petri

Diluc had been careful. The path to Old Yharnam was not the easiest hike, unless you counted running into dogs and men cursed with beasthood easy. He was used to this particular trek, however. In order to access your quarters, to gain knowledge and bottled blood for the road, it was necessary.

The air smelled of rot and iron by the time he gained access to the bright red door. The chains in front of it were covered in rust, delicate enough now that he swore if he blew on it them the chains would crumble to pieces. Diluc had wondered to himself why you chose the color red to signify your headquarters. Though, in perhaps a light-hearted manner, you thought it made sense to attract Hunters with their thirst for blood with the color of the liquid.

How humorous, Diluc thought.

He held up his fist to knock, digging in the back of his mind to remember the code. It had been a month since his last visit.

Knock. Knock, knock.

Slightly jumbled, but it was the best he could do.

The door opened a crack, enough for him to see the light of a lantern slip through.

"Ah, you've returned," your voice was small, cautious of the possible lurkers. "What can I do for you, Red?"

Red. Your nickname for him. What truly set him off was how fondly you said it.

"I've come to talk business...and supplies." He mumbled the last part hesitantly. While you may give out your blood (for a high price), his stomach churned at the thought of drinking it.

"You can simply say you're injured, or hungry."

"If I'm hungry, I'll eat bread."

"That'll suffice you for an hour at best, Diluc."

(Not Red that sentence.)

"It'll do. I've survived off worse."

You scoffed. "Stubborn fool."

"Perhaps, but I'm alive am I not?" He said.

***

"This is also about Kaeya, isn't it?" You questioned immediately. The heavy door hadn't even closed yet before you began interrogating him.

Diluc blinked, having just removed his mask. "Indeed. Have I asked so often already?"

"I could see it in your eyes," you responded. "The hopefulness, the desperate pleading. You want to track him down as soon as possible."

"It's been 5 years since I last saw him, since he gave me that warning."

"You still never indulged me on the details."

"I worry it'll damage your psyche."

"Are you calling me stupid?" You raised an eyebrow, mouth curved upward.

Diluc shook his head. "Far from it--"

"I jest, Red."

Of course you were.

You glanced toward a table that contained a pile of letters. "I'm sorry to say my informants haven't seen the man you described; tall, blue hair in a ponytail that draped over his shoulder, eyepatch on his left eye. Though, one of them said they recognized the name 'Kaeya'. They haven't elaborated since."

Diluc's head perked. "This informant, do they have a name?"

"Albedo."

"Ah, the Alchemist."

"You're aware of his identity?"

"Eileen has spoken to him once before. He has humored countless Hunters desperate for knowledge."

"He knew Kaeya, from what it seemed."

Diluc sighed through his nose. Sure, this was a lead, but now he was back to the corner of finding Albedo's whereabouts.

"He placed himself in Old Yharnam as well," you spoke. Diluc glanced at you with surprise in his gaze, making you laugh. "I've known you for awhile now, Red. I know what you're thinking."

"Can you tell-"

"Albedo is a cautious man. He moves everywhere whenever he feels threatened; by beasts, by Hunters, it does not matter."

"Do you have an idea perhaps?"

"Possibly near the old Church. Not a lot of beasts go near it anymore."

"Curious." Diluc placed his thumb on his chin.

You shook your head. "Not really. Especially not after a particularly nasty beast made it its home before being slaughtered."

You interrupted the discussion by holding out your arm. Diluc staggered a little, flinching when he pressed his ankle against the ground. You sighed deeply. "Drink. I will not take no for an answer this time."

He hesitated, glancing at your wrist and then kneeling down, trying his best to remain a gentleman, before sinking his teeth into your tender flesh.

You took a deep breath, which almost made him stop. You were used to this, he knew, but that ache to stop hurting you spread across his chest.

He stopped when he felt your pulse skyrocket. Instantly you wrapped gauze and bandages around your wrist. (He hated how calculated you did that, hated how his mind spiraled when thinking of how many mouths and teeth sunk into your skin.)

