Childe was quite the yapper when it came to you, his chatter a constant companion whenever you were around, like it was second nature to fill the air with his voice the moment you appeared beside him.

He couldn't help it; something about your presence loosened his tongue and made the world feel a little less heavy. It wasn't often that he had comrades tagging along for something as simple as a walk, so when he did, he held onto it tightly, maybe a bit too tightly.

"Ahh, I hope one day you get to meet my siblings. They would love you," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face, his voice softening as he said it. His eyes sparkled with the thought of introducing you to his family, the way his mind painted scenes of you playing with Teucer or making cookies with Anthon and Tonia.

He glanced sideways at you as you walked, your face calm and quietly focused, and it made his chest tighten a little with something he couldn't quite name. The steady crunch of your boots against the earth blended with the rhythm of his voice, and for a moment, it almost felt like normal life.

Just a guy walking with someone he liked. Just that.

Childe was so engrossed in talking and watching you—particularly the way your lips curved ever so slightly when you were amused—that he didn't immediately notice when you stopped. It was only when he realized you were no longer beside him that he turned and caught the direction of your gaze. "Huh?" His smile faltered slightly, and he followed your line of sight.

Dormant Automatons, large and intimidating, loomed before you, their silent forms an unspoken threat. Even in their slumber, they commanded the space, radiating a quiet violence just beneath the surface. You seemed hesitant, your body language cautious, clearly not wanting to disturb them and potentially invite an unnecessary fight.

But Childe didn't understand the concept of unnecessary fights. His insatiable appetite for challenge was a driving force in his life, and to him, every encounter was a chance to test his limits, to feel alive in the most visceral way.

And a stage like this, with you watching? It was perfect.

"This is quite an opportunity," he said, his voice dipping into a tone that was half laughter, half anticipation, and fully lit up from within. A wide grin spread across his face as he took a step toward the Ruin machines, shoulders loose, like he didn't have a single doubt about what came next.

As if sensing his challenge, the machines slowly whirred to life, one by one, their metallic joints creaking and groaning as they emerged from their slumber like awakened giants. The sound sent a ripple of excitement through him. He was in his element now, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Childe rolled his shoulders with practiced nonchalance, though in truth, he was already calculating every move he'd make, mentally mapping out the rhythm of the fight. He turned to look at you once more, flashing you a cocky grin that hinted at the sheer thrill he derived from such encounters.

"Stand by, comrade," he declared, his tone a playful mix of bravado and anticipation, his whole posture practically vibrating with energy. "And keep your eyes on me." He made a motion with two fingers, flicking them back and forth between your eyes and his own, a gesture both commanding and teasing, his way of making sure you knew where he wanted your attention.

And oh, how he wanted it.

In reality, Childe's actions were driven by a desire to impress you. The thought of you watching him, admiring his combat prowess, sent a surge of excitement through him that rivaled even the battle itself. He wanted to show you just what he was capable of, to prove that he was more than just a talker, more than just charm and bloodlust stitched together.

The thrill of the fight was doubled by the knowledge that you were there, witnessing his every move. Just how he liked it.