insurmountable | gotta check myself 'cause I just can't believe / that you were in my heart, you were in my head

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gotta check myself 'cause I just can't believe / that you were in my heart, you were in my head

[Regrettably, he knew he had to go, to return to Snezhnaya on the call of The Jester to join the new project that was moving forward. It'd been nice being in Fontaine, and with all his heart he wishes he could have stayed a while longer, even if it were just to help out the House of the Hearth while he was still recovering. His cough was still ragged and his body still felt a little weak, and Childe would never let anything like that stop him from moving forward and pushing himself- but for now, he'll have to accept that he'll need to take it a little easy as he travels back to the homeland. Still, he would have loved to of had a little sparring session against Lumine or Arlecchino before he left...such is the transient nature of a Harbinger always on the move. Sighing with resignation, he heads back to the Court of Fontaine, to prepare for the journey back...it wouldn't be a short trip, and he'll milk all the time he can out of this before he has to deal with the responsibilities he'll have to take care of.

Maybe if he's lucky, he'll get to run into Lumine again before he leaves. The timing was both impeccable and terrible, only getting to see her for such a short amount of time and it wasn't even alone. He can hope for a reunion, but he knows the chances are slim...

Luckily for him, the Northland Bank is located in Fontaine as well, so while the House of the Hearth stays relocated in Poisson for the time being, he can get himself a nice place to stay while getting ready to leave. On one such day, he's out and about in the city proper to buy a few things for the trip back, a few bags in his hands, enjoying the fresh air. As his eyes scan over the shops for somewhere else to stop at, he swears he sees the tiniest sliver of white flash around a corner, eyes widening in surprise. Was that who he thought it was...?

Curiosity gets the better of him, abandoning his task for the moment to chase after the white-clad figure, hoping and praying that he'll be greeted with the sight of those familiar golden locks that he's longed to see again. Childe's steps pick up the pace, not realizing how fast his heart is racing now, eyes darting back and forth as they sweep over the crowd in hopes of catching a glance of what he thinks he saw. For a moment, he's certain that he's lost her, lost whatever he was chasing after, but from behind him is the unmistakable lilt of a voice that's all too familiar in his ears.

Turning around, he sees her, she's right there at one of the displays outside of a shop, and his whole body fills with joy. Wasting no time, Childe closes the distance between them, his voice bright despite his condition.]

Comrade! What a coincidence! Here I thought our last meeting would be the last time I'd see you for a while.

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( Hearing the cough, she shook her head lightly, but didn't scold him this time. She just leans forward to push a drink towards him, indicating for him to drink it. It'd help with not scratching from the rough treatment his cough gave him. He didn't have to give just those more metal and horrifying stories, it was nice to see that there were inspirational ones out there. )

Well, I thought I was being subtle about the scolding.

( Lumine still had some reservations, mostly so if the day came where they were fighting on opposite ends enforced by the Tsaritsa; it'd hurt a lot less. But he somehow managed to worm his way into making her worry about him. Plus he had the same care for his family that she has for her brother.

She listened to him bringing she had gone to fight it off too, with Neuvillette as back up after having his Soverign powers returned to him by Focalors. It was still confusing to the blonde, but she'd think Neuvillette wouldn't let her die as easily as she wouldn't let it kill her.

She had a journey ahead of her she had to 'complete' in order to reunite with her brother... again... His last sentence brought her eyes to widen slightly, surprised by the sentiment. It'd caught her completely off guard; though did it really? At least it did to think what would have happened... Sometimes she forgets how many people now care for her in this world. )

One good thing is I would have been out of the Cryo Archon's hair.

( She tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but it was true, she gave the Fatui so much hardships she's sure. )

You were out cold at the time, I didn't think you knew I had gone to finish your hard work. But we're both here and still kicking, so let's not think too much on it, right?

[Taking the cup that she's pushed in his direction, he takes it to take a sip of the dark, warm liquid, letting it coat the back of his throat. He sips it slowly as she talks, frowning at the offhand joke there. The last thing he'd ever want to consider is Lumine being "out of the Cryo Archon's hair," and he feels his heart sink a little at the thought. If Her Majesty really thought she was a problem, she would of had a Harbinger take care of it, but as it stands that isn't the case and he hopes it stays that way.

Though she's right. It's probably not good to dwell on it too much, and he's not the type to worry on something he can't really change all that much anyway. They are both still alive and to various degrees of well, so he'll take that as a win for the moment and enjoy this time he's got now.]

Word spreads quickly around Fontaine, so it was inevitable that it would reach my ears. But, you're right. Worrying now doesn't matter, it's the time in front of us that does.

