Pale Fire || Childe x OC

Chapter 9

"Ajax" He replied without a thought.

"Ajax" She copied, letting the name roll off her tongue.

"Mhm"

"Goodnight Ajax" Faith muttered as she rolled back over.

"Goodnight Faith" Childe replied, turning off the lamp.

The morning sun stretched up the walls, coating the brown room in a soft glow.

His eyes squeezed open, tangled in warmth and comfort he yawned. A leg wrapped around his, a head cuddled into his chest. His muscular arms wrapped tightly around the girls’ back, his skin hot and his heart beating fast. Childe took a long breath and went back to sleep.

Faith yawned, her fingers met with warm skin. She snuggled closer to the heat, then her eyes shot open at the realisation. Faith untangled herself and sat up, she ran a hand through her hair and tugged on it lightly. Her eyes glanced at the young man, the sun enhanced his features. Ginger locks blocked his eyes and freckles dusted his nose. Her hand reached out, A finger inching closer to his hair. She shook her head and brought her hand away.

Faith slid out of bed and changed into shorts and a light blouse. She tied on her boots and left the room.

By the time she returned to the room, Childe was dressed. Sat on the edge of the bed, he wore his everyday outfit, the grey suit with a red sash. His Fatui mask lay on the floor, his head in his hands.

“You okay Childe?” Faith uttered, walking towards the man.

“I’m fine” Child replied calmly, not leaving his position.

The bed sunk a little, she curled her feet under her and sat next to him. Her head was heavy on his shoulder and a hand rubbed circles into his back. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes until Faith stood up and pulled the gifted dress from her luggage. As she changed on the other side of the room Childe stared out the window.

He was frustrated. He was sent to Liyue to destroy it, a plan made by the archons. He felt like a pawn, like a toy. Childe sighs. All he wanted was to be home with his family, to feel the warmth he couldn’t feel anywhere else. Yet he felt the warmth when he woke this morning, his heart felt full. This girl couldn’t be trusted, but he told her his real name. What had happened to him? She would’ve found out eventually, they’re spending the next couple of weeks here. Together.

“Hey, should we pack up the room and go? I’m not sure when you want to arrive at the harbour” Faith asks, packing her clothes into her suitcase.

“Regrator will be waiting for us at Northland Bank” Childe muttered, a blank look on his face.

“Regrator?”

“Pantalone”

“Ah okay, I’m finished packing so I’ll drop the key to Goldet and say my goodbyes”

“Alright”

Faith left swiftly, she thanked Goldet and handed over the key before heading downstairs to see Smiley.

“I’m leaving the Inn today, but I'll be in the harbour for a while” Faith grinned, sitting down at the table in the kitchen.

“You staying for lantern rite?” He replied gruffly.

“We must be, I think we’ll be here for a while”

“Come visit when you can, and say hello to your parents for me when you get back”

“Of course, Have you seen Xiao this morning?”

“Not yet, try to say goodbye though”

“Thanks, Smiley, I’ll see you soon”

She hugged the man tightly and headed to the balcony again.

“Xiao I’m leaving the Inn today, come say goodbye to me” Faith called as she spun around.

The leaves rustled and a soft breeze blew past her. It said, “I’m busy, Goodbye for now”.

“Too busy to see your favourite person? As if. You’re just scared that you won’t be able to let me leave” She huffed, crossing her arms.

A gust of wind blew through her, “Goodbye Faith”.

“He has so much attitude for such a small man”

“Who are you talking to?” Childes’ voice echoed.

“The wind”

“You ready to go?”

“Mhm”

The carriage was waiting for them, the air was warm and the sun was bright. Faith hopped in the carriage and eagerly awaited their arrival at the harbour, Childe entered after her and closed the door behind him. As the ride went on, the orange-haired boy spoke up.

“Do you know anyone in Liyue?” He asked quietly, glancing at the girl.

“I know everyone, it was my second home” She grinned back at him “What about you?”

“Only members of the Fatui” Childe replies coolly.

“Well you’ll meet my friends, so that's good enough” Faith smiled.

She was blabbering, after this morning at the inn, she felt conflicted. If he was to hurt her he would’ve done so already, but he held her comfortably in his arms and let her put her hands on him. He annoyed her, sure, he annoyed everyone. But Ajax wasn’t himself lately, she hoped he’d be as playful as when they’d first met a week ago.