Albedo's attention shifts from, the piles of research paper taking up all of the space of his table to the slightly open door. Until the moment he hears a familiar voice.

"Sweetie?"

He quickly gets up, the light in his eyes dim to see his little sweetling being carried by Kaeya alongside Jean as they walk through the hallway.

"Oh, hello.."

He says a bit sheepishly, but his expression solemns when he realises you’re not responding to him, ignoring his presence.

”Dear..?”