Archive of Our Own

In Snezhnaya, there was a saying, ‘even a hedgehog understands.’ Childe always thought it was a little harsh, since even a hedgehog could definitely understand the simple concept of, ‘you borrow Mora, you pay it back.’

Apparently the people of Liyue were, in fact, stupider than hedgehogs.

He currently sat across from an old man and his daughter in their lovely little tea shop, a pair of Fatui agents guarding the doorway as he spoke as slowly and as clearly as possible.

“There is of course, the matter of your outstanding payments.”

“It’s coming,” the young woman said, placing a hand on her old father’s shoulder, “We just need more time-”

Childe threw his head back and laughed. “You said that last time, and I generously waited. Now where’s the Mora?”

The old coot finally spoke up, slamming a hand on the table.

“I’m through having you Fatui crooks taking everything we have!”

“Father, please-”

The agents tensed. Childe offered the old fool no such respect.

“Well if you simply repaid what you owed, we wouldn’t have to be spoiling your evening.”

The man stumbled to his feet, face red with rage. “You keep putting the prices up! We don’t have the Mora to keep you bastards satisfied!”

The man lurched forward, awkward and clumsy, easy enough to side step.

“Come now, there’s no need to get so worked up.”

The man reached for something. Childe only saw the glint of metal for a second before he was striking back. His blades were quick, faster than the old coot could ever dream of being. The man slumped to the floor, gasping uselessly for a few seconds before he went still.

His daughter screamed. “You said no one would get hurt!”

Childe’s expression darkened as he stepped over the man’s body. “Funny, for a land of contracts, none of you people like the consequences when you break them.”

“I-I promise I won’t tell a soul!” She cried, bowing low to the floor.

Childe mulled it over, before he let out a sigh. “Good, I really do hate unnecessary bloodshed,” he said, “now get out.”

She didn’t waste a moment before scurrying away like a terrified mouse.

He then turned his attention to the two Fatui still standing by the door, uselessly gaping and looking to each other for guidance.

“And you!”

The agents jolted to attention.

“Your reaction time is pathetic. I’m astonished you even made it out of basic training.”

The male agent, Javert, dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Please forgive my incompetence, sir.”

“Enough.” Childe glanced down to the blood seeping into the old wood floor. “Get this mess cleaned up.”

The other agent, a small woman named Vanya, approached, clearly struggling to force her words out.

“What is it?” Childe snapped.

“Sir,” she bowed her head in respect before continuing, “Shall I inform the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“We have a contact there for… this sort of cleanup work.”

Childe frowned. “That seems like a rather important detail to neglect to tell me about.”

“I-I’m sorry, sir.”

He waved a hand. “No matter. Keep watch, I shall introduce myself. Wangsheng, you said?”

Childe spared another glance over his shoulder as he turned down a side alley, letting out a huff. How was Liyue still so warm even at night? He unfastened the top few buttons of his shirt and grumbled.

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlour was a small, inconspicuous little building tucked away from prying eyes and perked ears. Soft lantern light glowed from the upper level. At least someone was in and the walk wasn’t for nothing.

He rang the small brass bell hanging from the doorframe. When there was no immediate response, he rang it again. Lights flickered to life downstairs.

“Good evening! Sorry for calling by so late, but the matter is quite urgent!”

The door slid open and a man emerged from the shop.

Come on, Childe, be professional, stop staring at his dumb pretty face-

“I’m afraid our business hours have concluded for the day,” the man said, voice deep and somewhat heavy with fatigue, “We reopen at-”

“This is a- ah, delicate matter,” Childe said, slipping his hand against the door to stop the man from closing it prematurely, “I need it done off the books , if you catch my drift.”

The man stared at him, long enough to make a lesser man crumble. But Childe stood firm, kept his easy grin effortlessly.

“You’re asking me to dispose of a body for you, is that it?” The man said, as if it were the most innocuous request that had been brought to him.

“I’m simply calling upon your services for the Fatui, as per your agreement-”

“Yes, I’m aware of our contract.”

The man sighed, mulling over his options in his head, before reaching for his coat from the hook near the door and sliding it over his shoulders. He emerged out into the warm night air, sliding the door behind him and Childe finally got a proper look at him in the clear moonlight.

The man was a few inches taller than Childe, infuriatingly so. His skin was perfect porcelain, as if he’d just come from the artisan’s workshop. His hair looked so soft that Childe had to restrain himself from reaching out to touch. What really struck him though were the man’s eyes, glowing like the embers of a roaring fire.

He was brought out of his daze by the man’s low voice.

“I shall see what the situation is. Who shall I say sent for me?”

Childe couldn’t help the grin that split his features. “The Eleventh Harbinger.”

“Very well,” the man said, definitely indifferent. Childe’s grin dropped.

“I’m kind of a big deal?” He offered, prompting for more. The man stared back blankly.

“I expected you to be a little broader,” the man said plainly, “what do I call you? The Eleventh Harbinger is rather a mouthful.”

Oh, I’ll give you a mouthful of something-

“It’s Childe.”

“And I am Zhongli.” He bowed his head, though nowhere near as low as his agents would when addressing him. Out of respect rather than fear.

“It’s a pleasure , Mister Zhongli.”

Despite the urgency of the situation, Childe walked a little slower than usual, sneaking as many looks as he could muster. If Zhongli noticed, he wasn’t bothered.

Childe tugged at his shirt, attempting to fan himself.

“I suppose the climate is quite different to what you’re used to in Snezhnaya,” Zhongli said.

“Have you ever been there?”

Zhongli thought for a moment, eyebrows creasing ever so slightly. “Perhaps, I can’t say I remember.”

“Surely, you’d remember. How old are you?”

“That’s rather rude to ask upon a first meeting, don’t you think?”

“There’s no way you’re that much older than me, right?”

Zhongli stiffened. “You… flatter me.”

Oh, he’s probably like forty with a crazy good skincare routine-

“Sir!”

The Fatui agents emerged from the teahouse as they approached. Childe grumbled under his breath. “This is him, isn’t it?”

Javert bowed at the waist. “Mister Zhongli, right this way-”

“Excuse me,” Zhongli said, his hand resting against the small of Childe’s back for only a second as he slipped past into the teahouse. Yet that small touch was enough to alight every nerve in Childe’s body.

“Sir, are you alright?” Vanya asked.

Childe cleared his throat and straightened up. “Get him whatever he needs for his cleanup, I’m heading back.”

He didn’t wait for a response as he brisk walked away, then took off into a sprint once he rounded the corner.

It was far too hot .

