Albedo found it incredibly strange. When had it started? This feeling of lightness. This feeling of… emotion. What was this emotion, he wondered. It was similar to how he felt about his teacher, about Klee, and yet… that feeling was just the surface. He felt like he needed more of her. Like he craved her. Holding her hand was soothing, even though he wasn't a huge fan of being touched. He wanted her warmth, her hands in his hair. He wanted her to sit with him and to hear her voice. He wished for more of her soft, gentle love that he'd become rather addicted to. The way she hugged him, and the way she held him… What was this feeling?

"Albedo?" His was jolted from his thoughts by her voice, turning to see her tilting her head at him. "Are you alright?"

"I'm alright. Forgive me, I was lost in thought."

"Ah, is that what that face was?" She smiled at him, placing the cake and tea down on the table. She sat next to him, petting his head with a smile. "Well, eat up. I made a special dessert today, since it's Valentines Day. Chocolate Lava Cake."

"Ooh, a Lava cake…?" He asked, cutting into the cake and staring as it oozed molten chocolate onto the plate. "Amazing… And it smells incredible." He said, smiling softly. "You must have been through a lot of trouble to make this."

"Mm, but it's not trouble. Because you like it." She smiled. Albedo nodded, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you." He smiled back at her, enjoying his cake as she sat with him. He looked up at her, offering his fork with a bit of cake on it. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Oh… Hehe, no I'm alright." she glanced away, cheeks tinted pink. Albedo took the initiative, his heart racing. He put the plate down, leaning to cup her cheek before kissing her, Mieko's eyes widening. When he pulled back, she stared. "Albedo…?"

"Was that sweet enough?" He asked, watching as she turned even redder. He smiled, soon laughing a bit as she pulled her shawl up to hide behind. "Forgive me, I thought I should return the favor somehow." He smiled. "That wasn't too much, was it Mie?"

"You really know how to get to me, don't you?" She grumbled, lowering her shawl. "You learn everything so fast…"

"I am merely trying things out. To see what you like the most, Mie."

"White Day… I see. An Inazuman Holiday where the gifts made by the female partner on Valentine's day are repaid threefold." he nodded, reading the description out of a book. He had 2 days to prepare something for Mieko, of course Albedo was intending on doing something nice for her. He headed up to his lab on Dragonspine, concentrating on his work for Mieko's present. While he worked into the evening, he heard someone walking up behind him.

"There you are, Albedo." He turned to see Mieko, bundled up in her coat and smiling at him. He swiftly covered his work with another piece of paper, walking over to her. "Sorry, were you busy?" She asked, Albedo taking her hand.

"Not at all, darling." He smiled, watching her cheeks color at the new nickname. "Are you tired from hiking up here? Shall I make you something to eat?"

"Ah, no it's okay." She smiled, letting him lead her to sit. "I actually came up here to ask if you were available to assist me with something?"

"Of course. That's part of the deal." He smiled, something in his heart feeling tense about saying it that way. "What can I help you with?"

"I need your help making something."

"Oh? Is it something large? Or something for your shop?"

"It's actually for a customer's repair. I drew up a diagram and everything, but I couldn't figure out part of it… I thought you might be able to help me figure it out… I can't take it to a blacksmith without knowing how this bit works."

"I see… Then, shall we go and gather some materials? What did you need for it?" He asks, sitting with her and letting her explain, then traveling around the mountain to gather what she needed. Spending his time with her like this was nice. When she fell asleep in his camp that evening, he worked on her gift, saving it for the actual date. They finished her prototype, and Albedo wouldn't accept Mora. She steeled her nerves and hugged him, making him gasp, feeling her lips on his. "Oh… What a nice reward, for assisting you." he teased, holding her close and admiring the obvious embarrassment on her face. "I have something good for you as well, Mie."

"F-For me…?" She asked, eyes sparkling in anticipation. "B-But you already spent so much time with me…"

"Well, it's White Day, isn't it?" He asked, chuckling at her surprise. "So to thank you for the cake." He handed her a box, letting her open it. "I thought a nice hair clip would be good for you. After all, you always end up putting your hair up when you work."

"I… Th-Thank you." she said, still stunned. "You really didn't have to… I… I wasn't sure you knew about White Day."

"Well, I have been to Inazuma before." He covered for himself, smiling. "Do you like it?"

"I love it… It's beautiful."

"Then pardon me." He undid her braid, taking his time and keeping his hands in her hair for a while before tying her hair up with the clip. He admired his work before hugging onto her. "There. Now." He smiled. "Perhaps you can be brave for me and grant me a few more of those kisses? I quite like them."

"Wha-Whatever you want, Albedo." she said softly.

Albedo looked up from his notes, hearing classical music playing. He wondered where it was coming from, seeing a door cracked open. Curious, he walked over and peeked inside, seeing Eula, Amber, and Mieko. "Oh, Albedo?" He turned quickly to see Traveler standing there. "Curious? They're practicing."

"Practicing?"

"Ballroom Dancing." Traveler smiled. "Eula recruited Mieko, and since Amber and I were nearby, we got pulled in too. Noelle is coming as well, to help."