You glanced at him, then to his mouth, laughing in a childish manner. You grabbed a handkerchief, dabbing the corner of his mouth tenderly. "You were thirsty, then."

Diluc felt his cheeks heat up. "I'm...not going to elaborate."

"Silly man," you clicked your tongue.

He smiled lightly, kissing your forehead as he massaged your hand with his thumb. "Thank you."

You furrowed your brow. "Whatever for?"

"For being so informative."

"That is my job."

Diluc placed his chin atop your head, grabbing hold of you in an embrace. It was cut short when he reached for his hat and mask.

You frowned. "Leaving already?"

"I know you have other clients coming your way," he replied, wrapping his mask around his face. "I wouldn't want to intrude, and I have a man to find."

"Albedo is a tricky fellow. Tell him I sent you, he won't be as slippery."

Diluc nodded. "If you hear anything more about Kaeya, tell me at once when I return next."

You didn't have time to respond, he left too quickly. Sitting down at the table piled with letters, you grabbed one with a frown. The contents inside you were all too aware of.

"You're getting too close."

~

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All day, the king gave orders about which food to prepare, which dresses and suits to sew, which decorations would accommodate the theme. Your feet ached, your legs following suit by the time dinner was finally served.

Still, when you found a moment of rest, you couldn't help but ogle below to the many couples. One in particular; the man spun his partner, smile brilliant across his face. They returned his grin, and though you couldn't see, you'd like to imagine their eyes were glowing with love.

The prince had been standing in the middle, observing. A bored look plastered on his face for a second, before immediately changing it to an idle neutrality. As if he knew what his expression held, and he needed to change his attitude that instant. The young man was fond of doing that.

Though, something--or perhaps someone--created a ripple in the air. His bored demeanor altered. Eyes sparkling sith curiosity, he traveled across the room, to unfortunately an area you couldn't see.

You grumbled in disappointment. Moving areas to witness what was happening would cause suspicion. You weren't supposed to be observing the guests right now. (You were supposed to be cleaning the guest rooms; the king had hoped a lovely maiden/suitor would be welcomed in the chambers tonight.)

Ignoring your duties, you kept peering downward. The prince may bring whoever caught his eye into the spotlight.

And he did.

She was beautiful, garnered in a crystal dress, blonde hair in an intricately done style. The prince gathered her in his arms, and together they waltzed. He led her first, she followed, doing her best not to trip over his foot. She stumbled slightly, and your eyebrows raised. The prince only laughed, whispering something in her ear. She gave him an embarrassed smile.

"I see he's found himself a wife," the voice spoke so suddenly you jumped. You grabbed the silver railing with such intensity before seeing who it belonged to. "The fellow looked bored to tears before she showed up. Figures."

"Oh, Albedo," you gasped, hand to your chest. The chief alchemist's sapphire eyes gazed to the excitement before acknowledging you. "I thought you were the King's advisor coming to scold me."

"Oh?" Albedo tilted his head, "Why would he scold you? Unless you're not doing what you're supposed to."

"Me? Never." You laughed, turning back to what you had been eyeing previously. The prince and his soon-to-be-betrothed had already gone. The many eyes staring provoking his nerves, you imagined. "Just...admiring the crowd."

(You wanted to hide the longing, the way your heart sang at the idea of dancing with another.)

"I never saw what was so appealing about balls such as this one," Albedo commented, hands behind his back.

Albedo had been an interesting case. He showed up one night, claiming to the king he knew of ways to create medicine for the public whenever they were ill. The king immediately gave him the role of Chief Alchemist, granting him to his own quarters of the castle.

He himself was an interesting case. Always curious, always searching.

Like now, he scanned over people's faces, studying the details. What he said earlier wasn't due to coldness or boredom, but pure unadulterated curiosity. It told you he never experienced anything like this.

You didn't respond to him, hand curled over your cheek.

