Before they knew it, the day of the Brightcrown Ball had appeared. Klee was rather disappointed she wasn’t invited, and her mother actually came and picked her up to take her to the beaches of some island Nat had never heard of. At least, that’s what Albedo had told Nat the night before, where she was disappointed to hear she had missed meeting Aunt Alice, though she was reassured that Alice did not stay long. She never did. Nat wondered if Albedo’s mom, Rhinettodor, would ever stop by and take Albedo on vacation, but she didn’t mention that to him.

That morning Nat had breakfast with Kaeya and Diluc at the Dawn Winery, where she offered her assistance with setting up for the event.

“Preposterous Nat, you’re an esteemed guest of Diluc Ragvindr tonight, he won’t let you lift a finger.” Kaeya laughed, biting into the pancakes Adelinde had made. In fact, Adelinde had been the one to invite them over for breakfast, somewhat to Diluc’s dismay. “What are you and your bo wearing tonight?” Kaeya asked, catching Diluc’s attention.

“You are bringing Albedo?” Diluc questioned. He had sent Nat a plus one, but knew from Jean that for the most part the two kept their relationship on the downlow around the other knights, many of whom were invited to the ball as well.

“Yes, we’re going to make our first public appearance tonight,” Nat answered triumphantly.

“Oh I can’t wait to see the photos,” Adelinde interjected as she poured more coffee into Kaeya’s cup.

“You’re not coming, Adelinde?” Nat questioned.

“Oh no, someone has to hold down the fort here at the Winery, so Elzer and I will be staying in.” She responded.

“I told Adelinde we could find her coverage, but she insisted.” Diluc added.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting a night in,” Adelinde smiled, “Can I get anyone anything?” She asked, and everyone said no and thanked her for breakfast. The rest of the conversation was on what to expect at the ball, since it was Nat’s first time attending. Kaeya teased Nat about Albedo, and Diluc begged Kaeya to be on his best behavior for the evening, especially as a representative of Ordo Favonious. 

Eventually, breakfast ended and Nat made her way back to the city to get ready. Luckily for Nat, once she was dressed she wouldn’t have to go far, as Seamus Pegg was allowing to Diluc to use the church for the ball. On her way back, Nat ran into Jean who was double checking a list before the event. They chatted for a bit before Nat realized Jean wasn’t attending the ball.

“Diluc invited me, but someone needs to watch after Mondstadt while the party goes on. Many knights were invited, and they deserve to have a night out.” She had told Nat.

“You deserve a night out too, and I heard you were going to have a date,” Nat probed, a smile on her face. Jean blushed.

“Master Diluc simply invited me as his plus one because he thought it would look good to the other nations, don’t think much of it. We’re not like we used to be,” Jean commented and Nat made a face, she hoped one day Diluc would get his act together with Jean. 

“Are you and Albedo going together?” Jean asked, changing the topic, and Nat excitedly shook her head yes. Jean giggled, sometimes Jean saw Nat as a younger sister, since she had seen Nat grow up while she was with Diluc. It made her happy to see her and the Chief Alchemist together, they were both so different then the rest of the knights and seemed to understand one another so well. “Well don’t let anyone ruin your night, the Brightcrown Ball is always fun, I look forward to hearing all about it.” Jean concluded and they said their goodbyes.

Nat continued back to headquarters and ran upstairs to her room where she had about an hour to get ready before Albedo picked her up. Nat sat down at her mirror to apply her makeup, something she very rarely did. Back home, her mother would put makeup on her before galas and upper class Fatui gatherings that her parents dragged her too. Most of the time, her mother put on foundation to cover Nat’s dark eyes or bruising from Dottore’s experiments, other times her mom caked on the makeup to make her look older than she was. Nat was never too sure why, or who her mother was trying to impress, but she knew it was just easier to ask less questions.

That’s why Lisa had sat down with Nat earlier in the week to show her how to properly apply makeup. Lisa told her she didn’t need much makeup, but that Nat should draw more attention to her eyes, which Lisa found very unique. So now Nat was doing her best to apply eyeliner with her shaky hands, making something Lisa described as a wing with the liner. When Nat was done, she was pretty impressed with her job. She then applied mascara and the very light pink lipgloss Lisa had gifted her. Once done, Nat admired her work, barely recognizing the person in the mirror. But not from earlier in the day, but from years ago. For once, she felt proud of who she was, even after talking with her parents. 

