Death of Me [Tartaglia]

chapter 10

Childe comes back downstairs, from putting his brothers to bed, and met me sitting on the couch. He smiles as he sits next to me, leaning back and closing his eyes. I look at my hands in my lap not sure what to do now. 

He and I had hung out with his younger siblings all day, later making them dinner. They were good kids. I told them a story before Childe had taken the upstairs and both of them had fallen asleep, I don't know if that means it was a comforting story, or a boring one. 

"Thank you for coming with me," Childe says quietly. 

I look over at him, he's smiling at me. I allow a soft smile, "Yeah, of course." 

"They both really likes you. Thank you for being so kind to them." 

I blush, slightly proud, "It's really not that big of a deal, anyone could have done that." 

He looks forward, "I worry about them, with Mom, Dad, and Tonia always working, I think they get lonely." 

"They're lucky to have you," I mutter, not sure where this conversation is going. 

He lets out a small hum of agreement. There is silence between us for several minutes. He looks at the wall in front of us and I look at him. 

"Yn?" he asks, looking back at me. "Are you the traitor? Please just be honest." 

My breathe hitches, why is he asking that now? He doesn't honestly think I'd tell him the truth does he? Maybe this was all an elaborate plan to get me to think we were close so I'd spill my secrets to him. He's a fool if he thinks that. I didn't do all this just to tell the enemy on a whim. 

"No," my voice doesn't come out as strong as I want it to and I look away from his clever eyes. 

I hear him exhale, but he doesn't say anything. He has to know that was a lie, what is he gonna do? 

The front door swings open, suddenly, and a brunette girl, who looks 17, and has Childe's clear, blue eyes walks in. 

"Boys!" she calls, looking around. 

"Shh!" Childe says, turning his head to grin at his younger sister. "They're already in bed, Tonia!" 

The girl, Tonia, turns in the direction of his voice, beaming when she sees him, "You're here!" 

She runs over to greet her older brother, but slows when she sees me. 

Childe notices and turns to introduce me as if nothing had happened, "Tonia, this is Yn. She works with me." 

That only makes Tonia glare at me more, "Why did you invite her here?" 

"Oh Tonia, be nice!" Childe says, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "She's been helping me with, um, a case recently and I was taking the day off. I thought I would invite her to come." 

I'm slightly taken aback by her coldness to me. Tuecer and Anton had been so quick to accept me I hadn't thought that Tonia wouldn't. Then again, they thought I was a toy maker and she knows I'm Fatui. 

"It's nice to meet you Tonia,  there is still some chicken in the kitchen if you're hungry." 

"Hm, why don't you show me where it is. Childe stay in here," she snaps. 

"Tonia, don't be like that," Childe starts. 

"Alright," I say. 

I don't know why making a good impression feels so important right now. Maybe if I can gain her trust I can gain Childe's. 

I follow Tonia into the kitchen and out of Childe's ear shot. She wheels around on me, glaring daggers. 

"Who do you think you are, seducing my brother?" 

I'm taken aback, "What? I'm not seducing anyone!" 

The idea has me knocked off focus. I'm here to try to gain Childe's sympathy and get him to not suspect me, to seduce him is ridiculous. 

"Don't lie!" she practically yells. "You just want him because he's a big, rich harbinger!" You're using him to elevate yourself! You're scum." 

"I'm not trying to use him," I say, still off guard. 

"Oh please, you're dressed like a servant, no way you're helping him with a task. You're just trying to get his attention." 

"Tonia that's enough," we both turn to look at Childe. "I trust her Tonia, leave her alone." 

My heart skips a beat at the idea of his trusting me. Looking at Tonia, I can see hers just sunk.  

"Childe think of this logically!" Tonia pleads. 

"Tonia," Childe says firmly. 

She scowls and leaves to go upstairs without taking any food. Childe glances at me apologetically. 

"I'm sorry about her," he says, brushing a hand through his hair. 

"It's fine, I can see wear she's coming from." 

More silence fills the room before Childe speaks again, "I wanted to wait for Mom and Dad, but we should go." 

I nod, and we make our way to the door.