Chapter Text
The days were desperately long.
Bossing employees around.
Doing paperwork.
Childe was filled with an absurd boredom he wasn’t sure he could handle any longer.
He just sent away a letter for his family.
Telling them about the last places he visited. Last one was Sumeru Forest and its gorgeous shades of blue shining from the trees and plants.
That was the only thing that could keep him awake, distracted from paper stack overwhelming his desk,
Thinking about his family.
About how much his siblings grew up. Even though he hadn't seen them in a while now, he could sense it through the way they addressed to him in the letters.
They have grown and matured, since the last ones he received.
Now that was done, he shall focus on the business letters.
Like those from merchants seeking financial supports from the Fatuis.
All funny letters to read...
Yet the sound of a knock on his door resonated.
And he couldn’t help but feel adrenalin running his body.
Maybe something more interesting to do. Please.
“Master” a female voice sounded as the door opened.
“I hope you have something interesting for me”
She nodded, eyes stuck to the ground.
“She went back to the city”
He stared at her with incomprehension, waiting for her to continue.
“The Traveler, Sir. We caught sight of her at Harbor’s Entrance.”
Oh.
...
Lumine was walking around the buildings.
Wandering alone with no goal but to find something to eat.
And when she found an empty table in a restaurant not too much frequented, she settled herself.
She was sitting on the restaurant’s terrace.
Facing the building , back exposed to the bystanders.
Eating alone while some whispers and faint chuckles could be heard around her.
“A piece of bread ?"
A voice called behind her.
She startled out of surprise, maybe uneasy by getting caught here.
She turned her head slightly just to see the silhouette of a tall man approaching.
Ginger hair glimmering by the floor lamps around them. A grin stuck to his face.
“You. What do you want?” She said coldly.
She didn’t quite expect someone to come to her. Especially not him.
Not that she had something against him.
But now she needed peace, that was a thing he was the worst at giving her.
“Can't I come to greet my small pretty comrade?"
She sighed in resignation as he took the sit before her. Elbow on the table, and chin resting in his hand.
The only answer he got was her flat gaze planted in his, and the thin sound of her chewing her meal.
“You came here to eat bread ? And a single piece on top of that ?”
He stared at her in confusion, but the previous grin grew in a bigger smirk in the corner of his mouth.
"And you came here to bother me ? If so, you should head back to your bank, Childe”
“So mean, I was just asking” he puffed
His eyes scanned her, analyzing his long unseen friend.
Her eyes were dull, and shadows circled under them.
She seemed slower, her hand doing small work to bring the bread in her mouth, even in her way to eat- she was taking only very small bites.
And how her back usually straight was slightly crooked, even if it was just a little, he could spot it.
It wasn’t hard to understand that she was tired and maybe starving.
“You don’t have any moras left, don’t you? That’s why you’re eating that”
“Don’t you have work to do? I don't know, like more important duties to the Fatui? ” Her eyes flickered to the side, searching something to watch away.
He was right, she hadn’t any left.
But there was no world where she would let herself admit it, especially to him.
“You know you could have just asked. I would have dropped you some.”
“Am fine. I don’t want or need any mora from a Harbinger. Thank you.”
He huffed. Hell she was impossible.
“Then you shall want food from a friend .”
"I’d rather prefer peace.” She stopped when she saw him standing up “Wait- What are you doing ?!”
In a second, her bread got robbed by his sneaky hand before getting popped in his mouth as she watched him in disbelief.
Then he disappeared in the restaurant, letting her frozen in place.
Damn him.
Yeah, her financial situation was not that good, but she could take care of herself.
And it wasn’t the first time she would do that.
He knew it.
So why was he acting like that?
Stupid Harbinger. She really wanted this bread.
Childe came back, usual grin in his face
But too suspicious for her to not glance at him with dark eyes.
He sat again before her as nothing, and before she could ask anything, at least five waiters came with large plates full of food.
"That... That is way too much Childe ! I can’t and I won’t eat any of that !”
She yelled at him when the waiters left.
Indeed, it was too much, a least ten plates filled with meat and seafood covered the table.
Just how much did it cost...?
“Yes you will, or you will faint”
His voice was suddenly less amused, more sober, careful.
