#and foul legacy holding you so gently and just eating up the affection

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

OMG YOU FOUND HIM IN THE VIDEO?!?

I was afraid they didn’t put him in at all! :O

I guess it makes sense though? He’s not part of this event, but he’s still a prominent character in the game, so I was a bit disappointed that he wasn’t chilling with anyone. :/

BUT THEN I REMEMBERED (no offense, Childe my love) he literally doesn’t have any friends 😭 Like all the harbingers lowkey hate him and he lowkey hates them back. He’s only really interacted with Yoimiya, Xinyan, and Zhongli?

Like Yoimiya and Xinyan definitely aren’t that close to him. They kinda just hung around him because he was in an event with them? Then he’s only friends with Zhongli, but it doesn’t make sense for them to hang out because Zhongli was hanging with the other archons.

But then I tried thinking about who he COULDVE hung out with and???

It’s not like with Albedo and Tighnari, they were clearly hanging out because they’re both intelligent and we’re probably talking. Or like with Itto and Cyno, they both share the common interest of playing Genius Invokation TCG.

Like no one who was there would really wanna talk to him? 😭 Even though he seems so easygoing, he has NO friends :(

Sorry, Childe brain rot. I love this funky ginger man. I’m sad that he has no friends 😭 He needs a hug and maybe a kiss… AND MAYBE A PARTNER WHO WANTS TO CUDDLE HIS FLUFFY LEGACY

Okay sorry again, brainrot over XD

okay place your bets everyone, which Pyro lady will Childe befriend next? my bet's on Yanfei because she's cool

oh oh oh but this is making me remember a brainrot i had a couple days ago- reuniting with Childe during Lantern Rite

hear me out, you're from Liyue and met him when he was stationed to do Harbinger duties, and you ended up spending a lot of time together, eventually falling in love. Childe adores you so much and wants to spend the rest of his life with you, but after the Liyue incident and Osial getting summoned he’s shipped off to Inazuma so he doesn’t cause more unrest- the other Harbingers don’t particularly like him, except maybe Pulcinella, and you can’t exactly go with him since the Harbor is your home

so tearfully you say goodbye to Childe and Foul Legacy, because you love them both and they love you, too

Childe sends you letters as often as he can, but it’s difficult since he’s trying to keep you a secret- people knowing you’re the Eleventh Harbinger’s lover could very well put you in danger. it hurts missing him this much, your heart breaking into pieces whenever you’re alone, but you have to stay strong because you know he’ll return eventually, when work permits him to

he promised to return by Lantern Rite. he promised

Childe’s gaze trails across the Harbor, seemingly admiring the lights and ribbons that decorate every door, but in truth he’s only looking for one person- you. it’s been so long since he’s seen you in person- Archons, how long has it been, exactly? too long, and both he and Foul Legacy know that. his heart thumps erratically in his chest, strangely nervous- would you be angry with him? worried about his time oversees? he couldn’t deny that he didn’t love when you fussed over him, but your fretting and fear broke his heart

or perhaps you’ve just forgotten him by this point- he wouldn’t blame you for it

“Childe!”

and there you are, standing a few feet away and staring in awe, like you didn’t truly expect him to show up. the Harbinger simply smiles, a soft, gentle smile reserved only for you, and opens his arms. in a few moments you’ve dashed over into his embrace, squeezing him tightly and fighting back joyful tears as he chuckles, hand already petting your hair

he’s back- he’s back and he’s with you, and you’re reunited

you drag him away somewhere quieter, out of the crowd in case anyone recognizes him but also because Foul Legacy is chirping insistently in the back of his head, wanting nothing more than to take control and wrap his claws around you for the first time in months- the Abyssal monster is even clingier than Childe, and the moment you’re alone there’s a burst of Electro, Foul Legacy towering over you

to anyone else it’d be terrifying, but you simply beam and press your cheek into his gentle palm, reveling in the happy croons and purrs that slip from his mouth. with a quick sweep Foul Legacy holds you in his arms, head pressed against his chest so you can still admire the fireworks. your hands wind into his lilac fluff, idly petting and combing it with your fingers as you stare up at the sky, happy and content

and Childe and Foul Legacy are finally home

[restlessfandoming]

“ice fishing” (pt. 6: FINAL) (chilumi fic)

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5]

“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.”

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link]

“ice fishing” (pt. 6: FINAL)

The lightning cleared and floating before them was Tartaglia: complete in his Foul Legacy Transformation. 

“What...what is that?” Alexei gasped out in disbelief. 

