Archive of Our Own ^beta

 She was a mortal. He was a god, blinded by love.

 One of his well-known forms, even though fame meant nothing to him, was Albedo, Chief Alchemist of Mondstadt. He knew Alchemy’s deepest secrets, he needed no study, yet he enjoyed engulfing humans with purifications and philosophies, transmutations and perfections. After all, he was a god, a flawless creation, and helping humans achieve that virtue was just another step in their history. He just hid himself under the disguise of a refined scholar, and gave humans only small pieces of the infinite knowledge of Alchemy he hosted.

 At least until she arrived in his life, oblivious to the storm she was creating in his undying heart. The one in question was Sucrose, an ephemeral human being, precocious in both chemistry and alchemy. She did not exceed her master, Albedo, yet she would sometimes impress him with her points of view on some matters. Who would’ve thought that there were beings that would surpass a god’s standards?

 He… did fall in love with her, neglectful of all the rules a god should have followed. He enjoyed the warmth that would fill the room whenever she entered, how her dainty ears would flap like butterflies whenever she got a praise, how her honeyed irises would shake with unearthly intensity while she was focusing on a study. Albedo saw no flaw in her, despite her mortality.

 Under the excuse of “conducting his experiments” in Dragonspine, he would shift his form in that of a dove, flying away from that cold place. Sucrose was always in Mondstadt, as he flew over it, casting his gaze. If she were not outside, she would be in her room. He had been invited there many times since their acquaintance… By that, he had been invited in his bird form, of course.

 Albedo would knock on her window with his beak, and she would always open it. Sometimes, she would let him reside on her finger, letting him chirp away countless of unheard words. And she responded with all of her small troubles, always about her research. He loved how gently she touched his feathered head, he loved how she let him lie on her table, always organized.

 Even though those moments were short, only for a few minutes, he realized that he had grown closer to her in the form of a dove, not as her mentor. A fact that disappointed him, yet he knew he could not change anything, even if he wanted to. He will see her depart and he will, by any means, see the light in her eyes dim.

⌜◈⌟

 In his black and white world, getting closer to any color is perilous. Sucrose brought colors, countless of them, to his existence. With every memory he received, a flower would blossom into the snow of his being, and it would bloom into the darkness of his world. She, as a human, was overwhelming; a problem too difficult for him to solve. How could he, a god, become a victim of those shifting tides of love?

 He tried to meditate, tried to indulge in his mind what made him feel that way. Her appearance? Her actions? It was nothing impressive. He had seen myriads of humans before, and she followed the same beliefs as all of them. Yet, she was the only star in the abyssal sky of his. What made her so… special in his eyes? As much as he longed for an answer, he would never receive it, leaving him once again, alone.

 Albedo was just an ever-lasting flower, sticking to his roots as the trials of time tried to swoon him. Love was nothing new for mortals, yet gods would never understand its depth. He never bothered with such a thing, he never gave it worth. As much as he tried to deny it, as much as he wanted to put his importance, himself over her, to demonstrate his supremacy as a god, he knew that her honeyed eyes would make his knees go weak.

 Was it a blessing? Or a curse, sent by the treacherous fate? They were no match for each other, yet he could not bring himself to leave that form, to leave her. Amidst that dark fog that stretched for infinity, he knew they could not voyage too far, together, without getting lost.

 He felt a slight shift in his thoughts. How could he be so foolish to get attached? How could he dare to grow closer around her? He became too distracted, too colorful for his own good. How could her smile occupy every thought of his?

 Every such thought harmed him, yet pain… was always forgotten by gods.

 The god stole from her, stole memories and thoughts of hers that should have never reached “Mister Albedo”. It’s been months since they’ve met, and the affection he hosted longed to confess that Albedo and the bird coming almost everyday were the same person.

 Yet he could not bring himself to speak it out loud. He was a god, after all, and making people know that, even his dearest, who shared none of his feelings, was damaging his purity. The secret had to be kept.

⌜◈⌟

 “You know, Mister Albedo has changed in the past few months. He was unimpressed when I first presented my studies, but after seeing I’ve got a bit of potential, he took me under his wing. He didn’t always…” Sucrose sighed, trying to gather her thoughts. Albedo chirped. “...take initiative in my studies, but these days he even praises me with my work. He’s… warmer, and even if I wasn’t the one who caused it, I’m glad for him.”