“I don’t want to owe you”
“You won’t, that’s just a friendly gesture. And if you won’t eat...” he exhaled at the view of her crossing her arms over her chest, avoiding his eyes.
“Then I shall make you do so.” he grabbed a piece of meat and brought it to her mouth.
She didn't move, his gesture too quick for her to register it.
Yet she found her mouth full of meat, and she hated how she loved the flavor spreading over her tongue.
Her eyes still avoiding Childe’s one, she felt warm growing on her cheeks as she started chewing.
“Well, what do you think ? Not that bad, eh ?”
He leaned back on his sit, watching her with content eyes.
And he got no response but the sound of Lumine grabbing her food with chopsticks.
She could be stubborn, and could keep trying to keep thing away from him. But no matter how hard she tried, he was too good as reading her.
Trying to get inside her small head, and learn about her thoughts, was a game he would never get bored of.
And any time he managed to break the wall she so badly tried to rebuild every time, he got a pleasant response.
After a moment of silence, he had let her benefit of, like she wanted, he tried a new approach. Wanting to hear her cute voice again.
“May I ask you where’s your friend? That pixie who follows you everywhere you go? With that amount of food she should have already popped here”
At the mention of Paimon, Lumine found it tough to swallow her food, which almost got stuck in her throat.
Her heart tight in her chest as she started to recall her earlier moment with the pixie.
The way she looked at her, eyes filling up with tears as she disappeared in her inner world.
They rarely ended up like this, and every time it happened, Lumine couldn’t help her heart aching .
Guilt seizing her body, she let go of her chopsticks. Her hands finding place on the edge of the table, shaking.
“She... She doesn’t want to talk with me anymore.” The words pained to come out of her.
But it was so sudden.
He didn’t expect her to be honest that quickly.
Not to bother him, he would love a bit of gossip.
So, he landed his head into his palm once again and stared at her, waiting for her to continue
“Sh-She called me a villain”
“Wow, that’s rude. What did you do to that poor thing ? You didn’t give her enough food didn’t you ?”
“No , you stupid” she sighed. “I... I yelled at her.”
He blinked.
“That’s it ? You yelled at her ? There must be something more to it comrade”
Lumine would not usually open to him.
Never. Almost never.
But that night, she might need it. There was no one else to talked to about it, and she desperately needed to free herself from the guilt she was feeling since earlier.
“Well… she might have wanted to give me a gift and… I didn’t like it, so I yelled at her..."
“What sort of gift could it be to make you that mad ? "
“I won’t tell you, you already heard a lot “she pouted.
“Come on Lumine, you won’t get any better if you don’t talk about it "
She looked up, planting her eyes into his. analyzing if he was making fun of her or if he really wanted her to confess
All she could see was a small, kind smile and concerned eyes.
"She … she… damn it. You won’t laugh, won’t you? "
“Not at all "
“She … ugh, she used all our mora to make a guy date me. And when I found out I couldn’t calm myself. That is why I yelled, it drove me crazy that she could think it would be a great idea. And that is also why I’m broke...”
He puffed , not mocking but that really was a gift ?
But when her face saddened, he stopped. She clearly wasn’t amused by it.
“Well” he cleared his throat “That explain a lot. I suppose you didn’t like that guy?”
“Well... I mean, he was pretty and really kind. I didn’t dislike him, but I didn’t want a guy to date me because he was paid for it. That was anything but my idea of a first date” she puffed at the idiocy of it.
The Harbinger looked at her. Really looked.
She was losing herself in her thoughts, he saw it. Her eyes fixed at the table, a shadow covering the sparkle of her eyes.
He could tell she was frustrated. Maybe angry. And he knew one efficient way to help her overcome these feelings.
“Would you want a fight? "
She jumped out of surprise. She didn’t expect that answer.
But she couldn’t disapprove it. Not at all. She was surprised at him completely reading her mind.
A fight, that would be all she needed right now, pushing her feelings away with her blade.
So, she raised up as quickly as possible, smacking the table.
Shining and determined eyes plunged in Childe’s one.
...
The path was all but silent.
Both arguing on who would win, and if there was going to be a reward.
