Centimeters [Childe/Tartaglia x reader]

Chapter 8

Word Count: 1680

In Y/n's POV

"Ahh!" yelped out Childe as he clung onto me.

"Argh! Childe...! Let go! Your stupid hands are crushing my arm!" I yelled, trying to get out of my friend's grasp.

"Sorry... I just... got startled a bit. Ahem," said Childe as he started to calm down a bit, releasing my, now, squished arm.

Unlocking the restroom door and looking around the place, it looked like Zhongli and Hu Tao had closed up shop a bit early. I immediately ran towards the front entrance only to find out we were locked in from the inside. Zhongli must've locked it up as Hu Tao left him in charge whilst she was away.

"Hmm, looks like we're locked in for the night," I said after trying to budge open the glass doors.

"T-there isn't some way back out through the dumpsters or something?"

"Sadly, that door has been blocked off by the dumpsters... Something about a draft and rats or whatever... I don't know— I wasn't paying attention to what Zhongli told me."

"So... that's it? We're just... stuck here?"

"Seems like it."

"Well then... looks like this is a job for a strong, tall, handsome guy doesn't i—"

"Too bad Zhongli isn't here."

That comment was sure to make Childe riled up a bit. Or at the very least jealous.

"I am right here! Why would you say that when you know I'm standing right by you?" whined out the ginger, a small pout and fake tears running down his cheeks.

"Oh shut it, Fatui. I was only joking."

"Oh? So you do agree that I'm a strong, tall, handsome guy?" asked Childe, a smug smirk apparent on his face.

Flashing my camera light in his face, I only let out a quick huff before starting to make my way towards the lockers.

"Argh...! H-hey, where are you going?"

"To get changed— I don't wanna have to spend the entire night here in an apron."

"O-oh... right... I'll uh, let you do that..."

After changing into my normal day clothes, I returned to the main room to find Childe making some tea for the both of us. The only light in the entire café was from the little light from outside as it was about twilight now.

"Woah, malewife Ajax is back," I chuckled out, walking towards him as I set my bag on the counter.

"I thought I told you not to call me that..."

"Oh c'mon, no one's around... I don't see the harm in me using your actual name."

"Okay and? You don't see me asking you to let me make out with you on this very counter just cause we're alone, no do we?"

"What?"

"What?" smiled Childe innocently as he slid a cup of tea towards me. "Careful now, girlie, it's hot."

"N-no, you just said—"

"I said it's hot and to be careful," smirked the college student, booping me on the nose afterwards.

"Don't boop me on the nose— only my best friends can do that."

"Ouch, I'm not even considered one of your best friends?"

"Silly churl... Billy churl..." a voice sang.

"Did you... did you hear that?" asked Childe, setting down his cup on the counter.