#tartali fanfic

[pwurrz]

childe and zhongli are split up after encountering a dangerous situation, and after a few days zhongli begins to fear the worst.

he’s so anxious and distraught about the possibility that his beloved might be injured and alone, or heaven forbid…. that his mortal disguise starts to crack. by the time he’s finally reunited with childe, he’s barely holding it together, both mentally and physically.

mere seconds after zhongli sees that childe is ok, that he’s alive, he’s embracing him in an all but suffocating hug. he doesn’t even notice that his horns and tail have started to show, he doesn’t care, he’s so relieved.

nearly drowning in a tidal wave of emotions, zhongli vows to never leave childe’s side again. he solidifies this promise by wrapping his tail around childe’s middle and using it to hold him close. he’s not thinking straight, he just needs to know that his treasure is ok, that he’s safe, and the easiest way to calm his nerves is by letting his dragonic instincts take over and feel the solid warmth of childe wrapped in his tail’s embrace.

it’s the first time childe’s ever heard zhongli purr. it’s a shaky and quiet purr, but it’s there nonetheless. the feeling of relief zhongli feels once he’s confirmed his beloved is safe is so overwhelming he can’t help but make a soft noise of pure contentment and affection.

it’s also the first time childe had ever seen him cry. it breaks his heart, to see his strong and dependable lover so upset. he makes his own vow that day, to never be the reason for zhongli’s tears again.

[solitary-traveler]

Star-Crossed Hearts

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years.

And he's always watching his beloved be ripped away from his grasp. 

Notes: Hi, I wrote this when I was knee deep in my Zhongchi phase. So like, a year ago-

Art credits: Qing11502143

Warnings: None

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years. 

He watched how the seven nations far and wide united to form the world of today. How that world forfeited the deities that used to protect them and their respective land. He scrutinized as humans progressed to a new era, without the need of gods and visions. 

He watched with a satisfied smile. 

He doesn't feel bitter resentment or anger to the mortals who casted him aside, as he was first to vacate his seat from the heavens. He slowly realized that the world he's grown to know was no longer the same as it was before. His people became independent, no longer needing guidance and protection from the gods above. 

He had long fulfilled his duties.

But he continued to overlook his nation- the one he made with his own hands- as it developed without him. It was painful, yes, but he couldn't help the twitch of his lips when faced with his country. He was proud of Liyue, now a bustling city without the hindrance of a god. 

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years. 

Being a god, it's one of the privileges that comes with it. To never age. But is that really considered a privilege?

He's seen how every person he loved was forcefully torn away from his side. How his heart shatters and rebuilds itself, losing pieces as more people come and go. So instead, he wraps his heart in obsidian to help numb the pain. 

It was fitting for him. The Geo Archon with a heart of stone.

But under his vigilant gaze, he saw how a heart of stone is still a heart nonetheless.

Because somehow, that hardened heart crumbles and turns into dust, swept away by the raging winds as he watches the love of his life jump into the arms of another.

Charming, witty and sly. The name Ajax has been engraved in Zhongli's memory and etched into his heart. He fell for that crooked smile and his silly way with words. He loves the way he always reeked of something metallic, sometimes minty and sometimes just straight up blood. He loves the way his barely noticeable freckles show themselves under the scorching Liyue sun. How his sunset dyed hair becomes a star, guiding Zhongli in the dark with its bright shade. He loves him from head to toe, with every beat of his heart. 

He loves him, but Ajax doesn't. 

And he has to watch as he becomes happy with someone else. 

But that doesn't mean he would stop loving him. Gods, can he even stop loving him? Every day, he finds something new to fall in love with, maybe a mole he's never seen before or a scar that refuses to heal. There's just so many things to love about Ajax. And he’s willing to write all of those things if it meant he could immortalize the one he loves for the world to see.

Because Ajax can’t live that long.

Because he is human.

And like other humans, they perish. But Zhongli isn't scared of that. He's lived long enough to know that people always come back. He'll just have to find Ajax again and fall in love with him. Even if he's never going to be the one to occupy that heart of his. Even if all he does is watch him, because that's the only thing he is permitted to do. 