 Albedo felt chains grip his heart, so mercilessly. Again, that feeling. He was stuck in that form, he had to follow it. The bright side in that pain, though, was that she actually thought of him. Most of the time, she would mention him in a rush, complaining about her deadlines. She actually noticed the shifts in his personality, while he overlooked them. So quaint, he did not observe those things personally, did not know of his “warmth”, unexpected of a god bound to Dragonspine.

 “We never shared personal troubles, I haven’t even told him about my personal project yet! Th-though I hope I’m not just any student, passing through his life.” She pressed on, a thing which surprised Albedo. “I just hope we can be… friends, companions.”

 How could she do that? How and why did he feel his heart crush in that exact moment? Why did he want to scream his pain out, even though his mouth was bound to silence?

 He flew away that day, without chirping anything.

⌜◈⌟

 Even though it is useless to swim against the current, he still had the boldness to do so.

 “Do you have a goal, Sucrose?”

 “Oh, Mister Albedo?”

 Her eyes widened so suddenly. Albedo knew of her project, from his bird form, yet having that information felt… intrusive. It was a secret that the Chief Alchemist Albedo was not supposed to know. Only a bird held that information. So why, pray tell, did he feel the need to respect her, to respect a mortal , while he already was so intrusive of her personal life? Such a paradox, wanting to give privacy without offering the chance to have it.

 “Eh-hem… Your goal?”

 “Well, you must be interested in my most recent bio-alchemy work, for sure? Well, the small details I’ve observed in Hydro Slime Condensate help me conclude with the most accuracy that elementa-”

 “No, Sucrose, what I meant was your goal specifically… your aspiration.”

 “Ahh… Oh…”

 Silence spread between the two of them like a plague. Albedo sighed. There were only two possible outcomes: she would be so frank and tell the truth, or she would remain silent, proving that his little heart was in the way of her progress, that he was the only one with a bare hope.

 Sucrose seemed to be thinking. What unfathomable scenarios were occuring in her head? What was she balancing, what risks was she taking?

 “I… I-I want to build a wonderland. Just like the ones in fairy tales, just like the ones Klee dreams about, just like the ones I used to dream… I want to materialize objects, to use alchemy to create my own universe. Is it even achievable, possible, for an alchemist like me?”

 Then she looked at her mentor, her irises shaking with ferocity. Albedo had never seen them look so intense, so pleading. Was she seeking approval, acceptance from him? Then how could he reply, how could he tell her that her most desired wonderland can be achieved just by asking him to do so? That, with just one snap, he could create her own universe? Those honeyed eyes were killing him so much, it would have made him kneel and ask for her command.

 “Well… I, too, believe in fairy tales.”

 The feeling that came after was a first. Sucrose gave him the purest smile he’d ever seen, so dazzling and genuine, accompanied by a soft chuckle. It filled his chalk heart with so much joy and zeal.
And while chalk could be molded in so many ways, he decided to remain in the same form, for her.

 “Th-then, Mister Albedo, may I be so bold and even ask to work for a brighter future together?”

 He hesitated. As much as he wanted to nod and hug her deeply, repeating his confirmation again and again, he knew he was taking a risk. A risk, as a god. But what was love, if not a melody of risks, played along with merry tunes?

 “...Of course, Sucrose. Of course.”

 He was no god of time, and he could not see the future, but he knew that those words of his would create a butterfly effect. And, as a god, he was not mistaken. He was invited to Sucrose's room that evening, and the most surprising fact was that he was in his human form. The bird had seen that place multiple times, yet Albedo, Chief Alchemist, did not. That observation certainly piqued his interest, and somehow… made him feel at ease.

 With that conclusion, came another change: their conversations, which only included research talk, would transform into idle chatter. “How is the weather?”, “How have you been feeling?”, “Have you gotten enough rest, Sucrose?” or “This surely is a nice day to paint, Mister Albedo.”.

⌜◈⌟

 The dawn of day was but a rumor on the horizon as they ventured down one of Mondstadt’s alleys, back from a Dragonspine expedition. He would treasure those moments, as the dawn broke behind the city walls, and Sucrose’s smile would shine brighter than the familiar sun. He could get addicted just by looking at it. And she would persist, continue to smile. That was a nice addition too: more laughs.

 “Oh, Mister Albedo, if only you knew how happy you made me that day...”

 “Hm?” That mutter got his attention.

 “Ah… I was just merely talking to myself…” Sucrose hesitated. “What I meant is that y-you, Mister Albedo, have brought me joy when you agreed to work with me on my project. Heh… you have kept your word, even if we take small steps at a time.”