Tartaglia’s cyclops eye glinted in his direction, and before another word was uttered, he rushed towards Alexei. Tartaglia brutally grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up in the air. 

“This,” the Harbinger garbled, “is true power. Your cowardly toy is no match.” With his other hand, he grabbed the black market delusion—still sparking with immense Electro energy—and tossed it away, like a child’s toy. 

Alexei’s dangling feet weakly kicked around. “Come on, Ajax…,” he managed to strain out. “Are you going to kill me? Your brother?” His hand grasped Tartaglia’s monstrous armored claw around his neck. “I thought...I thought you loved your family.”

There was a brief moment where neither of them moved. A tiny smirk crossed Alexei’s face, believing he had convinced his brother to let him go. 

But Tartaglia’s grip tightened. 

“You,” he said loudly above Alexei’s desperate sputtering gasps, “are no family of mine.”

He turned and threw Alexei out of the room, through the hole in the wall the eldest brother had created earlier. There was a loud THUD as he landed on the ground below, followed by a painful groan. 

He’s still alive? Lumine wondered in shock. 

Upon hearing that his brother lived, Tartaglia flew out of the room as well, his dark galaxy cape billowing behind him. 

Lumine ran to the edge of the room, looking down at the two brothers in the snow. Alexei was on his back, coughing, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth. Tartaglia slowly stalked towards him. 

“You were never strong enough, Alexei,” Tartaglia said. “You were never going to be strong enough. You were always a coward.” He raised his hand up. “And now? You will die like a coward.”

Massive amounts of Hydro energy began gathering on the ground, forming a large circle around Alexei. 

“May the gods never forgive you.” 

From the ground, the Hydro energy formed into a whale, a grandiose being that blocked the moonlight, casting a dark shadow that loomed over the home. 

The whale cried out—a long, deafening tone—before it came crashing down. Tidal waves rippled through the snow, water flooded the ground. Lumine raised her arms to shield her face from the torrents of mist raining down. 

When her arms came down, Tartaglia was there, in front of her. 

Without thinking, she scrambled backwards, an innate fear spreading through her veins. She knew when entering Foul Legacy he became even more unpredictable, uncontrollable than normal. They had nearly killed each other the last time she had seen him in his transformation. 

He floated towards her, slowly still, and Lumine forced herself to stop from continuing to back up. 

“Lumine…” His voice was still distorted, and it sent chills up her spine hearing her name being called from that voice. 

Then, there was a flash of lightning, and the armor dissipated. Childe was back. 

He stumbled for a second, then fell on his knees weakly. 

Lumine came to his side right away, wrapping her arms around him, supporting him so he wouldn’t collapse. 

“My...my mother,” he whispered between heavy pants. “Let me...let me see her.”

Lumine nodded, and together they crawled to Galina’s lifeless form. 

Childe sat there, still as a statue, his blue eyes impossibly dark as he looked at her. Then, he closed his eyes, and put his head on Lumine’s shoulder. 

She felt water on her shoulder. He’s...crying. One of her hands softly stroked his hair in comfort. 

With her other hand, she took Galina’s hand and held it. 

If only...If only I was strong enough. If only the Unknown God hadn’t taken her powers away. Lumine was certain she could have healed Galina. 

She remembered purifying Dvalin’s tears. That was a while ago…But maybe...now…

Lumine closed her eyes focusing on her hold with Galina. 

She pulled any magical energy from every corner of her body, imagining sending it through to Galina. 

She thought of the light of the sun’s rays, the warmth of a fire. She thought of Aether, the familial love of clear skies, clouds, and wings. She thought of her friends—Jean, Lisa, Venti, Zhongli, and countless others—how they were meadows of flowers and warm blankets on cold nights. 

And most importantly, she thought of Childe. The sweet, honey taste of love; roaring fires of passion; calm ocean waves of tranquility and understanding. 

Her chest felt like it was glowing, her heart was resonating with happiness and love. 

…

...

...

There was a gasp of air. 

Lumine and Childe both looked up. Galina had her eyes opened, taking in deep breaths of air. 

N-no way. Lumine thought in disbelief. I actually did it?!

Galina sat up, looking around the room in shock, before turning to Childe and Lumine. 

A small smile broke on her face. “Ajax?” she asked. 

The color drained from Childe’s face. “You...you remember who I am?” 

“Of course,” she said. She chuckled. “How could I forget my son?” 

Childe let out a shaky laugh. More tears leaked from his eyes. 

