The secret to your heart || Mafia AU [childe]

4.7

Artist: illix233 via twitter (X)

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That night, shrouded in darkness, you slipped through the narrow passage leading to the basement entrance. The mission was straightforward. Even if you get caught, you can tell them that you were merely a wanderer on a midnight stroll.

You put the lamp you brought with you down next to your feet.

The key Tinsey had given you came in numbers. It was a race between you opening this door before anyone could spot you. But you observe this basement quite a lot and you had learned that the area is deserted at this hour.

"Interesting, so that's your secret," came a voice, cutting through the silence. You turned to find Childe leaning casually against a wall, a smirk playing on his lips. His presence was an unexpected complication. "Ugh," you groaned in frustration, his high-pitched tone only adding to your irritation. "Aw, you seem happy to meet me" he taunted, his sarcasm grating on your nerves.

"I knew you would show up," you said, trying to keep your voice steady. "Oh? Am I that predictable?" Childe's smile widened. "You won't go away even if I tell you to, which is more annoying." You crossed your arms, the keys clutched tightly in your hand. "Well, it seems like you're doing something interesting without me; of course, I have to join," he said, stepping closer. "Basement keys, huh?" He eyed the keys with curiosity. You knew if there was one person who could break your predicament it would be him.

"Stay at least five feet away from me," you told firmly.

"Why?" Childe grinned, stepping closer until your back was against the door. He knocked the lantern, plunging the room into darkness.

"You're too close," you said, pushing against his chest.

"Just stay still," Childe murmured, his breath tickling your ear. "Why bother finding the right key when you can just use a pin?" With a sudden click, the door creaked open behind you, making you stumble back.

"I got you," he said, catching you effortlessly and pulling you back into his arms.

"You're so extra," you roll your eyes, finally pushing him away. "You could have just told me to move; why bother...ugh, whatever," you said, turning away.

"Pft, hahaha, I just wanted to tease you a little, " Childe's voice followed you, but you ignored him. You grabbed a flashlight and began going down the stairs.

The Pavel basement was big, with high ceilings and rows of containers and tanks. Each container was labeled, but the tanks remained a mystery. One clear tank held an unknown liquid. You approached it, trying to identify the contents, wishing you had brought someone more knowledgeable.

"I feel like I'm in a spy movie, movie," Childe's voice interrupted your thoughts, a grin spreading across his face.

"Ugh, ugh," you rolled your eyes, annoyed that instead of a helpful companion, you had a childlike one. "If it was Alhaith—"

You stopped yourself abruptly. Why were you thinking of him now?

"The scribe?" Childe chimed in, his tone mockingly curious. "You're annoying. If you want to follow me, learn to keep quiet."

"Come on, it's been so long since we did something like this together; we've been so caught up with the lady. I'm excited to lurk around in someone's basement," Childe said cheerfully.

"Right," you sighed, continuing your exploration. The labels on the containers hinted at various weapons and drugs, even strange things like books.

"Wow," Childe exclaimed, picking up a Tommy gun. "They've got Tommy's gun." Your companion you brought in looks like he's enjoying this more than you are.