Archive of Our Own ^beta

A long time ago, before she passed away, Klee’s mother, Alice, made Klee promise three things.

1. Klee must not throw bombs in the house or near others’ houses

2. Klee must listen to big brother Albedo (“Unless he’s being a dummy”)

3. Klee must try her best to stay strong and never cry unless necessary

Klee had thought that since that day 2 years ago, she had been doing a damn good job at following those rules. She had only bombed the house twice (once a year was fine, she reasoned), always listened to Albedo (unless he was being a dummy), and hadn’t cried since last summer, when Albedo broke the news that the sand structures she destroyed at the beach were made by other kids and not natural bomb targets.

Right now, though, she felt like crying.

It had been such a simple plan. She would tell Albedo that she had accidentally left a bomb at Qiqi’s house, and he’d rush out of the house in minutes. At that time, she’d sneak out to the store, buy him a Christmas present with her saved allowance, and be back in bed before Albedo had a clue what was going on. Qiqi and her brother Xiao lived quite far from her and Albedo’s flat, so she could definitely make it in time.

Or so she thought.

She had managed to make her way to the store a block or two away without issue, but it felt like she took only two steps and was immediately lost amongst the aisles. It was no big deal, she had reasoned at the time, but after circling back to the soup aisle 3 times trying to find the exit between the whirlwind of Christmas shoppers, she felt an impending sense of doom.

Really. She felt like crying.

Was she destined to forever live in this horrid concrete abyss? Living off canned Alphabet soup and crackers? What if Albedo was back already? He’d be worried sick. What if sh-

“Oh? Well, what do we have here?” Standing at the entrance of the isle was a tall man dressed in red, holding a small box of canned soups.

Klee recognized him immediately. “Big Bro Kaeya!” she cried, stumbling over to him miserably.

“Whoa, now! Easy there, Spark Knight.” Kaeya almost fell when Klee launched herself into his leg, clutching onto him like he was the only thing anchoring her to this world. Awkwardly, Kaeya maneuvered around her to place the box of soup on the ground. “What’s got you down? Where’s Albedo?”

“Big br-“ Klee hiccupped, “Big brother isn’t here...”

“He left you alone?”

“No.. I came here alone.”

Kaeya’s eyebrows shot upwards. “He let you come here alone?!”

Klee shook her head, “No! I came to buy a present for him… but he doesn’t know. I told him I left a bomb at Qiqi’s place so he left. But now I’m lost and I wanna go home and please, please don’t tell him! My surprise will be all ruined!” She looked up to Kaeya pleadingly, tears in her eyes.

“Okay, okay. Let’s all calm down a bit,” Kaeya reached out to pat Klee’s head in soft motions, smiling at her as he spoke. “I think it’s very cool of you to get him something, but it’s not smart to go out alone.”

“I’m sorry,“ she sniffled, “I pinky promise I won’t do it again, if you pinky promise you won’t tell on me!” She stuck out her pinky, and was relieved when Kaeya accepted it, albeit hesitantly.

“…Alright then. Your secret is safe with me. I do kinda have to tell your brother something, though. We can tell him you went to the park nearby to play and I saw you there.”

“Thank you! Thank you, thank you!” Klee jumped with joy knowing that her plans were safe. “Wait! Why are you here, big brother Kaeya?”

“Christmas duty,” Kaeya explained. He cheekily gestured to his uniform. “Who else would bring toys to all the little kids around the world?” Klee had been too busy crying to notice, but Kaeya was wearing a baggy red jumpsuit, complete with a fluffy Santa hat. An employee nametag was plastered over his heart.

“Santa does that, you fake,” Klee pouted. She crossed her arms, trying to imitate her brother, as she spoke, “Albedo said that liars don’t get presents on Christmas.”

Kaeya laughed, throwing his hands up in surrender. “Alright, you caught me. A liar I am! But I’m afraid Santa gave up on me a long time ago. We grown-ups don’t really do Christmas the way the little kids do it.”

Klee gaped for a moment, feeling thunderstruck. “You don’t get presents?!”

Kaeya was beginning to feel as if he made a mistake, “Ahaha, well it’s not like we don’t get presents. You’re here buying one for your brother, see? It’s just, more of a case-by-case thing. Some adults get some. Others don’t. Some don’t even want presents.”

“Why wouldn’t they want presents?!”

“Anticapitalism.”

Klee didn’t know what that meant, but if living with Albedo had taught her one thing, it was that the bigger and stupider the word sounded, the more agonizingly boring the explanation when you asked what it meant.

Instead, she asked, “Do you get presents, Kaeya?”

“Of course! I’m far too old for Santa, but my dear coworkers give me chocolates some years. I even got a nice holiday bonus from my boss,” Kaeya smiled, “Plus, I got to see you so close to the holidays, and isn’t that a treat!”

Those weren’t presents at all, Klee thought. For the first time that evening, she looked at Kaeya—actually looked at him. His hair was tousled, hurriedly tied back unlike how he usually did it. There were faint circles under his eyes. She noticed how he braced himself slightly on the discarded box.

He looked… tired. Like Albedo when he had exams. Except there were no exams to be had so close to the holidays. So why did he…?

“Come on, Spark Knight. Chin up. We have a gift to shop for, don’t we?” Kaeya spoke as he hurriedly pushed the soup cans from the box onto the shelf.

“Huh?” Klee blinked.

“You can’t expect me to leave a defenceless little girl alone, right? So let’s find the perfect gift for Mr. Genius together.”

