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       It was time to go back to work, today Collei was feeling a bit sick so you didn't have anyone to talk to, except Tighnari. After the conversation you had with him yesterday you didn't know if you wanted to approach him or not. But it was too late to think of that now.

"Y/n, i've been looking for you, how are you?" He started walking beside you.

"Oh you know i've been–" You thought about it for a moment, how did you really feel

"Is something wrong?" The long pause you took came off as concerning you presumed.

"Yes I'm fine, I'm just thinking."

"Oh? Of what?" He questioned turning his focus to a flower and kneeling down and inspecting it.

"Nothing too significant." But in reality you really wanted to know what he meant yesterday. You could hang out with Alhaitham if you wanted to. Why should he care anyway?

"I'm no psychic, but you're thinking about yesterday aren't you?" He turned and smiled kindly.

"How did you–?" you were honestly surprised at his assumption

"Your body language tells me everything, and like I said yesterday, I'm just looking out for you. But of course, you don't have to listen to me."

"Right.." You nodded looking away a few seconds after.

"Anyway, I have other things to do, stay safe." He waved goodbye, as soon as he was out of sight you went straight to your house. If you remembered correctly, you could make it to Port Ormos and make it back swiftly without getting caught.

"This is probably the stupidest idea I've ever had–but it's worth a shot." You thought out loud but just low enough so no one would hear. You put on your over the shoulder bag, you just wanted to hangout with Alhaitham for a bit. What could be the harm in that?

You walked for about twenty minutes when you saw familiar figure with ginger colored hair in the near distance, Childe? He really is everywhere huh? You thought back to the moment you encountered him in Inazuma as well. It was best you avoided him, especially after what you heard happened in Liyue.

"Hey comrade, how've you been?" But of course you could never really avoid people.

"So we meet again? I've been fine." You replied

"Where are you headed to?"

"Port Ormos, I'm trying to find someone." You don't know if Alhaitham would actually be there but you could at least hope.

"I'm actually going there too, mind if I tag along on your walk?" He asks with a smile on his face.

"I don't mind." Something felt– off, about him today but you brushed off.

At Port Ormos

"I have some business to take care of, I'll see you soon Y/N."And with that, he left. And you know you'll see him very soon. It was time to find Alhaitham, wherever he could be. You were wandering around until you saw him.

"Y/N? I didn't expect to see you here today." He was surprised.

"I came to see you actually, I hope you're not busy?" You asked nervously waiting for a response

"I have to run a few errands, but besides that I have nothing else to do. You can come with me if you'd like?"

"Sure I'll go with you," You smiled at him.

The both of you arrived at the Akademiya's office building. "Are you sure I can go in there?" You asked just to be safe.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you if anything happens." A faint blush appeared on your face."You can go sit over there this won't take long."

You sat down and decided to talk to Childe, not expecting him to be there but it's better not to sit in silence.

"I didn't expect to see you here, what are you doing here anyway?" He said as he sat down next to you

"I'm with someone, I'm just waiting for him." You replied

"You mean your boyfriend over there? I've heard some interesting things about him."

"He isn't my boyfriend, we're just friends of course. Also, what's up with everyone saying that? He's been so nice to me?" Your eyes wandered around the building whilst you thought about why anyone would say that.

"Oh you know how people act towards the Akademiya here, don't worry about it too much." He stood up, "I have to go now, I hope to see you again." He waved goodbye.

"Why were you talking with that guy?" Alhaitham walked up to you questioning you, he did seem a bit annoyed though.

"Oh we're friends, is something the matter?" You responded innocently.

"Y/n, you do know he's a part of the fatui, correct?" He asks with a serious look.

"Yeah, I promise I'm not a part of the Fatui. We just met some time ago." You sighed and looked away from his gaze.

"I hope you know what you're dealing with here, let's go.

"I do know what I'm dealing with, I can take care of myself." You shot back, once you realized what you said you instantly regretted it. But of course, it was too late.

"Oh really? Don't come to me if the fatui ever does anything to you if that's true." His words hurt you, not just a little bit but enough to make your chest hurt. You knew he was just trying to keep you safe, but you knew Childe. He'd never hurt you, right?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound inconsiderate." You just hoped that the rest of the day wouldn't be awkward.

"It's fine, I don't want you to get hurt alright?" You nodded and you both exited the building and went on a walk.

You knew you had to return to work soon but what could be the harm in just leaving for one day out of a ton? You thought Tighnari wouldn't mind, but that was a situation for future you. 

A/N: Had to add some type of drama to the story so I don't get bored of it, so enjoy 💀? Next chapter should release soon <3