#genshin zhongchi fluff

[reigann]

🔶🔷Wip🔷🔶

[nomelwelloy]

Childe is patched up by Zhongli after every battle.

Plaster on his cheek and bandages wrapped around his chest, Childe sits on the edge of the countertop, making no move to put his shirt back on. His pants ride low on his hips and he leans back, suppressing a wince. Pain is secondary; Zhongli’s utmost attention is priority, yet it still feels like he doesn’t have all of it. Childe looks up at him with puppy eyes, as Zhongli applies ointment to the cuts on his face and hands.

He is mostly engrossed in his task, effectively ignoring Childe's trailing hand along his thigh. "Zhongli xiansheng..." Childe croons.

Zhongli shakes his head disapprovingly. He pauses in between cleaning a nasty, deep gash on his shoulder just to sigh heavily, before he picks up the disinfecting balm. It's the most effective thing from Bubu pharmacy so far, and Zhongli has tried a multitude of others before to say that with confidence.

Childe lets out a breathy giggle, seemingly unaffected by the pain expect for the occasional sharp inhale. He hooks a finger into Zhongli's belt loop and pulls him closer, arching up so their faces are mere inches apart, but even then Zhongli does not react.

"Come away unscathed, and maybe, I'll humour you." The consultant growls, low and stern.

Childe feels a shiver ride up his spine, goosebumps breaking over his skin. "That's contradictory, no? You're supposed to care for the injured, not ignore them." he pouts, blinking his bright blue eyes for added effect. "You break my heart, sir,"

Zhongli throws the bloodied towels and bandage wrappings aside with an exasperated sigh. "You’re good as new. With the state you always show up in, I sincerely hope you’re the one winning,”

“Of course,” Childe smirks, planting a quick kiss to Zhongli’s cheek. “I’m your champion,”

[youngmilk]

Nap time 💤

[falsehero]

ajax's favorite time — a scene from 'entirely out of spite' by @bgtea

[devoutajaxfollower]

Childe and Zhongli at the next lantern rite festival :3

[fuwahua]

New Traditions

WC: 2.3k

Happy birthday Zhongli! May you enjoy the year of the dragon with your hubby 💕

Established relationship, fluff, (one sided) tickle fights, lots of flirting

“You know, it’s your birthday. We didn’t have to come all the way out here.”

“It is precisely because it is my birthday that I’d like to spend it with the family of the one I love.”

Zhongli chuckles as Ajax’s mouth flaps open and shut, a fish out of water. He’s not the only one to take amusement in the action— Ajax’s siblings giggle at him as well, and his mother partakes in a shared glance of fond amusement. Despite being a guest at this household, they’ve already taken to him with familial warmth.

Then again, perhaps that’s how most families are when their child brings home a lover.

Zhongli takes his time through his birthday dinner, though it is not a particularly luxurious meal. In comparison to the exorbitantly priced dinners at Liuli Pavilion he’d taken Hu Tao to in the past, the rather plainly plated, mildly seasoned platters Ajax’s family had set out before him are simple. Yet there is warmth beneath the spices: time, set out in the early dawn for a father and third eldest son to catch fish together, an evening of marinating lamb with rambunctious children, a night time’s worth of lullabies and whispered promises as the sweet scent of cinnamon and jam wafted from the oven. It is simpler food, yes, prepared by amateur hands that have never studied in crowded kitchens and before renowned chefs.

But it tastes of home, inviting and kind; for that Zhongli swears it is one of the loveliest meals he’s ever had in his life.

“I’m surprised you ate everything,” Ajax tells him well after the plates have been collected and their hands have grown wrinkled from washing. Most of his family has retreated, his mother to retire their youngest and the elder siblings departing to give the couple privacy. Even his father, who Ajax had described their relationship as tenacious at best, had given Zhongli a warm hug in celebration of his birthday. “I thought you hated seafood.”

Zhongli grimaces. Ajax laughs, a delightful ring of joy, and his grimace melts into a smile. “I… harbor a dislike for it, yes. But it is not as though I cannot consume it—and your mother spent so long preparing it, wouldn’t it be rude to leave it uneaten?”

“You say that, but you leave my seafood meals uneaten all the time.”

“I was only saving them for someone who would enjoy them more. Who would I be to deny my lover his favorite meal?”

“You’d be a great con artist, you know that? Slippery bastard.”

Ajax dramatically huffs and Zhongli smiles as he opens his hands in clear invitation. The false anger only lasts a moment before Ajax relents, rolling his eyes, and slides into Zhongli’s hug. “You can’t just offer people hugs every time they point out your flaws.”

“Why not? It’s seemed to have worked awfully well for me so far.”

“Oh? Are you hugging anyone other than your fiancé?”

Zhongli’s cheeks warm despite himself, and this time Ajax is the one to squeeze him with a grin. “You shouldn’t be too mean to your fi-an-cé, you know? Or who knows, I’d bring someone else home…”

“Ajax, I hate to inform you of this, but you have few friends. Fewer who would travel to Snezhnaya.”

“What—hey! I could totally invite the traveler!”

“Ah, so my competition is only one after all.”

The punch against his arm is little more than a playful gesture; Zhongli chuckles as Ajax attempts to wriggle out from his hug. “I jest, I promise. Please don’t go: It would be too cruel to leave your fiancé on his birthday, wouldn’t it?”

“It’s not even your actual birthday!” Correct. Even so, Ajax relents in his escape efforts, sagging against him. The sudden increase in weight means little to an Archon, but it is the trust beneath the shift that has Zhongli faltering, heart loud. “Just you wait, I’ll figure out your real birthday eventually.”

“We’d already told your family today is my birthday. Adding another day would make little sense.”

“You think they care? The more birthdays to celebrate, the better.”

“In that case, why not celebrate everyday?”

“Okay, not that many. It’s like…” Ajax trails off, humming in thought. Zhongli soaks in his concentration with affection, leaning his head against Ajax’s shoulder as he waits. It’s not often he’s allowed to witness the more calculative side of his fiancé despite the many years they’ve now spent together, largely due to the fact that Ajax insists on keeping his work and personal life separate. At home, he can relax and leave most of the decisions to Zhongli: a decision made from both their preferences and comfort.

Still, he savors moments like this, where Ajax is deep in thought. Calm, peaceful, and in the arms of the person he’s come to love the most in the world. Free to do little more than stare at the face of his beloved and take in all the features he so little has time to appreciate.

“… it’s hard to think when you’re staring so hard at me.”

“Forgive me, but between the snow and my love, I’d much prefer looking at my love.”

“You’re just—“ Ajax’s complaint fizzles as soon as it begins, eyes full of fond exasperation. It’s an expression Zhongli would have never thought he’d be the culprit of as Liyue’s Archon, and yet, he’s come to treasure every glance Ajax sends his way. “Does Xiao know you’re actually a little shit? Because I think he should know that.”

“I’ve done nothing to be referred to in such a way.”

“And a liar. You know, in Snezhnaya we used to lock people up for that.”

Impossible. Such a law would be much more suited to Fontaine than Snezhnaya, where falsities and secrets are deeply intertwined with the intricacies of romance. Yet Zhongli hums rather than correct.

“I’ve not lied at all today. Do I lack so terribly in expressing my love for you ordinarily that you think my truthful confessions are lies? Would you rather I kiss you every morning as you set off to work, and take you every night loud enough that there will be no doubt of our—“

“OKAY! Okay, okay, shut up, I get it!” Ajax’s cheeks flame as he interrupts, a warmth that creeps from his neck to his ears. Zhongli laughs, bubbling mirth escaping him, while Ajax pinches his cheeks. “Why do I feel like you’ve been laughing at me all day?”

“I’ve little idea of this accusation.”

“You’re laughing at me right now.” Is he? Zhongli raises a hand to his face, failing to hide his still wide grin of amusement. Ajax’s eyes narrow. “Stop that.”

“I’ve hardly done anything.”

“Really? You want to play this game?”

“Game?” Zhongli huffs, transferring his hand from his face to Ajax’s cheek, patting it playfully. “Is that how you refer to spending time with me?”

“Oh, you’re just asking for it.”

“Asking for what?”

Admittedly, he was probably “pushing it” as Ajax would say, but Zhongli would like to contest that claim with the very cute evidence of Ajax’s slightly irritated gaze sent his way. He could hardly help it!

Though, Ajax wouldn’t accept such reasoning. If anything, the sudden mischief sparking in his eyes…

“Asking for this!”

“A-Ajax! W-waihahaaht!” Zhongli startles with a giggle at the sudden move of fingers against his waist, squirming at the ticklish sensation. Ajax grins down on him as his hands skate along his torso, teasing.

“Wait? You sure didn’t wait to tease me, why should I wait for you?”

“I wasn’t! Ehehe, I was telling thehehe! Ahaha, pause!”

“Excuses, excuses!”

If he weren’t so distracted, Zhongli would scold Ajax for interrupting another in the midst of their sentence. Unfortunately, he’s rather busy with trying to grapple at Ajax’s wandering fingers along his sides, sweeping up to poke at the divots between his ribs. Curses his perfectionism while crafting this human form—he could have simply left out the ribs, couldn’t he?

But he hadn’t evidently and now, he had to suffer the consequences.

Zhongli shakes his head as he laughs, successfully grabbing one of Ajax’s wrists only to lose it a moment later when the other hand jumps into his armpit. His giggles rise in volume and pitch, an unruly mess of jumbled syllables; his cheeks redden at his own laughter as he protests.

“A-Ajahahahaax! No, hehehe, it–it’s rude!”

It’s of little use. Ajax’s fingers continue to wander, prodding all of Zhongli’s weak spots, pressing ever closer even though there’s no space left between their bodies. When Ajax’s hair brushes his nape, he squeaks.

“Rude? You’re calling me rude?”

“Nohohoho! This-I-I—not there!”

Zhongli’s words dissolve into embarrassing noises as Ajax’s hands roam downwards to his hips. The actual act of tickling and of being tickled by his lover isn’t something he particularly dislikes: the familiar exploration of Ajax’s hands and the almost determined, grinning face that peers down upon him, if anything, warms his heart. But it is the principle of the matter—that he is a guest at Ajax’s home, generously welcomed as his lover, and rather than setting the family peacefully to sleep he is instead laughing his head off at the hands of the man he is meant to trust the most, at a surely obscene time of the night.

Succinctly put, it’s incredibly rude to be so loud in someone else’s home. Even more so when his laughter echoes in his own ears, wild and desperate at the way Ajax knowingly digs his thumbs in little circles at the center of his hips.

“Naa—AhahaHAHAHAJAHAHAX!”

