Kill Me Slowly || Tartaglia/Childe

Chapter 17

The next morning, you woke up early to the snow pattering against the window. "Urgh," You groan, glancing at the clock that read 5:27. You tried to return to your slumber, throwing the blanket over your head to lessen the noise of the falling snow, but to no luck, you couldn't fall asleep. You throw the blanket off, slipping on your footwear before taking a hot bath. By the time you finished, it was already 6:00.

Opening your closet, you chose one of your best dresses— a cream-colored hanfu with an embroidered peacock on the right sleeve. Along with the top, a blue skirt, similar to the shade of Childe's eyes, was held securely by the sash around your waist. After you were done with your dress, you decided to fix your hair.

Grabbing a few strands of your hair from the sides of your face, you tie a small bun on the middle before securing it with a blue tie. With the other half of your hair, you made them into braids and wrapped them around the bun, securing it with a matching hairpin. Before you exit the room for breakfast, you check your appearance for any last touch-ups. Once you confirm that you looked neat and presentable, you leave the room.

When you arrive at the dining hall, much to your surprise,  Childe was there. Donned in an all-white outfit, you couldn't recognize him at first glance until he removed his cap, revealing his ginger hair. He flashes you a smile and gestures you to come and join him for breakfast.

"Wow," You gush, eyes scanning over the dishes, "They look so tasty."

"I recommend you to try this one." He points at the steaming soup in front of you. "It's black-back perch stew." Handing you a spoon, Childe eagerly waits for you to have a taste.

As you take a sip, you didn't put into mind that the soup was still steaming hot so you jerk back, tongue burnt by the hot liquid. "Ah!"

Childe panics, quickly grabbing an empty glass and fills it with water before handing it to you. You down the drink in one go, alleviating the burning feeling on your tongue. "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yeah," You reply, "I should've checked it if it was still hot."

Childe doesn't say anything but takes the spoon from your hand, bringing the bowl of soup with it. He takes a spoonful before bringing it close to his mouth, blowing cool air. Then he takes a small sip. Confirming that the contents were already cooled, he brings the spoon near your lips. "Say ah!"

You become flustered, a tint of pink decorate your cheeks. "I-I can eat it myself! B-Besides, it would be an... indirect kiss." Your voice trailed softer at the last two words, hoping he didn't hear it, but he did.

"But we've kissed before."

"Shh!" You shush him, looking left and right to see if anyone was around, "D-Don't say it so casually like that."

"Heh." He chuckles, seeing you blush makes him feel butterflies in his tummy. "Just one spoon." He says, "No more after that."

"F-Fine." You comply, crossing your arms over your chest. "A-Ah," You open your mouth wide. When the spoon enters your mouth, you swallow the contents. Childe smiles, happily humming to himself as he removes the spoon and returns it to you.

After a fulfilling breakfast, Xiangling enters the dining hall and it was Childe's cue to leave. He excuses himself, telling you that he needed to inform Ganyu about certain instructions and precautions along with some paperwork to take when he's not around. With the free time you had, you decided that you would go find Xiao.

As usual, Xiao was outside, leaning against the tree as he watches Seelie picking up seeds from the ground. His ears perk up as he hears footsteps, his hands slowly traveling towards the sword he has on his left hip. Once you were in view, Xiao lets go of his grip on the handle, letting his guard down. "Princess."

"Am I disturbing?" You ask.

"No." Xiao shakes his head, "You are welcomed to join us."

"A-Ah, I can't really stay long... I have somewhere to go."

"Go? Go where? Are you returning home?"

"N-No... I'll tell you but you have to keep it a secret, okay? Only Ganyu know this..."

You bring out your hand, putting out your pinky. "Pinky promise?" Xiao doesn't say anything and laces his pinky with yours, sealing the promise. You take a step closer, slightly tiptoeing to reach Xiao's height to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to Snezhnaya."

"Snezhnaya?" Xiao repeats, confused. "Why are you going there?"

"I—"

"It's because of Childe, isn't it?"

You blush at the mention of his name. "I-Is it that obvious?"

"No." Xiao lied, an unsettling feeling building up inside him. "Must you go?"

"I... I promised him."

"I see."

Although Xiao wanted to convince you to stay, maybe even begging, but what good will it do for him? He ruled out the thought and believe it was better to let you go. You are happy with him anyway, he convinces himself.

From the corner of your eye, you could see Childe exiting out of his office. You took this as your cue to leave. "I better go."

"Wait." Xiao reaches for your hand, stopping you. He releases his grip on you, muttering a sorry after.

"What's wrong, Xiao?" You ask. Xiao doesn't say anything and places a hand onto your forehead. He presses a kiss onto the back of his palm, pulling away seconds after. "Have a safe journey ahead."