[But was that a lot of information to digest. Lumine's dreams of him, the battle against the whale, Fontaine's fate hanging in the balance...what a wild ride. Who knew his vacation was going to end up like this? And yet he's still lacking answers.

But for now, he'll follow Lumine's advice and not think too much on it. He'd much rather spend his energy on her instead of past events.]

In that case, I think the best course of action would be to do something to keep our minds off of it. After we finish our snacks here, mind taking a walk with me? There's somewhere I'd like to go, as sort of a...final farewell, before I leave Fontaine.

( Well she did feel extreme disappointment in herself with the loss at the hands of the Knave; genuinely thinking her losing costed the kids lives. So if she really wanted to, his Archon had someone who's already beaten her and her confidence. Going for her cake next, needing to grab her own drink in order to help her finish it.

He'd overestimated her stomach capacity; though now she wished she had an endless pit like Paimon. But she'd eat it all even if she had to save some for later. Mouth full of cake as she looked to his words, his last sentiment bring her to nod along.

Fontaine was probably the most stressful she felt when arriving, so many things happening and have to stop a prophecy that'd put all the people to extinction. )

Hm?

( She just finished her slice of cake, staring up at him again; but this time he was making a request? Where could he want to go here in Fontaine. He really meant to spend as much time with her as he can. )

Sure, I don't mind. I'm pretty much full for now. But where did you want to go?

( All that was left was the macaroons, she'll ask for a small box to put them in for later. But at least now, she can cook for Paimon without feeling hunger over take her while watching her companion devour her cooking. )

[Since this would be the last time he gets to taste the sweets of Fontaine, he's also definitely putting up his best effort to finish his portion of their snacks. He's sure if his father would of seen them doing this, they both would've been scolded for filling up on sweets, but it's like the old Liyue saying- no parents, no rules. He'll just make sure he works it off later, when Lumine isn't looking- what she doesn't know won't hurt her.]

It's not too far, [he responds with a smile,] just a little ways outside of the Court of Fontaine. It's a nice, scenic place, perhaps you've been there already? Either way, I'd love to go there one last time.

[Finishing up his snacks, he sighs with content as he leans back into the chair a little let his stomach rest. They don't make stuff like that in Snezhnaya, and he's definitely going to miss it.]

So let's be off. We'll get the rest to go.

---

[Where Childe leads her definitely could be counted as scenic, but his reasons, naturally, are less than serene. He leads her to the top of Elynas's moss-covered skull, climbing it slowly as to not annoy his injuries, yelling words of "encouragement" (they're probably more akin to taunts, 'can you keep up?' and 'don't think these injuries will stop me!' along with him laughing of course) at her until they reach the top. Childe flops down on the very tip of the skull, smile wide as he gets to survey the waters of Fontaine, with a clear view of the city. With a few coughs aside after scaling the skull, he feels as happy as he looks, breathing in the fresh air.]

Here we are! Have you had the chance to explore this area yet? There's so many battles to be had here, and I think I might of gone stir-crazy without it during my stay.

[There's aliens here. It's sick. He got to fight them all.]

Edited (I forgot the link whoops) 2024-06-06 17:08 (UTC)

( Anytime she got to enjoy sweets was a blessing, thankfully all her traveling and fighting helps burn off all the sugar in her system. But to be scolded by a parent would've been funny to see a Fatui Harbinger like Childe getting one. Lumine never experiencing the scolding of filling up on sugar before.

She knows he won't heed her warnings of pushing himself, she wasn't dumb. Keeping him from any type of fights was like keeping her from her brother. Impossible. )

Okay, lead the way.

-----

( Lumine followed along, keeping pace with his longer strides; wondering where he wanted to go. But the closer they got to Elynas' skull, she had a vague idea. Throwing taunts back at him in return, already used to constant climbing, since she no longer had her wings to get her to higher places. She watches him flop down unceremoniously and smiled with a shake of her head. At least he looked relaxed.

Falling his stead, though carefully to take the back of her dress under her so she sat comfortably too. Back straight and hands clasped together like she always did, looking out to the city view, and the water that she's swam through until every nook and cranny mesmerized. The air was much clearer out here compared to the city. )

I have, some commissions send me out here as well or I'm finding certain materials out here. So this is where you spent most of your time here. I'm not entirely surprised.

[Childe only looks over and grins at her response, happy as a clam to have Lumine here with him now in his favorite part of Fontaine. To be able to have her here alone, without the hustle and bustle of the city around them, is a special moment to him. A moment he really hadn't realized he'd wanted and needed until now, where the breeze at the top of the skull rustles their hair and fills him with a sense of peace that he rarely feels in his everlasting quest for battle and bloodshed.