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years.

And he's always watching his beloved be ripped away from his grasp. 

("One day", he proclaimed to his friend Venti, as they downed another glass of firewater together. The Teyvat of today has some strange tastes when it comes to wine. 

"One day, I will stop falling in love with him")

-----------------

“Zhongli, I got suspended today" Childe laughs as he flops onto the fresh patch of grass. He pivoted his head to shift his gaze to the man beside him, who quietly lays down beside him with an unreadable expression. 

They were currently resting in a field of green. This little valley was like their getaway, a place they go to when they want to spend some time together. This also happens to be one of Zhongli's favorite spots, for its breathtaking scenery and for a memory he's quite fond of.

(“See Zhongli! Told you you look better with silk flowers” Ajax beamed as his gloved fingers carefully placed the flower crown he made on Zhongli’s head. Zhongli just smiles, his amber eyes narrowing in delight. 

“I think it looks better on you”, he thought as the words rested heavily on the back of his throat. Never to be spoken out loud.)

Zhongli sighs in an affectionate manner, "And why would that be?"

He has a guess as to what happened, but he wants to hear it straight from the others lips. He wants to hear Childe tell the tale. He's got a real talent for storytelling, his words bewitching anyone who dares listen. Zhongli happens to be one of those people.

The ginger grins from ear to ear, and beckons him to move closer. He starts narrating, filling the surrounding air with wonder and awe.

And throughout it all, Zhongli stares at him with his lips slightly curved, his eyes crescent shaped like the moon above. 

Oh it seems like he's falling again.

After Childe finished his short anecdote, he drove his fist into the sky as if he was punching the air. "And that's how I fought a gang and survived" he huffs, a victorious aura emitting from his body. He flashes Zhongli a toothy grin that sends the archon back to the olden days, when he would open his door and be greeted by Ajax, covered in all kinds of cuts and bruises. 

("This is getting unbearable" Zhongli chided as his pointer finger applied ointment to one of the bruises in Ajax's back. Ajax hissed—probably from the pain— before letting out a low chuckle. "Yet you seem to tolerate me, Zhongli. Why is that?"

Because I love you was left unsaid. And it was better that way.) 

Zhongli groans. It seems that every reincarnation he meets ends up being addicted to the adrenaline rush provided by battling. One they definitely inherited from the original. He doesn't know if that's a good or bad thing.

He reached out to Childe and his fingers instinctively brushed past his cheek. Zhongli can feel the softness of his skin, and leaves him with the urge to touch it even more. Realization hits him like a freight train. What is he doing?

The brunette felt heat rush to his cheeks and he pulled his hand back without a warning. He laid flat, his body facing the stars to avoid whatever expression Childe has on his face right now. It doesn’t work though, and he instead feels an intense look coming from his side.

“You shouldn't get into too many fights. You might end up getting injured" he snapped in a gentle way, his voice dripping with concern. He regrets letting his instincts take over. But he can’t control them when it comes to Childe. It becomes really troublesome sometimes.

A few seconds later, he can hear clothes rustle from his side. Then he catches a glimpse of Childe's silhouette. Pushing aside the remorse he felt from his actions earlier, he decides to take a quick glance. He shouldn’t have done that though, cause his pulse just skyrocketed. The soft glow of the moon bounced on Childe’s pale skin, his usual color dulled down by the night. It made him look soft. Ethereal. Zhongli’s mind automatically ingrains this view in his memory like a painting. 

Because Childe is a work of art. And Zhongli will gladly be the painter who gets to preserve his beauty.

"You don't have to worry," Childe says, dragging the older man back to reality. Zhongli blinks, and sees a hand extending towards him.

A hand is extending towards him. 

Zhongli blinks again, and he completely registers how Childe's hand is in his hair. 

Childe's hand is in his hair.

