A/N: kinda an AU to Intertwined Fates, a somewhat Ode to the people who lost the 50/50, and some… feelings of jealousy at the people who got him but are not planning to use him haha. Just hashing out some feelings!!!
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The gold lands behind you and onto the center of the roof. Your excited eyes slowly lose its luster as the form morphs into a tiny child, certainly not the height of the man you really wanted to see.
Qiqi looked up to you as she adjusts her hat from the landing.
‘No… no!’
Grief struck your heart with a loud pang as you let your knees crumble onto the tiles of the roof. That was your last shot, your resources were spent and your gems were all used up. It will take a literal miracle to call upon another meteor shower to get the chance to let him visit your world.
It’s over. You lost.
You’re not setting off your adventures with Tartaglia.
Dead eyes stared at the little child in front of you, wishing, hoping, that by some miracle, she morphs into the one you desired.
“Did Qiqi do something wrong?”
And suddenly, you stop, the glare present in your face softens until guilt wracks you. ‘What is wrong with me…’ you question yourself. Here you are, blaming luck and rng on a child instead of thinking back what you did wrong.
You were over confident, the thrill and adrenaline of calling for Venti with your pitiful resources made you feel like you’re on top of the world. If it happened once, it can happen again! Surely, Tartaglia will join your merry band of misfits, right?
As sad as you were, you bring the cold child close to you, as you carry her down the roof of the Golden House. You pat her head, guilt finally crawling onto your heart as you see no malice present in the child’s gaze.
‘Well… At least I haven’t started Oceanid yet.’
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Though heartbroken as you were, life goes on and the world moves on. Your friend had invited you over on their world and with the never ending need to grind for resources, you agree. You gave your team a once over before heading over, Kaeya and Venti were making rather elaborate movements with their hands (though you have no clue what they’re talking about) while Sucrose seemed to be stuck between fascinated and horrified. Qiqi stayed by your side, her small hand holding your own.
After the disorienting feeling of crossing a world, your friend greets you with an ecstatic smile and hug as you reply with your own. Your eyes gave a quick glance at their own team set up for this session.
‘Diluc, as usual… Keqing, Zhongli–’ Your thoughts were cut off as you stare at the final member of their team. Childe stood awkwardly away from the group, not really fitting in nor attempting to make himself unknown. He saw your stare and he gave a quick wave and wink before trying to make himself unnoticeable once again.
You couldn’t help it. Your words sprang out before you could stop and think.
“You pulled Childe?!”
This somehow caught everyone’s attention. Childe looked at you with a bewildered stare as your friend sighed.
“Right? I didn’t even want him. He ruined my pity for Zhongli!” There was prick that stabbed your heart, hearing how your friend dismissed the one man you’ve been looking forward to. They laugh it off as they begin their preparations for the grinding session later. Your eyes once more find themselves focused on Childe, who was voluntarily staying away.
Without any more hesitation, you made your way to where he was and plopped down beside him. He gave you a quick smile before leaning onto your side carefully. Suddenly, the events prior began bubbling up in your chest again, as your heart longed and yearned to be able to keep this man beside you. You didn’t know what ghost possessed you to give you a sudden burst of courage but you couldn’t help it.
“Come back with me…”
“As enticing as the offer is, I’m afraid I must decline.” Despite the firm declaration in his statement, you could hear the longing in his own tone.
‘I don’t want to be here.’
“They are my Fated One. They called out and I answered. Perhaps, there is another me awaiting for your own call…” There was a sad acceptance present heavily in his voice, knowing he can’t quite come back until the mission he accepted is done. Your heart broke, as you held his hand in comfort. He gave you another smile, this time much more sincere.
“Hey, are you coming!?”
Both of you stood up, hands still locked together as you made your way back to your team.
You knew the reality, that the Childe waiting for your call won’t hear it. However, that will not stop you from waiting for the day that the skies cleared up and his constellation shone brightly once more.
You gave him a kiss on the cheek, perhaps as a consolation towards a Fated One who did not and will not give him the care you would have.