For the first time in what felt like hours, Klee beamed.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Klee was baffled. Utterly baffled at the price of the art supplies her brother used. 7,000 mora for some coloured liquids was absurd (she could buy 70 cabbages with that much!), but she knew that while Albedo would still be grateful for a cheaper gift, he wouldn’t use anything of lesser quality than what he usually bought. Not to mention, Klee didn’t want Albedo to be merely grateful, she wanted him to be blown away like the fish when she’s within a 100 metre radius of them.

She was lucky she saved up so much allowance over the year. She finally settled on a beautiful set of oil paints that seemed to be selling off the shelves. After all, she reasoned, if so many people wanted it despite how pricey it was, it must be amazing. There was only one left and she grabbed it quickly. If it was for her brother who had taken care of her so well all these years, she could take the blow to her wallet.

With her strengthened resolve, Klee announced, “I want this one!”

“Those paints?” Kaeya seemed to be slightly shocked. “They’re basically Gucci, Spark Knight. Not for the normal crowd. Albedo wouldn’t mind something a little cheaper, don’t you think?”

“Nope. I want these.” Klee crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. “I have a ton of mora, you know! Albedo gives me mora every month because I’m a good girl. Plus, have you seen my big brother? He’s not normal, so this is perfect for him!”

Kaeya hesitated, looking between Klee and the price tag. He debated whether he should veto her decision outright for the sake of Albedo‘s heart. He’d freak out if he found that Klee went to the store alone and blew half her money on a Christmas gift for him.

“Then I’ll pay for it, how about that?” Kaeya suddenly suggested.

“No, no, no!!” Klee waved her arms wildly. “You can’t! Albedo says I ‘must always take re-sponsibility for my actions’, and he wasn’t being a dummy when he said that so I have to listen to him, so I have to buy it.”

“Too late,” Kaeya stuck his tongue out, holding the last paint set far out of Klee’s reach. “This will be my Christmas gift to you, then.”

It was obviously a trick to get Klee to cave, she thought. Kaeya had never gotten her a gift for Christmas before. Klee pouted the whole walk to the register, trying all sorts of things to get the paint back, but it was indeed too late, as Kaeya placed the box on the cashier counter.

“Hey,” Kaeya greeted the cashier, who was eyeing the two suspiciously, “how’s my favourite part-timer doing?”

“Hello, Sir Kaeya,” the cashier greeted. He had a tranquil voice, but an aloof demeanor. He didn’t look up as he rang the paint through. “Aren’t we not allowed to buy things while on our shift?”

“It’s not for me, dear Kazuha, but for this young lady here! We’re just using my money, no employee discount involved.” Kaeya winked. “It’s a Christmas gift for her family, so I hope you’ll let it slide just this once.”

“Ah, yes, Christmas,” the cashier, Kazuha, mused as if it were possible to forget it was Christmas when he was dressed in a cheesy elf costume and surrounded by flashing rainbow lights and glittered candy cane décor. Kazuha smiled gently down at Klee. “What an honourable endeavour. I’m sure your family is beyond fortunate to have such a kind-hearted daughter.”

Klee nodded a bit too eagerly before turning to the man beside her. “Kaeya,” Klee whispered loudly, “Why does he talk like that? I didn’t get him at all.” Kazuha seemed mixed between amused and affronted as he bagged the paint, but Kaeya just laughed.

“I know Kazuha from University, and as far as I know he’s only ever dead silent or this wordy. No in-between.”

“If you are done discussing me while I am right in front of you, I have your gift ready. Gift receipt is inside the bag.”

Klee cheered as she grabbed the bag from Kazuha’s outstretched hand, stuffing it quickly into her large brown backpack. “Oh, before I go: Mr. Kazuha! Do you get Christmas presents? Is it true that grown-ups don’t get presents?”

“I cannot speak for all adults, but my dear friends and I always gift each other something, so I don’t think it is unreasonable to say that adults receive some amount of gifts each year. Why do you ask?”

“Big brother Kaeya said he doesn’t get gifts. Only ‘holiday bonuses’ or ‘chocolate’, and those don’t count, I think.”

“Now, now, Spark Knight. You can’t go giving away all my secrets. Don’t we have to get you home? You brother must be worried out of his mind. Hurry, hurry!”

And so Klee and Kaeya left the store (after Kaeya gained permission from his supervisor for a half-hour break, since a lost child was quite an emergency). Predictably, Albedo was already home, and when Klee first saw him in their doorway, she noted that he looked about 3 steps away from a breakdown and she braced herself for the calm but stern lecture he was bound to give her.

Meanwhile back in the store, Kazuha was in a trance as he clocked out for the day, contemplating Klee’s off-hand comment. Kaeya was the kind of acquaintance who flitted in and out of friend groups. They type you know simply because he makes himself known to everyone, but doesn’t stick around. Kazuha had always assumed that he had lots of friends, being that charismatic. Did Kaeya really not have a single person who’d gift him something?

“This won’t do…” Kazuha muttered to himself. Swiftly, he whipped out his phone and dialed a number.

Perhaps he should get Kaeya a little something.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“Big brother Albedo?”

“What is it, Klee?”

“…Are you mad at me?”

It was late into the night and Albedo, as usual and despite Klee’s misbehaviour, was tucking her in. He had open a book of fables Klee's mother had written before she passed, titled “Dodoco Tales”, and had been reading it to Klee by lamplight.

Albedo closed his eyes for a moment, folding up the book and placing it next to the lamp. “No, Klee. I’m not mad at you. I was upset that you left without telling me, and upset that I couldn’t do more to find you. I’m not angry, because I trust you when you promise you won’t do it again. Do you plan to break that promise?”

