Nothing could have prepared Childe for the news that you didn't know how to swim at your grown age.

He had expected many things from you, perhaps a bold confession about a hidden talent, maybe even a ridiculous secret like being afraid of pigeons, but not that. When you'd shyly admitted this little quirk of yours, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. It came out of him before he could stop it, loud and genuine, echoing through the moment like a wave crashing onto the shore.

It wasn't the kind of laughter that was mocking or cruel; instead, it was a genuine, amused reaction to the unexpected revelation. What he didn't let on, though, was that he found this little quirk of yours endearing. There was something irresistibly charming about your vulnerability and the way you squirmed at the thought of facing your fear. He had seen you brave in battle, sharp in arguments, but this softness was different.

It tugged at something gentler inside him.

Eager to help you overcome this little hurdle, and driven by a boundless enthusiasm for new challenges, Childe seized the opportunity to play the role of your swimming coach. He'd make it fun. He'd make it safe. And maybe, just maybe, he'd get to see more of that unguarded expression of yours.

After all, Hydro was his element.

So, here you were, standing at the edge of a sparkling pool, the cool water shimmering under the sun. The sight of you shaking like a leaf was both amusing and endearing to him.

"Come on, it's just water," Childe teased, the corners of his mouth lifting in a crooked smile, his voice carrying a playful lilt that made it sound so simple. He knew it wasn't, not for you, but pretending it was helped him keep the mood light.

Easy for him to say...

But then his laughter subsided, replaced by a more genuine warmth that softened his features. He knew how terrifying it was to feel helpless, and the last thing he wanted was for you to feel small. "Just hold onto me. I won't let you go." He offered the words gently, his tone losing its teasing edge as he stepped closer. He held out his arms, open and steady, waiting for you to make the choice.

As you hesitated, his strong arms encircled you under your shoulders, pulling you gently into the water. The shift was smooth and practiced, his body adjusting to yours with ease.

The moment you were both in the water, Childe's grip tightened reassuringly, a constant reminder that he was right there with you. As the water lapped gently at your shoulders, he could feel your hands gripping his biceps with a vice-like hold, like you were clinging to a lifeline.

It was a little uncomfortable, mostly because you were cutting off circulation in his arm, but there was also an exhilarating thrill in having you so close.

Patiently, Childe guided you through the basic motions, his voice steady and encouraging as he instructed you to calm your breathing and let the water support you. He kept his words light, avoiding anything too serious so you wouldn't start overthinking. His hands lightly moved you across the water, ensuring that you felt safe with every gentle shift.

"Well, well! You're doing good," he cheered, his voice bright with a hint of pride. It was a bit ironic—he was still holding onto you as if he were a lifeguard saving a floundering fish—but the genuine warmth in his eyes made it clear that he wasn't just poking fun at you. Even if he was kind of enjoying that image a little.

As you started to relax, if only a little, he brushed the wet hair from your face in a subconscious, tender gesture. His fingers lingered just a second longer than necessary, his expression softening as he looked at you. The intimacy of the moment struck him profoundly, and he realized that he didn't want to let you go.

Not just in the water, but maybe... maybe not at all.