Life in Liyue continued uneventfully for the next few weeks. Childe had mostly been handed boring diplomatic paperwork, so dull it made him want to poke his eyes out with the pen that scratched out scruffy characters across the page.

He didn’t become a Harbinger for this-

It was, unfortunately, a necessary evil when it came to keeping a low profile, since he’d been so disastrous at it for the first few days after his arrival. A diplomat called Chaoxiang Zhou was calling for the Qixing to take action and remove the Fatui from Liyue completely, especially after an old tea shop owner had fled the city after the extortion from the Fatui had grown too much to bear.

Childe wasn’t sure what the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour had done, he had returned to his apartment shortly after showing their consultant to the tea shop, but they hadn’t left a trace of evidence behind and that was all Childe needed.

His mind wandered to the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, as it often did these days. It definitely was not a crush, just a passing interest. Most contacts of the Fatui trembled and tripped over themselves to impress the Harbingers, but Zhongli only cared about the job he’d been tasked to deal with.

It was actually refreshing to not have to deal with some moron kissing the ground he walked on, and the bastard had the audacity to be attractive on top of everything!

Scaramouche would never let him live this down if he found out.

You weren’t sent to Liyue to get frisky with the locals, unless you plan on seducing Rex Lapis into handing over his gnosis.

Childe blamed the heat, it was making him delusional. Maybe he needed to get laid. Surely there was a brothel somewhere nearby to take his mind off of the consultant’s long legs and pretty eyes and his pants that hugged his-

“I need some air,” Childe announced to the empty room.

Liyue Harbour was always busy, even with the heat. Dozens of stalls dotted the seafront selling everything from fish caught that same morning to overpriced tourist tat.

Childe had browsed them before on one of his first days after arriving in Liyue, looking for presents to send home to Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer. He could have spent much more that day if he had less restraint.

He was talking to Granny Shan about a kite commission to send back for Teucer when he heard a familiar voice cut through the bustle of the plaza.

“I don’t know if our accounts can cover this.”

He whirled on his heel and quickly spotted the man who had plagued his thoughts for weeks. Zhongli stood in front of a stall, overflowing with all sorts of crystals. Whatever he’d spied was apparently worth talking to the leering man running it for.

“I’m sorry, Mister, but I can’t drop the price, I’m sure you understand.”

“I see...” Zhongli said, his shoulders sagging.

Childe took that as his moment to saunter over. “Hey, hey!” He sang, giving a salute as he approached.

“Good morning, Mister Childe,” Zhongli said, immediately restoring his posture.

“Urgh, so formal,” he laughed, “What are you up to?”

“I should be asking you the same, I'm surprised they allow you to wander the streets unattended.”

Childe smirked. “Oh, I’m never unattended while out on the streets.”

Zhongli still seemed unimpressed.

He turned his attention to the stall. “Are you on a shopping spree?”

Zhongli frowned. “Not exactly, I was looking for items of interest for a burial and I’m afraid I was distracted by these particular pieces.”

Childe followed his gesture to the crystals displayed before them. “Cor Lapis?” He raised an eyebrow. “What use does a funeral parlour have for Cor Lapis?”

Zhongli glanced away. “These particular pieces would not be for Wangsheng,” he admitted sheepishly. “Cor Lapis itself is rather hard to gather, and it requires an impressive amount of skill to unearth two pieces so alike. It’s a shame to leave them but-”

Childe chuckled. That price tag was pocket change, for him at least. He handed a bag to the store owner. “I’ll take them,” he said.

“Y-Yes, sir!”

“I am not interested in being indebted-” Zhongli began, but Childe held up a hand to stop him.

“It’s a gift, no return payment required!”

The store owner handed the small cloth parcel to him with a giddy smile. Childe opened it up, lifting the slightly larger piece up to admire it in the light. He then glanced at Zhongli.

“Would you look at that, it matches your eyes,” Childe said, tilting his head to the side with a smile.

Rex Lapis was said to always have glowing amber eyes whenever he chose to walk Teyvat in a mortal form.

There’s no way- Is that why the Fatui chose Wangsheng as a contact in the first place?

He handed the parcel to Zhongli.

“You… have my deepest gratitude,” he said, bowing his head. It was more of a dip of his chin, never taking his eyes away from Childe’s. “Are you certain there’s nothing you want in return for this?” Zhongli said, wary, as if speaking to a wild beast.

Childe scratched his chin, then an idea popped in his head. “Buy me lunch and we’ll call it even.”

“That seems reasonable. Tomorrow?”

“I’m pretty busy tomorrow. Friday?”

“Friday is fine.”

“Don’t miss me too much till then.” Childe waved and turned, strolling away whistling an old Snezhnayan nursery rhyme.

Once he was out of earshot, the store owner cleared his throat.

“Urh, sir, were you just asked on a date?”

“Huh?”

Liuli Pavilion usually required a booking at least three months in advance, but Childe had found that money was usually the easiest solution. And if it wasn’t… Well, he wasn’t a Harbinger for nothing.

The two of them were given a private room overlooking the harbour, though mercifully cooler than the street outside.

“Usually when someone invites you to lunch, you let them pick the establishment,” Zhongli said.

“Heard this place was pretty good, been meaning to try it. Don’t worry if it’s too expensive I’ll pay for this too.”

Zhongli hummed, though he began eating. Childe wasn’t sure what to order so had just picked off a few dishes based on price tag and whatever piqued Zhongli’s interest when he read them out.

Though that spicy tofu dish was straight from the asscrack of Natlan’s Archon- Zhongli seemed to be enjoying it at least.

“I don’t believe I’ve been here for quite some time,” he said, gazing over the harbour, “it’s a shame really. The view really is quite splendid.”

“Yeah...” Childe stared, enraptured by even the simplest features of Zhongli in the warm sunlight. He was caught only after a few moments.

“Is something wrong?” Zhongli asked, tilting his head to one side.

“Just lost in thought, excuse me.”

Oh, he was so fucked-

Just think of the mission. If he really is sat in front of Rex Lapis, then-

“Are you alright?”

“Huh?”

“You appear to be struggling with your chopsticks.”

Childe glanced away, scratching the back of his neck. “We don’t use chopsticks back home. I’m still getting the hang of them.”

Zhongli hummed, placing his down before reaching across the table. “You’re gripping them too hard, here-”

His gloved hands brushed over Childe’s softly, with all the care of a potter with a priceless ceramic. Even so Childe felt his heart race as if he’d ran a marathon.