“No! I never break my promises!”

Albedo gave a small smile. He reached out to stroke Klee’s loose hair. “Then why should I be angry? You understand what you did wrong and you promised to correct yourself. That’s a sign that you’ve been raised correctly. A sign you’ll grow up to be a good person. It’s more than I could have hoped for and... I’m proud of you for it, Klee.”

Suddenly Klee felt very guilty. In all honesty, she didn’t feel bad about her actions at all if it meant she could see a huge smile on Albedo’s face this Christmas. Even so, she felt her face split into a huge grin and she laughed, flattered by the praise and so, so happy Albedo wasn’t furious.

“Can I ask you something, Albedo?”

Albedo hummed, still patting Klee’s head absently.

“Can you take me to… buy a Christmas gift for big brother Kaeya tomorrow?”

She expected Albedo to be shocked, but he didn’t bat an eye. “Did you want to repay him for bringing you home?“

“No, no!” Klee sat up earnestly. “That’s not why—I mean it is but— It’s just… I dunno. It’s just nice, right?”

“But there’s more to it, isn’t there?”

Ah. He caught her.

Klee nodded hesitantly.

Albedo stood from the bedside chair and instead sat on the bed, beside Klee, ready to listen. “Alright, I’m listening. Why don’t you tell me what happened?”

So Klee did. She explained what Kaeya had said. How he had looked so tired at the “park”. How Kaeya reminded her of Albedo when he was stressed over school and work and providing for Klee. How Kaeya reminded her of herself, when her mother had just died and the world felt emptier than ever. If she could alleviate some of that pain— if she could help Kaeya the way he had helped her—

“Very well. I understand.” Albedo stood when Klee had finished, silently turning off the bedside lamp and walking to the door. As he stood in the doorway, he spoke again, “Tonight, you sleep. Tomorrow we can plan what we’ll be doing.”

“We?” Klee exclaimed, excitement boiling.

Albedo chuckled, “Did you think I’d leave you alone after what happened today? Archons, no. Plus, two gifts are better than one.”

With that, Albedo slipped out of the room and shut the door.

Klee was so ecstatic she wondered if she’d sleep.

Two gifts for Kaeya were in progress and it hadn’t even been a day.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

As it turns out, despite it having been years since Kaeya and Albedo met, Albedo didn’t know much about his interests at all. He knew Kaeya liked to drink, socialize and… basically nothing else gift-worthy.

Kaeya was, perhaps, the only person on campus who could be known by everyone, but not known by anyone.

It was upsetting in a way, because Albedo had thought that he was closer than most to the blue haired man, but he supposed that that’s what he got for preferring his relationships to be reasonably distanced. Regardless, Albedo was left with no choice but to ask Kaeya’s other companions for advice.

Albedo had suggested to just ask Kaeya outright what he wanted, but Klee had scolding him angrily, babbling about how it was “cheating” and “not a real gift” if they just bought what Kaeya asked for.

So asking around it was, and if there was one person who knew more about Kaeya than Albedo, it was Diluc.

Maybe.

“You could get him some wine,” Diluc deadpanned.

…

“Well, right, but I was hoping for something more… kid-friendly.”

“‘Kaeya’ and ‘kid-friendly’ is an oxymoron.”

Albedo felt like he was draining his already limited social battery. Diluc had never been mean, and was rarely even unfriendly, but neither of them were interested in small talk—and definitely not small talk about Kaeya.

“He gets along well with my little sister, Klee. She wanted to give him a Christmas gift, and I can’t really tell her to go buy him alcohol.”

Diluc’s eyebrows furrowed in thought. He had heard that Kaeya sometimes babysat Albedo’s little sister, but he hadn’t known they were so close. He couldn’t exactly imagine Kaeya being good with kids, what with his bad habits.

“Sorry, I honestly don’t know him in the way you seem to think I do. We don’t talk. He pops into my bar, babbles nonsense for hours, and then he leaves. I don’t recommend getting close to him. You can only trust half of what he says at most.”

“You two… really don’t get along.”

“How could we?” Diluc shrugged, but there was an uncertainty lacing his voice that Albedo caught. Albedo contemplated asking, but he didn’t want to pry, nor start a heartfelt conversation with Diluc of all people.

Well. Albedo supposed that was that. He supposed he could just read up on gift giving at the library.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Barbara hummed a tune to herself as she picked up the scattered craft supplies off the plastic tables. Children were always so much more behaved as Christmas neared, but they were also more excitable. Though Barbara could say with certainty that she adored the kids at the after-school program she worked at, they were a huge handful and a half most days. The promise of gifts for being nice did the trick, usually. Ah… bribery; tried and tested, with guaranteed results.

Barbara felt a tug on her paint-stained apron.

“Umm… Miss Barbara?”

She turned, looking down to see the biggest troublemaker of them all.

“Why hello! What do you need, Klee?” Barbara beamed. Deep down she really, really hoped that Klee wasn’t about to say she glitter bombed the supply closet again.

“What do you get for Christmas?”

“Oh?”

“Well…” Klee placed her hands behind her back, swaying back and forth. “Presents are given to nice people, and you’re the nicest person ever, so you must get tons of presents, right? I’m getting a person who gets no presents a present but I don’t know much about presents and so I need to know what presents people who do get presents get!”

Barbara felt for a moment that Klee was speaking a different language. Nevertheless, Barbara was good at nothing if not helping others!

“Well, I’d first think about who the present is for!”

“It’s for Big Brother Kaeya!”

“Kaeya…?”