It...really is nice, to sit next to her like this. That's the thought that runs through his head as he looks at her, his focus suddenly changing to examine every curve and shape of her visage. Her big, golden eyes, the small creases around her mouth that indicate that she's smiled often.

How bright Lumine shines next to him doesn't go unnoticed. Even sitting peacefully at his side, she's like a light that he can't help but follow.]

Well, it's hard to stay away when some of the strongest foes in Fontaine rest here. They didn't allow me to fight the Champion Duelists all the time, after all.

[But mischief still seems to dance behind his eyes, a clear sign of what he's thinking about only to those who've come to be closer to him.]

Ah, how I wish I wasn't injured...we'd have to fight right here, right now. But Lumine, really- I'd like to thank you for coming with me today. Your presence alone has already made me feel better.

( This is probably the most she's ever seen him smile and look genuinely happy, at least when not in battle. It was such a rare sight, she almost wouldn't have recognized him with how relaxed he looked now. Probably because Paimon also was not hovering at her side.

Hearing he would have fought the Champion Duelists every day, all the time if they allowed it, brought her to shake her head with a knowing smile. He probably surprised them with just how much he can keep fighting if they let him. )

I'm not surprised, they probably weren't expecting how often you can get back into fighting. If you took resting a bit more seriously, we'd have been able to fight now.

( Taking a deep breath in of the fresh air again, she knew he would have wanted to fight, aside from her weekly promise to fight at least once if she makes it. But his next sentence surprised her. Unknown to her, her face softening with a gentle smile, she wasn't used to the flutter his words gave her heart. )

Your welcome... Had I known my presence helped make you feel better, I'd have come to visit you sooner. It's not too bad to just sit back and finally relax, doesn't it?

( Just a small tease, because she needed attention away from the soft words being shared. It made her feel a little nervous. )

[Man, really? If he would of rested more they could've fought now???? So unfair!!! Why can't his body just heal faster anyway????

But somehow he doubts that, only because he's the only one who truly understands the extent of his injuries right now. Even if he hadn't played with the kids of the House of the Hearth and gone out searching for Master Skirk, he doubts he'd be in a real position to try to be able to spar with her at the level he would have liked. He'd still do it if she allowed, and have fun, but he knows he's severely limited at the moment. Guess he'll have to man up and take it easy :(]

Yeah. I guess it's really not bad at all, haha.

[Tartaglia's laugh makes him cough through it, but his words soften in light of the expression she's giving him, her tease lightening his own heart. So often he has to be a little careful, always making sure that he doesn't cross any lines that don't need to be crossed with her, knowing one day he would probably have to do it again, while still maintaining the warm, genuine friendship he has with her despite everything.

Sometimes he hates it. He hates that he can't just have it all, even if he's aware that he's already getting to have his cake and eat it with the Traveler. But even he has to ask himself what that means to him- and now, sitting atop this high point in Fontaine with Lumine smiling at him in a way that he only gets to imagine in his dreams, his emotions swirl in a way that makes him wonder why he doesn't just reach out to her, take her hand, and pull her close...]

This might be the last chance either of us get to see a sight like this for a while. I...

[His voice trails off for a moment, looking out towards the water, his chest tightening with a buzzing that finds itself nestling there, and he has to fight off another cough that threatens to ruin the moment. Words fall from his mouth that he doesn't really understand, but it feels right for this moment in time, confusing feelings clouding his reason along with the sight of her sitting next to him. It cuts a picturesque scene in front of him the expanse of shimmering water behind a star that illuminates the world around her.]

...I'd hate to waste it, you know? I want to make this special, before we part.

( Even if he was only half way better she would not accept fighting him, it wouldn't feel right for her. Especially when she's sure he'd push himself to have a serious fight. She'd much rather promise him a fight when he's fully healed as incentive to get better. )

See, just as good as combat.

( Feeling accomplished at the laugh, patting his back to help with the cough. It's so strange, she always refused to let people get too close to her in this world. Sure she's made loads of friendships and people she cares about, but it'd hurt a lot less when she inevitably leaves... Whenever that time comes for the siblings or if it ever will, which she doesn't want to think about.

Unaware of the inner turmoil he was facing, she just looked back out at the sea and the city, enjoying the rays of the sun. Funny she'd gone from trusting him, to distrusting him, to indifference, tolerant but cautious, to friendship. It felt like such a roller coaster; she's not naive, his job of Harbinger would probably cause them to be on opposite sides of another serious fight.

Turning back to look at him, a slight tilt to her head as she listened to his words. He wanted to make it special? How so? She can't handle more spoiling, she still had her macaroons saved away. )

You're right, I'll miss this view. How do you plan to make this more 'special'?

