"You ready to go, girlie?" Childe asked, a bright smile crept onto his lips.
"Yes, but why won't you tell me?" You asked, slightly pouting.
"Because it's a surprise! What's the fun in knowing the surprise?" He placed his hands on his hips.
You rolled your eyes, "Okay, then let's go. I'm excited."
He intertwined his fingers with yours, "I told you I'd take you somewhere, and I am fulfilling that promise today."
"We don't have work today?" You asked as he guided you outside.
"I got special request from her highness. She assigned LaSignora to the job for the next few days, so you're all mine!" He gave a devilish giggle as he pushed your suitcase into your hands.
"A whole bag? When did you pack this?" You asked, astonished by his planning ahead.
"That's not very important, girlie." He waved his hand, "C'mon, we can't miss our ride."
He pulled you through the bustling crowd of Liyue. The two of you got a bunch of odd looks, for Childe was normally seen by himself.
The two of you arrived at the dock, you were greeted by a tall, handsome man.
"Y/N, Childe." He started."
You turned your attention to the man, "Zhongli! Why are you here?" You smiled, engulfing him in a hug.
Childe felt a twinge of jealously at the sight of you showing affection to the ex-archon.
Zhongli took notice, "Okay y/n, I need you to let go now." He chuckled.
You looked up at him, "Hm?"
Zhongli pointed, "It seems your boyfriend doesn't like the attention I am getting."
Childe crossed his arms, turning his back away from you. His face was beet red, he felt embarrassed. How dare Zhongli out him like that!
"Well, if he doesn't do something about it then I'm not letting go!" You teased, winking up at Zhongli.
Childe's head turned on instinct. He marched over to you, picking you up by the waist and pulling you into a tight hug.
"Mine."He growled at Zhongli, his ocean blue eyes slimming, "No hugs for you."
You felt your mouth quiver. You liked when he was possessive over you. Your face immediately began to heat up, leaving you embarrassed.
You watched as Zhongli shook his head out of amusement, "Oh, young love."
You could feel Childe's heartbeat rapidly pulsating.
"Is my Ajax perhaps jealous?" You teased at him, giving him a peck on the cheek.
He looked down at you, "Yes." He cringed.
Your face softened, he was adorable. You knew how much he hates to admit his feelings.
"Well, the two of you best be off. Safe travels. Myself as well as Aether will be waiting for your return." Zhongli politely smiled.
"Aether...? He isn't furious with me?" You frowned, heart pounding.
"No, he's forgiven you. He knew that you weren't you that night. He was relieved to know that you made a safe recovery."
You felt a smile creep up on your lips. You felt so relieved.
"I'm glad," you sighed, "I hope our little spar didn't ruin our friendship."
Zhongli and Childe both asked in synchronization, "Friendship?"
You slowly nodded, "Yes. Our friendship."
Zhongli ruffled your hair, "You've changed so much, y/n. I'm proud of how far you've come along."
You gave a toothy grin, "Thank you for everything, Zhongli."
He gave you a swift hug before ushering you back to Childe. Childe offered his open palm, and you gladly accepted. He helped you board the ship heading to who-knows-where. As the two of you stood on the deck of the ship, you leaned in his arms, admiring the disappearing view of Liyue Harbor.
"I can't wait for you to meet them." Childe whispered as he rested his head gently on top of yours.
"Who?" You asked.
"My family." He smiled.
You felt your face light up, "Really?!"
You jumped out of Childe's arms, now facing him.
"Yes!" Childe exclaimed back.
"Oh my archon! Are you really sure?" You stared at him in disbelief.
"Of course, girlie." Childe opened his arms.
You hopped into his arms, squealing out of excitement and nervousness.
"Are you sure they'll like me?" You asked.
"Positive." He answered back, pulling your body closer to his.
"I can't wait." You whispered, melting under his embrace.
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Chapter 26.5- End.