Like. “Barbara’s-sister’s-favourite-employee” Kaeya?! The name wasn’t common enough for it to be anyone else, surely?

“Yup! Kaeya’s the best! But he never gets presents even though he’s so nice, so I’m getting one for him!” Klee spoke proudly.

“Well, I think everyone wants different things, so I can’t tell you what to get him… Hmm… think about what he’d use a lot, I guess? Or maybe think of things that mean a lot to you, and then get him that? I’m sorry, I don’t really know.”

“Oh… okay….” Klee looked downtrodden.

That’s no good! Barbara couldn’t disappoint her, not during the holidays!

“W-well, I think my sister might know, so how about I ask her?”

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“You want gift ideas? From me?” Scaramouche sneered up at Kazuha from his textbook.

Kazuha nodded, ignoring the harsh reaction completely. “You seem to act… vaguely like the recipient, so I’m sure you’ll have a suggestion or two?” Well, similar in the sense that both are socially distant despite their presented extroversion, Kazuha supposed.

Scaramouche blinked. “No.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Fine. If they’re anything like me—which if they are they’re definitely not worth getting anything for—then you can just give them some generic candles or something. Maybe a cool knife. Or maybe some antidepressants. Archons know they aren’t gonna care anyways.”

Kazuha stood silently for a moment, closing his eyes and pondering the advice. After a moment, he announced, “Thank you,” and turned to leave.

“Wait,” Scaramouche commanded.

Kazuha turned around.

“Who’s this for?”

Kazuha blinked innocently. “Oh. I don’t believe you’d know him. Didn’t think you’d care either. Don’t mind me.”

And then, as swift as the last leaves of autumn, Kazuha was gone.

Scaramouche’s eyes narrowed. No. Unacceptable. He was never out of the loop. Not Scaramouche.

He may not know the game he was playing, but he was going to win it.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Kaeya clocked into work at exactly 11:00 AM on December 23rd. His job was okay, he supposed. The workload was easy enough, and his supervisor, Jean, was a complete sweetheart. His boss, Varka wasn’t the strict type either, so generally shifts were consistently relaxed, if not a bit boring.

These sentiments were thrown out the window as soon as December hit.

The blinding lights, the crowds, the children throwing fits? The parents throwing fits? Not to mention that all the winter coats were criminally overpriced, so Kaeya stuck with his battered autumn trench coat despite the freezing weather. Kaeya didn’t know how he’d survived until now. The worst part was his horrid uniform (the bright red clashed awfully with complexion, but alas, Jean and Varka were adamant that he wear this horrendous get-up out of “Holiday Spirit”).

There was nothing good about Christmas.

This year was slightly better than prior years, though. He managed to do some good this year, buying that gift for Klee. At a point Kaeya thought he’d give Albedo something too, but Albedo seemed the type to see Christmas as a social obligation rather than a matter of the heart, so it was better left to the kid to make Albedo’s year.

Suppressing a sigh, Kaeya unlocked his work locker where he kept that abomination of a costume-

-and promptly closed it again.

“Are you alright, Sir Kaeya?” Kazuha, who had just been clocking out, asked.

“Oh, me? Oh yeah, yeah, I’m fine!” Kaeya dismissed, then slowly opened his locker again.

“Oh,” Kazuha said, peeking over Kaeya’s shoulder into his locker, “it’s a gift. Very kind of the sender… if not a bit creepy due to its location.”

A gift, it was. Sitting prettily inside Kaeya’s locker (how’d it get in there?!) was a small box, neatly wrapped in blue paper with a cheap silver bow on top.

Kaeya blinked, but easily slipped back into his mask, laughing, “I didn’t know I had a secret admirer here! My dear Kazuha, is it from you?”

“No,” Kazuha answered plainly. “You should check the card.”

Oh. There was a card. Slightly crumpled at the end, but still intact and sticking out from under the box.

“‘To: Kaeya’… Well, well! Looks like it’s a secret admirer after all, Kazu…” Kaeya looked around the break room, but Kazuha was gone. He shrugged. Typical.

‘For when you’re feeling down.

Your secret BFF :-)’

Instantly Kaeya ran the handwriting through his memory, but got nothing. It was too messy for Jean, but too simple for Kazuha, who wrote in long, swirling letters. Kaeya supposed it could be one of the younger part-timers, like Fischl, but something told him Fischl's handwriting was not this compact. Not to mention there was no way Fischl would draw her smiley faces with a nose. Adding a nose to a smiley was absolutely psychopath behaviour, really. Klee had discussed gifts with him before, but she and Albedo didn’t write like this, nor could they get into his work locker.

Kaeya handled the gift as if it were an endangered species, carefully peeling away the wrapping paper and tape and lifting the lid. In the box was an assortment of candy and what seemed to be freshly baked brownies.

“Secret BFF, huh?” Kaeya mused, taking a bite into a brownie giddily. He caught a gaze of his reflection in the mirror hanging on the inside of his locker and was surprised to find himself smiling.

When was the last time he’d smiled for no one but himself?

Well. If the cost of this small kindness was anonymity, then Kaeya was more than willing to pay.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“You’re in a good mood today!” Ajax beamed when Kaeya took his seat beside the ginger.

“It’s Christmas after all. Brownie?”

“Don’t mind if I do! These are great, my siblings love sweets like these. Gets them all hyper, so I rarely make them. But I didn’t know you baked?”

“I don’t. It was a gift from a secret admirer~”

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

The next day Kaeya was working the closing shift. Closing got increasingly more dreadful the closer you got to December 25th—not to mention the shift was a measly three hours—but if Kaeya wanted to make ends meet then he supposed he had no place being picky about shifts.