[The problem is, he has an idea of what he wants, but he doesn't know how to get what he wants. Tartaglia sits silent for a moment, looking down at the ground as he thinks now about what he just said. He wishes in this split second that he would of thought about it beforehand and not just let the words slip out, but thankfully, Childe is a man who's able to take a situation and turn it around to his advantage in a heartbeat most of the time.

Though he's looking at the ground, his eyes shift over to look at her hand, sitting idly in her lap. Should he take it? That'd be a bold move to start this out.]

Well...

[He says after what feels to him specifically like an excruciatingly long moment, wondering if Lumine will pick up on the fact that he's really not acting like himself right now. Tartaglia doesn't generally lack for confidence, but right now, he's unsure of what to do that won't scare her off.]

I want to do something that will forever etch this into your memory, so that no matter how far apart we are, you'll be able to look fondly back on it. I don't want to leave here with the only impression you have of me being that of myself in a weakened state where I'm limited in my capacity to do much of anything.

[He has to sigh as he admits that out loud, as much as he hates it. But he feels comfortable enough with her to let himself be that vulnerable, something he can't really say for most people he knows. He can't even be that way with his own siblings.

But he reaches slowly for her hand, gingerly slipping his palm into one of her own to take it and pull it towards him, holding it gently. Tartaglia treats it as if it were a privilege he could lose at any time if she so chose to retract it. And if he's being honest with himself, he's expecting her to pull away anyway.]

( Lumine does notice; it's almost strange to witness this much more quieter and almost opposite side of him. No natural confidence exuding from him. Almost like he was feeling nerves and she was bearing witness to it. It was genuinely quite charming other than the fact that they had never been in this situation before together.

But there'd be no teasing, in fact thinking it was something important for cause of such a long pause and lack of confidence. Not wanting to lose such an important moment that was making her feel slightly nervous. )

That definitely sounds familiar. ( It was the same reason he refused to say goodbye to his little brother back in Liyue. He didn't want her last memory of him be him weakened and coughing up a full lung. ) You don't have to worry about that, Childe.

( She would remember his weakened state as not a downside, but as a result of his bravery and strength to be in a constant, continuous fight with the narwhal.

Lumine won't lie, she was ready to flinch her hand away from him, but he did it so slowly and gently. Looking down at their joint hands now and she had to fight every fiber of her body not to combust into flames or snatch her hand away. However her tips of her ears felt burning hot as she looked back up at him, away from their hands.

Her smaller hand returning the hold on his and she was tempted to let go, that this could complicate a lot for each other later. She needed to let go and stand, get away from him, push these feelings so far back in her heart. But maybe she too wanted to be a bit selfish for once.

She'd just turn her face away to calm her heart, looking back out at the sea, or the city, or the creatures. Something other than this build up she was beginning to feel. )

[She says not to worry, but when he took her hand, he had something else he was far more worried about.

Now, he feels her fingers close around his own hand, and with that the anxiety and stress he was feeling flows out of him and his confidence returns. At any moment she wanted, she could have pulled back, yanked her hand away, rejected him outright. But as it stands, it seems now that their positions were reversed, and now she's the one dealing with emotions that were previously hiding beneath the surface. At least, if he were a betting man, that's what he'd guess is going on in her head right now.

Childe chuckles softly as she diverts her eyes away, shifting his fingers to twine with hers, happy that she hadn't pushed him away after all. He'd taken a pretty big chance on being so bold, and it looks like it paid off, at least that's the feeling he's getting. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be reciprocated here, and he feels better about that now than ever.

Maybe he should lighten the mood just a little here. So he'll wait a few moments for Lumine to calm herself, before he speaks again.]

To think such a small hand can pack such a powerful punch, [he exclaims, letting his thumb play with hers, clearly now back to his normal self.] Though, I feel a lot safer having it in my hand than having to dodge it flying at my face.

[So he'll scooch himself a little closer to her now, putting only inches between himself and Lumine, smile soft as he looks down at their hands and back up at her. Though now, his eyes shine with a brightness that usually isn't visible in what's normally void of light- Lumine is holding his hand and she didn't get up and walk away from him :) yet :) ]

( She knew the right thing to do was to pull away, reject him, to make this a lot easier for the two. This wasn't the first she's held someone's hand, it was a simple action, really. One she didn't think too much on, but why his hand holding made light butterflies flutter under her ribcage.

Feeling his thumb playing with her own, the gesture being a little more intimate than she's used to with friends. She couldn't help but let out a light, airy laugh at his words. To her, her hands were normal but it wasn't until moments like now she realizes how much smaller they were compared to others. )

Well lucky for you it doesn't have a reason to fly at your face right now.