“Ah, forgive me.” Zhongli quickly sat back. He took a sip of his tea before he spoke once more, “How long have you been in Liyue?” he asked, as if nothing had happened.

“Urh…” Childe cleared his throat. “A couple months, I think.”

“And you still don’t know how to use chopsticks?”

Childe spluttered, fumbling with the pork he had almost got to his mouth.

“No matter, you will have to be adept with chopsticks to appreciate everything Liyue has to offer.”

With a huff, Childe stabbed the pesky slice of pork with the end of his chopstick and shoved it in his mouth. Zhongli stared at him for a moment, then snorted. Somehow he suited such an undignified sound.

“Yes, we will certainly have to work on that,” he said with a fond smile.

He wanted to see so much more of it-

Childe had been a little worried he wouldn’t be able to come up with enough conversation starters, but Zhongli could talk enough for the both of them.

He spoke of the food, the passing ships in the harbour, the ceramics of the teacups they drank from, he seemed to be an encyclopaedia on everything that came up.

And Childe listened intently, genuinely. He was good at feigning interest, but with Zhongli he found he didn’t have to. Hell, he’d been talking about the origin of bottled ships for the last ten minutes and Childe hadn’t felt the need to interrupt once.

Zhongli asked him about his life back in Snezhnaya, and it was Childe’s turn to talk of his family for what was certainly over half an hour. But Zhongli listened intently, even if he didn’t say a word or make a sound other than grunts of affirmation that he was still paying attention.

Though when Childe asked Zhongli about his family, he glanced out the window.

“There’s not much of note to tell,” was all he said.

Childe realised he was bouncing his leg and placed a hand on his own thigh to quell it.

It’s adding up way too neatly-

“I’m certain you’ll know this,” Childe began, watching Zhongli’s face intently as he spoke, “I was reading some old Liyue myths… is it true that Morax always has the same eyes, no matter what form he takes?”

Zhongli didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, they’re always bright amber.” 

There’s no way he knows, right?

“Just making sure, Liyue and it’s myths are rather fascinating but my knowledge has a whole lotta holes.”

Zhongli stared at him for a moment, then took a sip of tea. “If that is the case then you will not want to miss the Rite of Descension, should you stay in Liyue long enough to see it.”

“So long as you come with me.”

Zhongli chuckled. “There’s quite some time until then, perhaps you’ll be sent home.”

“I’ll just make up an excuse to stay assigned here longer, no big deal.”

That and his mission kinda hinged on getting close to Rex Lapis-

They enjoyed the last of their food and asked for the cheque. When it arrived, Childe reached for his pockets.

“I’ll get this-”

Zhongli plucked the check from his hands. “It was my understanding that this was a repayment for-”

“And I told you, they were a gift. Really, there’s no need for you to return the favour.”

“I insist.”

But Zhongli kept staring at the cheque, jaw tightening, paling more and more by the second. 

“I’m… afraid I must ask you to pay.”

“What too much for you?”

“I…” Zhongli coughed. “... appear to have forgotten my wallet.”

Childe laughed. “Does that mean you’ll be joining me for lunch again?”

Those pretty eyes creased in amusement. “If you are not opposed.”

“What can I say? I like taking care of people.”

They went for lunch again, then again, then several more times, and at the end of every meal Zhongli would insist upon paying only to conveniently forget his wallet every time. If Childe didn’t know any better, it was just an excuse to be invited out again. Not that he was complaining, of course.

He kept telling himself it was just to test his theory, to keep an eye on the consultant just in case , but every time Zhongli smiled at him, eyes creasing and ears reddening ever so slightly, he found himself forgetting about his mission.

They found themselves at Wanmin Restaurant upon Zhongli’s request. Xiangling, the young chef, had developed a new dish that he was determined to try.

“I haven’t come up with a name for it yet,” she said as she served the dishes she balanced across both arms, “but please enjoy!”

“I’m certain we will, Miss Xiangling, thank you,” Zhongli said, bowing his head in thanks.

She was about to turn when she noted how Childe fumbled with his utensils.

“Mister Childe! Can you still not use chopsticks?” Xiangling said with a pout, “Mister Zhongli must not be doing a very good job of teaching you.”

“No, no, that’s not it at all! I’m just a lousy student,” He laughed.

Zhongli shook his head, looking rather serious for the topic. “You are not, I assure you, some people just pick up motor skills at different paces.”

Childe blinked at him. “Ah, thanks...”

Xiangling glanced between them and cleared her throat. “Urh well, please let us know if we can get you anything else.”

Zhongli began eating, not to subtly watching how Childe messily shoveled the slices of pork into his mouth.

“Hm! It’s good!” he said through a full mouth, then realised his mistake and swallowed before continuing, “Sorry, sorry, I forgot.”

“At least you correct yourself now.”

“See? I’m improving!”

Zhongli chuckled, head tilting, and Childe found himself so endeared his heart nearly exploded.

They continued eating until Childe realised he was being stared at.

“What is there rice on my face?”

“No it’s just-” Zhongli reached out and brushed a thumb over the blossoming bruise on his cheek. “Who did you pick a fight with to earn this?”

“Hey, I didn’t pick a fight!”

Zhongli gave him an incredulous look.

“I didn’t this time, it was just training.”

“Ah yes… Right.”

There were a few moments of silence before Childe gave an awkward cough.

“Urh, Mister Zhongli?”

Zhongli looked to his hand and quickly withdrew it as if he only just realised it was still where he had left it. “I apologise.”

The rest of the meal continued without any further longing touches, sadly, but Childe did manage to eat without too many scolds from Zhongli. Xiangling’s new dish was so good that Zhongli insisted upon paying double -Childe was unsure if that was just because he wasn’t the one paying- and the two made their way across the Chihu plaza.

They lingered by the handrail overlooking the harbour, neither having anywhere to rush off to. 

“Tell me, why do you fight with a bow?” Zhongli asked.

“I was once unable to even draw the string, so I wanted to become adept with it to prove I could.”

“The source of your passion is spite?”

Childe waved a hand. “You make me sound so simple minded, Mister Zhongli.”

“I must admit, I don’t really see the appeal of bows. I much prefer a polearm.”

Childe perked up at that. “You can fight?” 

Of course he can fight, he’s the God of War-

He might be the God of War, you don’t know for certain yet-

Well this is a perfect opportunity to find out-

Zhongli shook a hand. “Ah, I haven’t for some time, though I do keep myself in shape should I ever need to.”

“Can we spar?”

“Huh?”

“Please!” Childe clasped his hands together as if praying. “Please can we spar, Mister Zhongli?”