He was in a significantly better mood than yesterday, at least. He wasn’t even fond of sweets, but the treats he received from his “Secret BFF” were fuelling him like caffeine through the holiday break. Part of Kaeya thought it was kind of pathetic to be so happy over such a small gift, but the other part thought he should just shut up and enjoy it for what it is. After all, for someone like Kaeya, gifts were not exactly a common occurrence.

Which is why he was so shocked to see another one in his locker as he clocked out for the night.

There was no one in the breakroom at the time, so there was no one around to see how his brain lagged for two solid minutes before he found it in himself to move.

This present was in a giant Christmas-themed bag, and was surprisingly heavy. Careful not to rip the bag, Kaeya peeled off the sealed tape and peered inside.

Inside was a black mass of.. something Kaeya couldn’t distinguish, so he pulled it out.

It was a coat. Kaeya exhaled softly as he traced the fabric stiches with gentle hands. It wasn’t a cheap coat, clearly. The shape was stylish, while still providing ample insulation. Not to mention when Kaeya tried it on, it fit perfectly. Whoever bought the coat clearly knew Kaeya’s style and measurements, not to mention they knew how awful his usual coat was at keeping him warm. He was so busy admiring the gift in the mirror that he almost forgot he was supposed to be leaving for the day. Eventually, he snapped out of his trance and checked the bag again.

Like before, a small note was at the bottom of the bag.

’To warm you up this Christmas.

Secret BFF’

The message this time was quite bluntly put, to say the least, but Kaeya could detect that there was care behind the sentence. At least, with this gift he could deduce it was someone he knew. The only thing was.. he knew a lot of people.

For the first time this winter, Kaeya felt warm, inside and out.

Secretly—as was all things when it came to Kaeya— he hoped there’d be a gift tomorrow, too.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“Notice anything different?” Kaeya struck an exaggerated pose to show off his new clothes.

“Did you change your skincare routine?” Albedo deadpanned.

“Nooooo!” Klee pouted, “It’s definitely a haircut.”

“You two are so mean,” Kaeya whined.

“Juuusst kidding!” Klee giggled, “You got a new coat! Hehe, lucky me, I was getting sick of your old one.”

“Hey, hey. I liked my old one.”

“Kaeya, it looked like it’d fall apart after a slightly above average gust of wind. But regardless, I’m glad you’re finally replacing your worn clothing. Perhaps I should make a sketch to commemorate this… momentous occasion?”

“Sure, so long as you don’t draw me as a circle with an eyepatch this time.”

“…no promises.”

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Finally, it was Christmas.

Kaeya was working again, of course. He voluntarily took long shifts on Christmas day every year, since unlike the others, he didn’t have much to look forward to over the holidays. Plus, the holiday pay truly couldn’t be beat by whatever he’d be doing, alone, at home anyway./p>

This year was a little different though. He could hardly wait to see what gift he’d receive next.

Even so, Kaeya worked diligently, even as waves upon waves of last-minute shoppers rolled through the store, some frantic, some annoyed, some as tired as Kaeya was.

Finally, though, it was over. Already ripping off his hat, He rushed made his way to the break room.

When he opened the metal door of his locker, there was nothing there.

He slowly blinked, embarrassment seeping into his bones.

Kaeya was a bit ashamed to say he had been expecting another gift. Maybe he was becoming a bit greedy, but who gives out presents in the days leading up to Christmas only to not follow through on the day itself? At least that’s what he’d thought.

Now though, he felt a bit foolish. It was Christmas. Whoever had been giving him gifts must have somewhere better to be. They likely had a family to be with, games to play, their own presents to unwrap.

They had better things to do than spend Christmas trudging through snow to give Kaeya something.

In the first place, Kaeya of all people had no right to complain. After all, the gifts from two days before were likely because they couldn’t gift them on Christmas day. It was Kaeya’s fault for expecting anything more. They had given him so much already.

‘Shake it off, Kaeya,’ he scolded his own mind.

He pulled on the coat he kept in his locker and exited the breakroom with his usual playful smile, bidding goodbye and ‘Happy Holidays!’ to the coworkers still on shift.

In his car and unable to stand his own silence, he turned on the radio. Overly cheery Christmas jingles played almost tauntingly, so he shut it off again, annoyed.

He arrived at his run down apartment in a worse mood than he had been when he first clocked into work. His mind was screaming at him to just stop with the self pity, but the disappointment stung far more than he expected.

A drink, he decided as he fumbled with the door lock, gloved fingers unable to properly insert the key. A drink sounded splendid. Not to mention in theme with the holidays.

It was perfect. It was fine. He’d get out of the depressing mood he was in and maybe have some fun. Prank call Diluc or something. He toed off his winter boots and (carefully) hung his coat on the hooks near his door.

Though Diluc was likely hanging out with his own branch of friends. He heard Jean and her little sister were hosting a Christmas party, so Diluc was probably there. Kaeya hadn’t been invited of course, since he had already offered to take the heavily detested Christmas shift.

Kaeya didn't mind messing with Diluc, but Jean and Barbara were off limits. They were too nice for that. Kaeya made his way lethargically to the kitchen, where he kept his wine.

Looks like it’d be just him and his wine, then. A perfectly standard Christm—

“HO, HO, HO!” A voice boomed.

Kaeya would deny it later, but he may have screamed.

‘Nonononono I am NOT becoming a Christmas horror movie inspiration.’

