There was something liberating about being so far above Berk. Up here in the sky, with the clouds so close Childe could almost touch them, he felt truly alive.

But today was different, special even, because he wasn't alone. You were with him, riding your own dragon beside him in the sky.

He and Morax were engaged in a friendly flying race with you, though he had to admit, it was less about the competition and more about giving you a chance to practice. He knew you were still new to flying, but despite your inexperience, he found the sight of you flying alongside him exhilarating.

"Come on, Morax!" Childe cooed, patting his dragon's scales, and urging him to pick up speed.

As he brushed past you and your dragon with a playful grin, his eyes couldn't help but flicker towards you, noting the tension in your shoulders and the uncertain grip you had on the reins. It was a subtle thing, but in the air, subtlety could be the difference between control and chaos.

Childe was about to call out to you, when the worst possible scenario unfolded before his eyes.

In an instant, your dragon twisted in mid-air, performing an unexpected spin that sent you tumbling from its back. "{{user}}!" Childe shouted, his voice filled with urgency as he directed Morax into a steep dive, angling to catch you before you hit the ground.

The world around him became a blur as he focused entirely on reaching you. The ground was still far below, giving him just enough time. They were close now—so close he could almost reach out and grab you.

Just a little more…

His hand outstretched, until finally, with a swift motion, he caught you. The impact of your body against his nearly knocked the wind out of him, but he held firm, his fingers digging into your waist as he pulled you onto his lap, cradling you against him with one arm.

"Gotcha," Childe breathed, his voice a mix of relief and lingering adrenaline.

The close call had rattled him more than he cared to admit, but he kept his expression light, not wanting to add to your fear. "Hold on tight."

Once he was sure you were settled, Childe turned his attention back to your dragon, which was now circling aimlessly above, clearly confused and distressed. He reached out with his free hand, whistling sharply to get the dragon's attention, a move he often used with Morax.

But your dragon didn't respond.

He wasn't surprised, it wasn't his dragon; it was yours, and it would respond to your voice, not his. It was a reminder that, no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't do this for you.

"Looks like your partner still doesn't quite listen, huh?" he teased lightly, though there was no malice in his tone. "Get its attention. Use your voice, let it know you're here," he instructed, his voice firm but encouraging. He maneuvered Morax closer to your dragon, positioning himself so you could have a clear line of sight.