"I see."

"Want to join us? I'm sure Mieko will be motivated, with you watching." Traveler teased. They opened the door, walking in. "Look who I found."

"Oh, Albedo." Eula said, Mieko turning, eyes wide. She was wearing a long, floor-length skirt and a beautiful lace top her hair tied up. "What brings you here?"

"I was walking by and I heard the music." He said honestly.

"Oh, yeah, did I tell you, Eula?" Amber grinned. "Albedo and Mie are dating now!"

"Are they now?" Eula smiled. "Good for you, Mie." She said, Mieko's cheeks red. "Now, don't get distracted. Let's keep going."

"Yes, yes." Mieko sighed, taking her starting position with Eula before they began dancing. Albedo stared, unable to tear his eyes away from Mieko. The dance was fairly fast-paced, but also it was flowy and elegant. When they finished, Eula bowed to Mieko, and the older woman curtsied to her in return.

"Still as good as ever." Eula smiled at her. "Want to try your hand with Amber next? Or Traveler?"

"You take your pick." Mieko said. "Noelle will be here soon, right?"

"I'm here~" Noelle said, hurrying inside. "Forgive me for making you all wait."

"It's fine, Noelle." Mieko said. "How about you guys practice for a bit? I need a break. Eula's been at this all morning." Mieko moved to sit next to Albedo, clearly tired.

"I was wondering why your fighting style was so graceful when your grandfather was an adventurer. You dance." Albedo smiled, pouring her some tea.

"Yes. I used to dance with Yuki a lot, since she liked to dance." Mieko replied, looking up at him. "And Grandfather taught me fighting by using the pace of classical music, and teaching me how to fight with the same motions as dancing."

"I see… I'll have to study that later." he said, smiling at her. "Would you let me study you more, Mie?"

"If that's what you want." She averted her eyes, cheeks red. Albedo smiled at her and enjoyed her company, kissing her hand when she got up to go and practice more.

"Have fun, my darling."

"Th-Thank you, Albedo." She said softly. Albedo spent the day observing, making some sketches and enjoying the fact that Mieko was smiling and enjoying herself with the others.

"Maybe one day." He muttered to himself, enjoying the sight of her laughing as Amber fumbled a step and apologized.

"It's fine, Amber, I'm okay, it didn't hurt." Mieko told her.

"Still, I'm so sorry Mie!" Amber said again.

"It's fine. Go take a break." She told her. Traveler was dancing with Eula now, so Noelle and Mieko partnered up. "It's been a while, Noelle. How are you?"

"I'm very well, Miss Mieko."

"I told you not to call me Miss, it's fine." Mieko replied.

"Then, Miss Mie… I heard you have started dating Mister Albedo. Is that true?"

"Yes it is." Mieko replied. "Did Lisa tell you?"

"Yes. And also, it's been going around the Headquarters… No one expected Mister Albedo to take up a relationship." Noelle added. "You two are the talk of the Knights."

"Are we?" She sighed. "I hope that doesn't get out of hand… Rumors are terrible things. Thank you for letting me know, Noelle."

"Of course, Miss Mie." She replied with a smile. They finished their dance, and Mieko told Eula that she was going to go home now.

"Thank you for all your help, Mie. Have a good rest of your day." Eula said, Albedo getting up to follow her out. He walked quietly with her, smiling when she turned to him.

"Sorry… I… Do you want to come and have dinner with me?" she asked.

"Sure. Will you let me test something, if I come home with you?" He asked.

"I will. Anything you'd like." She replied, heading back to her home with Albedo in tow.

"You're very compliant today… Are you alright? Normally you get embarrassed and ask what I'm planning." Albedo pointed out.

"Ah… Am I?" She asked. "I must be tired…" She turned to him with a smile. "I'm sure I just need some rest…" They headed inside and had a nice, cozy evening in. It was a bit chilly, so when they went to bed, Mieko had Albedo lay on top of her.

"Mie, are you sure I'm not heavy?" Albedo asked as he looked up at Mieko, the woman placing her glasses on the side table.

"Your weight is comforting, Albedo. Plus, it's cold out tonight. Here, give me your hand." She smiled as she intertwined their fingers.

"If you're sure... I don't mind moving." He added, feeling her other hand go behind his head and run through the loose part of his hair.

"Nonsense. Now, did you have a good day? Did you manage to figure out what stumped you on your experiment from a few days ago?" She asked him, squeezing his hand.

"Yes, your insight was most helpful." He replied, letting himself settle in and relax. "How was your day?"

"It was quiet." She replied softly. "But I appreciated the chance to organize a bit."

"I see... Are you able to pay your rent? Shall I assist you?"

"No, no. I can handle it." She chuckled. "If anything, I need you to keep me comfy and warm. It's been chilly."

"Whatever you like, darling." He replied, reaching up to put his hand on her shoulder. "But please, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything else from me."

((I'm starting to run out of things to write at the end. Don't want to spoil anything, after all.

- Winter Cheshire))