"Though, it seems you do."

"Eh?" You responded, finally peeling your gaze off the guests. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you haven't stopped staring at the ball below."

"Well, events like this one only happen every once and awhile," you shrugged. "The prince will hopefully host more when he finally becomes king, but..."

You doubted it.

Albedo didn't say anymore for awhile. You had thought he returned to his quarters with how quiet you two had become. When he finally spoke again, you almost thought you were hallucinating.

"How about a dance, with me?"

Your face grew hot. "What? We can't go down there--I cannot. I would find myself in grave trouble."

"We don't have to dance down there, the music is loud enough for a more...secluded space." Albedo held out his gloved hand.

You honestly couldn't believe what you were hearing.

"I...guess there's no harm," you mumbled, taking the hand offered to you. His glove was warm to the touch. Your chest filled with an emotion you couldn't read at that moment.

Albedo guided you towards his quarters. The music from the orchestra could be heard loud and clear even from rooms away, just as he stated.

"Why your quarters?" You pondered, your cheeks still warm, growing more in heat as the moment lasted.

You hadn't been in there before, but the sight before you didn't surprise you. It was a tad messy, papers and beakers over counters, broken pencils in one pile and crumpled notes in another. His bed was neat and tidy however, giving you a hint that be barely touched it.

"No one but the king's advisor approaches my room," he explained, "I figured it would work well for something more private."

Now your face was blazing.

"I apologize if I step on your foot," he mumbled, thumb rubbing against your knuckle--you had forgotten he was still holding your hand. "I'm afraid I've never danced once before."

"Then, why offer?" You laughed nervously. You didn't mean to sound rude, but you had never been asked to dance before. Besides the prince cruelly asking you once, as more of a vexing comment. ("Dance with me then," he had said with snide. "Surely I could teach you something.")

"You wanted to. Longed to. Even I could see that." Albedo's eyes were softer, crystal blue gazing into your own. Now you couldn't refuse him.

"You are...perplexing," you said with awe. "I know I will definitely step on your feet. You've been warned."

Albedo chuckled lightly. "Learning is apart of living. I've noted this for the past year I've been here."

The two of you stood awkwardly before positioning yourselves to dance. His arm snaked around your waist before you wrapped yours around his neck. No movement had been made, only the two of you swaying left to right. Then, with a sudden change in music, he led you with his hand. He barely dodged your foot, causing you to yelp, then giggle.

It didn't take long for the two of you to grasp the idea of dancing alongside each other. Something about it, how close you got to him, felt right. This was meant to happen.

It wasn't with the prince, but with the intriguing alchemist who said hello to you every so often. The one who's eyes were so blue you wondered if he had been created instead of born.

"I understand the appeal, now." He murmured into your ear. The distance between your faces was small, and you wondered if it had grown smaller still.

You tried your best to hide your embarrassment. "And?"

"It's warm, being this close to another."

You could feel his breath on your ears. Somewhere along the way, your foreheads had touched.

"Yes," you inquired. "It is."

Your head fell against his shoulder, and you wanted to stay there forever. He near him forever. Albedo was soft, despite his garments being ruffled, gloves a bit rough against your skin.

Then a trumpet going off pulled you two apart.

"Stop that woman! Stop her!"

Albedo let go of you gently to peer out the one window of his room. The sound of music covered the hooves of horses clattering against the pavement, but you heard them nonetheless.

"What's happening?" You asked, startled.

"I don't know, but you should go back to the servants quarters." Albedo said, hesitantly.

Though your legs felt stiff, and you swore if you moved them then they'd collapse like jelly, you trekked to the door leading towards the hallway.

For a second you peered back, and you swore you saw Albedo glancing at his gloved hand.

**

The supposed bride-to-be had ran off that night. She apparently was in such a hurry, she left a glass slipper on a staircase exiting the castle. The prince was left distraught, desperate to find the love of his life.