( However, she can see him scooch closer and she felt her heart beat quicken just a bit... Out of nervousness right? Not because of some deeper feelings of... affection... No, no, but why when she looked up at him in surprise, she can see a shine that almost threw her off guard in his eyes. It wasn't like his amusement kind of glow.

Did she distrust and despise him as much as she does Signora or Dottore? No, but she isn't sure if she should let what she thinks is building up to happen. Turning her face away again, she tried to speak up again, she didn't know what would happen and she can't hurt him. )

I don't know if this is a good idea anymore...

( So why haven't you let go of his hand and move away, Lumine? )

[He'd argue that his boldness here is plenty of a reason for her to punch him in the face, guys have been decked for less when it came to matters like this. So he'll take that as another green light, sitting quietly to let her get used to his presence, to get used to being close to him. In all honesty, he's surprised this is even happening, and he's surprised himself at how quickly he acted on these feelings that came on the minute he got a glimpse of her beauty against the stunning background of Fontaine.

But as soon as he gets another green light, he's greeted with a yellow one. Though she can't see it now because she's turned her face away from him, his eyes line with a little concern that maybe he'd already pushed a little too hard. It wasn't his intent to make her uncomfortable, but maybe this was inevitable given their relationship.]

I'm flattered that you thought it was a good idea for any length of time, haha, [he laughs, causing his throat to get scratchy so he has to clear it before he coughs again.]

Sometimes, the heart wants what it wants, even if the circumstances might say otherwise. Lumine, what would you do, if I were to kiss you right here, right now?

[He leans forward slightly, to put himself closer being in her peripheral, wanting her to turn to look at him so badly. His chest tightens and his heart beats hard in his chest, realizing what he just said to her. Another bold move, another risk that he's taking. He's not an idiot, he knows that making a move past just being friends could very well end that friendship- but she hasn't let go of his hand, and it doesn't seem like she has any intention to.

So now, he needs to see, to see if her heart beats the same as his own.]

Edited 2024-06-11 17:03 (UTC)

( Eyes widened even more, hearing his request and inquiry to her reaction to such an action. Her breath caught in her chest, looking back at him to see if he was being serious, only to see he was not joking. Pale cheeks covered in a rosy hue, unsure if she had misheard him, her heart hammering against her rib cage.

It almost hurt how much it was trying to escape, she's sure he can probably hear it because she was hearing it loud and clear in her own ears. Oh, she hoped Paimon did not show up; thankful for the solitude because this was a vulnerability she was was not used to. )

I... What...

( This took a turn she was not mentally prepared for. The heart wants what it wants. Her stomach was doing all sorts of somersaults, her face and entire body, in fact, burning, she almost wanted to turn and run. To get control back of her body and mind. Archon, did she want him to kiss her, she really did and the closer he moves is making her even more nervous.

Her free hand coming up to a loose fist in front of her chest, unaware that she was looking at his lips in anticipation. Shaking her head gently with her thoughts trying to free itself. Looking down at their joint hands, she knows she should leave with a good punch to the face for even thinking this way.

Taking a deep breath, she looked back up at him, eyes sparkling with affection: )

This isn't a very funny joke, Childe. You know this'll only complicate things from now on, right?

[He can tell by the expression on her face what's going through her head. There's an internal war with herself going on, one between wanting and expecting him to lean in and kiss her senseless, the other wanting to turn and run so she could compose herself, regroup, and rebuff his advance. But Childe has no intention in giving her the opportunity to regain control of herself, noting how she stares at his lips and gazes at him with an affection he swears he's only seen in flashes before they were gone again, as if they'd never existed to begin with. In this moment, he seems to have entranced her enough and gotten her to think about letting him in that she stays, willing to explore this avenue with him, but not of course without a warning.

One that he was well aware of the minute he reached out for her hand. Of course it would be complicated, it was always going to be complicated whether this happened or not. It's just now, only a breadth away from each other, will he deepen that complication between her, himself, her sibling, and this world.

And he doesn't feel an ounce of remorse for it.]

Come now, you know I wouldn't joke about this. We'll figure it out and work through it, [he says, letting his voice take on a silky, comforting tone to soothe her nerves, his eyes lidding halfway as he begins to turn his head and press inward towards her. His free hand comes to rest on her cheek, cupping it and letting his thumb trace the cheekbone there, holding her gaze with his eyes to lock her in place.]

There's nothing that you and I can't accomplish together. Just relax, Lumine.

[Tartaglia's eyes close as he gently presses his lips to hers, slotting them slowly together until they're finally locked together in a kiss that he'd been craving for archons knows how long. She tastes as sweet as the cake they'd both been eating not too long ago, savoring it as he caresses her lips with loving, soft passes. Slowly, he opens his mouth just so, so his tongue can search and twine with her own in a dance for two.

