Chapter 20 Birthday Gift
Lumine's POV
We had returned to Snezhnaya, and were watching Childe's siblings look through the gifts we had gotten for them in Inazuma.
"Thank you so much for the gifts, big brother and Ms Nice Lady", Teucer said happily.
"You're welcome", I said.
"Speaking of gifts", Tonia started. "Is there any particular gift you would like for your birthday, Ajax?"
"Your birthday", Paimon asked. "Oh, that's right! It is coming up! Paimon completely forgot!"
"I understand", Childe reassured. "You've got a ton of friends all over Teyvat, so you've probably got a lot of birthdays to remember, don't you?"
"We do", Paimon replied. "There's so many that Paimon has a yearly planner that just has all of our friends' birthdays in it!"
"You really know that many people across Teyvat", Anton asked in awe.
"They do", Childe replied. "After all, the traveler has helped pretty much every nation in Teyvat with a crisis, so it's no wonder that so many people want to know her on a personal level."
"That's right", Paimon said proudly. "And knowing a lot of people definitely comes in handy."
"I'm sure it does", Childe said, before standing up. "Anyway, I'm gonna head over to the Zapolyarny Palace and give our boss a progress report and everything we did in Inazuma."
"Do we need to go with you", Paimon asked.
"Nah, I'll manage on my own", Childe replied.
"Wait Ajax", Tonia started as she stood up. "You still haven't told me if there's anything in particular that you'd like as a birthday gift?"
"There's nothing in particular that I want", Childe replied. "Anyway, I've gotta get going. I'll see you guys later."
With that, Childe left, and I began thinking.
Birthday gift, huh?
After having this thought, I had an idea.
"Everyone", I started as I stood up. "I'm going to go to the market."
"Are you going to go look for a birthday gift for Ajax", Tonia asked.
"It was that obvious, huh", I asked, slightly embarrassed.
"Yep", Tonia replied. "Anyway, if you're going to the market, let me come with you. I need to get ingredients for Ajax's birthday dinner."
"Birthday dinner? That sounds so yummy!"
After saying this, Paimon suddenly grabbed onto my hand.
"Come on, traveler", she started. "To the market!"
...
We had arrived at the market.
"Okay", Tonia started. "The food stalls are over there, and the stalls that sell trinkets and stuff are over there. Let's meet back here when we're done."
"Sure thing", Paimon said. "See you later, Tonia!"
With that, Tonia left, and Paimon and I began looking through the market.
"Look at all the stuff they have here", she said. "So, what you thinking about getting for Mr Money Bags anyway?"
"I'm not sure", I replied. "Last year, I got him that dagger we found in Liyue. I'm not sure what to get him this year."
"Well then", Paimon started. "Let's look around the market and see if we can find anything."
With this, Paimon and I looked around the market. For a while, nothing really caught my eye, but then, I saw something, and immediately wanted to get it for him.
The Next Day
Childe's POV
Lumine and I had returned home from the Zapolyarny Palace. I opened the front door, and was immediately hit with the scent of delicious food.
"Wow", Paimon said in awe. "Something smells really yummy!"
"Welcome home, Ajax", Tonia said as she walked up to us. "You're back just in time. I've finished preparing your birthday dinner."
"Then what are we waiting for", Paimon asked. "Let's head to the table and get this dinner feast started!"
With this, Paimon rushed to the dinner table.
"Don't start without us, Paimon", I said as I walked up to the table. "It's rude to start eating before the guest of honor on their birthday."
"Then hurry up Childe so Paimon can start eating", she demanded eagerly.
Then, Childe's parents came down the stairs.
"Hey there, old man", Childe greeted. "You sure you okay to be down here? You don't need your rest?"
"Stop talking like I'm on death's door, Ajax", his father scolded. "It's just a dinner. I'll be fine."
"If you say so", Childe said, before clasping his hands together. "Alright. Now that we're all here, as the guest of honor, I declare that we can begin with this birthday feast!"
...
We were done with the birthday dinner, and were now handing Childe our gifts.
"Thank you so much for the gifts, guys", he thanked.
"There's just one more left", Paimon revealed. "And it's from me and the traveler!"
"You got me a gift, comrade", Childe asked in shock.
"Why are you acting so surprised", I asked. "I got you a gift last year."
"Well then", Childe started. "I'm excited to see what you got for me this year."
With this, I passed Childe the box containing my gift to him. As he opened it, I had to try my best to hold back my giggles.
"Let's see. You got me…"
After saying this, Childe reached into the box, and pulled out…
"Is this…a whale plushie?"
With the gift in view, Paimon and I could finally let out our giggles.
"It's so cute", Tonia stated.
"It is", Childe agreed. "But, it doesn't seem like the type of gift suited for a grown man."
"I know", I started. "But when I saw it at the market, it made me think of you."
"How come", Anton asked.
"Because when Childe…spars with me, he creates a whale using Hydro", I revealed.
"Really", Teucer asked in awe. "That sounds so cool! Can you show us, big brother?"
"Probably not the best idea to do that here, buddy", Childe replied. "With this weather, the whale would just freeze."
"So, what do you think of the gift, Childe", Paimon asked.
"If you don't like it, you can just give it to one of your siblings", I said.
"Absolutely not! While this isn't the type of gift I would get for myself, it was given to be by my comrade. Therefore, I will treasure it forever!"
For some reason, hearing Childe say this made my chest feel warm, and it brought a smile to my face.