A small squeak forces itself out of Zhongli's mouth as his eyes widen the size of teacup plates. He's not a stranger to physical contact with Childe, but none of them as intimate as this. It feels nice. It gives him a moment of comfort, his problems washed away by the tides of his touch. But he doesn't want it. Because he shouldn’t have it. 

It’s like a drug to Zhongli. One taste, and he won’t be able to run away.

And that scares him.

He needs to run away.

"l'll be fine" Childe continues, and there’s something new in those ocean eyes of his. Zhongli can’t make it out. It’s something entirely new. Foreign. He can feel his chest constrict. 

No. 

Stop.

Stop looking at me like that. 

Stop looking like you care the way I do. 

Zhongli hates this. He hates how Childe can just say something and Zhongli will end up short circuiting. He hates how even a single look can send Zhongli into a spiral. 

He hates how one side this is.

He hates how he has to go through this over and over again. He hates how he loves Ajax so much he lets himself go through this over and over again.

He hates it.

He wants to take off and bolt away from this situation. But Childe's touch is keeping him grounded. He's still ruffling his hair, and looking at him like he's precious. 

He's not that precious. He'll never be precious. 

All throughout his life, he’s never been precious enough for Childe to willingly choose him.

He's merely an option. A second choice.

Zhongli gulps and closes his eyes, letting the feeling of Childe ruffling his hair sink into his mind.

But what if…

What if this Childe chooses him? 

He exhales. 

He lets his mind wander. He lets himself dream. He lets himself hope.

He hopes that they stay like this forever. He hopes that he will be chosen.

He hopes that Ajax will finally be his. 

When the hand is abruptly pulled away, Zhongli snapped open his eyes only to see Childe glaring at him with a scrunched up nose.

“What the hell, what shampoo are you using? Why is your hair so smooth?" Childe curses, a demanding look crossing his eyes. Zhongli stops, and he laughs. And he keeps laughing. Not because of the remark Childe gave, but because of how he was about to plummet into another abyss of doubt. 

He was about to fall for his own trap. 

He laughs until his voice is hoarse. 

He caught himself hoping again. When he knows he shouldn't hope. 

But it's Ajax. 

So he lets himself have hope.

Zhongli stops laughing and sits, so both him and Childe are on the same level. The younger man has his eyebrows raised, probably questioning Zhongli’s sanity. With a puff of air, the brunette bows his head.

"My apologies Ajax I got a bit carried away." He smiles and gestures into the wind. "I use a brand called Aloe. It recently came out, only available in our local area. It’s really effective in removing oil and other sediments from the hair. This causes it to have a smooth result and—"

"Wait nevermind. I don't want to hear it" Childe cuts him off and raises both his arms in an "I give up" manner. Zhongli chuckles. "You just don't want to listen to my ramble, do you?" He teases with a knowing smile. 

Childe face instantly flushed. Adorable. 

"I just don't want to hear a rant about shampoo for 3 hours, okay?" Childe remarked, lowering his hands to return back to its original position. "At least not right now" he whispers. Zhongli nods. Talking about shampoo right now would just ruin the mood that they have. And frankly, he doesn’t want it to be ruined. 

So he just decides to tease him further. 

"But you look so bored when I talk about anything".

"You know I’m not" Childe whines and slightly nudges Zhongli’s shoulders, "Your stories are really interesting". 

That's the same thing all the other reincarnations say, yet he never gets tired of hearing it. It never fails to make his heart stutter. It’s always pleasant to hear when the one you love likes something about you that most people can't stand.

“But I wonder…” the ginger mutters. He looks at Zhongli, his gaze probing. “How strong are you physically? Like in a fight?”

"Average", Zhongli simpers.

And that's a lie. I mean, he's been called the "God of War" at some point.

This comment makes Childe's sit perfectly straight, an air of challenge materializing out of nowhere. Something tells Zhongli that his words weren’t believed. 

"Alright, let's test it"

And in a swift motion, Zhongli is tackled to the ground by Childe, hovering over him.