Zhongli gaped for a second before regaining his composure. “I don’t see why not. Not right after our meal though, it’s rather disrespectful, don’t you think?”

Childe gave a dramatic groan. “Fine,” he whined, dragging out the ‘i’ sound, “but you gotta promise not to hold back!”

“I’m afraid I may disappoint you-”

“Are you kidding?! There’s no way you could disappoint me, Mister Zhongli!”

Zhongli placed his hand on his own chest and smiled. “You truly flatter me, Mister Childe.”

They stayed there until the sun set, and parted under the warm glow of lantern light.

Childe was convinced office work was a punishment from the divine for the many, many misdemeanors he’d committed over his lifetime. 

He was getting tetchy, leg bouncing, flexing the fingers on his free hand as the other twirled his pen. He was itching for a fight, the anticipation overwhelming. He didn’t even care if he got his ass handed to him, he just wanted to get one or two blows in just for the clout of it-

Whispers came from beyond his door and he scowled.

“Whoever’s hiding out there, get in here before I drag you in.”

The door opened, and Javert and Vanya walked in, shoulders hunched, bickering in hushed voices that ceased before they were close enough for Childe to hear. His fingers began tapping out a rhythmic pattern on the desk.

When they didn’t speak the moment they stood in front of his desk he snapped, “Spit it out.” 

“Sir,” Vayna said, bowing her head low, “we’ve come to share news on Chaoxiang Zhou. The, urh, the young woman from Yanshang Teahouse went to him claiming that the Fatui murdered her father.”

Childe’s fingers stopped. “What?”

“She has no evidence of course, b-but she-”

Childe rose to his feet. “I thought you were left in charge of surveillance so this didn’t happen.”

Javert spluttered, “She was, sir! I saw to it myself-”

“So why was she allowed to go and run her mouth?” Childe loomed over the smaller man, taking some twisted glee from watching him stammer and sweat.

“I will see to the matter-” He finally managed to force out, but Childe cut him off with a cold scoff.

“Are you really that stupid? As if I’d let you take on a job this important. You’re lucky I’m not sending you back to Snezhnaya with one less ear.”

Jarvert dropped to one knee. “Please sir, forgive me!”

Vanya followed suit. “We apologise for our ineptitude, sir!”

“Get out of my sight.”

They scrambled away, keeping their heads low and squabbling until the door clicked shut behind them.

“If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself,” Childe growled as he tugged at his gloves. Finally, some action-

He made his way into the lobby, mercifully quiet save for a few folks queueing at the desk. He caught the eye of a familiar agent and gestured her over.

“Sir?”

“Nadia, get me everything we have on Mister Chaoxiang Zhou.”

“Yes, sir!”

Debt collection was one thing, but assasination was another. Singora would certainly chastise him for using such a direct method, but Childe didn’t have the patience to deal with this particular instance with the usual tact.

Zhou lived in a large apartment in Feiyun Slope, and would certainly have the money and sense to hire bodyguards. The thought left Childe buzzing.

He slipped his mask over his face and made sure his pack was tightly secured. There weren’t many folks about, the market having closed several hours ago, but Childe still took the longer route to Zhou’s place, down a side street and, after making sure no one was behind him, began climbing the wall.

Childe grunted with exertion as he reached the window, listening intently for movement inside for a minute before hauling himself over the open ledge and into the room. He was met by a floor length mirror and bookshelves lining the wall across from him. It was Zhou’s study, though was so barren of character that it could have been the set for a painting.

Childe eased over the floorboards, keeping to the edge of the room to avoid creaks. Light poured from under the doorway and voices could be heard from beyond.

He reached the desk and began rooting through the drawers, eventually finding a leather folder stuffed with papers and photos. Letters, written accounts, photos of key members, he even had a little candid shot of Childe himself.

Didn’t even get my good side.

He would burn it later, but for now he shoved it into his pack and continued scouring the shelves.

There’s no way this is everything, surely there must be more-

The door suddenly flew open.

“Who the hell- Guards!”

His vision flashed as Childe brought forth his hydro daggers. Two huge men barreled towards him, the slightly smaller one making contact first and swinging his fist. Childe dodged with ease, but the second came faster than he was expecting. The fist struck his jaw and knocked him off balance. Before he could recover, Tiny was tackling him down, but Childe managed to twist before they hit the ground and rolled away.

He stabbed forward, drawing a yelp from Tiny as Giant wrapped an arm around his neck and yanked him back in a chokehold. He was hauled off of the ground, legs flailing as he snarled and squirmed. Giant squeezed his throat hard, hard enough that every nerve in his body was burning. What a thrill- He couldn’t stop the grin splitting his face.

Darkness started to form in the corners of his vision. He reformed the hydro dagger and drove it back into the man’s stomach. He was released, hitting the ground hard on his knees.

When he tried to push up, Tiny kicked him in the stomach, powerful enough to throw him onto his side. He groaned in pain, but before he could get up, Tiny was grabbing him by his hair and dragging him across the room with snarled curses, and throwing him down before Zhou.

He panted, pain ebbing it’s way through his muscles as he lay there in a pathetic heap.

“Sir, Jin needs patching up,” Tiny said.

Zhou huffed. “Then go get the Millelith.”

Tiny stood, sparing one last glance to Childe before he ran from the room.

Zhou reached down and tore away his mask. Childe winced.

“Ah, that’s a no-no,” he grumbled, head thudding back to the floor.

Zhou chuckled humourlessly. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from our resident Harbinger?”

“Just business,” Childe said, with a lazy smirk.

“I should send you back to your precious Tsaritsa in pieces.”

Childe scrunched his face in displeasure. “Just think of the mess I’d make of your lovely rug.”

It’s totally gaudy, his blood would probably improve it-

“It’s really quite sad how far your nation has fallen if they’re letting someone so sloppy be a Harbinger.”

Zhou turned to his desk and Childe lunged. His hydro daggers plunged into the man’s chest, right over the heart. 

“Who’s sloppy n-”

A sharp, agonising pain suddenly shot through his side, and Childe looked down to see the handle of a knife sticking out of his stomach.

Oh.

It was as if time had frozen, like he was floating in the Abyss, a breathless laugh breaking from his lips.

Really? Fucking really?

Zhou’s hands clasped at his shirt.

“You don’t... get away with this, you scum ,” Zhou rasped as he slumped lifelessly to the ground.

Childe stumbled back, leaning against the wall. Okay, breathe, just breathe, don’t look at it-

He glanced at himself in the mirror, red blossoming through his shirt.