Before she could get too lost in thought, Nat saw the time and jumped up to fix her hair. She decided on a low bun with some loose pieces and a braid that held it all together. She made sure to incorporate the ribbon from Klee in her braid, sad Klee wasn’t here to see it in person. Nat looked in the mirror once more, feeling proud of herself for being able to get so done up. The butterflies in her stomach started to do flips as she thought about seeing Albedo. They had never gotten dressed up for anything, no dates or parties, and they mostly saw each other in their work attire. Nat couldn’t wait to see Albedo in a suit, and to dance with him all night long. She was prepared for the whispers about them that may happen in their first public appearance together, as a couple, but she didn’t care. With only a few minutes left to spare Nat put on her shoes and stepped into the dress, pulling it up over her hips and slipping the sleeves over her arms. Her dress was a navy blue, almost black it was so dark, with off the shoulder sleeves that connected to a sheer cape. Slight gold embellishments lined the collar and the belt, where she holstered her vision. Once the dress was fully pulled on Nat struggled to tie the corset back, realizing she couldn’t reach it. She tried over and over again to tie it by herself, but it was to no avail. Miss Ingrid had tied it for her when she tried it on, and the seamstress tied it for her after she got her alterations made. Nat was lost in thought, struggling to tie the corset when Albedo knocked on her door. She couldn’t tell if he had the worst timing or the best timing.

“Please don’t make fun of me, but I need your help,” Nat said through the door, defeated. She opened the door letting Albedo in. He stood in the doorway with a bouquet of Cecilia flowers in his hands, wearing a white suit jacket with gold star embellishments at the bottom. The inside of his jacket was lined navy blue and accompanied by blue pants, a vest and a white button up shirt that had the top few buttons undone to show off the star on his neck. Nat’s heart skipped a beat.

“You’re so beautiful,” she murmured to herself.

“What was that?” Albedo questioned as he stepped in and closed the door, handing Nat the flowers and kissing her on the cheek, “You look stunning by the way,” Albedo noted, taking all of Nat in as she placed the flowers on a nearby table.

“Well I’ve had a dilemma with my dress,” Nat said looking down at her feet. Albedo cocked his head in confusion, “I can’t tie the back of the dress, I can’t reach!” Nat exclaimed as she turned around to reveal her bare back. Albedo giggled to himself as he grabbed the ribbon to the corset with each hand. He kissed Nat on the neck, causing her face to flush.

“And here I thought you were just teasing me,” he laughed as he started to gently tighten the corset and lace it up for Nat. 

“Nothing you haven’t seen to tease,” Nat retorted with a smile. Albedo chuckled to himself as he finished, putting a bow at the top of the corset. Nat turned back around to Albedo, pulling him in closer by his hips. He took her chin in his hand.

“You look so beautiful Natayla, how did I end up so lucky,” He said as he leaned down to kiss her. Nat giggled into the kiss, before pulling back.

“I’m the one who’s lucky,” she responded as she ran to the sink to put some water in a vase for the flowers. She quickly transferred them to the vase before taking Albedo’s hand, “We’re going to be late!” Nat nearly squealed as she pulled Albedo out of the room. 

As they approached the church, they could hear the area buzzing with excitement as people from all over Teyvat gathered for the Brightcrown Ball. Albedo squeezed Nat’s hand tight as they entered the crowd, not wanting to lose her. In all honesty, he was quite worried about tonight, but not because he was worried people would talk. It was because of Dottore.

Earlier in the week, Albedo was summoned to the Dawn Winery, where he met with Kaeya and Diluc. While Albedo and Kaeya were close, it was rare for him to be around Diluc without Nat. Diluc and him had, of course, had some correspondence before. In fact, Diluc had recently reached out to him to pick Albedo’s mind about the Ley Lines, but this felt different.

Once everyone settled, and Adelinde had poured tea, Diluc informed Albedo that Dottore would be at the ball. Albedo froze in place. 

“Why would you invite him?” Albedo had questioned.

“I didn’t, it was forced, something out of our control, but I need to make sure Nat is safe. While Kaeya and I will be there, as well as the knights, please keep an eye on her.” Albedo had understood the assignment.

Knowing that Dottore could be anywhere near him, near Nat, made Albedo’s blood boil, so he did his best to lose that thought and enjoy the time he had with Nat, who looked radiant in her dress.

“Albedo?” Nat questioned, snapping him back to the moment. “Albedo, the invite?” She asked, and he realized they needed it to get into the ball. Albedo quickly pulled it out of his jacket pocket, apologizing for being so spacey, and they were let in. “Are you okay?” Nat questioned, concern on her face. Albedo smiled in return, hooking his arm around hers.

“I was just busy thinking of how lucky I am to have you,” He responded. 

“Such a smooth talker,” Nat mocked. Then she asked, “Have you ever been to something like this before?” She was in awe at the number of people in the church: the beautiful dresses, elegant dancing, and the amount of food.

“No, this is my first.” Albedo answered and Nat nodded her head, she liked knowing they were experiencing this together for the first time.

“In Snezhnaya I went to some galas, but nothing like this. This is so much better.”  Albedo held his hand out and Nat took it as Albedo swept her onto the ballroom floor. He placed one hand on her hip while the other held her hand, they stepped in rhythm to the music being played live in the coroner of the room. Then, Nat felt a hand tap her shoulder. She looked back to see Kaeya.