He nearly tripped over his own feet as he struggled to find the light switch, but when he flicked it on…

“MERRY CHRISTMAS BIG BROTHER KAEYA!!” Klee beamed, perched atop Albedo’s shoulders with a microphone in hand.

Kaeya’s senses were still a bit dulled from the original shock, so the only thing he could say was: “Huh?”

“Christmas!” Klee repeated as Albedo snickered softly. “C-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!”

“You forgot the ‘H’ again,” Albedo whispered.

“I told you, if there was an H it would be CH-ristmas, not K-ristmas! Silly Albedo.”

“…huh?” Kaeya repeated blankly.

“Um… Albedo? He’s not saying anything…”

“Perhaps he’s in shock? I am trained in first aid.”

That snapped Kaeya out of it. “I’m okay, I’m okay… but what are you two doing here… dressed like that.”

Klee was wearing a Santa hat that was clearly far too big for her head, paired with a puffy red dress, while Albedo was decked in a ridiculous reindeer onesie. A set of antlers were atop his head, and his nose had a painted red dot.

In fact, his entire kitchen was full of Christmas décor. There were stars and snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, stockings hanging off the stove… even a teensy tiny Christmas tree, which Albedo promptly turned on, making it glow white. The device that Klee’s microphone had been connected to was now playing soothing Christmas tunes.

“We’re here to celebrate, duh! We’re your secret BFFs after all! Ooh, come on, come on! Albedo made dinner.” Klee scampered down from Albedo’s shoulders, ignoring his protests when she almost fell. She skipped out of the kitchen to the dining table, which was filled with dishes. Sticky honey roast, fruity skewers, fisherman’s toast… (Klee made that one and was sure to remind Kaeya of it) Kaeya was unsure if they could finish it all.

Klee didn’t notice Kaeya’s dumbfounded expression. “After dinner, we’ll play games, sing songs and then…” She gave a mischievous smirk. “Open the presents!”

“Presents?” Kaeya asked. “But if you’re my ‘secret BFFs’, you already gave me a present. Multiple, in fact.”

“You’ll see.” Albedo smiled.

Kaeya didn’t even know how to react at this point. He allowed himself to be led to his small table and sat down, taking everything in.

Dinner was, perhaps, the most fun Kaeya had in… maybe years. Klee rambled on and on about everything she loved about Christmas. Kaeya told tall tales of his childhood, much to Klee’s awe. Even Albedo was joking around more than usual. It was nice, Kaeya noted. Nicer than perhaps even the Christmases of his childhood, even if the decorations weren’t as pricey, and the venue was… lacking to say the least.

By the time the three were all filled and Albedo was clearing the table (insisting he didn’t want Kaeya’s help), Klee was practically bouncing out of he seat.

“IT’S TIME FOR…” She rhythmically hit the table in a mock drumroll. “PRESENTS!”

She launched herself off her chair and pranced to the small conjoined lounge room, disappearing beyond the door.

Kaeya laughed merrily, “I think she’s more excited than I am!”

“Kids love surprises, even if the surprises aren’t for them.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence, save for the clattering of plates and water as Albedo washed the dishes.

Suddenly, Albedo spoke—softly, so that Klee wouldn’t hear. “Sorry if this is a bit overwhelming. We just wanted to repay you, for everything you’ve done for us.”

It was overwhelming, but in a good way. Kaeya liked this kind of “overwhelming” compared to the stresses of finals, summatives, and work.

“If this is what ‘overwhelming’ feels like, then sign me up for another dose.” Kaeya teased. “Seriously, though, ‘Everything I’ve done’? Please, you two do more for me than I do for you.” Kaeya couldn’t remember a single worthwhile thing he had done for the two. Sure he babysat Klee sometimes, but Albedo always bought him a meal or drink after. He helped Albedo with projects, maybe, but it was no secret that Albedo was the smarter one here.

Albedo was silent for a long moment, hands paused in his motions before he spoke again. “You know I’m not the best with words, but…”

“You should know by now that I’ll understand.”

Albedo turned to Kaeya with a grateful smile. “Well… when I first moved here, I was more than alone. My mother, Rhinedottir sent me off without a single word or connection save for Klee’s mother. I’m not lying when I say I loved my mother, but it was not love in the way I love now. Love with her was… a burning desire to be the best for her. To meet each of her expectations— no, to exceed each expectation.” Albedo did not meet Kaeya’s eyes as he spoke, but Kaeya could feel his sincerity and effort.

“You were the first person here I could call a friend, Kaeya. I didn’t like you at first and you know it. You were so laid back and, to me, unambitious.”

“Ouch,” Kaeya feigned hurt.

“Apologies. I know that’s not true, now. You’re one of the most hardworking people I know, after all. You and Klee—and Klee’s mother—taught me to care less about… meeting each expectation. You taught me that it’s okay to let myself fail sometimes. That it was okay to… take detours. That even if I’ll be working towards that goal she left for me, it’ll be because I wanted to, not because she told me to. My mother may have given me the ability to solve complicated exam questions in a flash, but you gave me the ability to choose for myself. The ability to say ‘I love this’, or ‘I hate that’. I can now say with certainty that I love you and Klee, and somehow, to me, that’s more precious than any skill my mother taught.”

Kaeya swallowed the lump in his throat, but couldn’t bring himself to speak.

“And when Klee’s mother left… you know how she got. Still smiling, but not as brightly. Forced.”

Forced smiles. Kaeya was used to those.