Okay, don’t take it out, don’t agitate it-

He pulled off his scarf and tied it around the handle to keep it as still as possible. He glanced back to Giant, who had also gone still.

One witness, so careless, Tartaglia-

Childe grabbed for his pack and placed his mask back into its rightful place, and began shambling towards the front door.

The cool night air made him sway like a drunk, but he stood firm, clutching the handrail like a lifeline as he slipped into the night.

It wouldn’t be long before someone followed the trail of blood after all...

The Millelith were everywhere. Childe kept to the shadows, in part for the security they held, but also so he could lean his weight into something . His wound screamed with every step, his shirt thoroughly ruined after only a minute of hobbling along the street.

He wouldn’t make it to his apartment, not a chance. He’d pass out before he’d even get to the stairs, and his pride wouldn’t see him dead collapsing in the Northland Bank.

That only left one option.

He pressed his back against the wall as a pair of Millelith shouted on the walkway overhead. He held his breath until he heard the thundering footfalls of them splitting away from each other.

His limbs grew heavier with every grueling step, until he spotted a familiar little alleyway and, with renewed energy, dashed for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.

Childe caught himself before he fell to his knees at the door, taking a brief moment to catch his breath and squeeze away the tears from his eyes. He slugged his fist into the door in two heavy knocks, then leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, desperately straining to keep his eyes open for just a little longer.

It only took a few seconds for the door to open.

“Childe?”

“Hey, hey, Mister Zhongli,” Childe croaked before collapsing in the entryway.

The first thing Childe felt upon waking up was a dull, throbbing ache ebbing through his every muscle. He let out a groan as he attempted to sit up only for a firm, gloved hand to push him back down.

“Rest, you’re in quite a state.”

Childe opened his eyes slowly, meeting familiar glowing embers. Zhongli was the closest Childe had ever seen him to unkempt, missing his coat and shoes, hair mussed. His side was bandaged. Why was he not surprised that Zhongli also knew how to dress wounds-  

Wait, wait he was in Zhongli’s bed. This was not how he wanted the first time in Zhongli’s bed to go.

Zhongli took a glass from the bedside table and offered it.

“You were asleep for a few hours.”

Childe grunted in reply, downing the water without taking a moment to breathe. The silence that hung between them was comfortable, as if Childe hadn’t shown up half dead in the middle of the night. Zhongli watched him intently, fretting like a mother goose as he checked his bandages and ensured he had enough pillows.

“Aren’t you gonna ask what happened?”

Zhongli frowned. “From the amount of Millelith mobilising, I can only guess it was something illegal.”

Childe laughed, though the action made a fresh pang of pain shoot through his side. “Which means you’re harbouring a fugitive, Mister Zhongli.”

Zhongli stared at him for a long moment. “Did they see your face?”

“The ones that lived didn’t.”

“Then I am merely a consultant. I don’t involve myself with such things. I just clean up the mess.” Zhongli rose to his feet. “If you need anything I will be in the other room.”

He then turned and headed for the door, pausing to extinguish the candle set on the dresser.

“Hey-” Childe winced as he pushed up once more. “I know that’s not the only reason.”

“You are correct.” He turned to face Childe, his lips turning into a smile. “It would be unfortunate if we could no longer spend time in each other’s company.”

He was, admittedly, not expecting such an honest answer, and was left gaping like a useless fish.

“Goodnight, Childe.”

The door clicked shut behind him and Childe flopped back to the bed, bright red and emotionally constipated. He looked to the nightstand and spotted two, familiar lumps of Cor Lapis.

They really are the same colour as his eyes.

Word of the murder of Chaoxiang Zhou spread through Liyue like wildfire.

Childe was gratefully absent for the worst of it, forced to remain at home by Zhongli while he recovered from his injury. Turned out ‘Doctor Zhongli’ was not as sexy as some of his fantasies had been. He was actually a total hardass and refused any leniency.

Not that being fed and worried over by Zhongli was all bad.

It was only after being bedridden for a week that Zhongli let him get back to work, and only then because Childe insisted it was too suspicious for him to be gone any longer.

“Fine, but you must not strain yourself.”

“I won’t, I promise I won’t.”

Zhongli sighed, glancing to Childe’s hands. He held his pinkie out.

“How did that old nursery rhyme from your homeland go again?”

Childe smiled and offered his pinkie back.

“From Lady Signora, sir.”

Ekaterina placed the sealed envelope on his desk. He nodded in acknowledgement and waited until she had closed the door behind her to open it.

Dearest Tartaglia, 

Bravo on your theatrics in Liyue, you’ve made quite the mess. Not that it’s a bad thing, if anything causing chaos is precisely what we need. The Tsaritsa has ordered you to continue wrecking havoc until Morax has no choice but to step in. A team working on a little project will be assisting you in this endeavour. They will fill you in on the details when they arrive.

Much love, 

Signora.

Childe wanted to screw it up and toss it in the trash.

Scheming bitch, what the hell is she up to?

He was definitely being played, he knew it deep in his gut, but he didn’t exactly have the option to disagree. If his orders were from the Tsaritsa, his only choice was to knuckle down and deal with it.

Childe flopped back in his seat and stared at the ceiling.

Maybe he’d already brought Morax out of hiding-

He thought of Zhongli and rubbed his face. 

“It would be unfortunate if we could no longer spend time in each other’s company.”

He only hoped he was wrong.

The Rite of Descension was vital for a prosperous year in Liyue. Even the most skeptical folks would stop by the Yujing Terrace to leave offerings or prayers. There was nothing quite like it at home.

As much as Childe wanted to enjoy the spectacle, he had work to do. The Fatui were mobilised, ready to strike at their perfect moment.

Lady Ningguang appeared to perform the rite at the peak of noon, but no one could have predicted how the day would end.

“Rex Lapis has been killed! Seal the exits!”

“The contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone.”

He knew it. He knew it was coming but it still stung so deep and sharp that Childe felt nauseous. He wanted to scream in Signora’s face for telling such an awful truth, but he restrained himself, bubbling just below the surface.

Lumine and her floating companion left the bank and left him alone with the Geo Archon, God of Contracts, Rex Lapis, Morax-

“Zhongli.”

The space between them felt like an endless abyss, when it was little under five feet. Zhongli stared at him expectantly, those glowing amber eyes suddenly so much more intense than they had once been.

“You were Morax the whole time,” Childe said, plainly, as if it were nothing at all.

“You knew,” Zhongli said.

He laughed. “I did. Well, I figured it out, I just didn’t wanna believe it.”

Zhongli’s expression was inescrutable, arms folded, back rigid.

