Fighting Childe, but at what cost?

What a day

It's a typical day in Liyue. Street vendors yelling at you to buy their food, which annoys you, but you buy it anyway. People filling the streets, sounds of the hammer hitting steel, people loading boats. Although you have only just arrived in Liyue, you already feel at home. You figured the best way to settle into this new home is to help out the people of Liyue. You go around asking for commissions and get sent to do all sorts of things. Whether it's cooking, helping with file work, or defeating monsters. You did it all. You have now earned yourself some kind of standing and you're very well-known. This was great as you now felt established in your new home. Very fitting- you think to yourself. You decide to tackle a bigger commission this time. Like your final push to feeling at home.

Although you know this isn't necessary, you have your mind set on it. I have to do this. You hear from an old woman, who clearly loves gossip, that there is some kind of issue at the bank. You decide to head over to check out the situation. You know it might be better to not be so nosy, but can it be helped? You make up your mind and head for the bank.

Cautiously, you walk up towards the bank, examining your surroundings. While turning the corner you feel your head hit something. You panic. You look up to see what it was. Your heart drops. "What are you doing here?"-Y/N. "What am I doing here? More like what are you, darling." You freeze for a second. "Why I was just passing by as all"-Y/N "Oh really~ Are you sure? You aren't here to see me?" "Of course not Childe. I just arrived at Liyue. I want to properly explore this place."-Y/N "Let me show you around! It will be fuunnn~" he said back. "I'll think about it. For now, I would like to explore. Alone." -Y/N "Woah, Woah, Woah. Not spending a day with me sounds rather... boring. Come on, I'll show you where to look." Without being able to say a word, Childe grabs you by the arms and begins his grand tour of Liyue.

"So, I heard you've been doing commissions lately," Childe said casually after dragging you throughout the harbor. "Ahh, yes I have! I feel like-" You're cut off. "OH RIGHT! Follow me!" Childe says like an overly excited puppy. Once again, you are dragged away without a word, and his hands suddenly covered your eyes.

"HEY CHILDE. GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF MY EYES I CAN'T SEE A THING." -Y/N. "Darling, don't furrow your brows~ you're going to get wrinkles otherwise. Remember, as of right now, I am not one of the Fatui harbingers, I'm- " a pause came, "I'm your date" he said smirking. "STILL CHILDE YOU CAN'T JUST DRAG ME OUT AND NOT SHOW ME WHERE I'M GOING WHAT IF-" a pause, "WAIT YOUR MY DATE?" -Y/N. You turn bright red in the heat of the moment. I mean, after all, you are going somewhere unexpected with a man who clearly likes you to some extent and just called himself your date. Interesting thoughts begin to form in your head. Wait... WAIT. HE SAID HE'S MY DATE?!? This is unacceptable... but his hands are warm and I can feel his breath when he bumps into me... we're so close together- Y/N GET YOURSELF TOGETHER PUT YOUR GUARD UP. PAIMON ISN'T HERE AND YOU'RE ALL ALONE WITH A HARBINGER. My archons, I need to get a hold of my thoughts. I don't even like him. 

"And here we are, my love" You get ready to look. "WOAH CHILDE THIS IS ... beautiful-" -Y/N "It truly is," Childe says. You catch a glimpse of him just staring. "Are you even looking at the view, it's one of a kind!" -Y/N. "It really is, isn't it?" Childe says, smiling softly, only looking at you. He stares intently at you. Your eyes meet his and you realize what he means. You turn bright red and your heart begins to race. "Very well then- um, let's go for food I'm starving," you say in an attempt to escape. "Sure darling, whatever you want. I have plenty of money as well so feel free to buy everything you desire, love," said Childe in a strange tone. It wasn't flirty like the other times, but almost ... caring, like a boyfriend... "This isn't a real date and stop calling me love and darling we are not dating," you said coldly. "Whatever you wish. I'll try my best." Childe said in defeat.

As the two of you walk down the mountain in silence, thoughts rush into your head. Maybe I was a little harsh... NO. Y/N! NO. We are not dating and I do not like him. He is my enemy. What's wrong with me today. So weird, must be his powers... damn Fatui... I wonder what's even going through his head. He's hard to read. Ugh, this is so nerve-racking. Probably because I'm walking with a harbinger...

Childe walks quietly beside you. His thoughts are drowning him, he doesn't seem to hear anything. Not even the awkward silence. I wonder if I came off too flirty... Y/N seems to be upset with me. I wonder where I went wrong. No matter, I'm ~me~ after all. I'm quite irresistible if I do say so myself. This continues in his head until you guys reach the outskirts of Liyue Harbor.

"Oh! I've been a bad date down this mountain, I'm sorry I was just lost in thought. I hope you weren't too lonely without me~" he said with a smirk. "As if," you laughed and continued walking. "Well then, where to next, miss?" he said. "Um ... Let's see..." a pause, "Oh, we can go to a street vendor if that's good with you?," you asked hesitantly. "Whatever you wish but we can go anyyywhere you wish," he said, boasting his excessively large wallet. "Well, I love the street vendors and the food they sell, so that's what I wish for" -Y/N "Whatever you want, my love," he said smoothly. You made no comment to his response. Nothing would come out your mouth, your thoughts were too much of a mess for you to respond. HE CALLED ME LOVE AGAIN- oh, how he makes my heart race even though I shouldn't be like this. HE IS A FATUI. MY ARCHONS I NEED A GRIP. This is so nerve-racking. This needs to end, but... maybe it wouldn't be so bad...

You and Childe grab your yummy grilled tiger fish and head for a walk on the harbor. How romantic you think. The lights seem to shine brighter tonight. Although the mood is tense, you can't help but relax at the sight of the stunning city and atmosphere. He relaxes as soon as he notices you're not as tense. You two walk side by side, eating, enjoying the view, and having a wonderful conversation. I hope this never ends, you think to yourself. However, Childe is suddenly interrupted by a Fatui messenger who relays their message to Childe. "I'm so sorry darling, but I think this arrangement has to come to an end. I have to go back to work, you know, duty calls" You stand in shock. Quickly snapping out of it, you respond, "Oh, that's okay. This was a lot of fun Mr. Harbinger. It's quite a pity that this has to end" "Sarcasm, how cute. But you'll realize your feelings someday Y/N. Goodbye love~" he said walking away. "Bye," you say sarcastically, rolling your eyes. He chuckles a little then disappears into the busy harbor. That was really a shame. I kind of liked spending my time with him, I'm not gonna to lie... Maybe it's because I feel lonely without Paimon. That must be it!

 -END