You hadn't spoken to Albedo since that night, and frankly the thought made your chest go fuzzy. You couldn't shake the warmth of his body, of his gloved hand. Sometimes you thought it was merely a dream, and you were just exhausted from the King's orders.

You wanted to question him about that night, to see if what happened was truly real. Though, every time you neared his quarters, you found yourself turning back around.

Perhaps you were afraid of hearing something you wouldn't want to.

***

"The glass slipper broke?"

"Yes, the prince himself broke it in anger. We'll never know who that girl is now."

Figures.

You still hadn't heard anything from Albedo.

***

The King's desperate nature popped out when another ball was being planned in a month. You remembered him saying, "I won't stop until we find that missing woman. We will have balls, create more search parties. I won't have it."

While the idea of another ball, of smelling the delicious food, hearing the beautiful music, and watching the glorious couples spin each other around sounded magnificent, you couldn't help but feel an ache in your chest.

Would Albedo ask you to dance with him again?

Approaching his quarters again, you heard nothing from inside. Curious, you drew closer. The door was partly open, leaving plenty of peeking room.

He wasn't there. The room was empty, save for the scattered glass bottles and pens.

"I never took you for the snooping type."

Your shoulders stiffened. "Oh! Um...my apologies."

Albedo chuckled, and your heart leapt. "Don't worry, you're not in trouble."

"My curiosity grew the best of me."

"So I've noticed. Care to join me?"

You tilted your head. "With what exactly?"

Albedo sat in the chair next to his messy desk. "The King requested I mend the broken glass slipper. No, more so demanded it. I tried explaining it couldn't be mended, but he would not take no for an answer."

"Oh my," you sighed.

"Yes, it appears the prince has more childish tendencies than I anticipated."

You snickered at that. "What did you need help with?"

Albedo gestured to a piece of the glass slipper. "Come hold this for me?"

***

The question danced around your mind the entire time you gave him assistance. Every time you opened your mouth to ask, something would occur, or the glass slippers parts would nearly fall of the desk.

You had one more opportunity before you were cast away for another job.

"Albedo?"

"Hm? Is something the matter? You've been oddly quiet."

"I was thinking..."

Here goes nothing.

"Why did you dance with me?"

Albedo paused his work, placing the tender glass pieces on the wood. "Why do you ask?"

It did happen, that's a relief.

"I don't know, I guess it confused me. Me, of all people. I'm not exactly...how do I phrase this...? I don't stand out."

"Social requirements had nothing to do with it." Albedo said.

"Then...?"

Albedo gazed at you fondly. "I wanted to see if I could make your eyes sparkle like that again."

~~

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two.

Wangshu Inn's guests were of the prying type.

Xiao found out this piece of information one morning; he had been meditating--something Rex Lapis had suggested to relax his thoughts--when a young girl called out to him (to possibly greet him, but he wasn't too familiar with the type of greeting she had screeched). He vanished using his abilities, leaving the little girl to whine in confusion as her mother dragged her away.

He decided to find a more closed space.

--

"You would like a room?" The innkeeper's voice was startled. Xiao knew she never expected such a request; honestly found her astonishment amusing, but he kept that to himself.

"Yes." He affirmed, voice gruff. That was the only answer she received before he had disappeared, leaving a cloud of black and green dust behind.

--

It was thanks to that room he had heard your voice for the first time.

Your voice was small, almost shy. Definitely different in comparison to the inn's chef, who was more broad and outspoken.

"This is where we store our meat," he had said to you. A loud smack could be heard afterwards, "please be careful with our steak, it molds easily."

"Got it." You had replied, tone still small, but a bit more...determined? Xiao couldn't tell, nor did he truly care at the time.

He felt the blackness creep up again, so he shut the door and began to pray to Rex Lapis the pain would end sooner.

three.

