Chapter 7: chapter 6
In the kitchen,
Lucien sat at the table, humming a soft tune while drumming his fingers idly on the table.
The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, and the sight of the mountain of food he has prepare....buying.
He was waiting for Luna to start breakfast together.
Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway.
"I'm done!" Luna announced proudly as she entered, her hair slightly damp and her face freshly washed.
Her eyes sparkled as she spotted the towering pile of food. "Wow, there's so much!"
Lucien chuckled and shook his head. "Don't touch that. It's for lunch later when we're outside."
Luna's excitement quickly turned to disappointment.
Her shoulders slumped as she looked longingly at the pile. "Awwww…"
Lucien couldn't help but laugh at her expression. "Come on, don't be disappointed," he said, reaching out to pinch her cheek lightly. "The food on the table is more than enough for now. Dig in."
Luna pouted, trying to pull her cheek away. "It hurts! Stop pinching me! I'm not small anymore!"
"Sure, sure," Lucien teased, though his hand stayed firmly on her cheek for a moment longer.
Her puffed-up face, full of indignation, was just too adorable.
'How could I not pinch her?' Lucien thought to himself, holding back a laugh. 'She's so cute when she pouts like this.'
"Grrr!" Luna growled softly, her cheeks reddening as she tried to look angry. Lucien finally let go, a grin spreading across his face as he gestured for her to take a seat.
Lucien laughed, his deep voice echoing in the kitchen as he suddenly remembered a funny moment from the past. "Hahaha!"
Luna frowned, puffing her cheeks. "Don't laugh!"
"Alright, alright," Lucien said, waving his hand dismissively to calm her. "Come on, eat up. We've got to head out after this."
Still pouting, Luna crossed her arms with a dramatic snort. "Hmph, fine."
But as soon as her eyes landed on the plates of food in front of her, her mood flipped instantly.
Her face lit up with joy, and she dove into her meal without hesitation.
Lucien raised a brow, amused by the sudden change. "Eat slower," he said, chuckling at her enthusiasm.
But before he could take another bite, he froze.
His plate was empty.
"..."
Lucien slowly turned his head to Luna, who was now happily munching on his food with a sly grin.
"This is payback for teasing me with food earlier," Luna said between bites, her tone filled with mock triumph.
For a moment, Lucien just stared at her, unimpressed. Then, with a sharp swoosh, he grabbed another plate and started eating faster than her.
Luna, caught off guard, blinked a few times before realizing what was happening. "Hey! Are you trying to eat everything before I can?"
Lucien smirked , not even pausing to answer.
Luna slammed her hands on the table, determination burning in her eyes. "As if I'll let you win, old man!"
The room was soon filled with the sound of clinking forks, hurried bites, and muffled laughter as father and daughter battled it out over breakfast.
A few moments later, Luna sat slumped in her chair, arms crossed and a pout firmly planted on her face.
Across the table, Lucien leaned back with a satisfied grin, looking as triumphant as ever.
Lucien chuckled, his deep voice carrying a playful tone. "You're too young to compete with me, little one. Hahaha!"
Luna's glare deepened, her cheeks puffed in frustration. "Grrrr…"
Lucien reached across the table, ruffling her hair with a comforting yet teasing gesture.
"It's fine," he said, his voice softening. "You're still young. You'll get there someday."
Luna swatted at his hand, her eyes gleaming with determination despite her pout. "Hmph! Next time, I'll win, stinky dad!"
Her declaration only made Lucien laugh harder. "Sure, sure," he said, his hand moving to ruffle her hair even more vigorously.
"Stop rubbing my head!" Luna exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation. "I won't grow taller if you keep doing that! Pretty ladies like tall people, and I want to be tall!"
Lucien paused for a moment, then burst out laughing again, his hand retreating as he leaned back in his chair. "Hahaha… whatever makes you feel better, Luna."
Luna turned her head away with a huff, muttering something under her breath about "unfair dads," but the small, stubborn smile on her face betrayed her.
Their mornings might always start with playful chaos, but they were filled with warmth nonetheless.
Lucien leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach contentedly before turning his attention to the mess of plates and utensils on the table. He glanced over at Luna, who was already standing, stretching lazily.
Lucien: "Alright, kiddo. You've got two choices—sit in the living room and relax, or stay here and help your dad clean up the dishes."
Luna immediately perked up, pointing at herself with mock surprise. "Hmm, I think I'll choose the first option!"
Before Lucien could even respond, she turned on her foot and made a quick exit, her steps light and carefree as she disappeared into the living room.
Lucien watched her go, his hand frozen mid-air as he reached for a plate. A wave of instant regret washed over him.
Lucien: "I really shouldn't have given her an option…"
With a sigh, he began stacking the plates and gathering the utensils, shaking his head. "What was I thinking?"
He moved to the sink, rolling up his sleeves and turning on the water.
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Lucien stood by the door, double-checking the lock as Luna hurriedly packed her snacks into her bag.
Luna zipped her bag and slung it over her shoulders, smiling proudly. "All set, Dad!"
Lucien glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Just snacks? That's all you're bringing?"
Luna tilted her head innocently. "What else do I need?"
With a sigh, Lucien reached over to the side table, picking up her trusty bat. It was well-worn, its surface smooth from countless adventures. Handing it to her, he said, "Don't forget this. You never know when it might come in handy."
Luna blinked, then grinned as she took the bat. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Thanks, Dad!" She tucked it securely into her bag before skipping toward the door.
Lucien grabbed his own things and stepped out after her, locking the door behind him. As he fumbled with the key, Luna was already greeting the neighbors who were out enjoying the crisp morning air.
