[part one]
“Childe invites Lumine to the annual Snezhnayan holiday dedicated to the Tsaritsa. There, she meets his entire family, and all the conflict that comes with them.”
warning: will get mildly suggestive in this part onwards so uhhh yea beware O///w///O
[Fic Masterlist]
“ice fishing” (pt. 2)
Lumine’s face flushed. He can’t seriously think….Childe and I?!
“Hmmm. Well, I wouldn’t mind not having grandchildren. Tonia, Teucer, and Anthon are already a handful.” He chuckled. “Perhaps in the future though.”
“From Alexei and Misha?” she suggested, hoping to turn the attention away from herself.
He let out a boisterous laugh. “Alexei and Misha both chase off any suitor within 100 meters. No, they won’t be having children, ever, I think.”
And so back to Childe…and me. Walking through the doorway, the two were greeted by Teucer.
“Papa! Lumine! I’ve been waiting sooooo long!”
Feliks smiled, picking Teucer up, and embracing him gently. “Dinner smells delicious. Did you kids make Ajax cook?”
Teucer giggled. “Of course!”
“His first night back and he’s already cooking for a small army,” the old man said. “The strength of that kid…”
They made their way to the dining room where Anthon and Tonia were helping set up plates and silverware, under the watchful eye of Misha.
Alexei, already sitting in a chair, perked up at Lumine’s entrance. “Back so late? I take it father taught you all about ice fishing.”
“She’s a natural,” Feliks said proudly.
“It seems she is just all around an amazing girl, no?” Alexei said, head tilting.
Lumine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Excuse me,” she said, making her way to the kitchen.
Childe was there, plating the dishes carefully. “Welcome back,” he said cheerfully.
She walked over to him, silently wiping away a bit of flour on his cheek. “I met your father.”
“And?”
“He taught me all about ice fishing.”
He smiled. “You know, he doesn’t teach just anyone ice fishing.” He swiped some sugar on her lips with his finger. “You’re special.”
“Very funny,” she said, going to wipe away the sugar. Before she could, he kissed her, licking the sugar away for her. He then deepened the kiss.
After a few moments, Lumine broke away. “What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Thanking you for that duel earlier,” he murmured back. His hands grasped her hips, pulling her closer, and she instinctively put her arms around his neck.
“AHEM.”
The two broke apart quickly to find Misha standing in the doorway.
“Perhaps save that for the bedroom,” she said, emotionlessly. “If you’re not going to serve dinner, Ajax, I will.”
Childe cleared his throat. “I will.” His sister cast one more look of disapproval before leaving.
“Misha, always ruining the fun,” he mumbled.
“Out of all people to walk in,” Lumine said, shaking her head.
“We’d better serve the food,” he said, stepping away and grabbing one of the plates. “Seems like I’ll have to thank you later.” He winked at her before leaving.
Heat filled her core, and she grabbed a plate as well, heading back to the dining room, hoping to cool off quickly. After setting all the plates, Lumine noticed there was one extra. His mother.
Feliks moved to grab the plate, when Alexei stopped him. “I think our dear Lumine should bring the plate up to mother, don’t you think so, Ajax? A perfect time to meet her.”
Childe’s jaw clenched. “Alexei, why don’t you do it?”
“It’s okay,” Lumine interjected. “I’ll do it.”
“See? Sweet little Lumine will gladly do it.” Alexei was smiling again. How punchable.
She took the plate and started heading upstairs. Soon, she heard Childe’s footsteps behind her.
“You don’t have to listen to Alexei,” he said. “Don’t let him get to you.”
“I’m not,” she assured. “I wanted to do this.”
“Okay…,” Childe said quietly. “Her room is there.” He pointed to the end of the hall.
Upon entering the room, there was a noticeable smell in the air, like incense trying to mask the underlying smell of sickness.
A woman around the same age as Feliks stood by the window, her large blue eyes reflecting the nightly stars, transfixed by the sight outside. Her light brown hair was braided back. She was humming something, something that sounded like a lullaby. Childe’s mom…Galina…
“Mother,” Childe said quietly. “Come sit down.” He led her to a chair to sit. She didn’t stop looking out the window, nor cease her humming.
He motioned for Lumine to set the food down, which she did accordingly. Childe tapped on the bowl. “We brought you something to eat, mom.”
She finally looked away from the window, down at the food. “Mmhm, thank you, Teucer.”
Childe frowned, and Lumine understood.
Galina looked at her. “Wow! Tonia, you’ve gotten so big! I don’t remember you with blonde hair though…,” she trailed off, face furrowed in confusion.
Childe gently took his mother’s hands into his own. “Mom, I’m Ajax, remember? I know I’ve been gone a lot, but I’m Ajax.”
“Ajax…,” she echoed. Still confused.
“Yes,” he pressed on. “And this? Isn’t Tonia. Her name is Lumine.”
Lumine came to Childe’s side, kneeling down, and taking one of Galina’s hands. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Galina stared blankly at the two. “I think…I think I’m…forgetting something…”
“That’s okay,” Feliks said, standing by the doorway. “I’m here.”
Galina’s eyes seemed to light up a little. “Hello there.” There wasn’t recognition, but there was still an innate happiness from seeing him.
“Go eat dinner, you two,” Feliks said softly, coming to take their place.
Childe stood, watching his mother and father for a second, then turning and leaving. Lumine quickly followed.
She trailed behind him as he turned towards the other bedrooms, instead of the dining hall. He entered one of the bedrooms, then sat on the bed in the darkness. Lumine closed the door behind her, and silently joined him.
“They left,” he said. His voice sounded a bit hoarse. “Alexei and Misha left when she first got sick. They said they didn’t want to deal with her weakness.” He scoffed. “Leaving when someone needs you? Just because you can’t be bothered? That’s weakness.” His fists clenched. “Then it was just me, taking care of everyone; dad couldn’t handle it. He just…went out to the lake. Everyday.”
He stood up, pacing. “Then they came back, and acted like I was the bad guy for joining the Harbingers.” He stopped in front of the window. He let out a shaky breath, along with a shaky laugh. “Sorry I’ve just piled all this on you. You don’t deserve to be dragged into all this.”
Lumine went to him, and hugged him from behind. “Please don’t be sorry,” she whispered. “I’m right here. I’ll always be right here.”
Was she really promising to be with him? Forever?
It had just flowed from her mouth. It just felt right to say.
Childe turned, facing her. She could’ve sworn his eyes were glistening.
“I love you,” he said.
?!
“D-don’t joke about that,” Lumine said.
He cupped her face in his hands. “I’m not.” He stared directly into her eyes. “I. Love. You.”
Lumine’s heart was pounding, faster than it ever had around Childe.
“I…I love you too,” she whispered.
“What was that?”
“I’m going to hit you.”
He laughed then leaned towards her ear. “Please. One more time,” he whispered into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
She grasped at his arms, steadying herself from her buckling knees. “I love you.”
Childe brought his face back to hers, their lips brushing. “Thank you,” he said against her lips. He kissed her, softly, and this time, Lumine deepened their kiss.
He easily picked her up, her legs wrapping around his waist, and set her on the bed. He ripped his gloves off with his teeth, and Lumine shuddered under his bare touch.
“I love you, Lumine,” he said again, leaving a trail of kisses from her mouth down her neck.
“I love you too,” she whispered back before their bodies disappeared under the blankets.
And everytime she said it, it got easier. Everytime she said it, she felt it more and more.
He would say it, and she would always say it back.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .
[part 3 coming soon]