You two met briefly one night, when you came to work late. You had been out of breath, clutching the bag on your hip as if your life would end right then and there once it dropped. He found himself being amused by the tendencies of humans. Xiao felt himself chuckle, which afterwards he staggered. He couldn't remember the last time he had let out a laugh like that. When did he last…

Xiao sighed, crossing his arms before glancing downwards again. You had already entered the building; the clattering of dishes and loud voices indicated as much.

Who were you? His eyebrows furrowed, eyes closing in an attempt to piece together the puzzle that was the employees at Wangshu Inn. They all seemed to know him, or at least have acknowledged he was given a task to guard the road beside it.

"Are you a customer?"

Xiao hesitated in opening his eyes. It was your voice, but he didn't feel the need to pry into human business. You weren't talking to him, so what was the use?

"Excuse me! You, on the roof!" You hollered. Your voice sounded a lot more firm.

He opened his eyes. You were talking to him.

Xiao regarded you with a harsh gaze. He watched you flinch in return, eyes peering into his as if you had just witnessed something scary. ("You were a bit frightening, you know." You told him, months later. "Your eyes reminded me of a fierce predator.")

"Uh, nevermind." You cleared your throat, excusing yourself to leave. He watched with some fascination as you shuffled inside.

—

Later on, he had heard you ask the inn's chef about him, who he was and where he had come from.

"I'm sure you've heard a bit about the Vigilant Yaksha who guards the road here?"

"A little. My mother used to tell me stories."

"That's probably who you encountered a while ago, then. His name is Xiao. Doesn't talk much."

"I see…"

Xiao wanted to know why you sounded so discouraged. It was as if, despite the sheer fear written across your face, you still wanted to know more. To give him the questions instead of someone else.

Humans were so hungry for knowledge, he noted.

four.

He encountered you four more times since that one fateful day. A couple were when you were outside, gazing upon the silk lilies the gardeners had previously planted a few days ago. Those flowers reminded him of spiders; the long, thin stem like petals protruding from the center. He recalled a moment where he swore he heard you letting out a shriek before calling for the chef because an actual spider was crawling over the kitchen counters. The chef barked out a laugh before taking care of it. ("It's a tiny thing!" The chef chuckled. You let out a huff in response.)

One time, you had tried to spark up an actual conversation with him, but Xiao left before you could even finish your sentence. The encounter had left you in a gloomy sort of state that he witnessed later in the day. Pure disappointment wrote itself on your furrowed brows, pouting lip, and your slow gait. Xiao rolled his eyes.

A tad dramatic, wouldn't you suppose?

—

"He likes Almond Tofu." Xiao overheard the innkeeper say one day. The mention of the tasty treat broke Xiao's concentration. …It did sound nice.

He shook his head with annoyance. He was not about to let himself be persuaded by the only human dish he could eat to simply talk to you. How foolish.

Xiao took a deep breath to regain his concentration, diving into his memories and forgetting the moment.

"Almond tofu?"

He swore he could feel his ears prick upwards.

Xiao scoffed. No. He was not some animal you could lure with food. This was so ridiculous.

"I can make some, I think." You affirmed.

He huffed. Why were you trying so hard to grab his attention?

Xiao finally managed to bring his concentration back after a few moments. He had to tune out the discussion of Almond Tofu and how to get it extra fluffy.

—

He escaped to the roof. The wind tickled his face, and he welcomed it with a deep breath. The air smelled oddly sweet, a familiar scent he could not pinpoint.

The sound of a door opening and closing broke him out of yet another concentration. Xiao began to feel a warm frustration feeling in his chest, and he opened his eyes rather harshly. The oddly sweet smell was closer now.

It was you.

You were carrying a plate filled with a dish he couldn't recognize from his place on the roof, and set it down on a balcony. If it was the balcony of his room, he couldn't tell. (The innkeeper did let employees in to clean the place.)

Your figure disappeared from his view, creating an ever-growing curiosity. His first immediate guess was Almond Tofu.

Teleporting from the rooftop shingles to the balcony, he gave the plate of food a deadpan stare.

