Chilled Grip (a chaeya fanfiction)

Chapter 4: Fiery Aquisitions

Childe sat by a lake in dragonspine, his bare feet dangling in the frigid water.
Most people would be cold, but he found it comforting, icy temperatures grounded him in a way that nothing else really could.
He sat for a moment, enjoying the chill wind whipping around his face.
Childe heard a loud metallic thump behind him.
He spun around to face a glaring redhead.

The amber eyed man glowered at him.
"Do you have a death wish, or are you just stupid?"
Asked the redhead, kicking aside the burlap bag beside him.
Childe stared, taking in the tall man in front of him.

The ruby haired man kicked him slightly.
"Hey! You may be going into shock from the cold. Get up."
The harbinger simply smiled, correcting him.
"Actually, I enjoy the cold. I'm quite fine."
"I noticed your fatui uniform.. No wonder you're doing stupid shit."
The man frowned, his calculating eyes giving Childe a once over.
Smiling sheepishly, the harbinger slid his boots back on, standing up.
Looking up at the man, he grinned.
"See, I'm all fine."
The redhead tsked.
"Yeah, great."
The harbinger stepped around him, staring at his bag curiously.
The ruby eyed man nodded in approval, as Childe picked up a golden compass from the bag.
He held it in the sun, admiring the way it sparkled.
"What is it?"
Childe asked, voice full of awe.
"If you want it, it's yours. I don't use hydro artifacts."
Dismissed the redhead.

Childe looked up at him.
"Artifacts?"
The taller man rubbed his temples.
"Yes, to boost abilities and resonate with your vision. I cleared out this domain recently, and I have no use for these artifacts, so take them."
Childe's eyes widened.
"So.. I can be stronger?"
The other man nodded.
"Yes, put it into your pocket and use your ability."

Childe summoned his sword, spinning it midair.
He smiled, launching it at a distant hillichurl.
It landed directly into its forehead, cracking the mask on impact.
The harbinger laughed in delight.
"That's new."

The redhead raised an eyebrow.
"You're quite unfazed. Are you used to this kind of strength?"
Childe put a finger to his lips.
"It's our secret, okay?"
"I don't have secrets, especially not with fatui weasels."
The harbinger laughed loudly, the sound ringing across the mountain.
"Oh, I wasn't asking comrade. If I found out you told, I'm coming for your small intestine."
The taller man frowned.
"Why my small intestine?"
Childe flashed a smile.
"Because it's the most painful to remove."

"Ah well, in case it does get out, come find me at angel's share."
Said the man, presenting Childe with a red and black feather.
The harbinger smirked.
"So you're saying you want to see me again?"
The redhead scoffed.
"Oh god no, I just want to fight one more time before I die."
Childe laughed.
"Well can I at least have your name? I tend to be quite close with possible sparring partners."
The taller man extended his hand.
"I'm Diluc, of Mondstadt."
Childe smiled.
"Tartaglia, of Sneznaya."
Diluc raised an eyebrow.
"Sneznaya eh? No wonder you weren't cold earlier."
"So you've heard of it?" Asked Childe excitedly.
"I've been once, I had firewater and almost passed out." Diluc laughed harshly.
Childe giggled.
"It isn't best for lighter drinkers."
"Yeah, I get why they call it firewater."
Said Diluc, eyes flaming.
That received a hearty laugh from Childe.
"It does burn going down. But the bliss afterwards is worth any type of pain."
Diluc snorted.
"Or you're just a masochist."
"I may be a masochist, but I enjoy alcohol."
Mentioned Childe.
"If you're asking me out for drinks, the answer is no."
Stated the redhead sternly.
Childe whined.
"But you're so interesting! And plus, we can spar after."
Diluc shook his head.
"I don't drink."
"Hmm, someones a lightweight."
Teased the harbinger.
The redhead grabbed Childe's collar.
"I am not a lightweight."
Childe grinned.
"Mhm, that's what most of them say. You need to prove it for me to believe you!"
"Fine."