“That’s my name, don’t wear it out.”

It’s too much, not enough, the feeling of his lover’s hands mapping out familiar patterns along his body; Zhongli’s heart thrums in his chest, both hungry for more and aching for a rest. His fingers grapple with Ajax’s, pulling at the bullying hands prying desperate giggles from his throat, but they only dig in deeper with every attempt. “EnouGHAHAHAHAA! STAHAHhahahap!”

“Wellll, I don’t know, should I stop~”

“YeheHEHEHEHEHES! NOHOHO MOOHEHEHEHRE!” Laughter leaves him dizzy when the hands crawl downwards teasingly, pinching his hips and then his inner thighs as he squirms; mercy comes at last when his legs give out beneath him, sending them both to the ground. They don’t crash, luckily, Ajax’s arms crossing around his chest protectively and landing them comfortably on the carpet instead. The contact is still enough to have him giggling, shoulders twisting inwards to protect himself from further tickling.

“Waiahait… Ehehe, stahahap!”

“I’m not even tickling you anymore!” Ajax’s hands rise from his torso to his shoulders, tugging Zhongli back until he’s leaning against his chest, Ajax’s knees rising up to form a protective barrier around his own. Blue eyes enter his tired vision, a hand cradling his cheek as Ajax furrows his brows. “You okay?”

He chuckles again, this time quiet and of his own volition. Ajax’s gaze softens, sweet, and he silently thanks the fact that his thrumming heart could be associated with the tickling attack and not the fervent urge to pull the other down into a kiss. “Ahahaha… Rather odd words from the person who’d chosen to render me in such a state.”

“Hey, this was much needed vengeance after what you’ve put me through today!”

“Was it?” One would think that he’d have learned after Ajax’s “vengeance” about prodding a sleeping narwhal for fun, but Zhongli had been honest when he said his teasing only came from sincere adoration. He leans into Ajax’s palm, nuzzling it before pressing a kiss against the bare wrist and smiling as Ajax’s eyes follow the motion. “Is that all the vengeance you wished to enact on me?”

Ajax swallows. His mouth parts, tongue swiping his bottom lip and leaving it glossy. “Well, I—”

“Do you two have any idea what time it is?!”

Ah. Right. They’re still in Ajax’s parent’s house.

“M-mama! I wasn’t—we weren’t—um, well…!” Zhongli blinks upwards as Ajax all but whole-body flinches away, mouth sputtering as Ajax’s mother stares down at them. Her kind smile at the dinner table remains fixed, but her eyes are…

Even an archon has things they know to fear. Celestia, Descenders, mother-in-laws, to name a few.

“Save it,” she sighs, pinching her nose in exasperation before moving her gaze to Zhongli. “Take him to bed, will you?”

“Wha—hey, he’s the guest!”

“And who was causing all that ruckus?”

Both of them, technically, but it’s clear the madame of the house (understandably) has little patience left for any antics. Ajax bites his cheek as Zhongli chuckles; he rises to his feet, steady now after resting in Ajax’s arms, and pulls the pouting ginger up with him. “My sincere apologies for the ruckus. We’ll be in bed shortly, I promise.”

“I’d hope so,” she says, her gaze returning to Ajax. They stare at each other a moment, her eyes shiny, before she nods. “Good night, you two. And,” her eyes return to him. “Happy birthday, Zhongli. I hope we can celebrate it again next year.”

Next year. He returns her kind smile, squeezing Ajax’s hands. “I’ll be sure to return.”

He waits for her footsteps to recede before Zhongli turns to Ajax, triumph flashing in his gaze. “It appears that I’ve left a successful impressi—hm!”

Ajax’s lips leave him far too quickly only to return again, persistent, hands pulling him into another. They’re quick kisses, breathless and giddy, filling each other’s spaces only long enough to leave them longing for more. He chases after Ajax, maybe, or it’s Ajax who chases after him. They meet in the middle regardless and Zhongli smiles into the kisses that follow.

Perhaps Ajax had a point about the second birthday. He’s already looking forward to the next.

[greenjellol]

gonna turn this into a sticker hopefully 🤞

[yuuning]

chopstick problems (more of my works here)

[keru0]

Christmas Fever

I've been writing this for like a week now...and I got sick yesterday so how fitting! I don't know what it is but sick fics are just so cute and fun to write! Hope you all enjoy! Also if it isn't clear by the title, this is a Christmas fic, a Sick fic, and a modern au!!!

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Ships/Pairings: Xiao/Aether (Romantic), Childe/Zhongli (Romantic)

                              lee!Xiao, ler!Aether

Summary: Xiao is sick on Christmas, so Aether decides to cheer him up.

Contains: Sfw, Sick-fic, Fluff, Very Light Angst

Word Count: 2228

====================================

"Xiao? Are you awake?" Xiao's door slowly creaked open as Zhongli walked into Xiao's room in hopes to wake him for their early morning Christmas, just like every year. He's back from college for winter break and decided to bring his boyfriend, Aether, back with him since he doesn't have much family, which Zhongli and Childe were more than happy to agree to.

"Mmmph..." Xiao replied....or at least, Zhongli thought he did.

"Xiao, everyone's waiting in the living room. Aether seems particularly excited...do you want to go greet him? Xiao?" Zhongli walked closer to where Xiao was laying, on his bed, curled up into a ball, face and body covered by layers upon layers of blankets.

He was met with another grumble from Xiao who, now that Zhongli was looking a bit closer, realized that he seemed a little pink, or at least, what he could see of him seemed pink. "Xiao? Are you feeling alright?" Zhongli asked, sitting next to Xiao on his bed, sneaking his hand beneath the mound of blankets Xiao had made, putting his hand on his forehead.

"Oh, you're burning up. Don't worry about getting up, " Zhongli started. "I'll tell everyone that you've came down with something. Rest up...I'll send Aether to come check on you, okay?" Zhongli whispered, smiling down at his son when he mentioned Aether, knowing that he would be happy to spend time with his boyfriend.

"I'm fine," Xiao started, slowly removing himself from his bed, "M'not sick."

When Xiao stood up, Zhongli noticed him swaying on his feet...and then he started falling.

"I've got you." Zhongli said, catching Xiao on his way to the floor. "You need to stay in bed, okay? No one is going to be mad at you for being sick." He said softly, guiding Xiao back onto his bed.

Xiao tried to mumble out again, "But Aether...and Christmas," when Zhongli stopped him.

"Xiao, I'm sure he'll understand. I'll go tell him now." He smiled down, covering Xiao back up with his many blankets and slowly running his fingers through Xiao's hair as he sighed and relaxed into the touch.

Removing his hand, Zhongli got up from the bed and silently left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft "click".

Honestly, Xiao couldn't beleive what was happening. He never gets sick. There was this one time in highschool where almost his entire class was out with the flu, but Xiao didn't get it...and still had to go to school. He's still a little pissed about that.

Laying under his blankets, Xiao was left dissapointed, still believing that he let everyone down.

*     *     *

"He's sick?" Aether asked worried, pacing about the room. "How bad is it? Does he need medicine?" Ever since he and Xiao had met, Aether doesn't remember Xiao ever coming down with anything. He'd even taken care of Aether when he was sick, never getting the sickness that Aether had. So for Xiao to get sick...yeah, Aether was a little worried.

"Calm down, Aether." Zhongli soothed, smiling at him and motioning for Aether to sit beside himself. He put his hand on Aether's back as Childe sat down on the other side of Zhongli.

"Yeah, Aether," Childe said. "Don't worry too much, it's probably just the flu that's been going around. I had it last week."

Zhongli does not want to remember that. Childe had been a whimpering mess, always asking for Zhongli to do things for him and complaining that he ached, which Zhongli didn't mind at all. But he had been very demanding for physical touch, clingling to Zhongli like a lifeline, which meant that he could do very little to help him

"Yes," Zhongli replied, leaning into Childe, "he'll be alright. But...if you want to make him feel better, I'm sure he would enjoy your company, Aether. And if you do decide to go sit with him, take him a present or two. He should still open some, no?"

"Yeah," Childe added, "I'm sure getting his presents, along with your presence," Childe laughed at his own pun while Zhongli sighed and put his head in his hand, "would cheer him up. You can go now if you want to, I'm sure he's all bummed out right now and in need to some cheering up." he smiled at Aether, who was quick to stand up.

"Okay...so should I take all of these?" Aether asked, motioning to the many presents under the tree.

"No, just take one or two." Zhongli laughed. "But leave that one," he pointed to a small box, wrapped in red wrapping paper and a pretty bow. "Ajax and I want to see you both open it. It's a gift from us to the both of you." he smiled, Childe following suit.

Curious, Aether took only one present with him -- the one he got for Xiao. Approaching the door to his boyfriend's bedroom. "Xiao?" he asked, knocking gently. "Can I come in?" He heard a quiet grunt from inside.

Opening the door slowly, Aether entered the room, lit by a nightlight that was plugged into the wall. 'Right.' Aether thought, a warm smile appearing on his face, 'he's scared of the dark.'

One day when they were spending time together, Xiao had admitted that he was afraid of the dark. "I just...don't like not knowing, y'know?" he had said, which made sense to Aether.

Xiao likes to be in control most of the time, wanting to know everything that's happening. He isn't controlling in the way a bad partner would be, he's just scared. He's tried to be better, and Aether's helped him, but some things even Aether can't fix. Like, for instance, his fear of the dark.

Remembering this, Aether realized that this want for control was probably something Xiao was struggling with right now, not being able to do what he wants. 'Well,'  Aether thought, 'I can probably cheer him up then.'

Closing the door softly, Aether made his way over to his boyfriend's bed. "Xiao? Hey~" he said quietly, running his hand through his hair, Xiao peeking one of his eyes out of the covers. "I thought you'd like some company." Aether smiled.

"Noooo," Xiao whined, "you'll get sick."

"I'm going to anyway. Childe said you probably have what he had, so it's just a matter of time until I get it, so don't worry." Aether said softly, setting the present down on the floor and sitting next to Xiao's head, fingers still playing with his soft hair.

"You're dads wanted me to bring a present for you. Do you want to open it?" Aether questioned.

"Not really..." Xiao mumbled. "Could...could you open it for me? And I can watch?" Xiao asked, his eyes trying their best to be puppy-like so Aether couldn't say no.

"Okay." Aether sighed, smiling as he lifted a small-sized present onto his lap. "Ready?" he smiled at Xiao, who gave a small nod. Removing the wrapping paper, Aether pulled out a small bracelet with a butterfly charm. "I got this for you." Aether said, a giddy smile appearing on his face. "Remember when you made me that oragami butterfly for my birthday?" Xiao gave a small nod, "Well...it meant a lot to me, so I wanted to give you something similar. Like you said with the butterfly you gave me, this bracelet will ward off evil and bring good luck to you. Do you like it?"