A compliment. Or was it? Either way, he took it as a good sign. As a response, he let out a soft chuckle:

 “Hah, thank you, dear Sucrose. I can say the same thing about you too.”

 The long-awaited silence fell between them two. Sometimes, it could hide so many unspoken things. Albedo wondered whether that was the case for Sucrose too.

 “Can we sit down for a bit? I am a little tired. I didn’t expect that the trip from Dragonspine would take so much.”

 “Well, it can only be assumed, can it not? We took a whole day to get there, it would be only right to spend a whole night coming back.”

 “I… I guess you’re right, Mister Albedo.” She sighed, as they both sat down on a bench in the city center.

 “Also, make sure to sleep for the night we spent traveling.”

 “You really shan’t worry, Mister Albedo. I’ve had sleepless nights before.” But as soon as she saw him frown, she added: “Alright, alright. But it doesn’t make much sense! The break of day is approaching, and the town will soon be brimming with people!”

 “Sucrose…” Albedo tried to insist, his eyes piercing hers. “I will accompany you to your room in the headquarters. Just to make sure.” He raised his eyebrows and gave her a slight smile, which only seemed to weaken her. She could not say no to her mentor’s wish, after all. But… was it her mentor’s wish, or her friend’s plea?

 They were at the headquarters in less than a heartbeat. Sucrose now stood on the doorstep, suddenly tired, glancing at him. Albedo did not realize that she had bags under her eyes. And when she yawned, her ears flapped so… delicately. Oh, another validation that mortality was so frail.

 Sucrose broke the silence, with a light chuckle:

 “Good night, Mister Albedo, make sure to get enough rest yourself… Or shall I say good morning?”

 Though the dawn had not touched the aphotic, gloomy clouds, she had already bid him farewell.

 “...Sleep well, Sucrose.”

 Smiles were contagious, they said. And so it seemed. They both grinned at each other as they went different ways. Following that mindset, Albedo would, at least, try to offer her smiles, of each kind, knowing that he will get one in return. And having that guaranteed, he will live happily ever after, for sure.

 So he opened the window, and away he flew. He… did fall in love with her, neglectful of all the rules a god should have followed . And even in those cruel thoughts, Sucrose would shine brighter than any star in his mind.

⌜◈⌟

 Something changed in his organism. He felt weary and tired after that conversation. If smiles were contagious, then was tiredness following the same rule? Was the sight of Sucrose, yearning for sleep, too overwhelming for his body to handle? Could such a frail mortality affect a cold god like him? Could that exhaustion break through his divine walls in order to make him feel drained? Or was it just Sucrose, so emphatic, affecting him in such a way?

 No, no, no. He should not have been thinking about that. He was a god, those dire rules of tiredness and fatigue did not apply to him. Those were mortal qualities, and maybe he was imagining all of it, by just contemplating Sucrose's figure.

 Yet, as he flew into the dawn, why did he want to turn back to the headquarters, fly into the room he never used, and just sit down and close his eyes? He could barely keep them open, thus he started to believe that the reason was not exhaustion, just… a faint sadness aching through his whole body.

 Though he did not know that mortality had left a mark on him. So, he turned back to the headquarters, and went into his room. He had barely set foot in that location before, as he never had the need to write his studies on that wood desk, as his “alchemy discoveries” were all in Dragonspine. He never really had the need to sleep on that bed in the middle of the room, for he had never had an acquaintance with sleep itself.

 Though, as he was gazing at the room, he started walking to the bed, and sat on it. It was… unexpectedly soft at touch. It would not hurt if he would lay down and rest his body… Though, why was he seeking rest, if he needed none to begin with?

 Alas, truth be that he did not grasp the core from the beginning. It was not an issue with mortality itself, but with what mortality had bestowed upon him. Something... incomprehensible for a god – emotions.

⌜◈⌟

 “Paint me, Albedo. Just like those landscapes that get you inspired, just like the cecilias you ought to draw every once and then. I am not asking for much, am I… Albedo ?”

 Was she really demanding that? Those words hit him with a strange shock. She was, indeed, beautiful and worthy of a portrait, that was for sure, but her voice was so faint and far-away, though her figure was standing right in front of him. She wore her uniform, yet her hair was let down. It was longer than expected, and it looked thicker. So elegant, even. Her mint locks were easy to sketch, the color was easily accessible and-

 “ Albedo… ” That word left a bittersweet mark in his ears. It was his name, though… it was unusual for her to say it that way. Where was the “Mister” in front of it?

