ChiLumi - Crimson Tides of love

47

Here is a small comic representing this Chapter.

artist is @ArtsyRiriBlobbu on Twitter

The first rays of sunlight seeped through the curtains, spilling soft golden light across the cozy inn room. Childe, the eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, lay sprawled on the futon, a soft smile still lingering on his lips from last night's intimate moment. He could hardly believe it—the proposal had gone off without a hitch, and Lumine's gentle smile made his heart race.

Feeling energetic in the wake of their shared promise, Childe decided to make breakfast. He tiptoed around the room, careful not to wake anyone, especially Lumine, who lay peacefully beside him. He gathered a few ingredients from the kitchen area: eggs, flour, and fresh vegetables. The soft sounds of sizzling soon filled the air as he worked his culinary magic, aiming to impress her just a little more.

As he whisked the batter, the bliss of the moment was interrupted by a faint fluttering sound. Childe glanced up, curious, just in time to see a small, shimmering oceanid dart through the open window. The tiny creature, water glistening on its ethereal form, hovered before him with wide, inquisitive eyes.

"Lumine!" the oceanid chirped eagerly, glancing around the room. "Is she here?"

Childe wiped his hands on a towel and chuckled softly. "She's still asleep, little one. But you were quite the wake-up call."

The oceanid, Endora, tilted her head slightly. A glimmer of recognition sparked in her watery gaze. "Oh! You must be Childe!"

The Harbinger raised an eyebrow, confusion mingling with intrigue. "That's me, but how do you know my name?"

"They said you were charming and attractive like a fine sword gleaming in the sunlight." Endora began to move in little excited circles, her voice bubbling with excitement. "And Lumine told me all about you! She said I should call you... Father?"

Childe's cheeks turned a shade of crimson, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Father? Is that what she said?" The idea amused him more than anything; him, a father figure? His playful nature made the notion feel both strange and endearing.

"Yes! She said you care for her so much," Endora continued, fluttering closer. "She always talks about how you fight bravely and make her laugh. She loves your smile!"

At this moment, Childe sensed the stirrings of warmth in his heart. He couldn't suppress the grin that settled back on his lips; the warmth of their bond felt more tangible with each passing word. "That's kind of her, but I'm no father—at least not yet." He paused and leaned down, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If I was, I'd be a pretty fun dad, don't you think?"

Endora giggled and twirled in the air, droplets of water sparkling all around her. "I think so! But I still need to see Lumine! You must wake her! The ocean is calling her back!"

Just then, they heard a soft yawn from the futon. Lumine stirred, her golden hair spilling like rays of sunshine around her. She blinked sleepily, taking a moment to realize what was happening. "Childe? What's going on?"

"Just a little visitor," he gestured to Endora, who was now hovering excitedly as a waking disturbance to the otherwise serene morning.

"Lumine!" the oceanid exclaimed, darting toward her. "I missed you! Come back to Inazuma! There's something important!"

Lumine shook off the remnants of sleep, a mix of surprise and delight painting her features. "Endora! I didn't expect to see you this early."

Childe watched the exchange with a feeling of pride swelling within him. He had wanted to protect her and ensure her happiness, and moments like these made the journey worthwhile.