The older man yelps at the sudden movement. He was not expecting this. Not at all. If anything, he was expecting the boy to demand that they have a sparring contest. Not to push him to the ground. Childe's hands are on both sides of Zhongli's head, and those damn blue eyes are staring straight at his own. He had the stupid cheeky grin that never fails to give Zhongli a heart attack.

Though, a heart attack would be nice right now.

Because he doesn't think he can face this. 

Not when Childe is literally on top of him.

Zhongli feels as if all the blood in his body is transferred to his face. He just silently prays the atmosphere is dark enough so that Childe won't see his expression. He was sure he was red. So he wishes he won't see how red he was. 

"Did I catch you by surprise? Or are you really that weak?" the ginger teases. He seems oblivious to the fact that Zhongli is flustered right now. 

Good. 

Zhongli's lips parted, about to say something, but he closed them again. 

Being in close proximity with Childe is never a good thing. 

His breathing hitches. 

He won't be able to hold back if they stay like this. He might end up wrapping his arms around Childe's neck and pull him closer to his body. He might end up holding him and never letting go.

And he’s afraid of that. 

He's afraid he won't be able to let go when he should. 

But maybe..

Maybe this is what Childe wants too. 

Maybe he wanted this, for him to be held tightly and never let go. For him to end up in Zhongli's embrace, tangled in the arms of one another. 

Does he want this? 

Does he want the same things I do?

But before Zhongli’s instincts take over again, Childe falls to his side with a huff. Zhongli blinks and blinks.

He almost did it.

Oh my god he almost did it. 

Zhongli tries to still his breathing, he didn't realize how fast it became. 

He almost made a mistake.

He almost lost himself. 

Trying to recover from his shock, he turns to his side to adjust and further calm his nerves.

But he regrets doing so. 

Because Childe is also looking at him. Gazing at him with those eyes. 

Eyes that seem to flicker with affection. 

Zhongli's breathing hitches again. 

Why? 

Why does he keep looking at him like that? 

Zhongli ponders and ponders until his head hurts. But he couldn't think of a rational answer. 

Is it because Childe likes him back? Is it because Childe also cares the way he does? 

Zhongli inhales. Then he exhales. And he thinks for the first time in his life, he finally gets to have Childe. 

He finally gets to call Ajax his.

Oh how he wishes he could finally do that. 

"Ah right, I forgot to mention" Childe starts, breaking eye contact with Zhongli to look around for a moment before gazing back at him (Something he does when he's nervous, Zhongli notes). "I can't make it this Saturday. I have a date with Lumine"

And Zhongli's heart falls apart like a fallen empire.

Of course.

How can he forget about the irrefutable fact that Childe will never jump into his arms? 

"You asked her out?" He hates how his voice sounds so strained right now. So broken.

Yeah! She said yes. Though her brother looked like he was about to kidnap me and dump me into a river" Childe cackles, making a motion of wrapping something and throwing it away. 

They are never going to work. 

He was bound to watch, just watch as his beloved falls for anyone but him. Because that's how it is. 

Because fate made sure Childe would never fall for him. 

Zhongli shakes, just a little. Barely noticeable even. 

They were never meant to be. 

Childe took notice of how Zhongli has gone unusually quiet and that his expression looks a little forlorn. He scoots closer and taps his shoulder, "Hey, are you okay?"

It doesn't hurt. 

It's not supposed to hurt. 

So why does it hurt? 

"I know it was sudden of me to cancel but I'll make it up to you."

After having been rejected over and over again, his heart should've been numb to the pain. 

It should've. 

Yet why does his chest hurt more than it should?

"Maybe next week?"

Is wanting to be with Childe so wrong that the universe won't let them be together? 

Even for one lifetime? 

Is wanting to be with Childe so forbidden?  

Zhongli looks at Childe and forces a smile, even when all he wants to do is to run far away from this place. 

I love you.

"Yeah, next week seems great"

-----------------

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years. 

He's watched the world around him advance, learning a lot from all those years of being alive. He even knows history like the back of his hand. 

He's a far cry from stupid.

