Until I Found Your Heart

Lumine~

I smile as I watch him fight. He's actually really good. He cleared that hilichurl camp faster than I ever could have. 

"I told you I'd make you do it." I smile as he scowls at me, a playful glint in my eyes. "I daresay, your fighting skills rival mine!" He simply grunts in response and turns away. This guy's a tough one, but I've already seen that he has a soft side, however well-hidden it may be. He says he doesn't have feelings, but yet he felt the need to protect me. Nahida would be happy with this progress. 

"Ready to head on out? You're not too tired, are you?" I ask, handing him some water, then laughing as his eyes got wide. "You thought I didn't have anymore water, didn't you?"

He simply scowls, ignoring my last question. "I'm ready. And puppets don't get tired." He's clearly a little worn out, as he chugs the water I gave him.

"If you say so~" I wink at Paimon knowingly and we both giggle a little bit. We start heading out towards our next commission, the Wanderer trailing behind. 

We get to our last commission of the day, and Paimon's eyes grow big.

"Ohhhhhh these fungi look realllyyyyy scaryyyyyyyy. Paimon's just gonna hide over there until you guys are done!~" She flies behind a tree and peeks out, clearly a little frightened.

"They're not that bad, Paimon." I chuckle as I look back at the Wanderer. "Ready?"

I don't get a response from him, but as soon as I draw my sword, he draws his catalyst and fights alongside me. It's like artwork. His moves perfectly coordinate with mine, and mine with his, and soon, all the fungi are cleared. I look over at him, panting a little bit.

"You're really good, Wanderer."

"Hmph." He scowls and turns away again, but I can see a hint of pride in his eyes. He may not show it, but I can tell he likes being complimented. 

I chuckle. "We're all done for the day. You're free to head on back but... are you hungry? Do you wanna join us for some food?"

"Hmph. Eating food with you? How amusing." He scowls. "I have no need for food... what a joke."

"Suit yourself then. I guess we part ways here." I turn and begin to walk away.

"W-wait... I think... I suppose I was a bit hasty with my decision. I don't need to eat but perhaps, to humor you, I could eat a small snack." I see a slightly pleading look in his eyes. A sudden fear of being alone. I smile warmly.

"You're welcome to join us then. Come along." I gesture for him to walk alongside us as we head back to Sumeru City. 

"Don't expect me to enjoy this." He grumbles as he walks along. "And don't expect this to happen again. I've hated every moment of today, and I do not wish to repeat it."

"I understand, Wanderer. Don't worry, I wouldn't expect anything like that of you." I meant that in the nicest way possible but realized how horrible it sounded right as the words left my mouth. "I- I'm sorry I didn't mean to say it like that... what I meant was-" I begin to try to explain myself, but the Wanderer cuts me off.

"I don't care."

"Oh. I see. Sorry." I immediately shut up and we walk in silence for the rest of the way. Paimon scowls a little bit, and I can tell she's a bit upset that the Wanderer ended up coming along with us to eat, but I brush it off. I felt bad not offering...