He can feel his entire body light up with want, affection pouring out of him into their kiss, his chest buzzing in excitement and his head light and clouded from the feel of their connection. He'll kiss her as long as she lets him, content to drink in the brush of her lips against his for any amount of time, as tiny little content noises bubble up out of him as they kiss.]

( There was much she didn't tell anyone, never indulging about herself or her circumstances. And how lonely she felt, being selfless and even used for others' personal gains. This man sat next to her, what was developing every second together was her only selfish desire. Was she granted this chance to be selfish for once?

But so many things worry her: she doesn't know when her journey will complete and if she'll be forced to fight against her brother or.... she'll leave with him to their next world once he's out of this Abyss Prince quest he pushed her aside for.

She doesn't have a moment to think about that any longer, feeling his presence even closer; face subconsciously snuggling into the palm of his hand. It was an affection she never let herself divulge in. Topaz gold staring into deep ocean blue, staring up at him through thick lashes, matching his heavy lidded stare.

Her breath caught in her throat at the press of their lips together, movement slow and unsure on her end. Sliding together so softly, eyes closed as she listened to him to just relax. Just enjoy each other's presence and this moment that was really long overdue, but well worth the wait of trust and affection. Her free hand reaching up to take his wrist gently, the one on cupping her cheek and running her thumb over his wrist.

The moment he brought coerced her mouth open with his, letting her tongue twine with his sending electro through her entire body. An airy hum escaping the back her throat, for once no one on her mind but him and this kiss. She pressed her lips just a little bit harder, just a tad bit more pressure to keep the kiss going. Face burning hot, she's sure it's radiating off her and onto his face.

How such a man managed to get her to fall for someone in this world when she's gone all her lifetime without anyone, with no one to avoid heartache. Her entire senses high and taking in all he'd give her, the hand held in his squeezing his hand to keep her from floating, keep her grounded in reality. )

[Finally being able to kiss Lumine was a feeling so divine that he could of sworn he'd died and gone to whatever afterlife awaited him at the end of his long road of slaughter and destruction.

The feeling of her pressing more into their kiss is intoxicating, that she would silently demand for more, taking him and pulling him into her desires instead of the other way around. Childe's all too happy to oblige, opening his mouth more to take her in more fully to elongate this moment for as long as their breath would hold out for. His kiss goes from sweeping and gentle to something more firm and needy, begging and encouraging her to take more from him, as much as she wanted and needed. It felt as if she was finally able to feel a touch she so desperately wanted but never allowed herself, and Childe swears that he can feel the heat of it all radiating off of her body, easily getting lost in her desire and content to give her everything.

But when the dust settles and he finally needs to break, he pulls away, dizzy from the passionate lip lock and staring at her in wonder with new eyes.]

Lumine, [he exclaims breathlessly, pressing his forehead to hers as he closes his eyes. That just really happened, and his heart beats hard in his chest and his face is flushed right up to his ears.]

That was everything I imagined it would be.

( Now she was grateful she left Paimon back in the teapot, because she wouldn't have had the courage to go through with the kiss. It was new and overwhelming.

This switch up in how he was kissing her brought new flips and tricks for her heart to do in it's confinement. To allow such emotions to win over logic, the logical part of her should not have entertained these feelings of his. Like she said it'd make so many decisions complicated. But this kiss wouldn't last forever, what she didn't expect was for her lips to chase after his when the kiss broke. She had to stop herself, catching her breath along with him, as she can only soak in his energy around her.

Staring up into his closed eyes, perhaps wanting to take in the sight before her. His words after the kiss bringing up a stronger blush to her face; he imagined this? Imagined them kissing? Sure, she thought about it too, especially after thinking she'd lost him forever too. But he disappeared after Skirk threw him through a portal and he was on his way to Snezhnaya for healing. She didn't know when she'd see him again.

But she couldn't help the tease, though not at all mocking, just surprise filling her. )

Hehe, you've imagined kissing me before?

[Whoops, caught in 4K. He definitely just admitted to thinking about this before, but the way she asks really isn't all that bad. His face burns a little red at the question but his face is still bright despite it, eyes opening to meet her golden ones with a playfulness that's all his own.]

Perhaps. What else was I to do as I laid staring at the stars at night? It's hard not to think of you when the open sky above me is littered with reminders of you.

[Childe's smile couldn't be wider, happiness flooding him and overpowering the aching cough that he's held back to keep this as pleasant as possible. And he doesn't mind admitting that he's missed her, he's missed her more than even he thought possible. It made his bones ache and his head a mess, only being able to focus on fighting, his only true avenue to any clarity at all when Lumine wasn't around.