 Change. Some inevitable thing he despised. And Sucrose calling him by the name was something so odd and too new for him. He did not want change. He did not want the dim sky of his to lighten up. Yet he could not say no to Sucrose, he could not say no to that mortal…

 So judgemental of him. Why did he try to reject change by insulting Sucrose with mortality? He was no better than her. Even with his title, he did not hold any power over her, he did not, could not , fathom to do so. She was his equal.

 All of that overthinking made him stretch his arms towards her, seeking her, and she stretched hers in return. With her delicate fingers, she touched his star mark on his neck.

 A foolish mistake that brought him immense pain.

⌜◈⌟

 He woke up in a dark room. On a bed. What had just happened? Was that a vision, a warning from the other gods?

 Or was it… a dream?

 Impossible. Gods could not dream, for gods did not sleep. Although, the doubt in his mind made him look at the window. Noon. Had he slept through all that time? Unacceptable. He had even dreamt!

 He had lived for eternities in that monotonous world, and then Sucrose appeared. So many changes came with her. The havoc in his mind and heart could not handle that much. She made him fall in love, she made him tired, she made him dream! Gods were not allowed, were not capable of such things! But… It was none of her fault.

 He was not turning mortal, he still had his powers. But all of that was a result of spending too much time with the humans. That was alarming, too alarming. He needed to spend some time away from them. But he could not bring himself to leave her. Yet… a few days won’t hurt, certainly? Just to get his invulnerability back, then come back again.

 Change. A cursed word in his vocabulary. He dared not think of it.

⌜◈⌟

 As the Aster seeds got carried by the wind, so the wind carried Sucrose to him. Just five days had passed when she had already found him in his Dragonspine laboratory.

 He was in solitude, contemplating the changes. As much as he meditated, as much as he wanted to view that as a good thing, something would always make his heart ache. But how could he not embrace change for her? 

 Then again, that thought followed another that would make him return to the same point: Change was, presumably, bad. And so on and so forth. So many thoughts trying to repeat themselves through an eternal loophole.

 “Mister Albedo? Thank the Archons you’re here! Everyone’s been worried sick!”

 “Oh… Sucrose.” The sight of her had awakened something in him. His heart twisted.

 “Why haven’t you told anyone that you’d left?! No notice, nothing! We haven’t seen you in five days! Five!”

 Her dainty ears were flapping with rage. But her tone was more to the… disappointment side. Oh… she had really suffered, had she not? He had not opted for that outcome when he left.

 “I am sorry, Sucrose. I… did not mean to.”

 “Of course, of course! Just as always! Did you find something intriguing here in Dragonspine, just to leave us all alone, back there in Mondstadt? Something that ignited some interest inside you, so that you would forget about everyone and everything, and focus just on one single thing?” She sighed with a shivering hurt in her voice. Yet Albedo could not determine whether she was trembling because of the cold or because of the fury she nurtured inside of her.

 And he just sat there, glassy-eyed. No word could come out of his mouth that would calm her. So he stood up and approached her, his arms stretched. And, for the first time ever, he hugged a mortal . No, that was not right. For the first time ever, he hugged her.

 Sucrose made out a soundless gasp, and her arms froze in the air. While he could not see her face, Albedo was sure that her eyes displayed her sense of surprise. Then, she loosened up a bit from that strain, and her arms fell. He could feel her soft, warm breath on his neck as she sighed.

 “Let’s just… go home, Mister Albedo.”

 Her voice was quivering with fatigue and frustration. Albedo acknowledged that her warmth was enjoyable, although he had to break the unrequested hug. It, partially, had the effect he desired. He wanted to calm Sucrose, and he succeeded. Despite his expectations, though, Sucrose did not hug him back. It was quite foolish of him to try and uncover his feelings that way. Did he expect that with a hug, she would realize his feelings and return them?

 Nevertheless, gods did not fathom the wisdom behind love, if there was any at all.

⌜◈⌟

 Neither of them spoke a word on the way back. Sucrose was still tense with the situation, he could feel, though she did not express it. And he felt… regret because of that. Why did she put her in that situation? It was wrong and unrequited. She was not searching for a hug, she was searching for an explanation he could not offer. Drowning in his thoughts all the way back, he murmured:

 “I am sorry for putting you in that situation earlier, Sucrose.”