Almond Tofu. The familiar scent now clear as day. He should've known.

"The innkeeper told me this was your favorite,"

His shoulders tensed a little. He sensed your presence–this was no surprise–yet, hearing your voice so close, so personal, made him feel strange.

Xiao had to admit: you were persistent. Commendable, but also stupidly ignorant.

"Did you desire something from me?" He asked, straight to the point. You shook your head.

"Not exactly. Well, maybe to ask you a few questions, but–"

Xiao picked up a delicate piece of tofu and popped it into his mouth. The square practically melted against his tongue. Decent enough.

"I suppose I can answer a few questions."

—

You asked him what he did here, who he was–though he was sure you knew the answer. Simple questionnaire.

You reminded him of the Traveler with how curious you were. While questions about yourself had remained on the tip of his tongue, he held himself back once again. Who you were wasn't important (he later learned you were hired as an assistant to the inn's chef) to his duty.

You left eventually after asking one last question.

Even though you were gone, he could still feel the presence you left behind.

Xiao began to keep an eye on you.

*

You had interesting qualities. When you were nervous, or anticipated an event, you bit your lip and tapped your right foot rapidly. Xiao witnessed this when you were holding a conversation with the manager of the inn.

Another quality: you were stubborn.

All humans were, according to him. However, you were especially stubborn. He had witnessed this more times than one, but he had to scold you a few times.

Weeks passed, and the bond between the two of you began to grow. He could feel its growth gaining strength each time you smiled at him, each time he felt the urge to smile back. He once again kept himself from doing so.

The pain was still there. It didn't want him to be happy.

Months now passed, and you still retained your job as the chef's assistant. Everything had been in working order.

Until you smiled at him again, and his chest throbbed longingly.

(four and a half

He realized he wanted to kiss you. He hated it.)

five.

You were soothing, despite the constant noise of clattering pots and pans you created whenever you were cooking something. He even grew used to that after hearing it almost daily.

He began to crave you, in more ways than one.

"Is something the matter?" You questioned. He stared blankly in your direction.

"No."

"Okay. You were staring at me."

He wanted to remember the bashful look you had. Contain it in his heart forever. Though, he wouldn't ever state that. He simply kept quiet, trying to stop himself from smiling.

—

Xiao had given you a warning to not disturb him if he had his door closed. You gave him a puzzled look, but ultimately obeyed his one rule. Whenever his karmic debt had started its painful process again, he did not want you to witness it. If anything were to happen–if you were to be in any pain because of him–he wouldn't ever recover. Knowing himself all too well, he was aware of how fast his reclusive behavior would set in.

After one particularly bad episode, he exited the room he locked himself in, only to find you asleep on a chair. You stayed near him, even after he warned you countless times.

Xiao shook his head. "You truly are a stubborn fool." He wanted to stay angry, to scold you once you awoke, but it died out after you moved around to sleep on your back instead of your side.

(The urge to kiss you almost painful.)

Approaching you, he took in the sight of your sleeping form: the drool falling from your mouth to your chin, the way you curled into yourself. It reminded him of how a child would sleep.

What happened next made his body freeze. He was so close to you now, his breath now disrupting the way the strings of hair fell against your cheek. He eyed your parted lips, and swallowed.

No.

That was the worst possible thing he could do.

Still, he couldn't part himself from your form just yet. There was an ache in his bones, he wanted something.

All he could manage was a small peck to your forehead.

**

You had awoken an hour later, yelping at the sight of him across from your laying position.

Xiao only blinked in your direction. "Why so surprised? This is technically my room."

"I…uh…"

"I told you to leave when I had that door closed."

"Ah," you fidgeted, your foot began to tap against the floor. "Sorry."

He sighed. "Just…listen to my warnings next time, yes?" He tried being gruff, but couldn't muster the energy.

You had a defeated look on your face, and he bit his tongue, but the smile found its way to his lips anyways.

At least he could have two more memories to himself.

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