“So, what now?”

“Well,” Zhongli turned away, “Obviously things cannot be the same.”

Something cold settled in the pit of Childe’s stomach, something that twisted in his gut more painful than anything he’d ever felt.

“What the hell does that mean?”

Zhongli still wouldn’t face him. “Since you now know the truth, things must change between us.”

“Oh,” Childe chuckled, but the sound wasn’t right, “I get it. I was just a toy.”

“That’s not-”

“No, I get it. Gods get bored like the rest of us, you need to play with something, don’t you? Was it fun? Fucking around with mortals just to see what happens?”

Zhongli finally looked at him. “Childe, it was not my intention for it to go this far.”

“Then what was your intention?”

Zhongli opened his mouth to respond, but for once his words failed him.

Childe tsked. “Whatever,” he shouldered past the Archon, “glad I know where we stand.”

He didn’t give Zhongli the chance to reply as he headed into his office and slammed the door behind him.

For a being that had watched over humanity for six thousand years, Zhongli still struggled to understand them.

He had no need for sleep, but he usually did so anyway in some attempt at mirroring mortal behaviours. But that night he could only dwell in his own mind.

Zhongli rolled onto his side, his eyes meeting those pieces of Cor Lapis he kept so close.

What was Childe to him? A business partner? An acquaintance? A friend?

Or something more?

As soon as the first rays of morning sun crept into his room, Zhongli pushed out of bed and busied himself with whatever could take his mind off of those deep blue eyes and soft ginger hair. Yet his mind always wandered back. 

How troubling.

Hu Tao was beginning to grind his nerves with how often she was chastising him for getting distracted, so he excused himself and stepped out. His legs carried him through the streets of the city he had once helped build with his own two hands, folding them behind his back as he walked without a destination in mind.

Zhongli hadn’t expected instant happiness in giving up his Gnosis, but he had hoped for relief, for the weight to finally lift from his shoulders. Instead he simply felt tired, empty.

Maybe he really was the fool the Tsaritsa believed him to be.

He glanced up; he could see the walkway they led to the Northland Bank from where he stood.

“Mister Zhongli!”

He turned and met the cheerful grin of Xiangling.

“Should I expect you and Mister Childe later? I’ll save you a table!”

Zhongli let out a sigh. “I’m afraid not, we… Ah, had a disagreement.”

“Oh, that’s a shame...” Xiangling quickly regained her energy. “But the two of you are super close, right? I’m sure you’ll be getting along again in no time!”

“Unfortunately it may not be so simple, I’m certain he does not wish to see me anymore.” Zhongli bowed his head. “Ah, I’m sorry for burdening you with my troubles, Miss Xiangling.”

She shook her head. “Nu-uh! It’s no problem! But, Mister Zhongli, if he doesn’t want to come see you, maybe you should go see him. At least then you can try to smooth things over, right?”

You would hate to have any more regrets-

“Ah! Sorry, I’ve got to run!” Xiangling began spiriting away towards Wanmin. “I hope you figure things out!” She called back as she disappeared into the crowd.

Zhongli looked back towards the bank.

You’re still a coward, Morax, even after all these years.

He let out a long deep sigh and steadied his resolve, forcing one foot in front of the other before he could change his mind.

As he approached the doors, they swung open.

“For Gods’ sake, handle it yourself, don’t bother me with it,” Childe snapped at the Fatui agent at his coattails. The man bowed his head, spluttering apologies as the doors slammed shut behind him.

Childe made it three steps before he looked up and his gaze met Zhongli’s.

They kept a few feet of respectable distance, silence heavy between them for far too long before Zhongli spoke, “I thought they might have sent you back.”

Childe scoffed. “Nah I gotta stay to clean up any loose ends and keep a low profile.” His eyes were colder than the frozen wastes of his homeland. “What do you want?”

“I want to apologise.”

“You-” Childe threw his head back and laughed. “You think that’s gonna magically fix everything?”

“Of course not.”

Childe’s expression softened, his shoulders faltering. He let out a sigh.

“Maybe… Maybe we should talk about this somewhere more private?”

Zhongli only nodded, and let himself be led back to Childe’s apartment.

Zhongli wasn’t even over the threshold before his back hit the wall, mere inches between their faces as Childe’s blade pressed against his neck.

“Tell me this, if I cut you will you bleed?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

Childe scoffed, but there was a cold bite to the sound.

“What am I to you?”

“I… I don’t know.”

His honesty caught Childe off guard.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” He demanded, pushing the blade harder against his throat.

“You… You are important to me, I treasure each moment we spent together, but I don’t know what we are.”

Childe narrowed his eyes, then let out a sigh. The water blades disappeared as they fell from his grip and Childe thumped back against the wall, sliding down until he met the floor. He pulled his legs up to his chest and rested his chin on his knees. Zhongli sat next to him, cross-legged, close but not touching.

“I have to admit,” Childe began, “I really hated you. Well, I hated Morax, more specifically. I felt like… like he’d stolen something from me. I… probably would have gone back to Snezhnaya without even looking for you if you hadn’t shown up.”

“And… how do you feel about Zhongli?”

Childe scowled. “Zhongli isn’t real. It’s just Morax.”

“Not at all. I enjoyed our time together as the mortal Zhongli, yet I also enjoyed it as the Lord of Geo Morax. The two beings are not different, they are one and the same.”

Childe hugged his legs tighter, chastising himself for letting himself get so worked up over nothing.  

But it wasn’t nothing. He wouldn’t have let himself get so deep in the first place if it was nothing-

Zhongli’s gentle hand on his shoulder grounded him back in the moment and he turned to meet those bright amber eyes he’d first fallen for.

“I… I loved Zhongli,” Childe said softly, not trusting his voice to go any louder, “And I know he loved me. How… How can I believe that Morax does as well?” 

“Let me show you,” Zhongli said, leaning closer, until only a few inches remained between their faces, “please, Childe.”

Childe contemplated for what felt like another six thousand years before he closed the gap and kissed him.

It started soft, barely there but quickly deepened, lips parting and little sighs rising between them. When Childe pulled away for air, Zhongli started to follow, but caught himself.

“I want to touch you,” Zhongli whispered, as if confessing some great sin.

“Bedroom. I’m not fucking you in my hallway.”

If Zhongli wasn’t preoccupied with the current situation, he likely could have spent hours nosing through every little corner of Childe’s apartment. Currently the only thing he really processed was the calluses on Childe’s hands as he was led to the bed and pushed back onto it.

Childe clambered on after him, looming over the Lord of Geo. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone already, but Zhongli wanted to see more.