Xiao poked his head out of the covers, a small smile appearing on his face, "I love it." he said, almost in disbelief that Aether had gotten something so thoughtful for him. "Thank you, Aether. It means a lot. I just..."

"Hm? W-what? Is there something you don't like?" Aether asked, worried.

"N-no no! It's just...my gift to you isn't anywhere as meaningful as this..." Xiao answered, dejected.

"Xiao, I don't care about what gift you got me. Just you getting one for me means a lot." he smiled. "And besides, I'm sure you got me a wonderful gift, even if you don't think you did." Aether giggled.

"It's...it's not just that, Aether..." Xiao said, tucking his face back beneath the sheets.

"What is it then? You can tell me." Aether said, putting the bracelet on Xiao's nightstand and carding a hand gently through his hair.

"I ruined Christmas."

"What?" Aether asked, confused. "Why do you think that, Xiao? You didn't ruin Christmas."

Xiao's words came out muffled under the blanket. "Yes I did. I got sick, and now you aren't going to open your presents, and we can't spend time together or go outside and do stuff. I ruined Christmas for you, Aether."

"What?" Aether said shocked. "No, no you didn't. This Christmas is already one of the best ones I've ever had, Xiao." Aether ran his fingers through Xiao's hair.

"I hope that's just your sick brain talking. You invited me into your home, introduced me to your dads, and you got me a present. You didn't ruin Christmas because you got sick, and you definatly didn't ruin it because the gift you got me "isn't good." You made this my favorite Christmas ever, Xiao. And don't think I'm just saying that." Aether said, poking Xiao through the blankets to make his point clear.

And he heard a squeak.

'A squeak?'  Aether thought. 'No way. Is he ticklish?' Aether's smile grew three sizes bigger, smirking, he asked his boyfriend, "Xiao? What was that~?"

Quickly burying his head deeper into the covers, Xiao let out a quiet, "N-nothing." from under the sheets.

"Xiao~ Are you ticklish~?" Aether smirked, laying down next to Xiao on his bed.

Xiao knew where this was going. He always knew where that question went. If he said yes, Aether would happily tickle him. If he said no, Aether would think he's lying and tickling him to find out. If he said nothing then Aether would tickle him anyway. This was a lose-lose-lose scenario, and Xiao didn't have the energy to answer.

Not hearing a response, Aether snuck his hands beneath the blankets and found Xiao's sides. Slipping his hands under his shirt to grab at his sensitive skin, he pulled Xiao closer to him, then began to lightly drag his fingers up and down his sides. "I didn't hear an answer, my love~ Are you, or are you not, ticklish...?"

All Xiao could let out was giggles, muffled by the blankets. "Mmphehehehe!" Aether gently tickling his sides was bad enough, but teasing? Xiao hated teasing. Well...hate is a strong word. It was flustering. Embarrassing. It made him feel like he was losing control. But then again...this was Aether, and he trusted him.

"Xiao~ I'm still not hearing anything~ Do you like this? Do you like me tickle tickle tickling your sides~?" While using one hand to continue tickling Xiao, Aether snuck his other hand by Xiao's head, slowly lifing the blankets away from his face. "Xiao~?"

"Nohohohoho!" Xiao giggled, small "hics" being let out with the giggles.

"Awww~ You don't like me tickling you? You don't like me tickling your sides? Hmm? Or is it something else? Xiao?" Aether teased.

"Nohohoho teasihihihing! Plehehehehease!" Xiao laughed, now burying his face into Aethers chest to muffle his giggles.

"You don't like me teasing you?" Aether teased again, dragging his fingers up to Xiao's armpits and quickly spidering them inside of them.

"Nohohohohoho! HAHAHAHAHAHA NOOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHERE! PLEHEHEhehease!" Xiao squealed, pressing his mouth shut and burying it as deep as he could into his boyfriend's chest.

"Oh? Bad spot? Are your pits a bad spot, Xiao?" Aether asked, moving his hands as he was asked, and instead deciding to lightly clawing at Xiao's bare tummy under his shirt, his nails dragging from his hips to just under his sternum, occasionally circling around and diving into his belly button. "Did you ruin Christmas, Xiao?"

"EEEEhehehehe! Nohohoho! Nohohoho I dihihidn't!" Xiao laughed, Aether's fingers still wreaking havoc on his sensitive tummy. "Plehehehease stohohohop! Plehehehe-" Xiao was cut off by a coughing fit.

Aether was quick to stop once his sensitive boyfriend started coughing, moving his hands to rub circles on his back. "Ah! Are you okay? I'm so sorry, Xiao! I forgot that you were sick for a second."

Coming out of his coughing fit, Xiao snuck his hands around Aether, sqeezing him into a tight hug. "I'm okay....Thank you, Aether." Xiao whispered into Aether's chest.

"Hm? For what?"

"For making me...feel...better."

With those words, Aether went to say more, when he heard soft snores coming from under his chin, Xiao fadt asleep, arms and legs tangled together.

*     *     *

"Zhoingli, look how cute they are!" Childe and Zhongli were looking through Xiao's bedroom door that they cracked ipen to check on the boys. It had been a few hours, so they just wanted to make sure they were okay, and to see if they needed anything.

"Shhh. Quiet, Ajax. They are quite cute, cuddled together, aren't they?" Looking at Xiao's bed, they could see two boys, cuddled together in the soft light of the nightlight, a bracelet sitting on the nightstand.

"Take a picture, Zhongli!" Childe whispered.

Zhongli took out his phone, taking a picture of the peacefully sleeping boys through the cracked door, quietly shutting it and going to the sofa with Childe, cuddling together and sipping the cocoa Childe had made. Perhaps this Christmas wouldn't be so bad for Xiao after all.

[mjbunnyluv]

Recompense

Zhongli wakes among silk sheets, body shivering against the cool air that slips under while he turns on his side. He swallows thickly, throat feeling strained and sore.

“Hmm. Some tea perhaps.”

When he throws the sheets off and drops his feet off the side of the bed, a harsh shudder rolls through his body.

“That is new,” he says to himself. 

It has been six months since he’d given up his gnosis to the Tsaritsa. Since stepping down as Archon of Liyue. Six whole months of living a mortal life. Zhongli supposes that he is finally adjusting, feeling what mortals feel with the changing of seasons.

He stands and quickly rests a hand against the side of his face as his head pounds fiercely. It is as if he’s been hit with a club, temple and cheek throbbing beneath the surface. He grunts and blinks away the pain before making his way to the kitchen.

“Tea,” he says again, shuffling a few containers on the counter to find the right blend. 

A chime rings outside, bells singing at the top of a new hour. Zhongli pauses in his tea making and counts the chimes.

“No, that cannot be right.” Still, amber eyes shift to the noctilucous jade clock that decorates the wall. “Oh dear. It seems that I have slept in. That will not do.”

Pushing the containers of tea leaves back into their rightful place, Zhongli moves about the apartment to get ready for the day. When he bends down to retrieve a clean pair of trousers, that awful pounding in his head returns.

Bright spots dance around the edges of his vision. He reaches up to rub at his temple, trying to massage away the pain. Once it subsides, he concludes dressing and takes the elegant staircase down two levels to the main lobby of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Director Hu Tao was generous enough to allow him lodging above the place. As such, Zhongli appeared in his office at exactly the time his daily shift was supposed to start.

“Zhongli, you’re late.”

“My apologies, Director,” he bows his head courteously to the short statured woman. “I foolishly slept in this morning.”

Hu Tao crosses her arms and regards him with curious eyes. A single brow raises as she taps her chin in thought. “You look quite pale today. Dark circles under your eyes too.”

“I am sure it will pass, but I have been experiencing a pain in the side of my face. It is quite unusual, but I assure it will not hinder my work, Director.”

“Oh?” Hu Tao perks up. “Shall I gather the proper documentation for your last testament?”

Zhongli fixes her with an unamused stare. “That will not be necessary.”

“Whatever you say,” she says in a sing-song voice, wandering to her office to begin her daily routine.

With a deep inhale that makes his chest feel heavy, Zhongli enters his own office and begins his tasks. A few requests to sort through, but nothing particularly pressing. It allows him time to do a bit of research, consulting books around the parlor. The information in them just makes his head spin.

“Surely, this cannot be correct,” he mutters to himself as he flips the page. “Mortals are burdened with such weakness.” 

Zhongli tries not to think too much about his ailments, but by midday he has a few more symptoms to add to the list. A cough has developed. Nothing horrid like those who visit the infirmary in dire condition, but a nagging sort of thing. Each time he thinks he has cleared the sore itch in his throat, the urge to cough returns. 

He sniffles, clearing his nose that has begun to drip incessantly. “Well, this is just…” Zhongli trails off with another cough.

“Sounds like I should get your measurements,” Hu Tao comments in passing. 

“Not necessary.”

An hour before the end of his shift, when the light filtering through the window has turned the color of rust, Zhongli rests his head against the cool wood of his desk. His eyes flutter closed and his breathing evens out. Exhaustion is not a new concept. Though he is hardier than the common mortal, able to last three days before sleep became a necessity, it is strange to feel it take hold before the sun has fully set. Not to mention, he slept the evening prior.

“Just for a few moments,” Zhongli whispers to himself. “A short rest.”

Unsure of how much time has passed, Zhongli startles awake when a hand rests on his shoulder. Reflexes take over, his hand flashing upward to grip his attacker.

“Woah there, Zhongli,” a familiar voice warbles. 

Blinking back the fog, amber eyes settle on the newcomer’s face, recognizing the particular shade of blue glinting in their eyes.

“Childe?”

“Uh huh,” the Fatui Harbinger nods. 

“I was unaware you returned to Liyue. I thought you had been summoned to Snezhnaya,” Zhongli comments, releasing his hold on Childe’s wrist.

“New assignment,” the man shrugs. “Though I’m sure the people of Liyue will have something to say about it.”

“Hmm.” A deep breath makes the former archon cough again. His face contorts as something wet and bitter rises to the back of his tongue.

Childe is quiet beside him, observing with shocked curiosity. “Are you sick?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Zhongli dismisses him.

“Oh, am I?” An eyebrow raises in a bit of a teasing manner, making light of the situation. “I’m not the one on death’s door, Xiansheng.”

“So, preparations should commence,” Hu Tao chirps from the doorway. “I’ll grab the paperwork.”

“Honestly,” Zhongli huffs. “I am not sick, nor am I dying.”