 Silence, just as he deserved. He did not even dare to look at her with anticipation in his eyes. She did not owe him anything. It was his fault for leaving her, blinded by his own philosophies and beliefs. All of them being wrong, he realized.

 And just like that, the answer he had been searching for the past days shone like a star in front of him. He started to feel like a mortal just because… he wanted to be like her. To join her in her journey to the unknown depth life had to offer.

 If he were to dream, if he were to feel tired, if he were to sleep, Albedo would be more and more akin to a human, more akin to her . And if they both were the same, they would be closer in their expedition in fog together, surely?

 A soft huff discarded his thoughts. “It’s fine, Mister Albedo. Just don’t run away next time.” Her voice was cold and apathetic. Oh, all the bonds that were built so strongly between them had just vanished with a simple move of his! It was all lost!

 The cold in his heart was once again multiplied, and the flower that started to bloom through the snow had just withered. It was hopeless for him to truly understand those dying tides of love, as he will not see ones with their intensity ever again, as he will never find any other beauty like her!

 That “love” only brought him suffering. As much as he wanted to take initiative, as much as he wanted to confirm that she loved him, it was useless. He had always been doomed to bleed through the wrath of that cruel fate. It would only be a matter of time until he would comprehend that gods were not to be meddled with mortals.

 His heart ached so brutally, he just wanted to collapse and scream his feelings out. How childish, how out of character. Then again, he was justified. Those “risks” he took for the sake of love made him open to everything, even pain. So hopelessly smitten.

 But how could he disregard all the feelings he held tight for so long? He could not, with a snap, destroy all of his love. It was still there, even though Sucrose had none of it to begin with, or so he thought. That was the reason why he wanted to be like her, so they would be equal in both love and being. That was the reason why he wanted to become mortal. But, after all… he was a god, blinded by love.

 He looked in her direction, just to see her face for the last time. She was something worth remembering. Her features, her minted hair, those ears she hid so well… All together resembling someone so weary. Sucrose had sacrificed a lot to come to him, had she not?

 But she sensed that someone was staring at her, and as she returned his gaze, a small, amused whisper escaped her lips: “Why so much gloom?” And she smiled. That brought back all the happiness in his mind, outshining any depressing principles he was hatching. That distracted him from everything, that reminded him of why he loved her.

 Smiles were contagious, or so they said. He smiled too, with a soft huff. As a gift, Sucrose laughed. Healing, was it not? The sound of it was music to his lonely ears. If he were to describe that feeling, he would simply respond that it was not feasible to define such a thing. Yet… with one easy sentence he could make others understand a tiny amount of that ceaseless sentiment:

 It would be as petals bloomed through the cracks of his deathless heart, as sprouting stems would cover his black and white vision, burying it in so many colors… Before he knew, countless hues were wrapping his view, and she was the one shining most intensely.

 Oh, love… He wanted to illustrate it thoroughly. Though love had no form as it was not a material being, he would have drawn Sucrose with that grin in her eyes. That was his equivalent of "love". 

 "That’s better, Mister Albedo. Though I can’t help but wonder why you have concealed yourself in Dragonspine. Any new discoveries or a breakthrough you’d like to share?”

 Sucrose did not seem furious or saddened anymore. She was just seeking a result, as always. And, by that, Albedo could not hide the disappointment in his voice when he answered:

 “I was just… meditating.”

 “M-Meditating?” She let out a faint chuckle. “Though… I guess a genius like yourself needs to have some alone time occasionally…” Then she lightly pushed Albedo with her elbow. “Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to warn me.”

 He shrugged his shoulders slightly and snickered with joy: “At least, I will know next time.”

⌜◈⌟

 Oh, he could not stop questioning what Sucrose was thinking, what she was feeling about him. Was she, too, a victim of love? Of course, he hoped she would be, yet the true answer would be hidden in Sucrose’s real thoughts. And he could not simply… break her privacy, and meddle with her opinions. He could only wait for any sign of confirmation, unless… he could snatch the answer from her indirectly.

 His bird form, of course! That pure-white dove!

 Then again, he had already been through the phase when he felt guilty for using that form. That thought just made him realize how intrusive, obsessive and possessive he actually was. Demanding attention and love from her, when he had never showed it personally. Though, he could not stop the desire that was forging into the corner of his mind, telling him over and over again to just… transform and knock on her window. So he let in that wish, just like he let in Sucrose in his life. He was doing it for love, surely that was a good excuse? Yet, as much as he tried to convince himself that fact, he knew that his obsession played a part in that decision too. Something that was… deplorable to know.