“Do you remember? She only told me after the fact, but you sat her down and just… talked it out with her. I don’t know what you told her, and I won’t push you two to tell me, but later that night she came to me and just cried. Cried out all those tears she didn’t let herself cry that day her mother died and apologized for being a ‘dummy’. Precious moments like that are never forgotten, Kaeya.”

Kaeya remembered what he told Klee. At the time, Klee had reminded him so much of himself that it was unbearable. She was desperately trying to hold her feelings in and stay strong, and it was hurting her internally—far more than a kid should have to hurt, so Kaeya just… opened a conversation. He told her a story of two boys who were inseparable when they were young. How losing someone dear affected each one. How they both pretended to be okay. How they put up masks so fragile, that eventually, when they broke, they couldn’t put themselves back together again.

A cautionary tale.

(“And, well… that was the end of it for those two kids, I guess,” Kaeya finished lamely, “so, please, Klee. Don’t hide how you feel. Albedo would never be disappointed that you’re sad, but I know he’d be sad to find you hiding it for his sake.”

Klee was silent for a long time, curled into a ball on the couch and thinking hard before she sniffled: “Were you… one of those boys, Mister Kaeya?”

Kaeya smiled sadly.

“…did it ever get better for those two kids, Kaeya?” Klee looked up with desperate, teary eyes, and Kaeya was so, so weak.

“It did.” Kaeya forced a grin, and finally, finally, Klee smiled a real, relieved smile.

Kaeya had always been a liar.)

Kaeya shook those memories away. “I’m flattered, Albedo, but I was only doing what any sane person would do. You know, comfort the child, give a life lesson or two… It just means I’m normal, right?”

“No, it means you’re a good person.”

Kaeya opened his mouth to respond. That wasn’t true. He wasn’t a good person. He was an immoral, unambitious, manipulative human being. When he did do something good, it was usually for his own benefit. He knew this about himself— everyone must’ve known this by now, and if they didn’t then it was because Kaeya was too good at being bad. So why—?

Klee reappeared in the doorway. “ALBEDO. KAEYA. Stop talking about adult stuff and COME! OPEN! THE! PRESENTS!”

“Alright, alright. Don’t annoy the neighbours, Klee.” Albedo shushed, drying his hands and following Klee. He paused in the doorway.

“I know you might not believe what I’m saying, Kaeya, but just… close your eyes and follow us.”

Kaeya did. He trailed after Klee and Albedo, each of them holding a hand. He was hopeful, but also weighed down by guilt. Of course they really did this all because he existed, not because he was special. It was more kindness than he was designed to receive.

“Okay, eyes—um, well, eye?— open in three, two, one!”

When he opened his eye, he was frankly assaulted by colours.

Covering almost every inch of wall were streamers, ornaments, and banners of all sorts. In the corner was another Christmas tree (huge this time). It was glowing gold and covered in disco-ball ornaments which reflected the lights all over the place. If Kaeya was anyone else, he’d expect that it’d be a bit nauseatingly bright.

Most shocking of all, though, was the huge pile of presents sitting under the tree. There had to have been at least 15 boxes, and whoever placed them clearly had trouble fitting them in the corner where the tree was. Some were falling behind the lounge chair.

Voiceless and moved, Kaeya could only gazed at the two who were still holding his hands.

“Surprise~!” Klee sang, joy written all over her face as she bounced up and down.

“Surprise…” Albedo repeated, gently.

“This one is mine!” Klee beamed.

Forcefully, Kaeya was seated onto the battered couch, a messily wrapped gift shoved onto his lap.

He opened it slowly at first, but Klee whined impatiently, so he laughed and ripped all the wrapping off in one dramatic movement.

It was… a bunny…?

“Oh!” Albedo gasped, “It’s a Dodoco.”

Albedo was right as usual. It was a fluffy animal very similar to the stuffed animal Klee dragged around. “Dodoco” was its name. This one, though, had an eyepatch over one of its beaded eyes.

“Yup! Klee made them with some help from Miss Amber and Miss Lisa! Now Mister Kaeya is part of the Dodoco family too!”

Again, Kaeya had no words, “Thank you, Klee. I know how much Dodoco means to you. I give you my word that it will be safe with me. Knight’s honour.”

“It’s not an ‘it’, Kaeya,” Albedo tutted, “it’s a Dodocco.”

“They’re not ‘a’ Dodoco,” Klee pouted, snatching the furry creature. “They’re whatever Kaeya names them!”

Kaeya chuckled, “Well, then. Let’s see… they have an eyepatch, like me. Let’s call them Dodokae!”

Klee cheered, giving Dodokae a huge hug, “Welcome to the family, Dodokae!!”

“Alright, then. I supposed it’s my turn.” Albedo moved to the stack of Christmas gifts and pulled a rather large one and flat one out from the back of the pile.

“Let me guess, it’s a giant canvas painting of three-line-Kaeya.” Kaeya teased.

Albedo smirked, “That’s not a bad idea. Klee, next time it’s Kaeya’s birthday, remind me that he asked for a giant canvas painting of himself.”

Scoffing fondly, Kaeya tore off the wrapping, more carefully this time to not damage what he assumed was a painting.

Kaeya’s breath hitched.

It was a painting, but not so simplistic.

The painting was a candid scene. Kaeya recognized the setting as his own apartment. In the image, Kaeya and Klee were both grinning ear-to-ear and covered in flour. Albedo was also in frame, sitting at the counter looking exasperated, but fond. He remembered this moment. It had been a year and a half ago. Albedo had to attend some potluck party hosted by a coworker and they all decided to try baking, a venture Albedo hadn’t attempted by that point. It ended in failure, since Klee somehow broke the oven, but it was a fun day nonetheless.

