“Yeah,” he says, staring down at you. “It’s stupid, I know, but my role in the industry is compromised right now.” Childe takes your other hand in his, holding both of them together. “So compromised that a lot of my colleagues are telling me to give up human trafficking and start a new life altogether.”

Your heart begins to beat faster with some unknown emotion. There’s hope, but apprehension. Excitement, but fear.

“Are you…”

“Yes,” Childe smiles gently, and it must be the softest expression you’ve ever seen on his face because he genuinely looks adoring as he stares down at you, almost as if you’re the most precious thing in the world, as if you really are some angel he thinks was sent down to guide him. “And I want you to be a part of that life.”

The hope and excitement from before rise.

So does the uncertainty. The fear.

“I—I know it’s a lot. And that I...I’ve done awful things to you. But if you’re willing, I’ll try to spend the rest of my life making amends for all that. Because...because I really do love you, angel. More than anyone. I love you. I love you so much. And I want to make you happy.”

I love you.

It’s the first time he’s ever said those words to you.

“And anything you want, I’ll pay for. Your terms on everything. Separate bedrooms, separate apartments, whatever you want. I—I know it feels difficult, but I want to build a normal life with you. A regular life. I...I know I’ve screwed things up so much, but—but I’ll pay for therapy for both of us. I—I’ll do whatever I can do to fix this because I just want to help you heal from everything I've done, so…”

He continues on some more, cradling your palms in his like they’re the most delicate treasures in the world.