 So away he flew, finding Sucrose in her room, unbothered by the storm Albedo was facing inside him. She seemed quite surprised to see the dove and she gladly let it reside on her finger.

 “You haven’t been here in a while, have you? A lot has happened…” Sucrose chuckled softly, then continued: “Me and Mister Albedo have grown closer, he even asked me about my wonderland! And we have started to work together on it. Though he broke– almost broke, all that progress we made in our friendship by… leaving me alone for days.”

 Albedo could not help but notice the hurt in her voice. His heart curled and twirled so painfully, as regret was swarming in. Though, as much as he regretted, he could not back off from his mission. He needed her openness, her feelings. Even though… Even though the Chief Alchemist Albedo was not meant to know them.

 “But… no one seemed to notice when he left. I searched for him everywhere, I spread the news of his absence, yet everyone seemed unbothered. Although I told him that everyone had been worried, and that everyone looked out for him, I was the only one who noted his disappearance.” Albedo chirped, daring to express his surprise. He heard something else from her… Then, if what she said was true, she had really suffered .

 “Of course I didn’t tell him that. It would have been most foolish and selfish of me. And then… for no reason, he h-hugged me. Maybe that was his way of… expressing his feelings, perhaps? Saying that he was sorry? Oh, dove, I haven’t studied social sciences, I am not good in that field, though I might have to delve more into it in the future…”

 And there she went again, contemplating her studies and her next academic moves. Or so had Albedo anticipated, if she did not come back on track about that evening: “I-I… I didn’t know how to act when he hugged me. I’ve never been hugged by him before. I should’ve given a reaction, at least, but I just sat there, in shock.” She groaned, her voice slightly quavering with frustration, but also tiredness. She did not keep eye contact with Albedo. It seemed that she was now pondering out loud her feelings, not directing them to someone or something specific. Peculiar, had she not had a chance to think about them before?

 “I-I guess that situation opened my eyes. As much as he denies it, I know that he wasn’t in Dragonspine to work as he didn’t mention any new discoveries. He just needed some time alone, to gather his feelings and thoughts about a certain… topic. Yet, what was it?” Sucrose then shifted her gaze to the bird and chuckled at the sight of it. “Heh, it doesn't matter. He is human after all and that is certainly worthy of love.”

 Did Sucrose just say… love? Was she referring to the fact that she loves the feeling of being human, or the fact that she loved him, as a human? Those words were so suspicious coming out of her mouth, and even Albedo chirped in surprise. What did that mean? That put the god in a state of confusion and uncertainty, more than he was before. In the past, he knew that she did not love him, so that put his mind at ease, by acknowledging a fixed thing. But that message… It was so foggy and ambiguous. And did it mean that if he were not a human, he would not be worthy of love? Yet he could not just ask her...

 Albedo did not want to get his hopes up, so he just stayed there, listening to Sucrose who, thankfully, dared to elaborate on her earliest sentence: “I-I’m not saying that I love him! No way, no… Don’t think that, dove.” She then shifted her gaze away from Albedo and her tone shifted to one a tad more deeper, just like when she would try to explain something she did not understand herself:

 “I mean, Mister Albedo sure is praise-worthy, admirable and… mysterious in his ways. He’s got that warmth whenever he enters a room and… a-and he is always nice and thoughtful, especially to me. Of course someone could fall in love with him. Th-though that wouldn’t be me, n-no, no! Do not look at me like that, d-don’t listen to me ramble about such things…” Her cheeks bloomed into pink roses, while her eyes displayed a sense of confusion and distress. Her ears flapped like butterfly wings as red tints of color covered her soft, round face.

  Oh, by the Archons! She was confused about her feelings as much as he was! It was so obvious, even Albedo could see that. Did that mean that he was not a hopeless romantic anymore? Or did he just take that message wrongly? He should not be a fool and misunderstand, for it was the deadliest mistake to take someone’s feelings for granted. At least, he knew that much, after realizing that Sucrose was not in love with him the first time. Though, he could try and fight for her, at the very least.

 A god and a mortal, in love… that idea made him shiver before, yet now it brought a smile on his face.