Galina’s own eyes widened. “Oh my goodness! Ajax, what’s wrong?” 

Childe let go of Lumine, and collapsed in his mother’s arms.  

Lumine’s own eyes began watering at the sight of their reunion. 

Without her noticing until it was too late, however, the sounds of the mother and son started fading out, and the room spun around Lumine. Energy was quickly leaving her body. 

The healing took… a lot of power… she realized sluggishly. Too much, maybe. But it was all worth it. 

Then, she blacked out.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Lumine opened her eyes. Her eyelids felt heavy, as did the rest of her body. Sunlight streamed into the room, and there was the faint smell of flowers. She was in bed, alone, in Childe’s room. 

She tried sitting up, but every single muscle ached as she shifted her body, and she fell back in pain. She let out an exasperated sigh, and tried once more, excruciatingly slow, until she finally was able to sit up, her back resting against the mountain of plush pillows behind her. 

She didn’t have much time to think to herself, before the door opened. She turned, expecting Childe, but instead found Galina there. 

“Oh my! You’re awake!” she greeted cheerfully, she set down a bowl of soup on the table next to the bed, before sitting down on the edge next to the traveler. “How are you feeling, sweetie?”

Lumine blinked at her. “Oh, uhm, fine. A little sore.” 

Galina smiled. “Do you need anything? Would you like anything to help with the pain?” 

The blonde shook her head. “How long have I been out?”

“Hmmm,” the mother put a finger on her chin, thinking. “I think around a month?”

“A month?!” 

“Oh yes, it seemed like an eternity! Every single one of my children have been so worried!” she answered, her eyes twinkling. “Ajax especially.” 

Lumine’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Where is he?” 

“No worries, they’re all downstairs eating lunch; I can go get them whenever you’re ready.” Galina looked at Lumine’s bedridden hair. “Let me fix up your hair first, darling.” 

Galina hummed to herself as she softly brushed through the Outlander’s golden locks. Lumine could’ve fallen back asleep right then and there. 

“My children have told me a lot about you,” Galina said. “You sound quite incredible, Lumine.” 

“Thank you.” Lumine smiled. “Your children are all quite incredible themselves.” 

“Yes, they are all so sweet. Despite everything that’s happened.” 

“They are all very strong in their own ways.” 

“And you may be the strongest of them all, Outlander.” 

Lumine’s eyes widened and she turned to protest. 

Galina gently put a finger on her lips and one on her own mouth. “Shh. I haven’t said anything about what happened that night. But what I do know is that I saw you. Healing me.” She tilted her head. “That is no ordinary magic of Teyvat.” 

“You’re not...You’re not suspicious of me?” 

She laughed heartily. “Of course not! You saved my life. Cured me of my illness.” A soft smile. “You’ve even managed to capture the affections of Ajax, which I didn’t think was possible.” She turned Lumine back around, continuing to brush her hair. “Ever since he was young he was obsessed with fighting, and getting stronger, protecting his siblings. I was so worried he’d never find love. But I’m so glad he found someone. Especially with that someone being you. How lucky!” 

Lumine’s face heated up even more. “I’m glad I found him too.” 

“He seems much more peaceful than before. Full of love. So, thank you, Lumine.” Galina turned her around. “All done!” She looked over the traveler. “Wow, you truly are stunning.” 

“Th-thank you. Thank you, Galina,” Lumine said, sincerely. 

Galina kissed her on her forehead. “No matter what happens, you’ve got a family here, Lumine.” 

Family. Lumine’s eyes watered. 

Galina rubbed Lumine’s cheeks, in a tender motherly way. “I’ll go get the rest of the family so they can all see you’re awake now.” 

As she left the room, Lumine let a few tears fall. 

Family. Family. Family. Her heart chanted. 

When she found Aether, she was going to bring him here. And here, they’d find things they’ve never had themselves: a father, a mother, little ones. It was a future Lumine absolutely looked forward to. And she knew Aether would love it too. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When the family crowded into the room, Lumine was swarmed with tight hugs and cuddles from Tonia and Teucer; Anthon and Misha stood to the side of the bed, just as excited to see her awake and well. Feliks and Galina stood a little further back, and Childe stood in the doorway, all watching with a smile. 

The elders had told the children that Alexei had done some bad things and needed to go away for a long time—no telling when he would be back. The children were sad, but they understood. The real, dark truth would be told when they were older. But for now, they were children, who didn’t need to know. All they knew was that their mother was no longer sick, and the family was whole again. 

