He responds by flicking her nipples harshly before leaning forward to claim them with his lips. The songstress bites back a particularly lascivious moan as he suckles and kneads her breasts mercilessly. "Ah-Ah-Ah-lbe-eh-doh! P-pl-please!"
When his ministrations intensify, she arches her back and falls unto the bed with a strangled cry. His lips finally release her breast with an obscene pop before latching on once more and suckling with reckless abandon. As she writhes beneath him, he guides a finger unto her dripping sex and strokes the entrance experimentally. The sensation sends a spasm of anticipation pulsing through her petite frame and she is rocking into him when he finally thrusts the first two fingers.
"Here? Hmm?!" He growls hovering over her as his fingers plunge deeper and harder into her.
She screams as they strike somewhere deep within and he smiles at her flushed features as she watches him through the gaps between her fingers. He inserts a third finger and wrests a deeply euphoric mewl as a wave of ecstasy crashes over her trembling form.
He leans down and presses a soft kiss against her sweaty brow as she desperately struggles to regain her bearings. When the sheen of lust finally dims in her pale blue eyes, she reaches between them and guides his manhood towards her entrance. He sinks into without preamble or hesitation, sighing deeply as the familiar warmth of her sex envelopes him. She shifts her hips and nudges him unto his back dislodging his member briefly as she slowly moves to straddle him.
Their eyes meet as she guides his organ once more into her pulsing core, biting her lower lip to conceal a deep moan of pleasure. He rocks into her carelessly, grabbing her hips to hold her in place as her walls constrict painfully around him. A strangled growl escapes his parted lips as the delicious friction between them intensifies. Their bodies settle into a slow but awkward rhythm gradually increasing into a frenzied tempo that strains and creaks the bedsprings obscenely.
His body falls limp as he releases his seed deep within her. She sighs contently as rapture seizes her once more, her breasts bouncing slightly with her convulsions. He watches her collapse unto his chest with a weary sigh and lifts a hand to stroke her tousled locks lovingly.
"Are you happy for us? About the baby?" She asks sleepily nuzzling his neck after some time.
"I am, Barbara," he replies without opening his eyes.
"But I thought you said that homunculi couldn't…couldn't—" she turns away flushing deeply, unable to bring herself to conclude her sentence despite their recent tryst. He chuckles softly as he leans down to kiss her sweaty brow, stroking her head distractedly as he considers her words.
"It was foolish of me to assume without evidence that my kind could not procreate. However, I wonder if it has something to do with the Heart of Naberius."
"What do you mean?" The Deaconess blinks up at him as he finally reopens his eyes. "D-do you think it's a bad thing?"
"I'm honestly not sure," he admits hesitantly. "When my master left it to me, she warned me to exercise caution and explained that it has been known to physiologically alter its host to best accommodate their desires."
"I'm not sure that I understand." Barbara shakes her head.
"The heart is sentient; it feeds off of its host's needs and desires. Since you learned of Jean's pregnancy, I noticed that you always seemed a little sad even though you truly were happy for her and Mr. Ragnvindr. Part of me sensed that it was because of my condition and I worried that I had condemned you to a life of childlessness."
"I guess when I think about it, deep down inside I was really sad but really tried to hide it. Jean and I couldn't spend much time together growing up so we have so little in common these days and I…guess I just really wanted to experience motherhood with her even though I didn't think we'd ever be able to have one of our own."
"Have you always wanted one?" Albedo wonders with a thoughtful frown.
"Well, honestly I wasn't sure but…being with you and seeing you with Klee and all her friends—it made me realize that you would be an amazing father. And I wanted that for you."
They snuggle together beneath their blankets watching the vibrant fireworks exploding high across the midnight sky while the revelers beyond cheered and danced. When Barbara's breathing evens, Albedo rises and slips into his robe to check on Klee in the adjoining room.
She is sleeping soundly in her play clothes having fallen asleep waiting for the firework show to begin. The Alchemist chuckles and gently coaxes her shoes off her feet before tucking her carefully into bed. As he leans down to press a tender kiss against her forehead, he tenses at the unmistakable sensation of a stranger's gaze trailing him.
He straightens up abruptly turning to scan the rooftops below Klee's window for any signs of the intruder. He doesn't have to search long as he quickly spots a tall dark figure watching him. Even from this distance, the figure's glowing amber eyes are visible as they silently study him.
Is it the Heart of Naberius? Can they sense it from there? The Kreideprinz wonders.
"Who are you?" He muses quietly. His eyes narrow suspiciously as the stranger slowly but surely begins to turn away. "No, wait! Come back."
He leaps out through the window and sprints along the rooftop to the stranger's perch reaching for the swirling mass of its long dark cloak. But his hands find nothingness as he blinks at the empty space where the intruder had once stood brazenly. The chilly night breeze stirs the air around him filling his nostrils with the sweet nostalgic scent of Osmanthus wine.
Author's Note: Every now and then an idea grips you and refuses to let go until you finally put it to paper. This is one of those stories. I actually started writing it before my other Genshin Fanfic ("Love Me if You Dare") but decided to pause that one until I fleshed out the ending while I finished this one.
As an author, I adore discovering, reading, and writing about "crack pairings" because they force me to really delve into the minds of the characters and try to think outside the box.
I know a lot of people ship Albedo with Sucrose and honestly, I do too. But while I was reviewing his voice lines for this fic I noticed that he never really hints at having any romantic feelings for her and quite frankly he doesn't seem the type to be involved with a subordinate. Canonically speaking, Barbara is the only female character he has admitted to drawing presumably without her knowledge or consent. Seeing how he seemingly draws things that fascinate and intrigue him, I wondered if he drew her because he subconsciously finds her very attractive. And because Barbara deserves some love from the fandom with Rosaria's release.
I made Kaeya a little creepy because I remembered his penchant for forcing his colleagues into uncomfortable situations to observe their reactions and I also remember Sucrose's voice line hinting at him teasing her. It just seemed like he would seize the opportunity to make Albedo squirm and cross the line in the hopes of eliciting a reaction. Anyways that's just my opinion. Let me know if you agree or disagree with it.
With that being said, I tried to keep the characters as true to their canonical characterizations as possible. Please feel free to point out any out-of-character behaviors. It's very late now so I will probably be editing this fic over the next couple of days.
If you've made it this far I truly thank you for accompanying me on this wild journey and hope you have enjoyed it as much as I did.