A Change of Heart or Mind [Childe x F!Reader]

Chapter 6 - Memories of Him

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8 Years Ago...

It had been five years since y/n was brought to the House of the Hearth. Three years since she had met the trio. Two since she met the twins. She had made friends. Real friends. She had just turned eleven and had a decent mini celebration with her friends. She was content with what she had. She was alright with being overlooked by Father. She had a new family around her. Lyney, Lynette, Freminet. Fleur, Camille, Amelie. They were all she needed in life. 

At least, that's what she thought. 

One hot summer day, Fleur, Camille, Amelie, and y/n were sitting outside of the House, chatting like always after y/n's daily round of chores. 

"We should have some kind of picnic," Fleur piped up. "I've learned some recipes from my mother so I can provide the food."

"I'll ask for permission if I can leave grounds," y/n answered, fanning herself. 

Camille groaned, sitting back. "Sorry, but I don't think I can go with you guys this time."

"Why?"

Camille looked down at her lap. "He's back in town. 

"Julien?" Fleur questioned.

Camille rolled her eyes at the mention of the name. "Who else?"

"Who's Julien?" y/n asked curiously.

"My step-brother. He's been in Mondstadt for the past three years with my dad. My dad's doing merchant stuff while Julien's getting private training lessons with the knights over there. And I got left here helping my step-mom with the shop. Not that I hate working with her, it's fun and all chatting and stuff. I just barely almost forgot about him."

"Her dad's how my father got the cecilia shipments," Fleur added. 

"You've never really talked about him for a while, now that I think about it," Amelie murmured.

"I do it for your sake, Ames," Camille teased. "How much you wanna bet he still has that fat crush on you?"

Amelie sighed, leaning her head on y/n's shoulder, playing with a strand of y/n's hair. "Please, don't remind me."

"Do you not have good relations with him?" y/n tilted her head.

Camille shrugged. "I've always kinda despised him a little, but I don't know how much he's changed in these past years. But all I can remember is how he always acted like he was better than us even though he's only one year older. It's because he's destined to become a Garde, protecting the whole of Fontaine, while my path is to become a performer at the Opera Epiclese, merely entertaining the whole of Fontaine."

She slouched, flashing Fleur an annoyed look. "And plus, ever since Fleur's quit ballet it's been so dull."

Fleur gave her an apologetic smile back. "Sorry. Mother needed me to help with the shop. Plus, I don't have enough talent to perform at the Epiclese. I don't want to either." 

"Performing at the Epiclese is a great honor though," y/n pondered. "Lyney and Lynette have talked about it before I think..."

Fleur perked up. "Ooh! How are they doing? We haven't seen them in months."

Camille smiled, glad to change the subject. "I miss their funny magic tricks."

Around a year ago, when Lyney and Lynette had first arrived, y/n had introduced them to her friends when one day they came to visit earlier than expected. Fleur had brought sandwiches, enough for everyone, and in return, Lyney presented a cecilia out of Camille's ear. Y/n was certain he had stolen it from her room beforehand.