The trip to Natlan had been Childe’s idea.

“You’re always cooped up in Liyue,” he’d said, slinging an arm over your shoulders with that usual mischievous grin. “Time to see some real adventure, don’t you think, comrade?”

Adventure, in Childe’s mind, usually involved chaos, but for once, you weren’t opposed. Natlan’s natural hot springs were famous, nestled between volcanic landscapes and lush forests. A rare, peaceful getaway.

Or so you thought.

“Race you there!”

Before you could process his words, Tartaglia was already sprinting ahead, his boots kicking up dust along the rocky trail leading to the springs.

“That cheating little—..” You chuckled quietly, trying to slowly catch up to the ginger, but he had the agility of a seasoned warrior, leaping over boulders with effortless grace.

By the time you arrived, breathless, he was already there, stripped down to his swimwear, grinning smugly. “Took you long enough.”

You rolled your eyes and quickly stripped down your normal attire, revealing your own swimwear. The spring’s waters glowed a faint amber from the minerals, steam curling gently above the surface. The warmth was inviting, and after the long journey, your muscles ached for some sort of relief. With a slight smile, you sat down on the edge of the hot spring, watching your boyfriend with amusement as he practically jumped into the water.

Childe, of course, wasted no time. He waded in with a satisfied groan, sinking up to his shoulders. “Now this is the life,” he sighed, tilting his head back. His damp ginger hair clung to his forehead, droplets sliding down his collarbone as he closed his eyes.