That tickle in his throat is more annoying than before, causing him to let out a few wet coughs. His head pounds each time, and with a groan, the archon reaches up to massage his temples.

“Right,” Childe sighs. “Looks like we’re making a stop at Bubu Pharmacy. Come on.”

Zhongli doesn’t have a chance to argue before the harbinger’s hand grasps his bicep and practically drags him out of his office. The director is singing to herself - an old funerary song - while she gathers the usual forms needed to plan a final farewell. 

“Don’t worry Director Tao,” Childe waves with a smile as they pass through the lobby. “Next time you see Zhongli, he’ll be right as rain.”

Once they’re outside, the temperature cool but not unpleasant, Childe finally lets go and falls into step beside him.

“I didn’t think archons could get sick.”

“Nor did I,” Zhongli sighs. It feels like cotton is stuffed inside his head. His usually exceptional hearing and sense of smell are hindered and the pounding behind his eyes is more than a little concerning.

“Aha, so you admit that you are sick!”

“Hmm, yes, I suppose that is the most plausible explanation for these terrible symptoms.”

“What are your symptoms?” Childe asks. “After living in Snezhnaya most of my life, I’ve come up with a lot of remedies for these kinds of things. I noticed you have a cough. Does your throat hurt, too?”

“It does indeed,” Zhongli nods. “Perhaps your expertise in these matters is necessary. Upon standing after I awoke this morning, I felt a throbbing pain against the side of my face. It seems to have become more insistent as the day has gone on. I have gotten much use from my handkerchief today as well.”

“Sounds like it’s just a cold.” The man shrugs.

This makes the archon slow, blinking as he takes in Childe’s words. “Just a cold?” He asks in a measured tone. “Do all mortals suffer these symptoms during their lifetime?”

“Yeah, I guess. I mean, a cold is pretty common.” 

Zhongli ponders this on their walk. They pass through the gate that leads toward Yujing Terrance and approach the stairs leading to Bubu Pharmacy. 

“Think you can make it to the top, Xiansheng?” Childe teases, taking two steps at a time in quick succession.

“Such insolence,” Zhongli mutters, beginning his ascension. 

Halfway there, he feels out of breath. His cough is more insistent and he is starting to feel a bit lightheaded. He paused to regain his strength, raising his gaze to take in the remaining steps. Childe was at the top looking equal parts amused and bewildered.

“Okay down there?!” The Fatui Harbinger calls lightly.

Zhongli climbs the rest of the way and fixes his companion with the most disapproving look he can muster. “You joke, though I imagine you have been in worse states than I am at the moment, Childe.”

The ginger haired man coughs lightly into his fist, though it sounds suspiciously like a laugh. “I mean no offense, Xiansheng. Just trying to keep things light.”

Amber eyes squint, observing Childe. There is a tightness to his jaw and stiffness in his shoulders. Eyes the color of the sea that laps at Liyue’s shore are sharp and serious, betraying the nonchalant smile that is plastered on his lips.

Zhongli reaches out, his hand resting on Childe’s shoulder in a comforting manner. “No need to worry, my friend. If it is…just a cold, as you say, then I am sure Doctor Baizhu will have a remedy to offer.”

“R-Right,” Childe chokes out before stepping out from under the former archon’s touch and makes his way into the pharmacy. 

Qiqi, just following orders, nearly makes the harbinger rip his hair out before Doctor Baizhu makes an appearance. He apologizes for her insistence that a prescription is needed. It is only when Childe explains that it’s not him who needs medicine but Zhongli that Baizhu turns and regards him with scrutiny.

Hands find their way to Zhongli’s face and neck, pressing lightly. He flinches at the doctor’s cool touch and the next thing he knows, a wrist is pressed to his forehead.

“Hmm. Fever, some swelling in the lymph nodes, and you’ve coughed quite a bit since arriving. Tell me Mr. Zhongli, how long have you had these symptoms.”

“Since this morning,” he answers with a level tone, trying to keep his annoyance at being touched under control.

“I see. Well, judging by the harbinger’s concern, I’ll give you a few things that will ease your discomfort,” Doctor Baizhu states, turning back toward Qiqi to rattle off names of medicines and herbs.

“I’m not concerned,” Childe bites out. The dusting of pink on his cheeks reveals his embarrassment at being caught in his emotions.

It warms Zhongli’s heart to know his friend cares so much about him. That he would go out of his way to care for him while in this predicament.

They leave with a bag of medicine and instructions hand written by Baizhu and a reminder to return should his symptoms become worse.

The walk back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is quiet, save for the light conversation that flutters down from the upper levels of Liuli Pavilion. 

Zhongli turns to regard his companion as they ascend the steps leading to his apartment and finds that Childe’s blush has darkened, eyes looking without seeing.

“Something troubles you, my friend.”

His voice seems to jolt the harbinger from his thoughts, who clears his throat and looks down at his boots when they arrive at the door. 

“It’s nothing.”

Well now, that’s certainly a lie. Zhongli may still be learning how to navigate the subtle intricacies of mortal life but Rex Lapis observed both adepti and mortals for over six millenia. He’s come to learn a thing or two about hiding one’s emotions.

“Childe?”

Those brilliant blue eyes snap to amber, a light smile turning up peach lips. All traces of worry are hidden behind Childe’s carefully constructed mask.

“Good night, Xiansheng. Hope you feel better in the morning.”

“Thank you,” Zhongli bows his head slightly. 

Childe is already halfway down the steps when the former geo archon enters his apartment. Alone once more, and in desperate need of some warm tea, Zhongli begins heating the kettle to the perfect temperature. The medicine prescribed to him by Doctor Baizhu is carefully set on the counter and he reads the instructions while his tea is being prepared. There is some kind of syrupy concoction that smells of bitterness, making Zhongli’s nose scrunch in distaste. Also, a paste or ointment meant to be rubbed over his chest to aid in clearing the pressure he feels in his face while he sleeps.

With tea expertly prepared, he takes a seat at his small, but elegant table, body aching as he lowers himself into the seat. 

The syrup tastes horrid, making Zhongli gag and hold a gloved hand to his lips. 

“An awful way to ruin beautiful tea,” he says to himself, taking a sip to wash away the bitterness that clings to his tongue.

The tub of ointment is not much better. It makes Zhongli’s skin stick to his silk pajamas in a way that makes him feel dirty. After having slept the previous night, it is strange to slumber again. However, exhaustion still holds a firm grip on the former archon. It takes some time, but eventually he falls into a sleep riddled with strange dreams. 

When he awakes, Zhongli feels worse than the previous morning. He cannot breathe out of his nose, nor inhale without coughing. He shivers under the sheets and tucks his knees in close to his body. 

“The director will surely not take this as an excuse. I must get ready for the day,” he said so himself, voice raw. He wonders if he had been coughing in his sleep.

Upon standing, he falls straight back to the bed with a weak sigh. His body aches and his head throbs unpleasantly. Though he does not want to experience the taste of that bitter medicine, Zhongli knows Doctor Baizhu wouldn’t have prescribed it without the utmost care and knowledge.

He is sluggish in arriving downstairs and when Hu Tao gets a look at him, he is promptly dismissed with the director’s harsh threat to get well soon.

Tea does little to warm his shivering body, eyelids heavy as he sits at the table and sips the hot drink. Zhongli’s bed looks inviting and once he finishes the tea, he crawls under the sheets. Each time he thinks he’s about to drift off, consciousness suddenly sparks. The sound of someone working on the floor below, birds chirping just outside the window, the urgent feeling that he should be hiding in this weakened state. Though he tries to will himself to check the door, Zhongli falls asleep before he can finish that thought.

The next time he awakes, it’s to the feel of something damp pressed against his forehead and a heaviness that has been laid across his body.

Amber eyes blink open, just making out familiar messy ginger hair and a lithe frame flitting about the kitchen.

“Childe?” Zhongli croaks, throat dry and incredibly sore.

“Ah Xiansheng, you’re awake,” his friend answers, relief clear on his face as he approaches the bedside. “I know you’re an archon and all, but maybe you should think about locking your door when you plan to sleep.”

“I did not plan on it,” he responds.

“Yeah, I guess being sick will do that to you,” Childe chuckles softly and rubs the back of his neck. “When I came to check up on you, Hu Tao mentioned she sent you away to rest.”

“And you barged your way in?”

“I did not barge in.” He rolls his eyes. “The door was unlocked. Besides, you were shivering so I took the time to make you more comfortable.”

Zhongli finally sees the reason for the weight lying over his body. A thick quilt that he does not recognize is draped over the silk sheets.

“Hmmm, it’s warm.”

“Good,” Childe nods, intending to leave the room before abruptly turning back around to remove the damp cloth lying on Zhongli’s forehead. “Do you think you could eat? I picked up some black-back perch stew from Wamin Restaurant. Xiangling sends her regards, by the way.”

“That is very kind,” Zhongli says, mustering a smile. “I will have to thank her the next time I visit.”

“So, do you want some?” There is a nervousness in the harbinger’s crystal blue eyes.

“You’ve gone through much trouble for my sake. It would be a slight against you to refuse such kindness.”

“It’s just soup, Xiansheng.”

Childe disappears back into the kitchen and Zhongli hears the rustling of a paper bag. No doubt, he’s setting the table with the food he acquired from Wamin Restaurant. 

With a groan, Zhongli leaves the bed, pausing to look back. His fingers slide across the quilt. Soft cotton squares depicting patterns foreign to Liyue are stitched together with shining thread. He doesn’t let himself linger on the many questions his mind drums up, instead wrapping the blanket over his shoulders and joining Childe at the table.

“It’s comfy, right?” his friend smiles, looking pointedly at the quilt.

“Indeed,” Zhongli answers, pulling it tighter around him. “I don’t recognize the pattern…or craftsmanship.”

“Snezhnayan,” Childe tells him. “I brought it from home. Don’t really use it much since it’s so much warmer here in Liyue, but it’s– it’s a comfort.”

The former archon can hear the love laced into those words. A prized item. “And you would allow me to use it in my weakened state?”

His friend shrugs with a nod like he hasn’t just given Zhongli a piece of himself.

“I will take great care of this.”

“I appreciate it,” Childe says softly. “Here, try this.” A bowl of black-back perch stew is placed in front of him.

Food is decidedly harder to consume, but the broth is warm and eases the ache in his throat. 

“Would it be wise to visit Bubu Pharmacy again?”

“Nah,” Childe shakes his head before taking another spoonful of his own soup. “This is just the way with being sick. Sometimes you feel worse before you get better.”

“I see,” Zhongli hums. “Then I will proceed with the care instructions Doctor Baizhu gave last night.”