Leaning in, Tartaglia closes that tiny distance between them one more time, to plant a firm and loving kiss to her lips. He only lingers long enough to make them tingle from the sensation when he pulls away, leaving a ghost of each other on their lips. As he sun highlights her figure, Ajax swears he could sit up here, cuddle with her and kiss her all day if she'd allow. If they're not going to fight, he could at least shower her with affection before he left.

And he wishes so badly now, now that he's finally gotten a taste of Lumine, that he didn't have to ever leave her side.]

And what of you? You seemed unwilling to take a break during our nice, languid make out session there. Have you been holding back on me, comrade?

Well, I wasn't expecting such a strong romantic side of you.

( Just this once she won't tease him for admitting such a romantic thought, the words making her heart swell with affection. Tempted to just shove his dumb, handsome face away from her, but she didn't want to do that. He'd be leaving soon and she wanted to spend as much time with him.

Their next kiss, though not as deep as the initial one held just as much emotion. Filled her with just as much emotion returning the sweetest kiss, this time having better control of herself to not chase his lips this time. Though it was extremely tempting to try and entice him to give her another kiss again.

She didn't want him to leave her side either, despite how she pretends to be annoyed with his constant requests for a fight. Her lips quivering a bit from his kiss, before he turned the tease back to her and her unwanted ending to the kiss. She turned her head away with a roll of her eyes, a smile on her face to give way she was not at all annoyed, cheeks and ears burning just a tad brighter. )

I don't know what you're talking about. You're just letting the emotions of the kiss get to your head. ( But she squeezes his hand. ) I didn't plan to have feelings for anyone... But you just had to be so persistent.

( If he really didn't want to leave, she would gladly accept him leaving his job of Harbinger to travel with her. But she couldn't when she can't give up her search for her brother and the answers he wants her to find. )

[Her reaction is more than amusing, grinning from ear to ear at the roll of her eyes to her denial. As if he'd buy that, but he's pretty sure she's really not trying to sell it as much as she's just teasing him at this point. Maybe some other time he'll have to do his own teasing, to see how far he can get her to chase after his lips before she gets fed up with him. It's like a whole new world's opened up in front of him, filled with endless possibilities for the both of them. Twenty minutes ago, he would have never entertained the idea of teasing Lumine into frustration from not getting a kiss.

But what she says next calls for something more serious, something that doesn't have a place for the moment for a little lighthearted teasing. Childe's eyes soften, smiling back at her, taking it as a compliment that he's had the tenacity to worm his way right into her heart.]

I wouldn't be me if I were to back down from a challenge so easily.

[He squeezes her hand back, before letting go of it so that arm can slip behind her to pull her in close, inviting her to rest against his side.]

So, when did you realize you had feelings for me? I've got a feeling it wasn't recent...

[Childe gives her a knowing look, all that affection and acceptance didn't come out of nowhere.]

Of course, you stubborn man. Can't let a girl just mind her own business.

( He can be too much really, she didn't want to talk about the negative sides of everything. Of the future to come and how they were going to face it. Perked attention when he let go of her hand before he pulled her in to his side, still not used to this closeness with anyone. But she'd lean her head against his shoulder and close her eyes for only a moment to soak his presence in.

His question should be answered, but why did he have to give her that knowing look. She placed her hands on her hips with a pout, not liking how easily he was reading her. Sighing softly she tried to think back, all the times they've met up and as family oriented as she is, she can give an answer. )

Seeing how much you cared for your brother and what he thought of you... ( She looks up at him with a nod: ) A little brother that sees his big brother that way isn't treated cruelly.

It started then and though I was still a bit suspicious of you, then seeing you interact with yoimiya and the kids in Inazuma...

( She gave a huff, not wanting to be the only vulnerable one she pokes his shoulder, gently in case of an injury he won't say he has. )

And you? Same question, though I feel like I have a guess.

[Look at her pout. It's like he's the one who caught her in 4K this time. But he waits patiently for her answer as she sighs in resignation and thinks about it, feeling his heart soar with her answer. Ultimately, he wanted to be feared by others, for his opponents on the battlefield to quake at the sound of his name. But there's a certain elation he feels now hearing her express how she's come to admire another side of him, the one that was never able to be erased by the Abyss's influence on his mind. The one that was nurtured in him from a young age, upholding the ideal that Her Majesty herself used to hold so dear: love. Love for his family and the sense of innocence he wanted every child to have.

So enamored with her answer, he doesn't notice how his cheeks flush and his expression softens, sighing with content out of his nose. Lumine brings him out of his reverie by poking him and huffing, getting him to laugh and cough at the same time, his body shaking with the effort but still happy all the same.]

Hahaha-! [Cough cough] Oh, I suppose I can't keep all my secrets now, can I? Well...

[He clears his throat as he thinks, but there's really only one answer here for him.]

