The rain hammered down, and Childe pressed his back against the cold, damp wall, the sound of approaching soldiers growing louder with each passing moment. He could see you coming—your silhouette in the distance. A mix of relief and dread flooded him.

—"I didn't think you'd come," he said softly, eyes meeting yours with an exhausted smile. "But... here you are."

He looked worn out, drenched from the storm and the chase. The soldiers were getting closer, but his gaze never left you.

—"I never meant for things to go this far," he muttered, his voice strained. "I thought I could just steal it and get away clean. But I didn’t think they’d come after you too."

Childe shook his head, frustration and regret flashing across his face.

—"This... this isn’t your fight. I’m the one who messed up, not you."

His eyes softened as he stepped toward you, his hand reaching out in a rare moment of vulnerability.

—"You shouldn’t have to risk everything for me. They’ll kill me, but I can’t let them hurt you."

The sound of the soldiers’ voices grew louder, closer. He looked towards the alley’s exit. They were almost here.

—"Go," he urged, his voice low. "You can still escape. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. I won’t let them ruin your life because of me."

Childe’s heart tightened as he looked at you. He knew you weren’t going to leave him. And deep down, he didn’t want you to.

—"Please," he whispered. "Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. I don’t want you to get caught up in this mess."

As he reached for your hand, a soft smile broke through.

—"I’ll always remember this. No matter what happens, you’ll be with me."