“Do you like it?” Albedo asked hesitantly, “I know a painting of us might be a bit… self-important, but..”

“I love it.” Kaeya traced his hand over the texture of the paint. “It’s perfect. I love it.”

Albedo let out a breath, and Kaeya knew he was happy.

“O-kayyyy sappy presents over! Next present!”

“Did you two really buy this many?” Kaeya struggled to find words. “All this and the coat… Albedo… your wallet.”

“Oh, no, no.” Albedo waved his hands. “These aren’t all from us two, of course.”

“They aren’t? Then who else…”

“See for yourself!”

Kaeya went through each of the gifts, some large, some small, some neat and tidy, some messily thrown together. Each and every one of them was from someone new.

“Thanks for all the hard work. Sorry for allowing Albedo and Klee into your locker. I couldn’t resist and I thought you could use the pick-me-up!

Sincerely, Jean Gunnhildr”

“Merry Christmas! We haven’t met very often, but my sister speaks of you a lot. I just know you live up to her praise, so thank you for helping her out.

From your shining idol, Barbara Pegg ♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ๑)♪”

“Merry Christmas. I wrote a haiku for this occasion:

Gifts and cheer abound.

Though winter spans far and wide,

Tonight, all is warm.

Kaedehara Kazuha’

“-SCARAMOUCHE.”

“Repayment for that one brownie. Dunno why I never thought to give you something, but I got you an extra special gift to make up for it. I expect drinks on you next time :-D (it’s not a joke gift I promise)

P.S: I never break my promises

The strongest Santa in the world, Tartaglia”

“Doth the sleighbells call one on this hollow night? Why yes, for it is a most joyful festival. Certainly, bribes and trinkets mean naught in face of the might of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, however if it shall bring thou mortals joy to receive such miniscule treasures, then what may one do but follow thy asinine traditions? This paper is unable to contain all the words that leave min quill, but by the power of the Prinzessin, I bless thee with luck, fortune and many mortal possessions.

The Prinzessin der Verurteilung”

“This is my lady Fischl’s companion, Oz. Her note means ‘Merry Christmas.’ Please take this small gift from myself, as appreciation for indulging her, all this time.”

Kaeya held in laughter as he received ugly sweaters, baked goods, giftcards, mugs and other small treasures. There were other gifts too, from Lisa and Amber and Noelle and Qiqi and her brother, Xiao. Even Thoma, who Kaeya was 90% sure he never met personally and only knew through Ajax. He supposed some people were too nice for their own good.

By the end of his unwrapping spree, he was drowning in gifts.

“Hmph. I thought grown-ups didn’t get presents, so why did you get more than I did?” Klee teased.

“I’m not sure, Klee. I guess I just got lucky.”

“No worries. This is to make up for all the gifts you missed last year. And last last year.”

“Well I’m all set for gifts, now.” Kaeya shook a snowglobe with a little pirate inside in childlike whimsy. “With all these I won’t even need any next year, or next next year.”

“That’s not true!” Klee jumped up, angry. “If it’s Christmas you need a gift. Actually, from now on—Big Bro Kaeya, do you hear me? From now on, you are going to spend Christmas with me and Albedo!”

Kaeya was stunned. “Can I?!”

“Well, you have to,” Albedo stated frankly. “After all, you just adopted Dodokae, so you’re part of the family now.” Then, dropping the joking tone, Albedo added, “Only if you want to, of course.”

“Family… huh?” Kaeya mused, looking back to where Albedo’s painting was leaning against the couch, Dodokae sitting next to it.

Family. He hadn’t had one in so long. Something about the word made him feel warm inside. Like the world was wrapped in a blanket and nothing was worth worrying about.

“I guess I wouldn’t mind spending Christmas with you two.” Kaeya’s voice took on a haughty tone, but they all knew he was joking. “Nothing better to do.”

It’d be nice, wouldn’t it?

To have a family again.

“Good,” Albedo huffed. “It would have been unbearably awkward if you said no.”

“Hey, wait! There’s another, here behind the tree!” Klee called.

Reaching behind the tree, Klee brought out another box. It was wrapped in shiny silver paper with a note. She handed it to Kaeya who hesitated. Part of him began to hope again, but Kaeya squashed that feeling down. He’d had enough of unmet expectations ruining his mood.

Still, Kaeya held his breath as he unfolded the note.

“Death After Noon. Drink responsibly.

- Diluc Ragnvindr”

All at once the tears boiled up.

Family.

(“…did it ever get better for those two kids, Kaeya?”)

(“It’s starting to.”)

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

EXTRA:

They spent the rest of the night playing board games (Klee ended her and Kaeya’s friendship over Uno about 6 times). When all was said and done, Klee was all tuckered out and easily fell asleep on Kaeya’s couch.

Kaeya, like a fine gentleman, offered to allow the two to stay the night (“It’s the least I can do, really.”), and so Albedo and Kaeya made a joint effort to move Klee from the couch to the spare folding bed.

After successfully completing their operation (Kaeya got hit in the face twice), they stepped back and breathed a sigh of relief.

“This is all well and good, but um…” Kaeya trailed, unsure how to approach the subject.

Albedo tilted his head. “What’s the matter?”

“Do you know a Scaramouche?”

“Nope.”

“I mean, he gave me a $300 wine bottle from Italy. I didn’t make a big deal of it at the time cuz, well, Klee was here, but isn’t that kind of a big thing to give to a stranger or am I going insane?”

“… I have no clue, Kaeya…”

Somewhere, alone in his room, Scaramouche was celebrating his victory.