ChiLumi - Crimson Tides of love

43

The atmosphere in the guest bedroom was a blend of soft moonlight filtering in through the window and the warm glow from a nearby lantern. Lumine stood with her hands on her hips, her golden hair cascading over her shoulder, as she watched Childe navigate the intricate dance of putting on his red dress shirt. Despite his cheerful demeanor, she could see the slight wince every now and then as he maneuvered his movement around the bandages adorning his torso.

"Hold still," she said with a playful smile, stepping closer to him. Childe's usual confident smile faltered slightly as he leaned against the wall for support. "Trust me, I'm not going to bite." The teasing tone in her voice made him chuckle softly, much to her relief.

"Easy for you to say, Lumine. You're not the one who just got patched up," he retorted, though there was no real bite to his words. He watched her prepare for the task ahead, admiring how her Aquatic Vision glimmered softly at her side, the water droplets as if ready to spring to life and help ease his pain.

"Alright, let's get this over with," he replied, trying to maintain lightheartedness in the face of discomfort. "You'd think I'd have a handle on putting on a shirt by now."

With delicate precision, Lumine reached for the red shirt hanging from its hanger, flipping it inside out and then presenting it to Childe. "First, let me help you with this," she said gently.

He nodded, keeping his breathing steady as she moved to slip it over his shoulders. She was careful, her fingers deftly maneuvering around the bandages that wrapped snugly around his torso, her touch light as a feather. "There we go," she murmured as she slid the fabric into place. "You look good in this color, by the way."

"Thanks," he chuckled, still a little distracted by the sting of his wounds. "But I think it's mostly the shirt doing the work here." He then turned, allowing her to fasten the buttons, each one a reminder of the struggle he had faced.

As she worked, Lumine's brow furrowed in concentration. "You really pushed yourself too hard in that last battle," she remarked, her gaze flicking up to meet his. "But don't worry. After we finish this, I'll use my Hydro Vision to help heal you. It'll feel much better afterward."

"Only if I get to return the favor sometime," Childe replied with a teasing grin, though he knew in his heart that it wouldn't be today. He could see the determination in her eyes, mingling with concern. "I'll be up and running by tomorrow, just you wait."

"Let's focus on today first, shall we?" she said, her voice softening. With deft fingers, she finished buttoning up the shirt, and then she moved on to the coat hanging nearby.

Lumine held it up to him, waiting for his nod before she helped him slide it on. Her hands brushed against the fabric and, despite the gentleness of her touch, he could feel the faintest tremor within her. "There," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look dashing, Childe. Ready for whatever the evening has in store."

Childe smiled, almost forgetting the pain temporarily as he adjusted the coat, forcing himself to focus on how Lumine was observing him with admiration rather than let anything else cloud his mind. "All thanks to you, oh great Hydro healer," he said, his voice laced with warmth. "Now, about that healing session?"

Lumine crossed her arms with a mock-serious expression, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "After this? You're in for some gentle water magic that will make you feel like you've just bathed in Liyue's finest hot springs."

"Is that a promise?" he teased.

"Consider it a guarantee," she replied with a wink.

As they continued to banter, the lingering warmth in the room grew—an atmosphere built not just from the light but from the comfort that came from their shared camaraderie, a bond strengthened by battles fought in the name of adventure. Outside, the stars twinkled like tiny lanterns, a promise of the new adventures that lay ahead—together.