“May I undress you?”

Childe scoffed, “Why are you being so formal? Just rip it all off already.”

Zhongli hummed and smoothed his hands over the fabric, unbuttoning Childe’s shirt as if he were performing surgery. Childe couldn’t help but squirm with impatience as he finally, finally dragged his shirt over his shoulders.

Once his pants were halfway down his thighs, Zhongli paused for a moment.

“Ah,” was all he said.

Childe scowled. “Is there a problem?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then get on with it.” 

After taking a moment to drag his trousers and underwear off completely, Zhongli took a moment longer to admire how beautiful Childe was. He traced his fingers over every scar and freckle he could find, mapping his skin with the quiet reverence of a devoted priest.

He took a second to chuckle at the irony of it as he ran his fingers over the newest scar in his side.

Childe was quickly growing flustered, all the attention turning into embarrassment as he wriggled and dragged Zhongli’s hand down to where he really wanted it.

He paused for long enough that Childe groaned.

“What?”

“Do you want me to… insert anything in here?” Zhongli asked, trailing the tips of his fingers around Childe’s twitching hole.

Childe rolled his eyes and thrust his hips up. “God your dirty talk is so shit, yes, shove something in there before I- Gods, yes…”

His words trailed off as Zhongli eased a finger in, watching Childe’s face intently for any discomfort. 

As he began rubbing Childe’s little cock in slow circles, his trembling thighs fell open as his hips quivered up.

“More,” he whined, reaching down for Zhongli’s wrist.

“Patience,” Zhongli scolded, smacking the rogue hand away and earning a huff.

He pushed a second finger in and spread them, in awe at just how pliant and soft Childe was inside. He pushed deeper, twisting them and exploring until Childe jolted and gasped.

“Fuck, there again please- Gah!”

Zhongli happily obliged, thrusting the fingers in and out at a steady, but assertive pace. Childe’s hands clutched at the sheets, turning red from his shoulders up.

The pace began to quicken, rubbing his cock harder as he began to tighten around Zhongli’s fingers.

Childe was so warm, toes curling, everything tensing, heat pooling in his stomach-

“May I taste you?” Zhongli asked, halting all movements so abruptly that Childe seriously contemplated murder for a solid five seconds.

If Childe were a weaker man he would have likely begged for just that little bit more , but he refused to cave so early.

He flopped his head back on the pillow. “Fine,” he grunted.

Zhongli smiled, pulling his fingers out slowly, before leaning up to press a small kiss to Childe’s cheek. “Thank you for indulging me,” he murmured against the skin.

The action endeared Childe so much he briefly forgot he was supposed to be mad at the man for lying about the whole “secretly being a god the entire time” thing.

Zhongli readjusted their position, lifting Childe to rest his thighs over his shoulders, supporting his back with one arm and squeezing his ass with the other.

“Is this comfortable?”

Childe simply nodded, wiping the damp hair from his forehead as if to reclaim some dignity.

The first lick was so soft that Childe wouldn’t have even known he’d been touched if not for the contented sigh that rose from Zhongli. 

The next few were a little more determined, enough for Childe to relax where he didn’t realise he’d been tensing. 

Then the next pushed in and Childe jolted at the sensation.

“H-Holy shit- Hah, what the fuck is that-”

Zhongli pushed his long tongue deeper, marvelling at how Childe clenched and squirmed below him. He found the spot that made him react so beautifully with his fingers, shuddering at the sounds it drew from Childe’s throat.

“That’s- fuck, Zhongli, what-” Childe’s words dissolved into moans, trying to simultaneously pull away and push closer.

Zhongli pulled back for a moment, his mouth hanging open as he panted. Childe’s brain fried at the sight of a long, snake-like tongue poking out from his lips.

“Gods, what is my life right now?” Childe laughed in disbelief as he covered his face with his hands.

Zhongli leaned forward as far as Childe’s legs would allow. “I apologise, is this too much?”

“A little warning would have been nice!”

Zhongli looked rather shameful. “I am truly sorry for springing this on you without informing you first.”

“Make me cum on your dumb, pretty face and we’ll call it even.” Childe reached up, fisting a hand into the Archon’s hair and shoving his face between his thighs.

Zhongli got the message and pushed his tongue back in, damn near suffocating himself against the soaked heat and nuzzling as deep as he possibly could. Childe rolled his hips in response, moaning and gasping unabashedly.

“Fuck, Zhongli-” He tilted his head back as Zhongli’s tongue began moving faster, holding Childe harder against his face. Zhongli maneuvered the hand that was on his ass up to his little cock, rubbing in harsh, fast circles that made Childe cry out.

That familiar heat began to pool in his gut once again, rapidly building as the sensations grew more and more.

“I- I’m gonna-”

That was all the warning he could give before his orgasm shook him to his core, white hot and so intense he cried out loud enough his neighbours totally heard him but he didn’t care.

Zhongli’s pace didn’t falter, his tongue somehow pushing deeper still as his thumb pressed harder, chasing the taste until Childe was holding back sobs.

“Shit- Fuck, that’s- Gah!”

Childe yanked Zhongli back away from his crotch, a whole new wave of heat hitting him when he saw the state he’d left his face in. It was only then he realised Zhongli was still wearing his shirt and pants.

They took a moment to regain themselves, panting in the dimly lit space as Zhongli lowered him back to the bed.

“Where is your bathroom?” Zhongli asked.

Childe made a vague gesture toward the door. “First door on your left,” he mumbled.

Zhongli returned a minute later with a towel and a, sadly, clean face. He undressed fully, placed the folded towel with their clothes, and laid down beside him. Childe rolled over to face him.

“Well… aren’t you pleased with yourself,” Childe pouted.

“You were beautiful,” Zhongli murmured, hand hovering over Childe’s hip as if seeking permission to touch him.

As if that freaky tongue of his hadn’t just been in his most intimate place-

Childe pressed closer, chest flush against Zhongli’s, slinging an arm over his waist. His other hand cupped his cheek, his heart swelling when Zhongli tilted his face into the warmth.

Zhongli mirrored his motions, one arm curling around the small of his back, the other cradling his face with great reverence. Zhongli smiled, small but genuine, eyes creasing with pure, unashamed adoration.

“I…” Childe started, but the words struggled to surface, stuck in his throat like the dry bread.

Zhongli chuckled, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

“Each moment we spend together is truly wonderful.”

Childe turned his face into the pillow as his cheeks grew hot. “God that’s sappy.”