They resume their meal, quietly enjoying the stew together. Though Zhongli would prefer not to feel so awful, Childe’s presence fills him with pleasant warmth. 

“I believe I will rest some more,” he announces once only a few spots of liquid remain in the bowl.

“Good idea.” 

Childe collects their bowls and utensils. He begins cleaning up as Zhongli crawls into bed once more, pulling the quilt around him a bit tighter. His friend is right in his description that it is a comfort. The sound of dishes clinking and water running softly lulls him to sleep.

Silence meets Zhongli’s ears as he slowly comes to. For a moment he wonders if Childe has left, only to feel a gentle touch run through his hair. That wet cloth is plastered to his forehead once more and he feels a bit better than earlier. 

“Keep resting, Xiansheng,” Childe whispers.

Amber eyes flutter open. The room is dark save for the single lantern casting a warm glow from the bedside table. It must have been hours since he shared stew with his friend.

“You’re still here,” Zhongli mumbles.

“It’s the least I can do…” 

“Hmm.” 

The former archon thinks about the strange emotion that tinges Childe’s tone. Though he is still learning about the many facets of mortal life, he is coming to understand regret. Of course he experienced the emotion as Rex Lapis, but it meant something different before he chose to step down as Liyue’s revered god.

“I hold no ill will towards you for releasing Osial,” Zhongli finally says, turning his head to regard the Snezhnayan warrior. “In fact, without you, I do not believe the Adepti and Qixing would have ever come together.”

Childe’s lips turn into a straight line, eyes hard to read in the low light.

“I have apologized for using you as a pawn in my contract with the Tsaritsa, and I will do so again if it is required of me.”

“No,” his friend sighs. “It’s not– I…”

Zhongli stays quiet, allowing Childe to sort his thoughts into the words he wants to speak aloud.

After a few moments of silence, the harbinger speaks. 

“I released Osial in hopes that I would draw out Rex Lapis…but you never appeared. A good fight is worth everything to me and what better way to test my strength than against a literal god?”

“Ah,” Zhongli nods slightly. “I see. Perhaps I could make it up to you with a spar. Once I am back to full health, of course.”

Crystal blue eyes blink at him once, twice, before a sparkle of mischief and excitement returns to them. A smirk pulls at the corner of peach lips and Zhongli returns the sentiment. 

“I would like that,” Childe answers.

“Then we have a contract. Once I have regained my strength, we will spar.” 

Zhongli settles against the bed again and lets his eyes flutter closed. If he feels that gentle touch resume gliding through his hair, he does not comment on it. Instead, he sighs softly, leaning into the comfort so easily given by his friend.

[oakshiwriting]

Part 2: The Aftermath.

Pairing: Zhongli x Male Reader x Tartaglia

Tags: date, jealousy, drama, triangle.

Genshin Fanfic

Fluff

Synopsis:

After the steaming actions you did with Zhongli the other day, you rested for a while because your ass hurts from the occurrences. A man who knows Zhongli.

-THE AFTERMATH-

As you walked home from the Wansheng Funeral Parlor, you felt pain in your ass, slowly arising.

"Ah... my ass hurts..." You mumbled as you walked.

You maintain walking normally to avoid the pain you felt to be obvious to the crowd, considering that a lot of them might ask you if you're okay.

While walking, you came across a man—ginger haired and handsome. He approached you as soon as he saw you, seemingly having the intention to ask a question.

"Hey!" He shouted in your direction while running.

"I saw you going out from the Wansheng Funeral Parlor, was Mister Zhongli there?" He asked.

You paused for a few seconds to feel the pain in your ass before answering.

"yes, he's there..." You answered, as trembles embodies your voice.

"Are you ok?" The handsome ginger man asked.

"yeah... I'm fine..." You answered.

The handsome ginger took a minute to pause, seemingly trying to analyze your situation with suspicion.

"Oh, ok... I'm Tartaglia, one of the Harbingers." He introduced.

"Oh..." You reacted.

After that dialogue, the both of you fell to an awkward silence as you felt the pain still acting up in your ass.

..

..

"so... Uhh... Is that all?" You asked, trying to break the silence with the desire to go home and rest.

"Yes, thank you." Tartaglia answered.

"Anyways, I'm gonna go now." You said, walking after.

He placed his gaze upon you as you left, filled with suspicion as he stared. You didn't take importance on that interaction as you walked and arrived in your house, directly going to bed to rest.

You imagined the things that happened earlier, slowly closing your eyes.

..

"ahhh..." "Nghhh" Moans echoed, fading as it continues. Smiling through the dream, as a familiar face draws near in your sight.

"Hey..." "Hey..." "Hey..." The face came close, waking you up by surprise, seeing the face of Tartaglia, a man you just met.

"What the fuck was that?!?!" You exclaimed, trying to figure out what went on. You opened your curtains, surprised as the sun was rising early in the morning. You slept for so long, hunger filling up your stomach because you didn't have dinner last night.

You touched your ass noticing that the pain had seized, allowing you to move freely without pain. You stood up, stretched, and went to your kitchen to cook, suddenly hearing a knock in your front door.

*knock, knock, knock*

"Who's there?" You asked loudly to allow the person outside to hear you.

"It's me! Tartaglia!" The man answered.

You went to the door and opened it as Tartaglia stood up there bringing a bag.

"Uhh actually, Mister Zhongli asked me to bring you these yesterday." He said.

"Well... Good Morning? Why?" You curiously asked.

"I don't know, he just told me about you and then asked me if I knew where you lived. Since I saw you enter here yesterday before going to the Wansheng Funeral Parlor, I said "yes"." He explained in detail.

"So you came here, early this morning to bring me these?" You asked.

"Yup, I also saw you struggling from pain yesterday, obviously hinting from the way you talked so I also bought you some sweets and pain relievers." He said smiling.

"Well, come in." You told him as you opened the door wider.

He entered and went to the kitchen table to place the goods, sitting on one of the chairs looking directly at the food you're cooking as you approached it.

"Are you cooking breakfast?" He asked.

"Yeah, how about you eat here. Take this as my gratitude for bringing me these goods." You said as you stirred the pan.

He smiled after hearing your invite, obviously happy.

"Well, who am I to decline a humble invitation." He replied.

You continued to cook as he looked around your house, familiarizing its structure and arrangement. The food you're cooking was already smelling good.

..

..

After a while, you finished cooking and transferred it to a large plate placing it at the center of the table. After placing it, you took two plates and spoons for both you and Tartaglia, starting to eat after the preparation.

"Woah, you're a good cook!" He said after eating a spoonful of your food.

"Thanks." You answered.

The both of you continued to eat and finished after a while.

"Ahhhh, that was delicious! Thank you for the food!" He said as he touched his stomach.

You washed the plates as he rested in the dining table. Not long after, you heard another knock from the door.

*knock knock knock*

You wiped your hands and proceeded to the door without saying a word.

"Greetings." A familiar man said. It was Zhongli.

"Ah, Mister Zhongli... Please come in." You said as you allowed him to enter. He was surprised to see Tartaglia sitting on the dining table, approaching him as he stared.

"Mister Childe, it seems you are still here?" He asked.

"Mister Zhongli, I thought you didn't know where he lived?" Tartaglia asked.

"Well, it happened I was doing a morning walk earlier seeing you heading towards this house bringing the bags I asked you to bring." He said as he sat down to one of the chairs.

"Hmmm, stalker huh?" He said.

"Mister Zhongli, do you want to eat something?" You asked.

"No, I merely came here to ask you if you're free today." He said in a serious tone.

Tartaglia's gaze intensified after hearing the words that he took as an invite to you. Looking at you then back to Zhongli.

"Yeah, I don't have work today." You said as you took off your apron, sitting in one of the chairs.

"What about you, Mister Childe? Your gazes look like they hurt." He said facing Tartaglia.

"I have work at the Northland Bank today.." Tartaglia answered.

The three of you talked for a while, Tartaglia leaving first. The both of you then followed after you prepared and went to the Heyu Tea House.

"So, are you alright?" Zhongli suddenly asked as the both of you walked.

"No, my ass was in pain last night." You answered.

"I apologize.." He sincerely said.

"It's fine, it went away after a sleep so, no problem there." You said as he gazed upon you.

After walking for a while, you both arrived at the Heyu Tea House, sitting and listening to the story. Surprisingly, the story was about love. While the story went on, Zhongli would continuously gaze and glance at you, as if trying to relay the story through his eyes.

Slowly, he moved his hand to yours, touching pinky to pinky. You felt the slow touch and glanced.

"HEY!" A familiar voice interrupted. It was Childe, approaching you from the stairs. Zhongli, hearing that, backed his hand and sipped his tea, as you do the same. Away from your sight, he annoyingly looked down both of you, trying to hide something he's feeling deep inside.

"Sit." You said as he reverted his stare.

He sat down and looked at both of you, he saw the hand movements earlier so the interruption was intentional.

"Mister Childe, I had thought you were working at the Northland Bank? Why is your presence here?" Zhongli asked, hinting annoyance and anger in his tone.

Tartaglia on the other hand, forced a smile.

"Well, I finished it... So I guess it's done now." He replied.

You noticed the situation and interrupted their dialogue.

"Ok, ok, why don't we three enjoy the storytelling. Let's not talk about anything else." You said interrupting their intense stares.

They broke off their stares and sipped their tea. The three of you continued to listen in peace, creating a finally happy atmosphere.

..

As the story goes on, both of them would steal glances at each other and to you, you didn't notice it as you were too focused on the story.

After a while, the storytelling ended and it was already lunchtime.

"It's already lunch, where are both of you gonna eat? My treat." Tartaglia said as he smiled.

"Thank you for that offer, Mister Childe. However, it is best if we eat individually, don't you think?" Zhongli said with an intense glare.

"Well that won't be necessary. Let's eat at the Wangmin Restaurant then." Trataglia said as he held your hand, pulling you.

Zhongli had no choice but to follow and so the three of you ate.... In an awkward silence...

"Ehem, thank you, Mister Tartaglia..." You said trying to break the awkward silence.

"No problem." He said.

"Indeed, thank you, Mister Childe. However, I don't think next time you are obliged to treat us..." Zhongli expressed.

"Sarcastic." Tartaglia mumbled.

The eating continues in dead silence until finally done.

The three of you stood up one by one, going to the vendors near the sea for some souvenirs and other stuffs.

The three of you walked there in dead silence once again. When you arrived, Tartaglia insisted on treating both of you for some stuff. He insisted before the two of you agreed.

Buying, snacking, walking, talking. That was the activities you did for the whole afternoon before the evening finally arrived.

"That was a day... Thank you very much Mister Tartaglia." You said as the three of you sat on a bench.

"No problem!" Tartaglia is sad smiling happily.

Zhongli was silent, seemingly regretting and annoyed that Tartaglia interfered with your date.

"It's night now, I guess I gotta go..." You said standing up.

"I'll Go With You!" Zhongli and Tartaglia said in unison, also standing up in a flash.

You hesitated for a while and declined yet they insisted.

..

"ahhh...." You sighed as you walked in between them.

Walking until all of you arrive at your house, allowing them to enter, resting in your living room. You showered after arriving and dressed in your room, as both of them stared at each other for a long time.

After a while, you finished changing your clothes, fresh from the shower and sat with them in the living room...

[bedoballoons]

Can you do super sweet fluffy Childe and Zhongli relationship hc's?! Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease 🙏🙏

I absolutely can! Thank you so very much for your request! <3

Childe x Zhongli Headcannons:

~Sweet and fluffy~

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Childe loves sharing pictures of his siblings with Zhongli, always talking about how much he loves them and how proud he is of them.

Zhongli likes reminisce about his past friends and despite it technically being useful information Childe never shares any of it with the Fatui.

They enjoy having dinner together, either Zhongli cooks or he always picks a place you have to use chopsticks to eat, his reasons being he likes to help Childe learn how to use them and he thinks it's cute seeing Childe struggle with something so silly.

Childe listens to everything Zhongli says even if it seems boring to everyone else and uses what he's learned to buy him very sentimental gifts on anniversaries or dates.

Xiao didn't trust Childe at all in the beginning, he technically still doesn't, but Childe has done his best to prove his loyalty to Zhongli and the rest of the Adepti family. Even stating his main loyalties are Zhongli and his own family in Snezhnaya.

Childe asks Zhongli to spar with him often, now knowing he's the archon he wants to beat him in training and show his worth. Zhongli always lets him win though and Childe knows it so he doesn't count any of them as wins...

When they kiss Zhongli is always careful because he knows Childe is only human and he doesn't ever want to accidentally hurt him.

They both make sure to spend time together on lantern rite wether it's in secret or not it's tradition. Sometimes it's a stolen kiss and other times it's them sharing a snack together.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

~I hope you enjoyed!~

[nomelwelloy]

Child takes a miscalculated step back and he tumbles down the stairs; this the end, he thinks, imagining his body folding against the steps, his head collapsing in when he hits the landing-

-but Zhongli catches him, solid arms secured around his body, his golden gaze bearing down upon Childe. They are bright with relief and a hint of amusement.

Childe takes a small gasp, the breath knocked out of his lungs. Fallen right into the hands of a god, he thinks, his face growing red.

Childe thinks he’s really gone to heaven now, when Zhongli curls his fingers into his hair, righting him by his waist as he pulls him closer for a slow, sweet kiss, his hand never stopping their soothing ministrations. Childe melts, letting go as he irresistibly sinks into the embrace. The thought of almost breaking his neck just moments ago is swiftly forgotten.

"Careful, my love," Zhongli’s tone mirrors the glint in his eyes. "Watch where you step,"

Childe nods, unable to comprehend anything. The cliche, his clumsiness- it makes him blush once more. "Thanks," he mumbles, his legs still feeling a little too weak to support his weight, and he lets Zhongli help him to the nearest chair.

[xxsilver-ashxx]

A list of all my fics on ao3 at the moment. These are all the fics I currently have released. Feel free to read as you please, but please do read the tags and warning as some may be slightly sensitive to some people. Love in a thousand chances, the rewritten and original, are the only ones that heavily are a read at your own discretion. Please read the tags and warning before reading.

The first one is never going to be finished as I am rewriting it, so don’t expect updates on it.

The others are being finished:

[onyx232323]

An Adeptus' Last Wish- Zhongchi fic

(1/30)

More chapters here!<3333

Summary-

After the Gnosis incident, Childe decides to take a much-needed break away from Zhongli.

However, how was he supposed to react, when all of a sudden Lumine showed up outside his apartment sounding terribly mortified, "Childe......Zhongli.......Zhongli....is in grave danger."

Of course, he was going to do anything to help the dying man.

Sure, he still felt a lot of contempt for him, after what he did, but his heart still loved him.....

But, what he hadn't expected was the sudden wisp of golden light that somehow transported him during the times of the Archon War?!

What the FUCK?!

_________________________

Chapter 1: A Bitter Beginning

Childe’s days went by, and soon enough the memory of molten gold eyes and flowing dark hair were gone. They were no longer sweet memories that he hoped to take back with him to Snezhnaya, instead they were bittersweet and left a lonely feeling in his chest. 

Zhongli had walked into his repetitive existence with a simple handshake and a smile, “Greetings, I’m Zhongli, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Consultant. It appears that I will be your guide from here on out.” 

As he gazed into those entrancing eyes, those warm molten eyes…...he knew that he didn’t stand a chance. 

He tried to contain the occasional flutter of his heart; like a sick staccato meant to mock him. He tried to ignore the warmth he felt when Zhongli would gaze at him with a fond soft expression. He tried to ignore the subtle touches on his hand or back that would cause his brain to malfunction. He tried to ignore the way he would want to take all of Zhongli’s laughs and smiles all for himself. He tried to ignore the way he wanted the man, so desperately, even if he knew he could never. 

They were only supposed to be business partners and nothing else. 

But, even so, Childe allowed the foolish part of his brain to trick him into letting his guard down and even encouraging him to feel such emotions. For the first time in a long while, he felt as if he could trust this encyclopedia of a man. 

Tartaglia obviously opposed this, being conditioned to fight and guard his inner most sensitive parts.

Don’t do it, you’ll only get hurt…..were only words that Childe chose to ignore, preferring to indulge himself in the warmth of Zhongli’s eyes. 

He knew it should’ve been a trap; something too good to be the truth. 

He had seen the Traveler running into the Golden House, and so, with his own curiosity overtaking him, he followed. 

___________________________

It was a mistake.

One that he wished he could take back. 

He had decided to hide behind the entrance of the Golden House, and decided to eavesdrop instead.

La Signora was talking with someone…..and she had called them Morax…

Morax replied….and was that Zhongli?!

He rushed in, and his stomach dropped. 

Zho-No-Morax was handing his Gnosis over to La Signora, “A contract to end all contracts.”

La Signora’s facial expressions changed from an already arrogant smile to a venomous grin, she had noticed his presence there, and knew…..

That was one of the things he hated about La Signora (besides her whole existence of course). She was annoyingly perceptive; she could tell from a mile away what his facial expression indicated. 

It was the face of bitter betrayal. 

He was confused for a minute, he couldn’t believe what was happening, “What is the meaning of this? What’s going on?” 

La Signora’s smile seemed to grow even more, to the point where it was downright inhumane, “It seems our dear Tartaglia is quite confused, wouldn’t you say Morax?”  She gestured towards Morax who remained still. 

Childe’s confusion then turned into unbridled rage, " Quit your fucking games, Signora! What the hell is going on here!” 

La Signora burst into laughter, further fueling the embarrassment he now felt. Morax remained silent, only occasionally guiltily switching his gaze from Childe to the floor.  

“It is exactly what it seems.....While you were caught up in your arrogance and having fun playing the villain card, you were too ignorant to see what was under your nose the whole time. You were never supposed to retrieve the Gnosis. Our Tsaritsa simply sent you out, as a distraction of sorts…I mean come on, Tartaglia…it was to be expected. After all, I was always the one to get things done, that’s why the Tsaritsa personally requested me to babysit you.” 

Tartaglia shook with rage, barely holding back the angry tears that threatened to spill down his face, “..Signora!” 

He threw himself at her. Without thinking, the irrational part of his brain took control of him. However, even he knew that he was no match for Signora, not right now at least. He had just fought the Traveler with the Foul Legacy. He was outmatched and it only showed, when she easily sidestepped his punch, laughing all the while. 

“Now, now, Tartaglia, you aren’t being fair. I’m not the one you should be mad at, the man who betrayed you is standing right in front of you.....It’s not like I was the one who forced him to give up his gnosis, he willingly agreed to it.” 

Childe stilled, and finally turned to hold Zhongli’s guilt ridden expression, he could tell she was telling the truth…his heart shattered.

He had suffered great humiliation and shame all for the sake of one man alone…who wasn’t even a mortal man.

It was stupid, he was stupid. 

Why couldn’t he have seen what was clearly in front of his eyes the whole entire time? Zhongli knew too much about Liyue’s history to simply be a mortal man, he could have also sworn his hair glowed in the dark (but Childe only chalked it up to be the trick of his eyes or the light). He had played Childe perfectly like a guzheng; he was only another pawn for his own benefit. 

Childe allowed himself to be strung along with the soft smiles and long nightly conversations under the starry sky. He allowed himself to be fooled by such a beautiful person. He had willingly been seduced by a siren; knowing he was going to be eaten in the end. 

He had played an unpredictable game called love, and he had lost. 

He hurried out of there, only Lumine and Paimon’s worried voices called out to him.

La Signora could tell the flash of misery in Morax’s gaze but didn’t comment on it, and instead almost commended his effort to appear unphased for the rest of their conversation. The Traveler and Paimon looked wide-eyed and almost pitiful as they stared the direction from where Childe had run out of. 

Signora almost felt bad for her heartbroken lovesick co-worker…...almost. 

_______________________

After the humiliation that was the whole Gnosis situation, Childe decided to spend the rest of his time in Liyue stuck in his apartment and occasionally taking out his frustrations on nearby Hilichurl camps…sometimes even Ruin Guards…

To be honest, he practically took out his anger and hurt feelings onto anything that crossed his path. To the point where occasionally exhaustion overtook him and he would pass out in the middle of the forest, only to then wake up floating in water. 

His heart had not expected Zhongli to walk into his life. 

Up until that point, his life had the same routine: Wake up, go on a mission, kill, rinse, repeat. 

He was the Tsaritsa’s Vanguard after all. 

That was almost something he was especially ordered to do, on a regular basis. He had no time to consider his own feelings, or take others into consideration. That wasn’t something he had time for, in his line of work. Even spending time with his family had become a mission in itself. He had to charm people with his boyish charm, and then kill them afterwards. It was the same for every mission. 

The stupid idea of love and potentially settling down had never been a priority to him. 

It never has been and it will never be one. 

However, ever since he stared back into those cor lapis eyes, they seemed to drag him in; like a bug caught in a cobweb.

He was trapped before he knew it. 

Zhongli had single-handedly managed to rip him out of the mediocrity that was his life and had shown him what it felt like to be cared for and loved. Every single passing gaze, every light touch, every story, every smile......made him feel something. 

For the first time, ever since he had fallen into the Abyss, he felt like perhaps he was worthy enough to have a close relationship with someone. The void in his heart was finally going to get filled up with something as simple as human connection and he craved it. 

And occasionally he would day-dream about how a domestic life would be with Zhongli: would he hold him through his gut-wrenching nightmares, whisper sweet nothings into his ear, would he manage to understand him, love him for everything that he is, kiss him gently through his tears, propose to him one day during a day spent on the beach, would their marriage ceremony be as beautiful as he thought, would he trace over his scars lightly with his fingertips, would he call him gorgeous, would he love him even after they were old, would he treasure every last memory after he died? 

All of these childish thoughts were thrown out, as soon as the truth was figured out. 

The truth was; Zhongli never considered him a friend nor could he ever love him. The only reason he had gotten closer to Childe was because he saw him as a pawn in his twisted game of chess. He never saw him as anything more than a pawn. 

He was only a pawn, not a friend, not a lover, not an enemy. 

He was a pawn. 

Somehow, that information only managed to make his chest hurt even more, was he ever considered worthy enough to be Zhongli’s…...anything? 

He no longer felt the seething anger in his veins. After all, his anger was simply a cover up for the embarrassment he felt, which only served as a deeper cover up about how hurt he truly felt. 

However, even Childe knew he could not dwell on such stupid fleeting emotions; it was bound to happen.

Tartaglia had warned him, but he turned a blind eye to it all. 

He was the one who was wrong. 

_________________________

A month had passed, and Ajax was only counting the days after his departure from Liyue. He wanted to leave the burning humiliation and hurt behind in Liyue.

And hopefully never return to the dreaded city ever again. 

He watched as the people from outside of his apartment window passed and how joyful they looked. A sharp contrast to how miserable Ajax felt. 

He was almost jealous of how free they looked; was this the same feeling the Anemo Archon wanted for his people, because Ajax was envious. 

He tore his gaze from the window, and looked down to the unfinished letters from his newest letter to Tonia and Teucer. He had lost motivation to do anything, and according to Ekaterina, ‘went into a depression,’ whatever that meant.

He didn’t know what false stories to make up; what fantastical white-lies to make up from his trip as a ‘Toy Salesman’ in Liyue. The letter had only begun with: Dear Tonia & Teucer…

Before he had scribbled the rest of whatever he was beginning to write out; it was hopeless. 

He was hopeless, and he wanted to leave. 

However, he didn’t have time to hold onto self-pity before a knock rang out, startling him enough from his deprecating thoughts. A strange glimmer of desperation seemed to resurface from his bitter thoughts…was that? 

He ran towards the door, and opened it, in hopes to see a man dressed in black attire with golden accents, with those same molten eyes, and comforting baritone voice….only to meet a pair of concerned amber eyes….

Lumine? 

_____________________

Ajax slapped on Childe and smirked down at Lumine, “Oh, hey! Fancy seeing you here, are you finally ready for a rematch?”

Lumine stared up at Childe, as if she wasn’t buying the fake pleasantries. Childe could never fool Lumine, not since he had met her. Nothing would ever slip by her.

However, instead of looking irritated or even angry (considering they had fought not even a month ago), she looked alarmed. Next to her, was Paimon, who similarly looked alarmed and…scared? 

What was going on? 

Lumine looked hesitant and parted her lips several times to speak, she looked terrified. 

Childe quirked his eyebrow, wondering what had caused Lumine to look like someone had died, “...What’s..wrong?” 

Paimon’s eyes began to flood with tears and soon enough they started to fall freely from her face. But, she didn’t say anything and instead chose to sob into Lumine’s shoulder. 

Lumine still looked hesitant and similarly had tears clinging to her eyelashes, “Childe...do you not know?”

Now, he was really confused? What didn’t he know? What the hell had happened ever since he was gone to elicit such a strong reaction from Lumine? 

Childe released a soft laugh, mostly out of nerves, “Know about what?” 

Lumine looked even more choked up, her eyes widening almost comically, “You really don’t know…Childe…...Zhongli…...Zhongli is in grave danger.” 

Now, it was Childe’s turn to be surprised. What the hell did she mean by grave danger? 

The last time he had seen the ex-archon, he seemed to be perfectly fine. In fact, he had seen him only 5 days ago, walking down the street smiling and laughing happily with Lumine and Xiangling?

What the hell changed? 

Was this some sort of sick joke? 

No, Lumine’s reaction seemed too real for that to be true. 

He felt his chest start to clench, and his own eyes start to burn; his nerves fully taking him over, “W-hat do you mean?”

Lumine wiped at her damp eyes with her sleeve, before straightening herself out, “He collapsed 3 days ago, and he’s….dying..” 

The full severity of the situation came crashing down onto Childe. 

The irony of the situation was too much to handle; of course the bastard had to start dying just when Childe was about to leave. Of course, just when he was starting to get over him. 

Childe remained silent for a minute, blinking back the rushing myriad of different conflicting emotions that danced around freely in his head. It was too much to handle, and suddenly he felt himself growing mad. 

Mad at himself, mad at Morax, mad at the world. 

Mad at everything.  

The cruel irony was too much, and he wanted to scream. 

But, he didn’t and instead looked back at Lumine, who only continued, “He’s inviting all of the people he cares for friends, acquaintances and family to talk with him one more time. And…he umm…asked for you…” 

Childe soaked in the new information; Zhongli had asked for him, personally. 

But, why? 

He nodded, Lumine continued, “He’s…..bedridden…..right now…and uhh..I-I..hope..you can..come.. I know things didn’t end on the best note, and I know this isn’t fair. But, he’s asked for you…and I promised him, I would bring you to him.” 

Lumine stared up at him, desperation clear in her gaze. Paimon was still sobbing into her shoulder, not even looking at Childe. 

He pushed aside his feelings, and nodded lightly; earning a soft watery smile from Lumine. 

_____________________

He looked worse than Childe had expected. 

Sure, he had seen his fellow fatui soldiers seriously injured in his lifetime; and had even been the one with the extreme injuries…but, this was a sight he wasn’t sure he could handle. 

Zhongli's usual golden eyes were tight shut, his complexion was eerily pale, and he looked fragile; like porcelain plates. He looked weak to the touch, so much so, that Childe almost couldn’t bring himself to touch him. 

This was the last place he would have thought he would meet up with Zhongli again. 

He never expected to see someone so radiant, on their deathbed. Someone who was supposed to be immortal and all-knowing, just what had happened. And, why was the terrible voice in the back of his head urging him to crack his neck between his fingers. 

Lumine had led him inside of Zhongli’s house, leading him towards his room (like he didn’t already know). Paimon still clinging onto her neck, sobbing not nearly as loud as before. 

Zhongli looked a mess, his hair was tangled, his eye bags were heavy, and he looked tired. A particular strand of hair was laying on the side of his cheek, and Ajax unconsciously tried to reach out to tuck it behind his ear. 

But, before he could do that, he was interrupted by a slap to his hand. 

He looked up and was met with similar molten eyes, but these looked like they could pierce through your very soul; it was Lumine’s friend…that green adeptus..

He eyed Childe up angrily, looking as if he was about to pierce his chest with that spear he carried in his other arm. If the situation was different, then perhaps, Childe would’ve challenged him to a spar, but for some strange reason, he didn’t. 

“Why the fuck are you here! Abyssal creature!” the adeptus yelled out, furious. 

Lumine immediately rushed to the adeptus’ side and put hands between the two of them, “Xiao…please..” 

Xiao looked conflicted as he looked between Lumine and Childe, not sure what to do. But, he didn’t do anything and instead looked away, looking somber himself, “I don’t know why you brought him here, he nearly drowned all of Liyue Harbor! He’s the reason…”  

He paused and looked towards Zhongli, before looking back with murderous intent evident in his eyes, “He’s the reason my lord managed to obtain that absurd disease!” 

What disease? What was he talking about? 

Lumine looked somberly towards Zhongli, “Xiao…please…Zhongli himself insisted on bringing him here, please .” 

Xiao huffed before he pointed his spear towards Childe, “Try anything funny, and I’ll cut your vocal cords out,” before he vanished into a puff of anemo. 

_____________________

Soon, after Xiao left, more of Zhongli’s adepti friends (family) came, all bringing gifts with them. 

The first one that came was Ganyu, she had brought a bracelet made from Qingce flowers and wrapped it gently around his fragile hand. She had spared a single glance towards Childe, but somehow it did not seem to hold any contempt like Xiao’s. Instead, it seemed to hold a look Childe could not place his finger on; that same look she had gave him the first time they had met.

She knelt by the side of his bed, and regularly felt his pulse, before another adeptus by the name of Madam Ping showed up. Ajax felt like the air in the room was suffocating him, and yet, he couldn’t leave yet. He had to wait until Zhongli woke up to tell him whatever he was supposed to. 

He felt like leaving, and he probably would have already done so, if not for Lumine being in the room. 

Madam Ping showed up soon enough, as well as 2 crane-like adeptus and a deer-like adeptus. 

Madam Ping looked at Childe with great sympathy in her gentle eyes and that same familiar gaze as Ganyu, “You must be Childe, I suppose.” 

Childe nodded, and instantly felt the stares of many adepti at once, which all looked at him with a different combination of stares. 

The tall blue-crane looked at him up and down and exclaimed, “So, this is the human our lord has chosen…the traitor who nearly caused Liyue harbor to sink? Our lord always had strange tastes." 

They all came to the same realization at the same time, and soon enough they started to eye him with the same contempt Xiao had. Another adeptus screeched out, “Our lord must be crazy, going for this one of all people!” 

They all seemed to agree, “Yes, yes, what the hell was our lord thinking! Even going as far as to contract this disease, all because of this human?” 

“Yes, this one can’t believe how blasphemous this whole situation is.” 

Madam Ping sighed, “We must respect our lord’s decision, we can’t argue like this. Especially when his body is under a lot of stress.” 

They all quieted down, but still eyed Childe with a burning hatred he was sure he had never seen before, “Ganyu, how are his meridians?” 

Ganyu looked up before she delicately placed his hand back down, “They are still intact but they are losing energy..”  Madam Ping made her way toward Zhongli before leaning down and taking his hand as well. She pressed her fingers against his wrist, and nodded, “Yes, that seems to be the case......The situation does not seem to be good.” 

Childe finally mustered up the courage to ask, what had been gnawing at his chest, “If I may ask.....what is wrong with him exactly?” 

His sentence seemed to cause great confusion if not outrage amongst the several adepti. However, they did not voice out their thoughts, and instead waited for Madam Ping to answer. 

She took a long breath before answering, “Rex Lapis or Zhongli as you know him, is suffering from a disease that debilitates the body and only affects archons. It does not have a name, but it is something we have been noticing within the first couple of archon’s whose gnoses have been ripped away from them. Now, normally, archon’s do not need their gnoses to survive, however, when faced with extreme stress and long periods of exposure to miasma or abyssal energy, they are corrupted. Without their gnoses they are rendered weak to the exposure long-term and will eventually perish if they do not have their gnoses. We wrote a letter to your Tsaritsa and requested to give his gnosis back, however.....it appears like his gnosis has vanished.” 

Childe was stunned.

Morax's gnosis vanished?! 

How?

He cleared out his throat before he said, “How was he exposed to miasma and abyssal energy? What happened to him?” 

“It’s my fault,” Lumine spoke, voice small and shaky, unlike the bold and serious voice she usually had. 

He turned around to look at her, waiting for her to continue, “....We were out completing the Adventurer’s Guild missions in Qingce Village, when....he suddenly got attacked by a horde of rift wolves. I tried to fend them off as best as I could but they kept coming out. I warned Zhongli against fighting them alone, but he told me to evacuate the rest of the villagers. I agreed and…”

Lumine looked down in shame and Childe almost wanted to give her a hug.

Madam Ping beat him to it, however, whispering reassuring words to Lumine; who had begun to cry silently, “....Calm down, child. It was not your fault, our Lord knew what he was getting himself into when he fought them. Do not blame yourself.” 

“It wasn’t your fault. It was his!” Xiao had appeared out of nowhere again, and similarly looked like he wanted to kill him, “If he hadn’t left my lord, then perhaps my lord wouldn’t have been so reckless.” 

Madam Ping turned towards him, and she must have had a terrifying expression because Xiao backed away from Childe, “Xiao, it is not his fault, please, quell your anger.....How many times do I have to remind all of you? We promised our Lord we would take care of him in his absence. It’s our duty as adepti to follow our Lord’s orders in his absence, we must respect his wishes and protect this mortal with our lives. After all.....that is our duty.” 

All of the adepti nodded, as if they had been reprimanded like children.

However, Xiao was still an unruly child and still refused, “I understand that, Madam Ping. However, you did not see my lord after this abyssal scum left him! He looked eerily lost and did things he had never done before, just like all those years ago....I tried to reason with him, but he was too far off. And then, he did that reckless move and got himself endangered. How can you say I can’t blame him!” 

The room fell silent, but it was all interrupted by a soft cough. 

Zhongli had awoken. 

_______________

All of a sudden, the adepti surrounded him, all looking terribly concerned and distantly somber. Zhongli looked joyful despite his sickly appearance, and regarded them with the most beautiful of smiles, “Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Adeptus Xiao, Madam Ping, Ms. Lumine, I’m glad to see you here.” 

Thankfully, Zhongli had not noticed a certain fiery haired man yet. 

Cloud Retainer pecked at Zhongli’s head, careful to not cause him actual harm, “This one is very cross with you. How could you have fought all of those beasts without calling for us, do you consider us as being below your abilities now? This one may be old, but one still has their combat abilities.” 

Zhongli chuckled lightly, “I do not doubt your abilities, Cloud Retainer…I was not thinking, when I did it. And I hope you all can forgive me for my reckless actions.” 

Cloud Retainer sighed heavily and patted his head gently, “One guesses one can forgive you.” 

Ganyu smiled and stood up, “What she means is that she has been worried sick about you my lord.” 

Cloud Retainer immediately begins to start poking Ganyu, “Insolent child, don’t you dare speak against your elders!” 

She eventually calmed down and placed a small incense burner in the shape of Rex Lapis and it started to produce a very pleasant smell, like sandalwood and silk flowers. Zhongli's usual preferred perfume that Ajax committed to memory every time he smelled the familiar scent on the nearby perfume stalls. He figured that Cloud Retainer had brought the familiar scent in order to calm him down. He had experienced for himself how calming that aroma could be, "This one brought some incense to help lessen the aroma of the dead in here." 

Zhongli chuckled heartily (although the other Adepti seemed scandalized by her statement, but did not say a word about it). His eyes seemed to display a certain fond warmness that Ajax selfishly hoped he would be the subject of once more, "Thank you, Cloud Retainer. You have been a great friend and have served Liyue and it's people well." 

She huffed and stepped aside, murmuring something ineligible, allowing for the other adepti to give out their gifts. Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper then stepped up and set down a pot of what appeared to be Bamboo Shoot Soup.

Zhongli’s favorite, Ajax remembered. 

Moon Carver spoke up first, “My Lord, we hope you will like what we have brought you. We will promise to protect him, with all of our might......Even if he is quite unsavory.” 

Zhongli stared fondly at them before he smiled, “Thank you Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper. I really appreciate it.” 

Then, it was Xiao’s turn to give Zhongli something, it was a vile of pain medicine (Childe had recognized the bottle immediately, Zhongli had once explained to him that the medicine is only meant to be used for injuries in Adepti, much to Childe’s dismay.) 

“My Lord, I have brought some medicine for you.....I hope it will bring my Lord some relief from the pain he must feel.”

Zhongli nodded and patted Xiao’s hand with the only mobility he had left in his hands, “Thank you, my Vigilant Yaksha, you have served me well.” 

Xiao nods, though he looks slightly sheepish.

Zhongli turns towards Lumine, who still has red rimmed eyes, “Ms. Lumine, I appreciate all you have done for me, thank you.” 

Lumine shakes her head, “No, I haven’t done anything to deserve appreciation. However.....I did complete the thing I......promised you.” 

Zhongli’s eyes widen and he almost stands up in his bed way too fast, he clenches his teeth in sharp pain. Xiao immediately comes to his side, already pulling the cap off of the medicine and pouring it onto a spoon, “My Lord, please, have some of this.” 

Zhongli complies and takes the medicine before he glances over to where Childe is standing awkwardly, “Ajax…you have come..” 

All of a sudden, he is the center of attention once more and he can feel the stares of the other adepti boring into him, “...Yeah..” 

He tensely walks towards Zhongli, and begrudgingly the other adepti allow him to go by Zhongli’s side. Zhongli’s gaze grows guilty and his eyes water with unshed tears, “My dearest Ajax, I seem to have hurt you deeply.....When I made that contract with La Signora, I never thought that I would grow to cherish and love our time together. I never thought I would grow as close to you, as I did. I never meant to hurt you, but I had to make a choice. Either my own heart, or Liyue’s people. It has been the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, but I had to choose my people. I am.....truly sorry, I should have never lied about my true identity, but with the contract already in motion......I could not turn back what was already sealed in stone.....However....I hope you will be able to forgive me,” he looked at Ajax with soft glowing tears leaving his somber eyes. 

Childe let out a shaky breath, “This is......really unfair Zhongli. You know, normally I would have challenged you to a duel, in order to settle any bad blood between us. But, with you being in the state you are in, I can’t. I-I still haven’t forgiven you. You lied to me and used me as a pawn Zhongli, do you have any idea how hurt I felt after the whole situation. But, I don’t want you to die. Why couldn’t you have at least waited until I got over my anger? It’s…really unfair Xiansheng.” 

Ajax feels his eyes begin to water as soft tears begin to fall out of his eyes onto the soft silk sheets below, leaving behind small round imprints on the covers. 

Zhongli looked distraught as he brought a soft hand to Ajax’s cheek, brushing away the tears, “I am.....truly and irrevocably sorry. I know it is not fair to you my dearest treasure and I wished that I could have given you more time to fully process the weight of my identity and...continued on our path.......However, I-....I can not do anything to stop what is happening inside of my body.....I am dying and my Gnosis has disappeared with no trace of it anywhere in Teyvat......I can not prevent what is destined to happen. I wish I could have been better towards you my dearest, I am so sorry.” 

Ajax begins to cry harder and he no longer cares for the mild embarrassment he feels from all of the surrounding adepti watching him.

His tears fall freely now, like a cruel but sweet cascade. 

___________________________

Ajax doesn’t know when he left.

After Zhongli had stroked his cheeks a couple of more times, something in him seemed to snap, and he suddenly yanked away Zhongli’s gentle calloused hands. 

He couldn’t be there any longer, he couldn’t sit there and cry his heart out, while the god loved so much died of some stupid disease that did not have a cure. He went on a rampage and ran towards the nearest forest and killed whatever he could find.

It no longer mattered. 

Just before Childe could forgive the man, just when he was starting to heal and move on from him. 

He just had to begin to die? 

It seemed too cruel to name and soon enough his tears mixed with blood. 

Whose blood, he didn’t know, nor did he care. His ears were ringing and his mind was floating; it no longer seemed to matter. He wanted to scream out and curse the world. He wanted to scream at himself, when the person he loved the most was in danger, he was too busy moping around by some stupid betrayal that nearly didn’t even count as one. 

It was unfair. 

All he could hear now was the crushing of bones and warm blood that splashed his face. He sat down the nearest tree he could find, away from the trail of blood he had left behind on the once clean grass. He rested his tired body against it, and tried to not let himself sob too loudly. 

However, he was unsuccessful and soon enough, he started to bawl just like he did at 14 years old when he first fell down The Abyss. He was the same scared child who wanted it all to be a terrible nightmare and closed his eyes in an attempt to block out his surroundings, but was scared when he opened them and they were still there. 

He cried and cried and cried, until there were no more tears left to be shed, and he curled up against the tree and closed his tired eyes.

Perhaps, if he tried hard enough, it would be a dream?

A terribly twisted dream.

_____________________________

“Would you be willing to.....save Morax?......I wish to save him, can you do that for me, Ajax?” A distant sweet voice called out. 

Ajax nodded, tiredly opening his eyes to notice a woman standing right before him; dressed in qixiong ruqun, her long brown hair flowing down, her smile gentle. He wasn’t sure who this mysterious woman was, but he sensed a strange feeling of warmth when she was around, and he wanted to somehow chase that comforting feeling. 

She laughed lightly before he patted his head, “All right then. Save him for me, Ajax.”  

He was about to ask how, when she touched his forehead lightly, and all of a sudden; Childe could not see anything else but a bright golden light surrounding him. 

When he came to, the light was gone, and in its place was a place he did not recognize; as well as a set of familiar golden molten eyes staring curiously at him. 

Where was he?  

(More chapters on AO3, under the name: Onyx_23!)

[devoutajaxfollower]

Reminder to stay hydrated!

*chugs iced tea*

“Ahhh refreshing” -Childe and Zhongli nuili