⌜◈⌟

 They were set to meet at the laboratory the next day. But when Sucrose arrived there, she was evading his gaze. Was it because of… shyness? Oh, to see Sucrose flustered brought him a sense of relief. It meant that there was still hope, perhaps. Whenever she made eye contact with him, her eyes swiftly moved away and her cheeks would uncover roses. It was as she… had fallen in love with him, a result brought by the reflection from the day before. Who would have known that by speaking her feelings about Albedo, she would ultimately start to realize her love for him?

 “Is everything alright, Sucrose? You seem unusually… bemused today.”

 “Ehm… It’s nothing, Mister A-Albedo! Truly, you needn’t worry!”

 “Is that so…? Then why is your tone so nervous? Is it something about the wonderland or…” He left his clipboard on the table, so that his hands would be free when he approached Sucrose. “Perhaps something you wanted to tell… me?”

 Albedo was an expert at hiding his emotions, unlike Sucrose. Her eyes widened when he got closer, and her breaths started to shudder. He felt thrilled by that new sensation, having the situation under his domination, knowing that Sucrose could and would get flustered with any attempt at closeness. Love was under his control, now, finally.

 That was, until Sucrose slid a clipboard between their two faces and lowered her head. Oh. Albedo understood the message and backed off. Still, Sucrose had her head covered by that clipboard. She was avoiding him.

 “Uhm… M-Mister Albedo, I-I feel that this is not within our spectrum o-of work… Ehm… Th-though we can hang out after work a-and chat and… stuff, if you’d like.”

 Sucrose put the clipboard away, avoiding Albedo’s gaze. Was she feeling uncomfortable? That was not what he had opted for. And such, he tried to relax the atmosphere: “Eh-hem… Sucrose, sure. I wanted to gather some Cecilias from Starsnatch Cliff afterwards, though you are welcome to join.”

 And then he smiled, trying to ease the tension. And she smiled back, yet a bit more warily. “S-sure.”

⌜◈⌟

 Albedo did not need Cecilias at all, at least at that moment, yet he still suggested them. In truth, he needed her company, her voice, her being. And Starsnatch Cliff seemed like a lovely place to gather at dusk, enjoy each other and maybe, even, disclose their feelings? It seemed so foolish of him to believe such a thing, yet he still hoped .

 And their conversations would come freely, without the restraint from moments before. They had gone back to simple chats about the weather, their wonderland and themselves, even. Albedo felt so comfortable and warm with her beside him, bubbling away words.

 “Woah, Mister Albedo, look! Windwheel Asters! What are they doing here? They do not grow on cliffs with sharp winds, only Cecilias grow here.”

 “Hm… interesting observation, Sucrose. Cecilias are the children of harsh winds and Asters are the bearers of gentle winds. If Asters grow here on cliffs, then that would mean this flower is… open to change. Either the breeze has softened, carrying their seeds here, or these Asters have grown to sustain this wind.”

 Albedo then picked one flower and handed it to Sucrose. “Here, my gift for you. You can study their composition, I believe.” As soon as he had given the flower, a small blush covered her cheeks. “Th-thank you, Mister Albedo!” It was intended as a both romantic and friendly action, though which one did she choose to believe?

 He had tilted his head softly before he continued: “Also, Sucrose, call me Albedo. I believe we are close enough to resign the formalities.”

 “Y-yes, sir! I mean Albedo!” She chuckled lightly, her ears flapping so tenderly, like a dove’s wings. He laughed too, influenced by her joy. How could he not love such a being? “Thanks for the flower, Albedo.” She smiled once again. He had seen dozens of that smile by now, but every one of it made his heart so soft and weak. He loved to see her like that, he loved her .

 “Hah, no problem… Let’s sit somewhere, shall we?”

 “Sure, Albedo.” Accompanied by a tender grin.

 They had reached the peak. On their left, dusk was painted behind the buildings of Mondstadt, partially hidden behind hills that stretched into the horizon. On their right, a long shadow was casted on the endless ocean, a shadow created by the cliff itself. Night was threatening the sky with its dim beauty. And Sucrose was on his left, blocking the sunset view, glancing down with worry:

 “Oh no… It’s quite high up here.”

 “You’re afraid of heights?”

 Albedo tried to remember the many times he swung as a bird above everyone and everything, and not once was he afraid of the height. On the contrary, he enjoyed the sensation, glancing over the grounds, sometimes… seeking her.

 “No… I’m afraid of falling from this height.”

