ChiLumi - Crimson Tides of love

34

The delicate aroma of spices and simmering broth wafted through the air as Lumine and Childe savored their meal at the Wangshu Inn. The tranquil setting of the establishment provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate luncheon.

Lumine couldn't help but steal glances at Childe as they ate, captivated by the way the sunlight playing across his features. There was a certain grace and elegance in the way he carried himself, even while indulging in the flavorful Liyue cuisine.

Paimon, ever the enthusiastic dining companion, had polished off her plate in record time, her tiny body now reclining contentedly on the table. She eyed the couple with a mischievous glint, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"So, Childe," she piped up, drawing their attention, "what was it you wanted to discuss with us?"

Childe paused, setting down his utensils and dabbing at the corners of his mouth with his napkin. "Ah, yes. Thank you for reminding me, Paimon."

He turned his gaze to Lumine, his expression softening with affection. "Lumine, as I mentioned in my letter, I've made some... changes to my work responsibilities." He reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. "I've requested a transfer to the Mobile region."

Lumine's eyes widened, her heart racing with a surge of excitement and curiosity. "Mobile?" she echoed, her fingers instinctively tightening around his. "But that's so far from here. Why would you—"

Childe's thumb grazed the back of her hand, a serene smile spreading across his face. "Because I want to be able to spend more time with you, Lumine," he murmured, his gaze holding hers captive. "I... I care for you deeply, and the thought of being apart from you is simply unbearable."

Lumine felt her breath catch in her throat, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his words. She had known there was a growing bond between them, but to hear him express it so openly filled her with a sense of joy and disbelief.

Paimon, for once, remained surprisingly silent, her eyes darting between the two with rapt attention.

"Childe, I..." Lumine began, her voice trembling with emotion. "I don't know what to say. This is... so unexpected."

Childe squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You don't have to say anything, my dear," he soothed. "I simply wanted you to know that I'm willing to make this change, to be closer to you. Because you..." He paused, his expression growing suddenly bashful. "You mean the world to me, Lumine."

Lumine felt a warmth blossom in her chest, and without a second thought, she leaned across the table, capturing Childe's lips in a tender kiss. She poured all of her burgeoning feelings into the embrace, her heart soaring as he eagerly returned her affection.

When they finally parted, both flushed and breathless, Paimon let out an exaggerated groan.

"Ugh, you two are so mushy," the tiny companion huffed, though the fondness in her voice was unmistakable. "But Paimon's happy for you, I guess."

Lumine and Childe exchanged a knowing glance, their fingers intertwining as they shared a private, contented smile. Whatever the future held, they knew they would face it together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

Childe glanced at Lumine, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Let's just say I've found someone very special in my life," he murmured, his fingers gently reaching out to intertwine with Lumine's. "And I want to be able to spend more time with her, even as I continue my duties as a Fatui Harbinger."

Lumine felt her heart swell with a mix of joy and disbelief. "Childe, are you saying...?"

He nodded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Being based in Mobile means I can work remotely, traveling all over Teyvat while my main office stays here in Liyue. It gives me the freedom to be with you, Lumine, without sacrificing my responsibilities."