Feliks seemed a lot more cheerful than before, the dark circles gone from under his eyes, his posture now a lot more upright. He kept an arm around Galina constantly now, afraid to let her go.

After a while, Galina shooed everyone from the room, and the door closed, leaving Childe and Lumine alone. 

Childe still stood at the door, regarding Lumine from afar. Her golden eyes waited on him. 

What’s he thinking…?

Eventually, he came to her, pausing, before collapsing on top of her, arms winding tightly around her. 

“I thought I had lost you,” he said quietly. 

“You’re going to have to try a lot harder to get rid of me,” Lumine joked as she wrapped her arms around him, hand running through his hair. 

“Never,” he breathed. He pulled himself up, his eyes seemingly looking straight into her soul. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Thank me? For what?”

“You know for a while I was completely dumbfounded by what happened. I had no idea how my mother was healed.” He closed his eyes. “But then I thought about it, really thought about it. It had to be you,” he said. “No one else in the world could’ve done it.” He opened his eyes again, softly looking at her. 

“I…” Was she going to tell him? Who she really was? Would he trust her? Turn her into the Tsaritsa? 

He has to know. her heart murmured. If you love him, he has to know. 

“Yes, it was me,” she told him. “I...I’m not from here. I’m not of this world. An Outlander.” She took a deep breath. “That was...a fraction of my power. I was banished here, powerless for many years. I’ve been slowly gaining my powers back, while trying to find my brother.” 

Childe’s brows furrowed slightly. “An Outlander…” 

“Are you...is that...bad?”

“No, it’s just...everything makes a lot more sense now.” He laughed. “Of course I’d fall in love with an Outlander.” 

Lumine rolled her eyes. “And I fell in love with a Harbinger.” She suddenly remembered something. “Is it true? You told Teucer you would quit being a Harbinger to join me on my adventures?” 

Childe’s eye twitched. “Tonia and Teucer…” He let out a sigh. “If it were that easy...I would love to.” 

“Oh…” Lumine found herself disappointed. What did I expect…?

Childe noticed her expression. He sat up, pulling Lumine up as well. He held her hands. “Tell you what. One day...I will absolutely join you—devote myself to you.” 

Lumine’s face flushed. “You don’t have to—”

He kissed her hands tenderly, silencing her. He then proceeded to slip a ring off his pinky finger, and put it on her ring finger. “It’s a promise.” 

She looked down at the ring, heart racing. But she was overjoyed. “It’s a promise,” she echoed. 

Childe kissed her. “I love you, Lumine.” 

“I love you, Childe.” Lumine kissed him back. 

With the ring on her finger, the two had vowed their love, happiness, and family—all for the future, together, one day. 

[t h e    e n d]

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scene with the rings inspired by the amazing @majunju as always <3

thanks for reading everyone! <3 

onto the next fic we go!

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

i’m unbelievably sick right now, and to cope, i’m thinking more about the abyssal contamination concept you came up with a while ago, since my main symptoms are fatigue and general aching. i love how you described childe’s worry and doubts as the illness got worse, while still having him comfort and look after us. i love angst and comfort so much, you work with it so well!!

aaahhhh i hope you feel better soon!! Foul Legacy is hugging you gently right now

he takes care of you as you deteriorate, not sure exactly what's doing on or why. all he knows is that you're sick, and you're not getting better, and that he wants to keep you safe and happy as possible. Legacy has abandoned your bed as your resting place in all but name- you spend most of your sleeping hours tucked away in his blanket nest, cuddled against him and the innumerable cushions around the room. he holds you close, delicate in his touch, claws carefully running up and down your back and massaging the worst pains as he purrs soothingly. it hurts to see you like this. always lethargic and aching, choking on a substance he can't see. and that's the thing, it's can't be a common cold or illness, or else Foul Legacy would also fall mildly sick. he frets over you when you sleep, adjusting the blankets and toying with the ends of your hair with trembling talons

when you're too weak to go out and restock the cupboards, he musters his courage and ventures out for you. there are a lot of fresh fruits in the basket he brings back, plucked straight from the trees- Legacy knows that the city folk would scream if he wandered into the market. he nudges them towards you, gently rumbling and crooning as he encourages you to eat and sip water. Legacy always chitters in approval when you manage a few bites, gently bumping his head against yours before settling down to curl around you. you'll get better- he knows you will. you have to. maybe it's just a sickness that doesn't affect him, and you'll be right as rain after a few days- weeks- of bedrest

Foul Legacy closes his crystalline eye with a coo, not knowing that it is his Abyssal presence slowly draining your life