 Albedo let out a small “Hm!” to express his interest. That actually made sense. If he were to trip and fall from such a height, without his powers, he would feel fear, undoubtedly. That would explain why she had thar alarm inside of her.

 “Rest assured, I’ll look out so you won’t fall. The peak is high, sure, but we just have to be careful.”

 Sucrose seemed doubtful at first, but ultimately began to trust him and nodded, seeming convinced by his words. Albedo held out his hand, and she accepted the offer, stretching her hand out. Her fingers were twitching, indicating her hesitation and… fear. It was human, after all.

 Albedo held her hand and cautiously led her to sit down. Instead of looking down, Sucrose forced herself to look sideways, which resulted in her catching the sunset. In surprise, she gasped softly.

 “Woah, Mondstadt looks so small and charming, bathed by the sky’s color. The view is so… so lovely and beautiful…”

 She turned to Albedo and kept eye contact. Gazing at her, coated by the hues of dusk, glowing ever so prettily, he responded: “Yes, the view is indeed so lovely and beautiful.”

 A sweet blush adorned her cheeks. Sucrose giggled, understanding his message. She seemed to be comfortable with him, her eyes sparkling with hope. He grinned back, and turned his gaze away.

 Her legs started to swing back and forth, just like Klee would do whenever she sat on a chair. Was Sucrose not afraid of heights anymore? Where did she get that sudden energy and boldness from?

 Albedo felt something touch his hand. They were Sucrose’s fingers, bravely approaching Albedo’s. He had felt the sudden desire to accept her invitation, and moved his hand closer to hers. He felt a sudden warmth when they softly gripped their hands together and locked their fingers.

 The Alchemists did not need speech to sort out their feelings. They both knew they reached that stage of understanding, of fascination, where they would simply need each other. They always did. If only they had realized love was that simple from the beginning…

 That was it, they loved each other.

 Albedo slowly shifted his gaze from their intertwined hands to her honeyed irises. Her ears, twitching so softly, betrayed her sense of… enthusiasm, zeal. A soft chuckle escaped his lips. They both wished for the same thing, buried in unspoken glances. Her gaze was pleading him to ask:

 “May I kiss you, Sucrose?”

 “...Yes, Albedo… yes”

 She had to angle her chin up to reach his lips. And then, she just… let it happen. His lips brushed hers ever so softly, then parted as quickly. It was a shy kiss, lasting shorter than a heartbeat. But those rose petals of hers left him alone with a sweet memory.

 Albedo never seeked a kiss from her, he never knew how that would make him feel, yet now he understood that a kiss was what he had always needed. Her eyes, brimming with sparkles, made his whole body soften, made his heart go weak. His shoulders loosened up from their strained position, a consequence of his weakness, and he let out a light huff, to emphasize the leisure forming around them.

 Sucrose covered her mouth, as to touch the lips that were his moments ago. Her ears, flapping like butterfly wings, displayed her… delight. She chuckled in a manner he had never heard before. So pure, so light and delicate, too strong for him to handle.

 He felt something rise in his chest, something he had never felt before. The sight of her, accompanied by so many tunes, endorsed by the dusk fainting behind her, strengthened that feeling. It was… new. Was it, after all, the true love he thought he would achieve?

 “I think I… love you, Sucrose.”

 Her heart skipped a beat. She was silent, speechless even. Was she shocked or was she forming a response? Or did she not love him…? Was it too early?

 He knew that his face was demonstrating his desolation. As much as he hid his emotions, he could not hide that one. So he gazed away, afraid of her reaction.

 “I think I love you too, Albedo.”

 His heart was racing as he shifted his glance back. Sucrose’s smile was… outshining the dusk behind her. So… ephemeral, transitory, despite his long-borne wishes. If he could just stop the time, let that moment be forever, he would cherish it always. Though it would only remain a fleeting memory inside his mind, for sure?

 “If I asked you to stay, would you?”

 That was the only question his heart would dare to speak out. He could not handle losing her to the wrath of time, he could not handle letting her drown in the sea of reminiscence. He wanted to adore, embrace, preserve, love her forever. But he could not.

 “Yes… Yes, I will, Albedo.”

 That was enough. Her promise was enough. Her words’ weight was of a greater strength, of a greater importance, of a greater truth than the time itself . He would not forget that vow.
Albedo would confess everything, he would reveal his godhood, he would offer his love to her countless times more, without hesitation. Those were his oaths to her. One at a time.

 She was a mortal and he was a god, blinded by love together, forever.