“Ah.” It was Zhongli’s turn to redden. “I apologise for being so forward-”

Childe pouted at him. “Shut up.”

Zhongli blinked once, twice, then smiled once more and pressed their foreheads together.

It was only then Childe processed what the hard thing poking into his thigh was.

“I'll get you off.”

Zhongli shook his head. “It’s no bother-”

Childe wrapped a hand around his cock and Zhongli let out a low groan. “I want you to fuck me,” he whispered, taking pride in how the once great God of War and Comerce quivered in his grip.

Childe let Zhongli climb above him, taking his opportunity to ogle his chest and lean, firm muscles. He wasn’t jacked by any means, but there was certainly all the strength he needed.

It also led to him getting a good look at his cock and Childe admittedly concerned for a moment, which Zhongli noted instantly.

“I could make it smaller if it would put you at ease,” Zhongli said.

“I can handle it,” Childe responded without hesitation.

Zhongli frowned, but didn’t ask again.

He raised Childe’s legs to wrap around his waist and pressed a kiss to his cheek, then began the agonisingly slow process of sliding his cock into the soaked tight heat.

It was torture. Childe was convinced this was his own personal hell; waiting for Zhongli’s dick to push inside for a thousand years. He at least showed some mercy (or perhaps impatience) after the head had popped inside and eased his cock in the rest of the way.

Once their hips were flat against one another, Childe realised he’d been holding his breath.

“Holy shit,” he gasped out as he reached a hand down to where they were connected, “you’re fucking thick.”

Zhongli let out a breathless laugh. “You feel so warm.”

Childe gave another cute pout as he pulled himself up and wrapped his arms around his shoulders.

“Just- Aah, gimme a sec.”

“Of course.” Zhongli nuzzled his cheek, planting another gentle kiss there.

They stayed that way for another minute before Childe began rolling his hips in a silent demand for him to start moving.

Zhongli pulled out until just the tip remained before pushing back in so slowly that Childe whined.

After another few cruelly slow thrusts, Childe let out a spoilt huff.

“I’m not gonna fucking break,” Childe snapped, grinding up in a feeble attempt to speed up the rhythm. “What a useless God, can’t even fuck right…”

Zhongli was stunned, but recovered swiftly. “You’re such a- what’s the term? Brat?”

“What’s wrong, old man? You gonna break a hip?” Childe laughed.  “Come on, you’re a goddamn dragon, fuck me like one.”

Zhongli chuckled, gripping Childe’s hips hard enough that they would certainly bruise.

“If that is what you desire, then I shall not disappoint.”

The next thrust was hard and deep, knocking the air from Childe’s lungs as his back arched with a moan. He barely had a moment to think before the next came, just as hard as the last, then another before Childe lost track completely and dissolved into helplessly clinging to Zhongli for dear life.

“Is this fast enough for you, my dearest?” Zhongli asked, smug and only a little winded as his hips continued their assault.

Childe couldn’t form the words to reply, so instead dug his nails as deep as he could into his flawless back. Zhongli grunted at the sensation, the next thrust hard enough to jolt Childe up the bed.

One of the bruising hands on his hips came down to his cock, rubbing swift, hard circles into the hot pink flesh.

It was all too much. The heat was suffocating as Zhongli pushed impossibly close, kissing him hard and deep until he had to pull away for air.

“ Please- Zh- Zhongli-” Childe managed to sob before his thighs were giving out and he screamed as he came hard, spasms wracking his frame as the Archon continued to pound into him.

“That’s it,” Zhongli grunted, pressing another kiss to Childe’s damp, flushed cheek, “you’re doing so well for me.”

Childe couldn’t breathe, wanting to squirm away as the pleasure began to overwhelm him. But Zhongli showed no sign of stopping and he couldn’t do much but lie back and take it.

“You’re so beautiful, Childe. You- Ah, you take me so wonderfully. You’re perfect- Nn, so perfect for me-”

The praise left Childe crying out as he writhed against the sensations still abusing his oversensitive cock and hole.

Zhongli’s thrusts grew erratic and desperate until he finally, finally , pulled out, giving himself a few quick, hard strokes before he was cumming over Childe’s quivering stomach. It made him jolt like he’d been burnt with hot wax and Zhongli quickly leaned over to kiss apologies into his chest.

After a long few minutes, Zhongli rose from the bed and grabbed the towel he’d brought earlier, wiping Childe clean as he pressed kisses and whispered praise into his skin. If Childe had any more energy, he’d push him off for being so dopey.

Once he was satisfied, Zhongli collapsed to the bed beside him and curled around him. 

As if hoarding his treasure-

“You are… truly beautiful, Childe,” he said. Zhongli pulled the sheets up over his weary little mortal, pressing a kiss to his forehead. 

“Ajax,” came the muffled response. Childe didn’t look up, nor did he fight the slowly encroaching call of sleep. “My real name, it’s Ajax.”

Zhongli smoothed a hand over his messy, damp curls. “Rest well, Ajax.”

Ajax roused slowly, pressing closer to the warmth that enveloped him. The arms surrounding him squeezed him tighter, as if afraid he would disappear into mist if he was held with any less force.

He willed his eyes open and gave a content sigh into Zhongli’s chest.

“I was… worried I’d wake up and you’d be gone,” Zhongli murmured, burying his nose into Ajax’s hair and inhaling deeply.

“We’re gonna have a talk later,” he said, nuzzling his face deeper into his chest, “but for now you’re stuck with me, old man.”

Zhongli frowned. “I don’t appreciate this new nickname.”

Ajax laughed. “You lied to be about being a God, let me have this.”

“You never asked.”

Ajax pulled back enough to see his face. “Even if I did ask, you wouldn’t have admitted to it.”

Zhongli sighed. “You… are correct.”

“Hey, so, if you’re a dragon,” Ajax began, quickly changing the subject, “does that mean you can lay eggs?”

Zhongli thought for a long moment. “I… I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve ever tried...”

With a wicked grin, Ajax clambered above him, pinning his hands either side of his head. “Do you wanna try?”

Zhongli frowned. “I’m flattered, but I’m not sure if our relationship is ready for that.”

“Huh?”

“I do believe you will be a brilliant father one day, but perhaps we are moving too quickly-”

“Zhongli, it’s for a kink.”

“Oh.”

Ajax laughed at his bewildered expression and planted a kiss to his nose.

Zhongli reached up to wrap his arms around Ajax’s shoulders to pull him into a hug. “I cherish every step of our journey together.”

“I love you too, old man.”

Those amber eyes he loved so much creased in a smile and glowed like the finest crystals of Cor Lapis.