"Good morning, Mr. Henry! Mrs. Elma!" Luna waved enthusiastically at the older couple from next door, who smiled warmly at her in return.
Lucien shook his head with a faint smile, turning to call after her. "Alright, Luna, let's get going."
"Coming!" she chirped, giving one last wave to the neighbors before jogging to catch up with him.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, Luna glanced up at her father with curiosity.
Luna: "So, Dad, where are we going exactly?"
Lucien smirked, hands resting in his coat pockets. "We're heading to Starcliff."
Luna's brow furrowed. "Huh? Why there?"
Lucien: "Trying my luck fishing out some flying fairies, of course."
His tone was so casual that Luna stopped in her tracks, staring at him with an expression that clearly said, Are you serious right now?
Lucien glanced at her reaction, chuckling softly. "Well, to be honest, I've just noticed you've seemed a little absent-minded lately. Thought some fresh air might help."
Luna shrugged, looking away. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just reading a book about flowers."
Lucien froze mid-step, turning to her with an exaggerated look of shock. "You? Reading a book?!"
His expression grew dramatic as he staggered backward, pretending to clutch his chest. "Who are you, and where's my silly daughter who's always complaining about not wanting to study?!"
Luna's face darkened, her fists clenching at her sides. "Really, Dad? Are you trying to start a fight or what?"
Lucien quickly waved his hands in surrender, laughing nervously. "Hahaha, my bad, my bad! Dad was just surprised to hear you say you read a book."
Luna glared at him for a moment before shaking her head with a small smile. "You're so weird, Dad."
Lucien grinned, patting her head as they continued their walk. "That's why you love me, right?"
Luna: "Hmph, debatable."
Lucien raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Luna's sudden shift in mood. "So, what about this flower made you feel weird?"
Luna hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "Oh, it's just this one flower... It made me feel kind of strange."
"Strange? What kind of flower is it?" Lucien asked, genuinely curious.
Before Luna could answer, a cheerful voice interrupted them.
Amber: "Hello, Uncle Lucien! Hello, Luna!"
Luna's face lit up with joy at the familiar figure approaching them. Her eyes sparkled as she waved.
Luna: "Hello, Amber!"
Lucien gave a warm smile, nodding in Amber's direction.
Lucien: "Hello, Amber."
Amber smile, her bright eyes gleaming as she bounced on her feet. "What are you two up to today?"
Luna beamed at Amber, her excitement evident. "Me and Dad are going out to play outside. Do you want to come with us, Amber?"
Amber smiled apologetically, shaking her head. "Oh, I'm sorry, Luna. I can't today—I have duty to attend to. Maybe next time?"
Luna's shoulders drooped slightly, her expression falling. "Awww, next time then..."
Lucien chuckled softly, placing a hand on Luna's head to comfort her. Then he turned his attention to Amber.
Lucien: "Oh, by the way, Amber, is Jean resting right now?"
Amber tilted her head slightly, a curious look crossing her face before she nodded. "Yes, Master Jean is resting right now."
Lucien sighed with relief and gave a satisfied nod. "That's good to hear."
Amber grinned. "Did you have something to do with that, Uncle Lucien? She looked reluctant earlier, but I heard Lisa convinced her to take a break."
Lucien smile knowingly but didn't elaborate. "Let's just say it was a team effort."
Amber laughed, adjusting her bow as she prepared to leave. "Well, I should get going. Enjoy your outing, you two!"
"Bye, Amber!" Luna called out, waving cheerfully to Amber.
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Outside Mondstadt, the breeze carried the scent of wildflowers, and the chirping of distant birds filled the air. Lucien walked alongside Luna, keeping an easy pace as the dirt path stretched ahead of them.
Lucien glanced at his daughter. "Oh yeah, Luna."
She turned her head toward him. "Hmm? What is it, Dad?"
Lucien adjusted the bag on his shoulder, his tone curious. "That flower that was bothering your mind before. What was it? You were about to tell me before Amber showed up."
Luna's gaze shifted downward for a moment before she replied, "Well... it was the Cecilia flower."
Lucien froze mid-step, coughing as if he'd just choked on air. "Wha-what flower, Luna?"
"The Cecilia flower, Dad."
Lucien's mind raced. 'Out of all the flowers in Teyvat, why did it have to be that one...'
Luna tilted her head, her expression innocent but expectant. "What's the matter, Dad?"
Lucien quickly composed himself, though he avoided her gaze. "It's nothing. So, do you mind telling me why that flower feels strange to you?"
Luna frowned slightly, as if searching for the right words. "Well, I don't know why, but I feel... a closeness to it. Maybe because of the name?"
Lucien coughed again, louder this time. "That flower's name, huh..."
Luna nodded earnestly. "Yeah... So, Dad, maybe my mother's name is Cecilia?"
Lucien almost stumbled, his composure slipping entirely. If he were drinking water right now, he would have spat it everywhere...
He quickly straightened, forcing a calm tone. "No?"
Luna narrowed her eyes slightly. "No?"
Lucien awkwardly looked away, pretending to focus on the scenery. "That's right. Definitely not."
Luna watched him closely, her sharp gaze narrowing further. "Is that so?"
She didn't press the matter, but her suspicious look lingered as the two continued walking. 'I'll let it go for now... but Dad's definitely hiding something,' she thought.
(A/n: useless funfact did you know rice is mean to eat not drink (//▽//))
(A/n: 2k word btw today update is late cause I busy playing game that's it ok! :D my apolocheese )