“May I?” He asked, holding out his hand. Albedo politely handed Nat off to her adopted brother, who spun her and dipped her quickly, making Nat giggle and lose her balance. Kaeya caught her and Albedo excused himself to get them drinks. “You are stunning Natalya, is Albedo treating you alright?” Kaeya teased.

“Of course, why wouldn’t he be?” Nat questioned with a smile as they spun. “Just tell him to be safe later,” Kaeya said as he winked.

“Archons Kaeya, really?” Nat exclaimed, pushing him slightly with the hand on his shoulder. Kaeya started laughing as the attention in the room was drawn toward the front of the church. There, Diluc had emerged coming down one of the matching staircases. 

“Esteemed guests and friends, I welcome you to this humble abode.” Diluc started, as Albedo returned with drinks for everyone. He continued, “for this joyous occasion I have prepared a fine vintage kept hidden in my late father’s cellar for twenty-nine years. I trust that our honorable guests from the guild, and the stalwart knights of Ordo Favonious, can enjoy a most pleasant evening with us and our guests from afar.” Afterwards, Diluc raised his glass and everyone cheersed. Nat turned to look at Albedo, thanking him for the drink. By the time she looked back, Diluc was long gone.

“I’d like to say hello to him before the night is over,” Nat noted out loud, but kaeya seemed preoccupied. “Teyvat to Kaeya, are you in there?” Nat teased, patting his head.

“Sorry, there are a few things I need to attend to. I’ll catch up with you two lovers in a bit.” Kaeya said as he took off into the crowd.

“He’s so annoying sometimes,” Nat scoffed, but Albedo just laughed. Nat and Albedo continued to drink and dance the rest of the night. Many of the knights whispered to one another, but they were all kind words, happy for the two of them. When the dance floor had cleared for a slow song while Nat and Albedo were at the bar, Nat dragged Albedo back. “Let’s slowly dance,” Nat whispered with a giggle as Albedo pulled her in and she locked her hands behind his neck. Nat soon interrupted the silence.

“You’re so smart.” Nat stated, making Albedo raise an eyebrow.

“Thank you?” Albedo questioned with a laugh, “What made you say that?”

“It’s one of the things I love about you,” A drunk Nat responded. “I love how smart you are, but you’re not a know it all. I love your eyes, your smile, the way you hold my hand. You always know when I’m not okay, even before I do,” Nat said as she leaned her head against Albedo’s chest, “but most importantly you love me despite all my flaws. Despite the fact that I’m the least perfect person born to be perfect there ever was.” Nat sighed into Albedo.

“I love everything about you too, my dearest Natayla.” Albedo responded, and Nat looked up with a goofy smile. Albedo leaned down, kissing her gently. When he pulled away, he rested his chin on her head. “I love you so much Nat.” 

They danced like that until the band started to play some more upbeat tunes. It was then that Nat realized they hadn’t seen Diluc or Kaeya in some time. Albedo suggested they had stepped outside, so they too went outside. The temperature outside was much cooler than when they arrived, and Nat shivered thanks to her exposed shoulders. Albedo gave her his jacket as they walked down the stairs and saw the brothers walking up from the city center.

“Where have you guys been?” Nat yelled as she held her dress up enough to speed walk closer to them, Albedo only a few steps behind her. When she made it to them, she threw her arms around each of them, pulling them in for a hug, but something seemed off. “What’s going on? Why did you both leave the party?” Nat questioned.

“We had a few manners to attend to for the Knight,” Diluc responded before changing the topic, “You look beautiful Nat.”

“Are you guys okay?” Nat asked, oblivious that Diluc wanted to drop the topic.

“We had to meet quickly with Seamus Pegg and some diplomats,” Kaeya explained, knowing Nat wasn’t going to let it go until she had a reasonable answer. “The Seneschal has already returned to the party, we did a quick round around Mondstadt to help Jean, make sure everything was okay. Especially since the Dark Knight Hero was seen quite often in the last few weeks.” Diluc rolled his eyes at Kaeya’s response, something Albedo noted.

“The Dark Knight seems like a good guy, no?” Albedo questioned.

“He seems pretty badass,” Nat added, “I wish Jean would put me on a night watch so I could catch a glimpse of him!” She exclaimed with excitement.

“Seems you have competition Albedo,” Kaeya snickered, deviously, and Diluc smacked him on the back of the head.

“Be nice to your brother,” Nat scolded Diluc, pointing her finger.

“Well, we were just getting ready to head out,” Albedo interjected, putting a hand around Nat’s waist and pulling her in tight. “Thank you for the invitation tonight Diluc, it was a wonderful time.”

“Thank you Luc,” Nat added, evading Albedo for a moment to give the eldest Ragvindr a hug, “Love you both, don’t stop by in the morning!” Nat yelled as they walked away, hand in hand.

When they returned to Albedo’s room for the night, Nat couldn’t wait to change, begging Albedo to undo her corset.

“Such a flirt, asking me to undress you,” He teased as he unlaced the back. When he was done the dress slipped off and Nat tumbled into bed, ready for a relaxing night just the two of them.