I'd say it was back in Liyue. You'd already earned my respect after our battle at the Golden House, but it wasn't until after we'd visited Dottore's facility that I really started to look at you in a different light. You took good care of Teucer, despite perhaps needing a few lessons on how to deal with kids, [he teases, ruffling her hair a little as he laughs.]

Your kindness that day has never gone unappreciated. Maybe it was then, when I realized that someone who strives to become strong like myself and who also has a deep well of kindness was someone who I could truly admire. After we parted at the bank, I couldn't get you off my mind. It took some time, but eventually I had to accept that I'd fallen in love.

( That look he's giving her for her answer, bought her to shyly lean away only slightly. It was funny how much of a roller coaster of emotions she felt for Childe since the beginning. But looking back she can see the ways he'd worm himself into her distant, blocked off heart. Where she thought absolutely no one from this world would get to. But he'd managed it somehow and really, except for the possibility of hurting him with any of her choices.

Hearing him cough amidst his laughter she'd gotten him to let free, she reached an arm behind and rubbed his back to help ease the cough.

She was listening to his answer with interest, it seemed sweet Teucer's visit helped the two see each other in a completely different light. But taken aback at his tease, she'd turn her head away with her eyes closed. The hair ruffle bringing a sweet enough smile back to her face. )

I think I did my best, plus I've never spent an entire day with kids before.

( The shock that slowly built up, she had to stop and think whether she imagined what he had said. She did notice the way he approached her and spoke with her after leaving the Bank was always with a sense of glee and excitement. But to hear he'd fallen in love, with her, she didn't know what to think, cat's got her tongue really. She felt like she "fell in love" only when she realized the absolute happiness and relief to see him pop out of the warp hole the Narwhal had made. To see him alive and well.

Then the absolute worry and fear when he'd fallen back in, absolutely exhausted and hurt, she had to stop herself from jumping straight in after him without a plan.

Now this would be the perfect time to tease him back, but she can only soften her eyes with a gentle smile. Her eyes showing her feelings of affection as she leaned more against him. )

You'd fallen in love with me all the way back then?

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i'm gunna do a time skip here and set up the next scene imo!

sounds good to me!!

imo I think they should kiss soon do you agree :3

omg... yes! i 100% agree with ya the one percent chance she's alone without paimon lol

LOCKS PAIMON IN THE TEAPOT

lol PAIMON DONT YOU DARE GET OUT YOU HAVE THE LUMINE ALL THE TIME, GIVE HIM SOME TIME ALONE

THAT'S RIGHT YOU LITTLE SQUEAKER WE DON'T NEED YOU AROUND RN

YES THEY ABOUT TO SMOOCHY SMOOCH SO DONT RUIN IT

OR ELSE WE'LL LOCK YOU IN THE CLOSET UNDER THE STAIRS

AND ONLY LET YOU OUT WHEN LUMINE NEEDS YOU TO ANNOY HIM

WAIT WHAT NO KEEP HER IN THERE SHE CAN SQUEAK AT SOMEONE ELSE :PANIK:

LOL NEXT TIME THEY SEE EACHOTHER WITH PAIMON SHE'LL BE SO CONFUSED SHE WONT STOP SQUEAKING

DEAL WITH IT PAIMON THEY'RE AN ITEM NOW AND NO SQUEAKING IS GUNNA CHANGE THAT

YOU HAVE TO SHARE HER ATTENTION NOW PAIMON SORRY NOT SORRY IMAGINE HIS FAMILY GOING "FINALLY!!" xD

HE DID IT THEY CAN'T BELIEVE IT HE GOT A GIRL TO NOT RUN AWAY IN TERROR FROM HIM LOL

LOL DID HE BLACKMAIL YOU INTO GOING OUT WITH HIM LUMINE??? YOU CAN TELL US LMAO HE SCARES ALL GIRLS

OMG HIS FAMILY IS NOT HELPING SHATAP U GUYS HE DIDN'T BLACKMAIL HER

THEY JUST WANNA KNOW HOW HE GOT A GIRL TO NOT RUN AWAY AS SOON AS THEY MET HIM LOL

THEN THEY CAN BOTHER HIM IN!!! PRIVATE ABOUT IT!!!! NOT IN FRONT OF HER!!!!!!!!!!!

TRUE BUT THATS NOT THE SIBLING WAY THEY GOTTA EMBARRASS THEIR OLDER BROTHER ESP SINCE HES NEVER HOME

SOB THE BETRAYAL HERE, HE CAN'T BELIEVE IT

ITS OK CHILDE THEY'RE JUST HAPPY YOU BOUGHT THE GIRL YOU GUSH OVER ALL THE TIME HOME