Yet they decided that there wasn’t any, each other thinking that they would win
Arriving to a vast place, the fight shall begin.
They both summoned their blades, Lumine had her iron one, fully made by herself at Mondstadt’s foundry.
Childe had his double hydro one.
And then, they start.
The swords danced, clashing against each other, the sound of the confrontation echoing in the area.
Lumine could finally think about something else, Paimon had been in her mind all day. Now was the place to sword.
She ran at him, jumped for his throat, slashing pieces of his costume.
That was all she needed.
She might have preferred a fight over a date, actually. That, at least, was more energetic than what she had earlier.
It had been nice though.
A picnic into a garden, sandwiches to eat.
Watching the birds flying over them.
It was peaceful.
Her body flew in the air, like a ballet dancer spinning on herself, trying to avoid the sharp blade launched at her.
A bit too much.
But maybe she could be used to that.
Anemo wrapped her body, now as light as a feather.
If she ever finds a lover one day, they might pass their days like this.
Hand to hand while walking through sunflowers.
Ew wait no- Actually that’s gross.
Well, at least that was not quite the relationship she longed for.
She needed something- someone vibrant.
Someone who would understand her drive to battle to express her affection.
She charged at Childe, faster that lightning, her sword ready to strike his legs.
Because there was no other way she could do so.
Words never came easy to her.
Her sword did. Always being her best communication style.
But while she was daydreaming, her opponent took that opportunity to jumped on her.
Her body falling to the ground before she could register it.
Childe maintained her shoulder with one hand, the other holding his hydro blade under her chin.
His leg pinned hers down.
“See” He panted “I won” he said smirking
Lumine didn’t see it coming, too distracted by her thoughts that she completely missed that huge silhouette coming on her.
Now that was an embarrassing moment.
Her arms parted beside her head.
Weapon sent away. Her legs crunched under his, completely covered and blocked by his body.
She could hardly breathe. The fight was long and exhausting.
And she was tired.
Too tired to move out.
So, instead of pulling out, she simply stared.
Examining the man over her
His hair was a mess.
Small drops of sweat running down his forehead.
His eyes set on hers.
Yet this may have been a part of a good date.
If she ever had one, fighting her beloved until neither of them could move, was something she would except for.
And the thought of it made her blush.
Because she realized what she was thinking about, but also with whom.
But she couldn’t stop.
Childe could be a good pretender for her.
He had that agility.
That fire on his eyes when they battled.
That face when he concentrates on aiming his swords at her.
He even had pride and joy gleaming in the ocean of his eyes as he won.
His hair was not one of a very gentleman who would carry her around, picking up flowers.
No, his hair belonged to someone who would fight her and for her, even in her sleep.
And that was so damning sexier.
Without realizing it, her hand reached up and brushed through his hair, pushing it back from his forehead.
There was a wound, freshly done, slightly reddish.
Did she cause that?
Her thumb caressed it gently, wipping the liquid away.
He couldn’t resist a shiver.
It didn’t hurt.
But the way his body wanted more of her hand to caress his skin did.
Childe adored their fights and that was not the first time they would have one.
An attempt to kill each other at first.
Which easily became training sessions.
A dangerously funny habit.
He saw how she had progressed, and he couldn't be less amazed each time.
Lumine fights him almost every time they would see each other.
And that was enough to make his day.
Maybe that’s what he needed right now.
The last days have been tedious.
Nothing to do, no missions to be done, contracts to be signed.
But then she arrived.
Like a fresh breeze on a hot day.
And here they were : fighting.
Fighting like it was nothing but a game.
A game you had to win, because you need to prove that you are better.
Prove you could handle the other.
And yet he didn’t think he would win.
She had the upper hand all along.
Her thin silhouette dancing between his blades.
Her hand wearing her sword like a glove.
But then he saw her dizzy eyes and took the opportunity.
Because he had to win, no matter what.
Because if he didn't, that would mean he wasn't enough.
But now, he felt lost.
Lost in her eyes.
Lost in the sensation of her hand in his hair.
He didn’t understand why she was doing it, but he liked it. Maybe he liked it too much.
Her breath was slow. Her lips were partially open.
Her face was becoming redder, and he felt his too.
She was so beautiful it made him hard to think properly.