Yet when it came to Ajax, he was reduced to a pitiful state. All the rationality he has is thrown outside the window. Away from him. And all that remains is his heart. Beating, waiting patiently for the one he loves. 

Zhongli has lived for thousands of years. 

And he's going to live a few thousand more. 

But he knows he'll always find Ajax, and fall in love with him again.

It’s a cycle he subjected himself to.

A cycle of wanting someone you can’t have.A cycle that involves continuously loving the same person.

Until he can’t anymore.

Even if all that person does…

Is break his heart all over again. 

[softsinnamon]

hello everyone it has been awhile

i’m in the process of proof reading and chapter splitting my fanfic that i ACTUALLY finished sort of

it is a zhongchi/tartali mafia au where childe is a mafia leader and zhongli is his bodyguard! there’s some darker elements to it so it will be a mature fanfic! but i hope ur excited <3 more updates to come!

[krakrac]

heyy zhongchi/tartali nation

i write short fics sometimes, sfw and angsty (Betrayal and Forgiveness)

also in czech (Zrada a Odpuštění)

[by-saiyuri]

this moment from stars_at_dawn 's recent oneshot lives in my heart rent-free, the classic mortal/immortal angst is SO GOOD

the fic is "an ocean in my veins (and you'll be diving in)" on ao3, please go give it a read!

[snoldermort100]

Add your fandom and reblog! I’m curious to see where this leads :)

[genshinlorebrainrot]

Does anyone have fic recommendations where the Morax / Rex Lapis / Zhongli statue features? There is no AO3 tag to search…

Any pairing / ship or none at all.

For reasons… 🙈

[naluwalker]

About my love for RK7200's Genshin stories

Honestly, when I see Zhongchi fanfic recommendations I notice that many recommend "Lifelong partners does not mean lifelong friends, Childe" by RK7200, but no one says anything about the other fanfics they have written. Although many have few chapters, they are all equally good.

My own recommendation is on my favorite "until there are no other gods but you" whose premise is that Zhongli is a boy who is picked up by the archon Tartaglia one day and then becomes an overly devout harbinger. It has seven chapters.

Others of note are "can rivals kiss, asking for a friend" in which Zhongli is equally a harbinger but this time Childe is his coworker there is no small amount of longing on Childe's part. Of four chapters.

"You ought to smile (for gods do not cry)" in which again Childe is an archon, but in this it is Morax's growth through his path to emotions. It only has three chapters, but they are very good.

And finally there's "No, Zhongli, that's not business partner behavior", a modern coffee shop AU where a very miserable Xiao is trying to tell Zhongli that his supposed business partner is too thirsty for his ass. Two episodes but extremely recommended.

[gojopretty]

well, I ended up remembering that I had an account here. it was very convenient, considering I'm writing a zhongchi fic, so I guess I can promote it...? honestly, tumblr makes me feel like an old lady

in a small synopsis that absolutely no one asked for: idol!childe dies and gets isekai’d (which he didn’t ask for) into his favorite book series. it could be a good thing if he weren’t being forced by an annoying system to fix all the mess that happens throughout the story, because otherwise, you know, he’ll die again. it's just a small mercy that he gets to look at zhongli (his favorite character) throughout the whole process

(sorry, I don't know how to use this)

:)

[vendettasfanfictioning]

So there I was, reading a zhongchi fanfic when, out of nowhere, I got this surge of deja vu, but shallower and more recent. It made me think, where have I seen this before—the callous, reckless, fighting machine of a man and his otherworldly lover, all serious eyebrows and deep voice and a floundering for modern, human idiosyncrasies?

Then hit it me.

[kiirous]

A Harbinger's Bucket List [ZhongChi/TartaLi] by xTeaAndSconesx

Childe is returning to Liyue, and Zhongli has something important to ask him. However, when a rather cheerful but very much dead Childe shows up in Zhongli's living room, plans have to be placed aside.

When the pair turns to Hu Tao for advice, she suggests that in order for Childe to pass onto the next realm, he must first let go of all unfinished business tying him to the mortal realm. Of course, this is easier said than done when a stubborn Harbinger insists he is perfectly at peace with the life he has led.

