little secret • childe

novem

tw drunken conf

"...and that's how i ended up eating three boxes of donuts. I'm still mad no one helped me. But i don't have any regrets about it."
you went on, slurring on your words. Childe looked like he could pass out any moment now, but was still listening intently. The two of you had been drinking for the past hour and a half, completely losing sense of place and time.

"Does that mean if i got you donuts you'd get intense PTSD?"

"Nah, but you'd probably receive a hug or two." you smiled at him and he shot you a grin back.

"Shit, then i should probably start treating you to sweets at school."

You giggled at this. You could feel your eyelids get heavier. An urge took over you and you placed your head on the ginger's shoulder, giving it your best to stay awake.

"...you know, Childe, i never thought you could make such nice company..."

"Really? What did you think about me?"

"I thought you were a dumb player who only cared about parties and himself."

"I get the parties part, but why player? I haven't had a girlfriend in, like, six months or what." his comment made you laugh.

"Woah, get out a little, Virgin Mary."

"Shut up." he faked a sulk and pretended he was about to push you off himself. You played in, acting scared. The both of you immediately burst out laughing afterwards.

"...I guess it was because you're always surrounded by girls... you know... even now."

"Yeah, but they aren't exactly the type of people i'd actually keep around myself, trust me. I only have a few real friends. Even less know my actual name." he leaned back, and his lap suddenly looked really comfortable. You laid your head there. Everything felt so natural with him.

"Your actual name? You mean Tartaglia? Or wait, it was Ajax, right?"
You looked up to see his reaction. He avoided your gaze and one could catch the slightest hint of red on his cheeks.

"Yeah, Ajax... that's my real name."

"Why do people call you Childe or Tartaglia then? Why not just Ajax?"

"Well... they're both nicknames. Tartaglia is a nickname by my siblings, while Childe is something that came off from my friends."

"Ah... i see. But you don't tell people your actual name?" he sighed and once again looked away.

"Well... how do i put this forth? For me, my name is something a lot more personal. That's why only my closest ones can call me that. Plus Ningguang."

"Hmm... i think i understand."

"Sorry for not clarifying this a little earlier."

"No, it's alright. But what i do need clarification on is in which category do i fall? What can I call you?"

Silence followed. It was comfortable, yet still a bit dreadful due to the lack of an answer from the tall boy's side.