Lumine stopped her movements.
The tension between them was heavy.
Gently, Childe slipped his hand from her shoulder to rest it next her head, leaning on his forearm, his face lowering to hers.
His blade dissolved in hydro sparkles, leaving them alone.
Maybe they both needed an escape. Something to tear them from the early frustrations.
Maybe Lumine wanted to feel what a real kiss would taste like.
Maybe Childe needed to feel alive again.
No matter the reasons, they seemed to want that touch. The simple contact of their lips crashing on each other's.
That was weird, if they had to be honest within themselves. To think about such a proximity.
About something that private.
But at that moment, it didn’t matter.
Their lips were merely centimeters apart, slightly brushing. His forehead rested on hers, and his other hand unconsciously running to cup her head. His thumb brushing her cheek kindly.
She dragged her hand behind his head, gripping gently his hair as he tilted his head, causing their nose to touch.
Her heart was racing, and she couldn’t hear a thing but the voices in her head telling her to stop.
Stop before it was too late.
Stop before she would regret it.
But her heart thought differently. He body wanted this gap to be closed.
Her hand wanting to roam through his hair, across his skin...
She couldn’t help it.
She couldn’t help her blood running hot in her veins, nor the way she reached for his mouth.
And even less the thought of her wanting to kiss him.
Not only because they were so close she couldn’t feel her own body under his, or because it was convenient given their posture.
She couldn’t tell why actually.
She just... wanted to.
But why...?
She didn’t like him. Neither love him.
Yet she felt a strange feeling in her stomach. As if hot bubbles were floating in it.
It wasn’t disagreeable. She quite liked the sensation.
But it was scary.
His lips parted.
And she knew it didn’t have to mean anything.
His slow, hesitant breath crashing gently against her. And she imitated him.
That it could be a simple kiss.
Just to try and taste it.
The air between them, a mixture of salt, sweat and a shy but dangerous desire.
Just to see what it would feel like.
Just once.
"You’re not helping it you know...”
His lips almost shut to hers as he whispered.
And he wanted to resist.
“Shut up already”
He wanted to resist so bad.
Because it was dangerous.
Her other hand caressed his leaned arm.
Trembling fingers running over it, searching for his shoulder.
To fall for such feelings.
Fall for such want.
Dangerous because if he ever gets attached to it.
He couldn’t let go of her.
Never.
But her fingers grasping his hair once again,
Her gaze dying slowly on his lips,
And her body trying to come closer to him.
It was too much.
So, he brought himself to her, still hesitant
Still waiting, giving her a last chance to stop him before the damage was done.
Their lips slightly brushed.
His breath held still for a moment.
And she did nothing
Said nothing but the whisper of his name
And just when he was about to fulfill their need,
A pop sounded beside them.
And the sobbing of a child resonated suddenly.
“Lumine... Paimon is so sorry...! Paimon missed you...!!”
They tried to ignore her.
Gods they tried to keep going.
Tried to wipe the unease away.
Neither of them moved.
Lumine’s eyes shut, her fingers curled in his hair tighten a bit more.
Maybe, just maybe...
His hand slipped discreetly from her cheek to behind her head, keeping her close.
If they don’t react...
He could feel her heart race against his chest. His one following its rhythm.
Paimon will go away...
“Kiya ! What are you guys doing ?! Lumine please don’t do that, Paimon does not want you to become a Fatui !”
A long, defeated sigh escaped her mouth as her eyes opened again
He was already watching her, a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment painted on his face
“Well...”he murmured , “that was one hell of a mood-killer.”
“I swear I’m going to eat her one day...”She mumbled
Their eyes couldn’t part away.
Still focused on what could have happened a few seconds ago.
Her hand slipped from his hair to the side of his face.
It was so close.
“Paimon’s still here guys, you know ?!”
The fragile sound of laughter echoed between them.
One from exasperation,
Regret,
Amusement from the situation.
Maybe it was a good thing that Paimon broke the moment.
Maybe the world tried to warn them that now was not the time.
Slowly, they let go of each other.
Desire taken away by the cold wind of the night.
One day, maybe was the shared silent thought of their bodies separating, as an absurd emptiness settled between them.