And so Zhongli and Childe find themselves on a journey across Childe's homeland to complete the Harbinger's bucket list, and discover his final regret together.

I know that Wattpad is known for its bad stories, but once in a while, you can find fine gems in there. This is such a gem.

I didn't expect it to be so emotional and heartbreaking. I thought it was a comedy where Zhongli would need to fulfill Childe's bucket list, like fishing a legendary fish that hasn't been fished in thousands of years. Due to Childe's inability to hold things, as he is a ghost, Zhongli would have to take over, to his horror. This was not the case. This quest was never in there.

Instead, we are confronted with emotional heart to hearts, remnicies of past memories, and the final goodbye.

This fanfiction sqeezed my heart the entire time, making me wish for Childe not to pass on. It was so heartbreaking, and even the wholesome scenes were surrounded by a melancholic fog, accompanied by the knowledge of the fact that every moment could be the last.

On that note, here is one of my favorite quotes. It's from the last chapter, and when they say goodbye, a promise of a next life together:

"I shall wait however long it takes. Even if that means several millenia of waiting for you, Childe, I shall do so. I have waited at least six already, a few more can do no harm." -Zhongli

Edit: as it turns out, it's cross-posted onto ao3.

[pwurrz]

childe notices zhongli’s affliction for his chest and decides to tease him a bit.

at first it was simply unbuttoning his shirt more and more each day. then it was wearing his harness just a little tighter than usual. next he started stretching and arching his back whenever he got the opportunity.

zhongli though, true to his outwardly composed nature, barely reacted. the most childe got out of him was a quiet cough into his teacup before taking a sip.

eventually childe decides he wants to how far he can push zhongli before he snaps.

he makes sure he has zhongli’s full attention before unbuttoning his shirt down to his navel, reaching into the newly opened area to make sure exactly what he wanted zhongli to see was on full display.

then, he grabs the very still and wide-eyed consultant’s hand before guiding it until his palm was pressed flat against childe’s heart, slowly moving his hand down farther and outwards until…

needless to say, no one will believe him when he says he got the ever-composed zhongli to flush bright red and sputter like a dying man, but childe’s ok with that. he got to see it for himself while zhongli’s hands were on his body, after all.

[mywitchcultblr]

some of us don't want to read rape, hope this helps. <3

Well some people would like to read messed up story that evoke emotion, there's nothing wrong with exploring dark themes and reading dead dove stuff. It's not like you are actually commiting the deed. What? You want to read the same domestic coffee shop AU 350 times over and over again? There's no wrong way to write your pairing

See I'm worried for Wriolette fandom, I hope my concern about the masses repressing people creativity to the point others are afraid of expressing themselves out of fear of getting bullied by chronically people online who will lash out if you write their anime blorbo 'the wrong way' will not become a reality

Also if you don't like something, just filter the tag on AO3. The filter system already exist. Why do writers have to bend over backwards to appease the sensibility of online strangers???

Why do you have to announce it to me? (Hiding behind anon as well)

Edit: I know a story on AO3 with non-consensual stuff involving Zhongli the stories has 10k and 49k hits. Proof that a lot of people actually likes dark stories, twisted dark stories and porn always sells

These are Tartali fanfic called 'This Time Around' and 'Legends Swept Away'

[softsinnamon]

hi guys…. update on my zhongchi mafia au fic

soooo i kind of got really REALLY busy with univeristy and stuff but now that it’s over and it’s summer i have no excuse i’m just lazy and i kind of fell out of love a bit with genshin

like an 89k word fic is really hard to edit…. and not to mention it still needs proof reading after… i’ve done 4/14 chapters and i would just release them but i have some major plot points i want to change

i promise you’ll see it one day

[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!)

[by-saiyuri]

another fic fanart!!

my favourite quote from "(hardly) a prayer to you" by ricemancer on ao3! I cannot describe how much I love this, so many feelings for one short phrase

this one is more sketchy but it's another moment from the same fic: