Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The moon is bright and the night is chill, filling the space with light breeze as the curtains waver swiftly and the door crackles slightly at the calm blow of the wind.

Zhongli is laid in bed with his husband, his tail swiftly curled around his husband’s waist, the tip of his tail brushing delicately on Ajax's belly. 

And yet something felt off. 

He slowly opened his eyes, finding himself pressed against Ajax’s chest in an embrace. Even if the feeling was pleasant, Zhongli with utmost care untangled himself from Ajax, unwrapping his tail carefully to not wake the ginger up. 

He looked at the clock, 2:34 am it marked, and Gregory was not in bed with them. 

Zhongli was quite bewildered. The boy was not sleeping with them, he gazed at the door to find it open, did the boy go to his own room at midnight?

Still with his eyes half-lidded, Zhongli slipped out of the room to the corridor, on the way to his son’s room, he arrived at the foot of the door, which was open.

He quietly entered, expecting to see his boy sleeping on the bed

He was not. 

Zhongli got still, confused for half a second, and then he went downstairs to the living room. Had Gregory stayed up all night for any reason? 

He turned on the lights, only to find the living room completely deserted. 

He started looking across the rest of the rooms in the house, the kitchen, the library, the two bathrooms, the courtyard and even the attic.

Absolutely nothing. 

Now worried, Zhongli went back to his room

-Ajax, Ajax- He uttered, his voice still quite raspy, as he shaked him rather harshly. 

In a jolt Ajax got up, a shiver running down his spine

-Wh–what happened- 

-It’s gregory, he’s gone- 

Even in the darkness, Ajax could identify the worried look on Zhongli’s face, just as the tight grip his husband had on him. 

-Where the hell could he go?!- Fretted Ajax, now they both were fully awake, after calling up the boy by phone a good amount of times without success and after looking around the house with hope he hadn’t gone far.

The playground? Nothing

The nearby alleys? Nothing 

Maybe the abandoned building? Yet nothing 

They were now by the foot of the main entrance of their house, thinking on what else they could do.

The worry started creeping more and more on Zhongli’s face, what if something had happened? Maybe someone took him? What if– 

Seeing the trembling limbs of Zhongli, seemingly not cause by the cold, Ajax approached to him, putting his arms around Zhongli’s shoulders in a hug 

-We’ll find him, I am sure of that Zhongli, don’t fret. - His words were cutting but secure, and his embrace was somewhat reassuring 

Ajax didn’t want to do what he is about to do, fearing his husband would worry more, but he activated his elemental sight, looking for any traces the boy could have left behind. 

Eureka 

Ajax leaped to the kitchen, to that drawer which was half open. 

-Look at this Zhongli- He got out a fork from the drawer, it was not clean as it had excess of food on its tips

Ajax licked the fork, curious to know what the substance was - It’s apple pie…-Ajax remembered how his son had asked him for the recipe some while ago…but with which purpose? 

Even if he was clueless, Zhongli on the other part, seemed to have quite the idea. 

-Apple pie you say?- He looked to the main street crossing the main entrance and activated his elemental sight as well, looking for any signs of Gregory’s energy 

And indeed, even if it was faint, there was a hint of his energy in the air…pointing to a certain direction, vanishing and vanishing as the essence grew farther away. 

Ajax took a peek too, his worried look dissipating more and more as he looked on Zhongli’s direction, if one put enough attention, you could find sparks of geo energy faintly lingering in the air.

Little by little, his expression turned into a sarcastic mischievous smile 

- hah, That boy still lacks technique to fool us completely, such elemental energy is so faint, just as if…-

-He was trying to hide it from us, if he had truly gone lost abruptly, he couldn’t possibly be concerned about such- Zhongli finished the sentence and then looked at the kitchen table, where the fork was settled- besides…i think i already have an idea of where he could be. -His tone was serious and his expression severe, with his brows furrowed. 

He went back to the house now going way to the stairs - I’ll go after him, Ajax, stay here okay? 

-No wait, I’ll be going with you!! 

-No, you will rest… You only came back from your adventure today, that trip of yours has been long, you need it Ajax.

-Nothing of that, I won’t rest either way knowing you are out there too

-What if Gregory comes back? The keys are still here- He points at the table, where the keys are- You wouldn’t want to leave him outside would you?

Ajax grows completely silent at this, he is right. The image of Gregory at the foot of the door waiting for response from inside or worse, trying to enter by the window, doesn’t seem right. Now seeing his expression Zhongli goes upstairs to change his sleeping clothes, a mere simple buttoned white shirt and light brown pants, accompanied with the first pairs of shoes he could find, not caring if they are his or his husband's and then, as fast as he went up, he goes down again. 

-Wait there!- Says Ajax, getting him by the wrist, and when Zhongli turns to him, Ajax can see how his husband didn’t even care for his hair, and merely left it in a messy low ponytail- Promise me you’ll call me and notice me about everything, alright?

-It’s a promise, love -Zhongli draws Ajax closer to him and gives him a chaste kiss on the corner of his lips, his tail wagging gently.

Ajax doesn’t let Zhongli go away yet, cupping his cheeks delicately.

-Another thing, If it is that you two don’t come back here right after dawn…I’ll go to search for you myself. 

-Also a promise- Zhongli smiled a little with his eyes shining lightly. He takes Ajax’s hand and gives it a little squeeze- Mark my words, I shall not take long. 

With that, they bid their goodbye and when Zhongli crosses the door, his expression shifts to something sharper, as his eyebrows furrow into deep frown. 

It is going to be half an hour since Gregory should have arrived at his house and almost an hour since he should have arrived at the present. 

And yet he hasn’t 

Venti has started to worry, he hadn’t made any call at first since he was probably enjoying his time in the lantern rite, making some friends and finding new interesting activities to do that he had lost track of time 

Or that’s what Venti thought 

Should he call his past-self? That’s the question that has been wandering in his head for the last 20 minutes or so, but even as he is the god of time, there are some things that his past self it’s not supposed to know, same goes to his present-self with his future-self. 

A great power requires great responsibility, even as the god of freedom he is positive of that.

It’s not as he could give it any more thought though, as he hears three loud knocks on his door.

Somehow he knew it, the person behind that door, he got still for a second, a shiver going down his spine, but then again there were another three knocks, louder than the last three.

Zhongli arrives at his destination using his dragon form in a matter of seconds, a certain familiar house with a green shade. 

The house had the lights on, he supposes his assumption was right.

Venti opens the door, nervousness on his face. 

-Where is he?- asks Zhongli, making it sound more like a demand, sturdy as stone

-Well…you see–

Zhongli invites himself in without further wavering, looking instinctively around the house, his tail tapping the floor repeatedly, showing his anxiousness 

-Is he upstairs??- Zhongli asks, as he already makes his way upstairs

-N-No! Zhongli he is not!!

Zhongli turns to face him, a murderous glare on his face.

-Where. Is. My. Son.- He demands once again 

-Uuuh…-Venti planned on saying some sort of folly at first, but seeing the concern, the rage of the man, and his anxiousness Venti found himself lost of words to explain himself.

-Where. Is. He.- Zhongli tried again, taking some steps forward against the shorter man 

-I…Sent him on a trip! That 's it! He should be back by this hour though…haha…

At this Zhongli’s eyes grew wider with concern as hurried and worried “what?!” escaped from his lips. 

Venti took some minutes trying to explain the situation (mostly for his babbling trying to make things sound not as grave as they were). 

Though Zhongli was already pretty much aware of the graveness since he didn’t find the kid around the house.

-So…-Tried Zhongli, sounding as composed as he could, even if his tail pretty much betrayed him- My son’s current location is situated on…Liyue Harbor- He paused- 300 years in the past. You had warned him to come before 2 and half of the night, something that he clearly…did not do. 

-He is a boy of his word, you know he wouldn’t break a rule in his life. 

Zhongli looked at him again, his eyes sharp as a serpent. -Exactly, that is why this goes upon you- He pointed at Venti and then took a deep breath, who does one ask patience to when you are god himself? 

-I’ll be going after him, I’ve grown sick of this mockery, open a portal, this shall not take long. 

-But Zhongli, you know well that if you interviene there you could…- Doing such thing would have its risks, this case is pretty much similar as Gregory meeting past-Time Zhongli, just as this example, the same person in different time could affect fate badly, or worse even, do a inconsistency on space time th– 

-I don’t f*cking care Barbatos, open a portal, now - Zhongli, no , someone more alike to Morax snapped, not letting him go further with the explanation.

Uh oh uh oh uh oh he is truuuly mad now, okay okay , Venti gets it pretty well, the last time he shot such bold words at Venti, he had destroyed the stock of wine and beer he had been saving over decades, maybe even centuries! all his patience and time sent to waste. 

He learned his lesson and decided he wouldn’t like that to happen ever again, not now that his wine is pretty much safe in his basement, still aging to reach the best flavor. 

With no further complaint, Venti opened a portal, Zhongli then approached to the portal, but turned his head to the Bard.

-Barbatos- He rumbled, his golden eyes looking at him as he used to his worst enemies when he was still an archon, or anyone that dared to put a finger on his precious Liyue. 

-A single drop of blood spilled on my son’s behalf… and you are dead - wasting no more time with chit chat he entered the portal in pursuit of Gregory.

Well, now that Zhongli left, to the past, serving as another factor to change fate, Venti has now pretty much made his decision. 

There is nothing else to lose now, well, it’s not as if he had any other alternative option with that bomb threat that was just said to him. 

The lantern rite grew brighter at each minute with the people’s rejoice and cheer around, Childe, even so, felt eternally disgruntled

And eternally concerned  

The people around the harbor screamed and cried with joy, more liyuens that had already gone to sleep for the late hour were coming from his houses again at the full fuss, even musicians were gathering to prepare a whole orchestra, some others were even applauding at the sight to behold.

That sight to behold in question, that center of attention in the middle of the commotion, such thing that everyone was so focused on…was Gregory himself.

He was in a platform, the best the people could find, in question, the one of the opera itself. 

-The geo Archon has come to us once more!!! 

-Long live Rex Lapis!!! 

-I knew he wouldn’t abandon us, he is back, he is back everyone!!! 

Those, were some of the roars filled with delight around the harbor, pure adoration 

And yet Childe looked at the scene with such regret and pity…

Gregory, in the center of the platform had his antlers exposed, but not only that, as minutes passed more features of his true form were exposed little by little, his tail had appeared, scales that mirrored Cor lapis letting themselves known and a golden tip with curled beautiful fur that looked so soft that seemed cotton.

Making exact resemblance to Rex Lapis’ 

Even his blue eyes…they went each time duller and duller as time passed, looking for their original blue-void color. 

Everyone was looking at such features, that familitiary of features from the Rex lapis they knew, but what Childe could see was…what nobody seemed to catch at all: like the little tail that was tucked tightly to his own body, or the nervous waver of his eyes overwhelmed by all that people, or that his hands were glued to the platform, trying to carve something somehow out of the material. 

Or even, his trembling limbs, overwhelmed by the people around him, desperate and fearful. 

Childe couldn’t bear such sight on a kid, that pressure put on him, he didn’t understand much of what was happening. He is not in place to deny that his antlers and tail were indeed identical to the ones of Morax. 

The only thing that he understood was that the kid didn’t wanted to be there, and that was all that mattered

Childe took a deep breath, making sure if he really wanted to do what he was about to do, he exhaled, and as people were dazzled by Gregory’s presence, he adjusted his fatui mask to his face. 

Time for Tartaglia to come to action. 

He went through the crowd, not caring for everyone that got in his way in the slightest, or the angry roars of everyone as he stumbled past them.

Some were millieth patrolling by the zone as they had decided to keep a watch on “the new geo archon”. Nonetheless its not as if Tartaglia cared, he made himself a path getting them out of the way with a single push.

He got on the platform and as he did so, he felt the electro going past his fingertips to his own body, and then in a single zap, he got Gregory by the back of his shirt collar to then disappear with him in a bolt of lighting to the right side of the platform way to the main road to escape.

Everything happened so fast and yet it was for Gregory as if all events happened on slow camera, the surprised and angry yells of the people, the civilians going after them in all synergy as if it was being talked about a stampede. 

But of course, Tartaglia was faster as anyone else, leaping through the whole main street with zip zaps of electro, not minding anyone  interposed in his way 

After a couple of minutes, maybe 4 or 5, they were already in the center of the city, Tartaglia carried himself and the boy to an unnoted alleway, and stopped right there. 

Oh dear archons, Gregory loved his dad, he loved his dad so so much…

-Are you…- Childe tried to form a sentence, crouching to the height of the little boy, just to be stopped, the boy hugging him tightly as if Childe had any intention to go anywhere.

-Thank you…-Gregory murmured, not letting him go just yet, his little tail wagging.

So cute! Still a little surprised, Childe decides to hug him back.

They depart from the hug, Childe stands up again. 

He looks at their surroundings going out of the hallway, that part of Liyue Harbor seemed pretty much calmer

Good, the news didn’t reach as far

 - We shouldn’t stay here any longer, it will be just a matter of time until they reach us and find us. 

Gregory looked at his father rather worried, he was concerned, it was past time since he should have been in his house, 10 minutes past 3. and yet, he couldn’t go back now

Venti days earlier had explained to him how he would supposedly come back, he’d simply go back to the place he appeared on the first place, which means, the place where Venti’s house was to be held in the future.

The problem was that now with so much people looking for him, he doesn’t believe himself enough to be able to escape with absolutely no one finding a way to chase after him 

Plus no one was supposed to know he is a time traveler.

That includes his father, if he disappeared out of nowhere he is sure Childe would worry. 

That leaves him with a single option available 

-I think i know where we could go for the time being- Gregory takes his father’s hand and looks up to face him- let's head to Wangshuu inn.

Venti looks up to the sky, such a chilly night with the city of liyue full of joy in the background, the environment is quiet, just filled with the sweet hums of the bard as he sits in the roof of wangshu inn, alongside his companion.

-I think the night is pretty quiet- Starts Venti, summoning a harp in his hands- How about I play a song? 

-If it is what you want. -His companion replied, still looking at the plate of almond tofu he had on his hands as he ate peacefully 

-Hm, never one to encourage a good time of music, no Xiao? -He teased, but the other guy did not respond. 

Venti started improvising something, anything that would come for the peaceful moment. Beautiful and harmonic notes started coming from his harp as water in a waterfall, filling the air with a cozy, delightful vibe. 

Xiao closed his eyes putting utmost attention to the music, making him looking calm and serene 

Until…

Venti opened his eyes, only to be surprised of being now in a different place, he knew this place of course, the white void.

A place where neither the time nor space applied, a place in his own consciousness

-Venti!!- a voice resounded, and Venti turned his head only to find…himself.

-Venti??-The first Venti asked, perplexed and confused - What are you doing here??? 

-Haha…you see…I am future you!! 

-Future me? Huh! Is not so common that i look for myself in different time lines! Wait…this means something happened is it not??? 

-Ooooh you see through…and yes, we might have…ran into some inconveniences there in my time, so i came here to save our butts! 

If his future him is looking for him then something really grave must have happened, the first Venti couldn’t help but feel afraid 

-Remember Morax? Well, of course you do -his voice turned out of the sudden serious and…shaky somehow- then you must know that he…well, future Morax has come to this time, you have to keep watch on him!! He is mad, you gotta stop him from doing anything foolish

-Future Morax?? Here?? Hmmm…i…i see…Zhongli is pretty reasonable though, he knows of the dangers of time travel -First Venti started, trying to sound more reasonable than future him- he is the calculative type, how could he do anything like that? 

-Venti, we really messed up there in future and he is enoughly mad to…

-Send us the wrath of the rock? 

-Yes!! Send us the wrath of the rock!! Our wine stick is going to get destroyed if we don’t stop this! 

Oh

Oh 

Dear Celestia above!!! This is indeed serious! 

-T-Then what should we do?!?!-First Venti asks now looking as overwhelmed

-F-Find Gregory!! He is a little boy, mid-height, something like this - He points out the approximated height of the boy -He must be…somewhere in liyue, ( maybe) but no matter! You will know that is him once you see him, you have to give him to Morax once you do!, and oh! Another thing - He approaches his past him, grabbing his shoulders- For nothing in the world let any of those two meet the Morax of your time. 

-Right. That makes sense. Find the boy, give it to future Morax and don’t let those two meet with the Morax of my time, got it! 

-Good, for the sake of our wine stock! 

-For the sake of our wine stock!! - Past Venti repeats.

Out of the sudden he is back on where he was, roof of wangshu in alongside Xiao, his fingers still moving around the harp to create beautiful notes.

He ends the song there, trying to close it swiftly to not make it look hurried. He makes the harp disappear and stands uo from his place 

-Going back to Mondstadt? 

-Naah, I just remembered…some dealings i had to do! Why is so~? Going to miss me? 

Xiao responded with a swift hmph and looked away 

Gregory and Childe find themselves in front of Wangshu inn, the building was so tall in Gregory’s eyes, a true piece of architecture, while Childe…such place gave him some sort of nostalgic feeling he yet has difficulty to grasp, he remembers the oh so beautiful days when Zhongli and him would go there to share a meal together to change a the busy environment of the harbor to a more quiet and relaxed place, he remembers the days when they both would just go to wangshu to look at the scenery, have chit chat of the adventures of the day or even–

Childe shakes his head, why is he thinking about it? The important thing now was little “Ajax”, that even if he kept looking a little distressed for the commotion prior, he had now hidden his horns and tail, his eyes seemed brighter and his trembling had stopped, good. 

But even if that’s true, he kept his hurried pace to arrive quickly, Childe started to suspect that Wangshu inn in the eyes of the boy aside of being a hiding spot, had something else going on… 

They went up to the long stairs of the structure, until managing to the top where Verr Goldet was, in the reception attending some customers, mostly couples that had come to enjoy the night. 

-Hello you two, may i assist you with anything? Would you like to order? 

Ajax looks at the boy below him, they are here. 

Now what? 

Gregory just responds to the receptionist with an uninterested “we just came here to enjoy the scenery” and starts looking around for any sign of Venti, he said he was located in Wangshu inn and could go to his assistance if anything happened. 

Seeing he wasn’t seemingly anywhere around the first floor, Gregory went upstairs and confused, Childe went after him 

Venti went down the stairs from the roof to the second floor, just to find a seemingly liyuen boy, black hair with llamative blue eyes looking at him.

He came with a companion, a tall man with ginger hair and dull blue eyes 

Hmm…Venti feels he has seen him somewhere and that mask…wait, was that a fatui mask? 

Gregory didn’t lose any more time and approached Venti, hugging him. 

Okay now, it was quite clever the boy knew him, good timing, he must be the boy his future self asked him to find. 

Such a thing lifted weight from him, the first mission ended up being easier than he first anticipated! Seems celestia is smiling at him tonight.

-Oh little boy you must be…- 

-You can call me Ajax.- Gregory cut him short, looking at his eyes. Was that a nickname? Venti wondered, it probably was, after all, one thing that his future him could assure him is that this boy, just as the other Morax that was still somewhere in Liyue, were time-travelers, he could want to keep his identity a secret. 

For what purpose though? What was the connection of this boy with all this Morax deal? 

Well! No matter, it’s not as if he is going to question himself, all he has to do is cut all this problem short (he can’t imagine Morax destroying all his wine stock again ).

-You told me to look for you if i had problems right? Right? W-well…i think i have a pretty big one right now- The boy sounded desperate, and yet he managed to muster a soft smile for Venti…as if trying to reassure him from anything that he was about to say.

Meanwhile Childe looked at both rather puzzled, how was a bard supposed to help them? He didn’t even look like a Liyuen, at first he even thought that they would look for some Adepti here in wangshu inn, he remembers Zhongli saying something of the sort of an adeptus coming to the inn regularly. 

-I think I’d like to…uuh…talk about this subject privately! Childe, could you wait for us here for a little moment? That’d be much appreciated. 

-Aaaalright, notice me if anything happens okay?- Childe didn’t look or sound half convinced, but that should do for now for gregory.

Now with an answer Gregory dragged Venti to a nearby bathroom and closed the door, and immediately afterwards let out a long sigh as if a big weight was lifted upon his shoulders. 

-So? What is it Gregory? 

Gregory inhaled -I’ll go straight to the point, I don’t have enough energy to keep this up- He released his adepti powers, letting his true form to be seen, his horns and tail being released once again  -It seems now half Liyue thinks I am the new geo archon. -Gregory shoot a nervous smile to Venti, surely he knows well he messed up real bad. 

…

…

…

-I know, I know, i messed up, please forgive me, I-I broke our promise 

…

Venti kept staring at the boy, absolutely flabbergasted, it was as if he was staring at a little Morax himself, no doubt Rex Lapis’ people would think such!

 Aside from his imposing gold horns and his dragon-qilin tail, the shape of his eyes with those diamond-shaped pupils, his skin tone, those thick and sharp eyebrows…even his jawline was similar to his. 

Was this kid Morax’s…? 

But that was not all! There were other features that Venti didn’t quite recognize, like his eye color, a dull deep blue, or the freckles around his face, or his curly hair…

Wait a damn minute–! 

Venti carefully set the boy aside and opened the bathroom door enough to see the outside, and looked at the fatui boy seemingly bored in the inn’s railing. 

He looked again at Gregory 

Glanced to the fatui 

And once again glanced at the little boy 

Oh dear gods above 

Now he understood why his future self insisted so much about finding the boy. 

-I-is something the matter? Did I do something that made you feel unpleasant? I apologize if such was the case… 

The voice tone of the boy turned more formal and shaky, it was obvious that Venti was making him feel nervous, judging by his reaction, the boy must not be aware that he is not the Venti of his time, he probably just released his true form as he trusted future Venti enough to help him

And nonetheless, he can understand why his future self didn’t tell him anything about this matter

-No! Don’t take the wrong idea boy! All is fine, all is alright! I just…uuh…- “I just felt flabbergasted to see the future son of the geo archon IN THE FLESH, yes, that same god that for millennia held a heart of stone to a point that everyone thought of him as an impenetrable jackass, that same god that didn’t seem to understand humans at all, and YET, had a son with one, and not any human, we are talking about one of the tsaritsa’s insane puppets! how the hell is that a stubborn stone like that stupid dragon could fall for–

Venti then shook his head. Shouldn't be paying too much attention to Morax’s love life, certainly, he couldn’t say such a thing, but now he is aware of the gravity of the problem- You just took me by surprise! That’s all, hehe -Venti finished his sentence and gave the boy a silly smile

-So, you were telling me that the liyuens are confusing you with your… father -The sound of it on his tongue even sounds weird, but well, now he has to face reality and stop wondering about Morax’s personal affairs. 

-My mother, yes- the boy corrected him gently -But that’s not the case I…I need your help to get back to the location of your house and go back! Just…without making much commotion or something. My papa, or well, my future papa is still there waiting for me and I don't want him to worry much…

-Hmm…I see I see…-Doing that would be sort of easy so to say, with the power of the wind he could ride the boy swiftly to his destination and make him disappear to the time he belongs to right away, the problem, however…

-I am afraid I can’t directly help you go…-He gave the boy an apologetic smile as he saw the boy’s eyes lose all hope

-Y-You can’t??? B-but you were the one that sent me here…you have to be able to bring me back!! -Worry spilled over his words and fear for the worst crept into his eyes. 

-Well I could! Yes I have the power, but let’s that your mom…well, he is really worried and obliged me to bring him here- Venti murmurs, also talking on his future self’s behalf. 

After a couple of confused looks and “what”’s of panic from Gregory’s part, there in the bathroom, Venti took another couple of minutes trying to tell Gregory the history he had yet to know.

-So…my mama threatened you?? B-but if you explained him– 

-He is stubborn as a rock, he wouldn’t listen- Even if his future self hadn’t told him exactly the odds, he can imagine the whole picture, Morax going after his son to the past not caring about his warnings. 

-But no matter, change of plans- Venti kneeled at the boy and looked at his ocean deep eyes- We will find your mother, and when you two are reunited, I will send you two to your original time, does that sound good? 

Gregory nodded, a little nervous - Okay, sounds good to me

-Okay, then let’s put this plan afloat!! 

At the encouraging words, Gregory in a swift poof, got back to that NPC human form of his, ready to exit the bathroom 

The problem is that things didn’t end there for Venti, as he also had to take care to not make any of the two stumble into the Morax of his current time, and probably one of the most difficult things, as he could be on any place of Liyue Harbor, and probably future Morax was already there looking for hints. This is going to be a headache. 

He won’t be able to do this alone, he needs someone to keep a watch on current Morax to avoid any catastrophes.

-Took you long enough, didn't you?? 

-Said Childe, his hands supported by the railing of the balcony. 

-Sorry to keep you waiting, Childe but here! Venti, my friend, said he is going to help us! 

-Ahoy Mister! I am Venti, a pleasure to meet you! -he extended a hand for Childe to shake 

It hadn’t escaped Childe the suspicious gaze Venti sent at him earlier, he probably knew he was part of the fatui, and yet…it seemed as if right after he talked with Gregory, all those assumptions had disappeared

Hm weird indeed

But it was not as if Childe could deny the handshake, besides, a friend of Gregory he is sure could have the potential to be his friend as well - A pleasure to meet you too- he responded to the handshake with a bright smile and a tight squeeze. 

-Soo regarding our little…inconvenience- Venti started, clearing his throat, the plan is that I will take care of the boy from the time being, until…all calms down, of course, I am now aware of the whole fuss in the city, but luckily, I think I got the perfect person for this job! 

-Xiao!! -Venti says to the air- Are you still in the rooftop?? Could you come down here, please??? I have a favor to ask you! 

Xiao appears in a flash of anemo energy before them, standing on the railing and wow, Childe thought, remembering all the stories Zhongli told him about this certain adeptus, being the last standing of the yakshas, whoever this Venti was, surely knew certain things most people is deprived off, he even feels as if he is the one left behind in all this conflict 

-I thought you had gone from the inn. In any event, I suppose you need my assistance with something. -He folds his arms together looking at Venti and then staring at the other two from the sides, that…unpleasant scent coming from those two, that weird child and that fatui …

They both reek of pure abyss.

-Oh Xiao! You read my mind! You see…we have come across a certain inconvenience…-Venti looks at Gregory and the boy sends a formal yet nervous bow to Xiao.

-Cutting it in short, people in Liyue Harbor have started believing that this little fellow over here is the reincarnation of Rex Lapis- Childe cuts with his comment, a brow arching from Xiao’s behalf

Venti looks at Gregory as to tell him Xiao is of reliance and he may show the yaksha

Still not so sure, looking back to the inn to make sure nobody is staring, he lets his tail to be seen, not surprisingly, Xiao’s eyes go wide, a boy with an unknown bond to the abyss, showing the same features as his lord on that dragon-qilin tail. 

This was a serious matter.

-Understood, i shall go and look for– 

-Wait wait!!-Venti gets him by the wrist 

-You wouldn’t be thinking on going to fetch… you know who to solve this– 

-But certainly that I will, this is a serious matter. -He approached Venti, getting closer to him- Is it that you don’t see? That boy over there reeks of the abyss! Are you even aware of which ditch he came from? This could put in danger to the whole city if it is that they believe in this blas– 

-No no no, I am sure we don’t need to go to that extent Xiao, you can…go to the Qixing, I am sure they are more than capable of handling the people and calming them down… 

-This is a menace we are talking about! Of course, I will go and speak to him! 

-You know clearly that I can hear you from here right? First: You can stop that whispering you got over there already, I know you are talking about Morax, I know that he is alive and who he is, and second- He approaches Xiao, threateningly- "Ajax" is no menace, so you can stop making gossip about him. 

-Oh really? And let’s see who he is talking…aren’t you the Tsaritsa’s Vanguard? The Fatui harbinger rumored of attacking Liyue two years ago? 

-Okay okay now! -Venti intervenes in a sing-song voice- We are reunited here for the important cause of solving a problem! ( Not occasioning a new one!)

-So! This is the plan! I will be in charge of “Ajax” and keep him away from the main problem in the city, does that sound good Xiao? That way you can make sure he…doesn’t end up being a menace or whatsoever! You’ll know that he is in good hands! While that, you can go to Liyue harbor and as you are an adeptus, I’d suppose you wouldn’t present any problem calming the people down, and as for you…Childe -He makes a pause, looking for the most swift and logic way to make his request - I’d suppose you are well acquainted with Mr. Zhongli, is it not? He is not the type of person to tell such a thing to…anyone.

Childe looks at Venti quite perplexed, first, is it safe that “Ajax” knows about this information?? And secondly, why is Venti asking him this?! 

-No, we just happened to know each other. Why would that serve as important information in any event? 

Venti could hear his sharp tone kilometers away, it seemed clearly that those two didn’t get along as well in this epoch as the bard expected. 

But well, he has to work with what he has. 

-Well, I think that would be quite enough! I just need you to…distract him for a liiiittle while! - He knew by logic, taking in count future Zhongli was looking for Gregory, the first place he’d go to look would be Liyue harbor, he couldn’t risk current Zhongli to meet him.

Probably as they talk, Gregory’s mother already made his way to Liyue city, if they wanted to act it had to be fast.

And indeed, Venti was right. 

Zhongli arrived at Liyue harbor in no more than 1 minute and a half, he didn’t pay much attention to his appearance aside from his horns and tail, which he hid. Then losing no more time started looking in the busy streets

It was so crowded that trying to chase his son’s elemental energy was seemingly impossible, he couldn’t ask for him either, as his son could take the form of anyone he desired 

-Gregory!!! Gregory!!! -He called at his name desperately across the streets with not so much success, where could he be? Zhongli wondered, drowned in concern, when he told his husband about the matter through adepti-realm communication, he almost went nuts. 

He kept looking, until he stumbled on a woman in front of him, crouched looking for something. 

-O-oh, my apologies, are you okay? 

-Don’t worry fine sir, I am okay, just a little stain on my dress, nothing serious -She then looked at a group of people at the other side of the street- Nothing here guys!! No traces valuable! How about there???

-Seemingly not either!!- A man that was alongside a whole big crowd of people- That man left no trace! He was so fast I could barely determine him, but I swear he’ll pay for it!! He stole the person most precious to us!!! - All the crowd around yelled in agreement

-Person precious to you? What happened?-

-Oh, the notice has yet to reach all Liyue Harbor? Mr. Zhongli, I thought you had been the first person to be aware about the matter- Another man approached to respond- Well, this mysterious man has taken our new geo archon!! Finally after two years of wait he was back in a new form!! He hadn’t abandoned us, he had just reincarnated into a new being! Like a phoenix who is born from the ashes! I saw it with my own two eyes! 

-W-what? Really?-Zhongli responded, quite…astounded and furtherly worried - And how is the new geo Archon? 

-The new geo archon is a kid as expected of course! His antlers were the  same as the ones of the first Rex Lapis and it was so but so novel! It’s a pity that today in lantern rite, with the geo archon reappearing again, not all people witnessed it 

-And you are describing that…someone took him? - Was his kid being kidnapped? Who could it be– the frown in his face deepens

-That’s right! We’ve speculated that probably little Rex Lapis could not defend himself yet as he is just a kid and is regaining strength. As a nation, we must take care of him for the time being! That’s why we are looking for any traces that such a kidnapper could leave behind. 

A deep thrill went through Zhongli’s veins, someone had taken Gregory? No, such an image was just unimaginable in his head, he had to react fast. 

-So…what is the kidnapper like? Did anyone manage to take a glimpse at him? 

-Well, aside from the obvious fact that he is a male, some people affirm that he was wearing a mask, a red mask, and some sort of weird uniform, oh also! It’s really important to keep in mind that he was an electro-vision bearer and was really fast! But it’s not as if that information could serve us to— 

-Oh I see…thank you so much for your information, I find it valuable - Zhongli lets a huff of pure relief, he knows a lot of people around Liyue, and this person, even if not from Liyue Zhongli happens to be very very acquainted with him.

He starts the chase after his husband, he has some ideas of his favorite places in his mind already.

Meanwhile, Childe finds himself in Xinyue Kiosk, supposing that Zhongli and the rest must be inside having the last of their dinner. Gregory was such a cheater, even if he and Venti didn’t offer him anything in exchange, it was as if the little boy could see through him to blackmail him. 

Whether he wants to acknowledge it or not, kids are his weak point, he couldn’t just say no to such beggar puppy eyes! 

And indeed, he was right. Zhongli, Hu tao, the traveler, and some other friends as Xinyan and Xiangling were chatting peacefully and enjoying the pleasant vibe of the environment. 

Something in Childe’s gut twisted as if asking himself why he couldn’t bring himself to be there…

Focus focus! Childe told to himself, he can’t dive in weird feelings right now, he had a simple task to do and was getting Zhongli out of Liyue harbor while Xiao did the task to solve all this mess, according to that Bard, it was of utmost importance that Zhongli kept oblivious to all the problem.

He wanted to ask more than once for the why , wouldn’t it be easier if the all-wise geo archon took care of this problem? 

Well, it’s not as if he had the answer at his disposal for such a question. Nervousness started creeping from his body, but he knew he had to approach so he encouraged himself and knocked the door. 

Paimon was talking about the differences in the food of each nation, always so passionate about delicious food. 

The traveler heard the knock and curious, went to open the door. 

-Oh traveler! Hello again! -He said, with the best smile he could muster for the moment.

Zhongli’s attention immediately went to the ginger, startled to see him, it had been…a good while since they last seen each other.

-Childe? What are you doing here, i thought you were with “Ajax” a couple of hours ago - Greets Hu tao

-Oh yes I was! We had so much fun! - and problems -But well, “Ajax” had to go to his house now, you know, his parents calling him and all…but in any event, i decided to come and visit! 

- Really? - Said the traveler, again, half convinced, as he was aware, things didn’t end up so well for him and Zhongli, Paimon and he knew that those two were great friends, but well, that Osial problem…last they knew, Childe told them his desire to fight the geo archon had just gotten stronger. 

What the traveler and Paimon, or well, anyone in that room didn’t know was that this great friendship deal between Zhongli and Childe had been much more than that.

Zhongli finally stood from his seat, excusing everyone so they could keep with the conversation without him.

-Oh Childe, it is a pleasure to see you again around Liyue, what brings you here? - Said the amber-eyed man, always with his pristine and elegant composure as if nothing at all had happened between them, it really pissed Childe, as he couldn’t muster enough to fully hide his awkwardness. 

-Oh that! I just wanted to take a stroll around Liyue…you know, for the festivities and all! -He chuckled rather helplessly, this is when the difficult time comes, when everyone is looking at him, normally he wouldn’t have problems being the center of attention, it was the best! And yet in this situation it felt different- but in any event! I wondered if you traveler, would like to come and– Uh, hang out for a while in the outskirts of Liyue and Oh! I know that look, no no, don’t get me wrong I’m not picking up a fight! Just a stroll I mean it! 

Paimon looked at the traveler and vice versa, still unconvinced about the proposal 

-Look! Even Zhongli-xiansheng could come and join us! What do you say Mr.Zhongli? Are you in? 

Please say yes .

Zhongli was astounded. Was Childe…after all this time actually considering inviting him somewhere? He had told himself more than once that Childe didn’t want him anymore as he had betrayed him? but this?? This seemed to prove otherwise. He wouldn’t like to get too excited but oh he was. 

And how to say no? 

With not much hesitation, for everyone’s surprise (even himself), Zhongli approached with a kind smile and responded: 

-Of course, I would be honored to go, even if the festivities most of the years are held in the inside of liyue harbor, the sight from the mountains above served to be absolutely dazzling. How could I turn down such an appreciative offer? 

-Well, if Zhongli is going…i don’t see wrong if we two go as well don’t you think traveler? -Paimon said, looking at the brunet 

They in the end convinced the traveler, and once the three had bid farewell to the rest in the restaurant, the three headed off to the liyuen mountains.

Xiao went straightforward to the Qixing chambers, in search of ganyu to gather the liyuen people easier, this should end fast and swiftly, as all must be a misunderstandment 

Venti was right somehow, the case didn’t merit his Lord’s attention, as he should be enjoying his retirement life, especially in times of festivities such as this one. 

Even if he didn’t know where such a boy had come from or why he reeked of abyssal taint, his business should be the safety of Liyue. As long as that little imp doesn’t disturb the peace, all should go smoothly. 

Ganyu, who was organizing some papers got astounded by Xiao’s sudden arrival, it was a pity that she couldn’t be enjoying her own festival, as the news of the commotion of liyue harbor had already made it’s way to her ears. 

-Conqueror of demons! - She exclaimed and then bowed to him, quite surprised for his sudden arrival, had the news already gotten to the ears of the adepti themselves?

-Greetings Ganyu- He looked at her, and as if he could read her mind he reaponded then- Yes, I am aware of the incident of earlier, i actually, come for that matter. 

-Xiao, you shouldn’t have worried about this, the qixing is pretty much aware that this must be a scam and is already taking hold of the situation, just now i was looking for some papers of the little kids of liyue, with hope I’d find the identification of that boy around here…

-I don’t think that will be necessary, I come here to request help- He pauses, to make sure Ganyu is giving him enough regard- would the Qixing be able to reunite the people around Yujing terrace? I plan to deny all the things that have been said about the supposed Rex Lapis revival.

-Wouldn’t that be much hassle?, please Xiao, let us handle this matter.

-I’ve made up my mind. This disarray shall end today- With this said, he gets out of the room in a simple flash, leaving Ganyu with her own words in her tongue, well, if Xiao is so decided for the cause…how could she decline his request? 

Venti had left Gregory alone around the area of Stone gate, so he could go to the certain hill where Venti’s house would be in the future and go back to his time, according to the plan, while Xiao solved all the commotion in the harbor and Childe distracted Zhongli somewhere else aside the city, Venti would look for his mother and convince him to go back to stone gate to finally send him to the time he belonged.

When Venti asked Gregory where was the place in which he first appeared, now learning that this Venti was not the one of his time, Gregory explained to him the situation and then they went straight to the northern outskirts of Liyue. 

Later, Gregory would ask him why it was so important to go to that certain place, and Venti explained that there could be only one time portal at time, or the situation could get dangerous between timelines, so it was better to use the portal future Venti had already set.

The problem here is that…Gregory can’t exactly get to the hill with ease, the people around stone gate were celebrating too, someone, god knows who, decided it was an amazing idea to held a kite event around, so of course the place even at the hour was pretty much crowded.

Merely waiting wouldn't be that good either, as Venti and his mother would arrive and see  the amount of people around.

Gregory is not so sure if Venti could held any time portal like this

Well then, it seemed Gregory had now only two options: One, find some place to hide and wait for Venti and his Mama to be back or two, go back to Liyue, inform Venti of the situation at hand and appear in front of his mom personally, so he is not worried further. 

It would be an option, as Venti wouldn’t be taken by surprise alongside his mother when they come to see the bunch of people that came for the event. 

Also, he knows how his mother is, and even if the 99% of times he is in his composed pristine image, the little 1% of times his mother would lose this and make a complete big fuss of desperation, as it was something that would only happen in the most extreme circumstances. Out of the sudden Gregory feels bad for it, he could only put himself in the shoes of Mama, how he would look for him just as desperately if he was the one lost somewhere.

He feels…he should go to him and make him aware that he is okay personally.

Now with his decision made, he looks for some secure corner and changes his form once again, the same dragon he used when he first arrived, and with a lot of cautiousness, gets out of stone gate way once again, to Liyue Harbor.

The news of the revival of the new Geo Archon now went all across the harbor, is all that Zhongli could hear as he kept looking for Gregory, he went first went to the most obvious place, the beach, he knew Gregory and Ajax couldn’t be in a so crowded place for obvious reasons, but no one was there, it was all deserted. 

He then went to Guyun stone forest, even more deserted than expected, corpses of ruin guards all over the place, they held his son’s and Ajax’s elemental energy, he was sure of it, but only as a hint of hope crossed before him, it vanished upon finding out such trace went back to the mess of the city. 

He got back to the harbor path wanmin restaurant, Chef mao, always such a worker was attending everyone, it was crowded and as expected, Zhongli asked and indeed Childe had been there but nobody knew where he went.

Zhongli as everyone was looking for the harbinger.

There came a point in his search where all the people started gathering at Yujing terrace, Zhongli couldn’t understand why, but everyone kept talking about Gregory. 

-It is said that the conqueror of demons himself has a big announcement to make about our Lord Rex Lapis! 

-He does?? Maybe the adepti already found him? 

-It could be…this might be important after all, it’s an honor to see an adeptus in the flesh these days…they don’t usually…

The chatter among people kept going, maybe someone found leads about his son and Ajax? As fast as he could find the little boy, the better. 

Xiao went to the stage of Yujing terrace, accompanied by Ganyu who was in a corner of the stage, the Qixing efficiently, gathered most of the harbor in no time, luckily it was not a difficult task either, the mere fact that an adeptus would be discussing the Rex Lapis revival matter was enough for the people to gather in a sweep.

-People of Liyue, It is an honor to be before you all today- Xiao started, it was not easy for him to start a speech surrounded by so many humans, Venti better fulfills his promise to buy him the softest almond tofu that was available in the market the upcoming 3 months straight, alongside helping him with his work as a yaksha in the nights the upcoming weeks too.

-As you all might be aware of, the news of the revival of Rex Lapis have been traveling around Liyue Harbor, about that matter…all those accusations are false. 

People start murmuring across the crowd, not believing what the adeptus was telling them there. 

-The boy some of you managed to see earlier is not Rex Lapis, everything must have been a misunderstandment, not even us, as adeptus, knew about this situation. - It’s mostly all Xiao can muster to say, as he doesn’t know either why that boy appeared. 

-B-But, i saw it with my own eyes! -A man reunites the courage to say- his gold antlers and magnificent tail, it was clever it was Rex Lapis, and if it was not Rex Lapis, who else could be???

Xiao did not have the response to that last question, whether he wants to acknowledge it or not, that boy aside of carrying abyssal energy, also carried inchor and a mix of holy energy pretty much alike to the one of Rex Lapis. That boy was not his lord for obvious reasons, but then who was he?  

-Yes It 's true! -Another woman yelled- and if the boy was not Rex Lapis, where is he now either way?? He has been kidnapped! 

A fuss starts coming amongst the crowd, and Xiao feels overwhelmed for split a second. 

-To answer the first question, we are still investigating the whereabouts of the kid, as it could be a creature of any sort, and as for the second question…he is being taken care of, fret not, he is in good hands.

Among this crowd, Venti was looking for any traces of Future Zhongli, it was not as easy as he could only rely on his sight, but a good amount of attention should do the trick, it was highly probable that he was amongst the crowd, to see if there were any whereabouts of his son. 

Soon enough Venti spots him, he looked exactly as the Zhongli he knew, though his sense of fashion seemed somehow to have…changed, surely it was a weird attire for the epoch he was in, at least it made good to make him stand among the people.

He sneaks around to finally reach him out

-Zhongli! Zhongli! -Venti whispers- Is me…Venti 

The man instinctively turns around to face the bard, oh geez he looked terrible! His hair was all mussled, a mere poor low ponytail trying to convince otherwise and his eyes were all tired, the gold of his irises seemed fainter as well. 

The worst part is that Venti knows this tired eyes are not out of lack of rest, but stress. It is not common to see Zhongli in such composture, the boy must be truly important to him 

How 

-Venti…where, where is he??? - Zhongli asks worried, he speaks a little more calmed than Venti first expected, the latter supposes that Xiao’s intent of reassurance worked a little 

-He is in Stone gate, i left him there, i will explain to you all the details in the path 

They didn’t take long to sail, getting out of yujing terrace in a mere blink of an eye

As promised Venti told him about their plan, and the importance of not letting Gregory met the Zhongli of this time, and of course, about what had happened at wangshu inn 

All this in less than a minute, that was the time that they took to travel all the way from liyue harbor to the Gate, Venti knew well that Zhongli was not here for idle chatter or irrelevant explanations, at least with this, Zhongli can now picture what had happened, probably Gregory spent most of his time with Childe before the incident happened, and just after, his son went in search of Venti at Wangshu inn 

They arrived at Stone gate just to find it all crowded for a kite festival, Zhongli’s heart hitches for a second before he starts looking around the area, Venti does the same. 

No trace of the boy, Zhongli’s lips started trembling, it was as if the world before him had stopped. He asked around everyone, and as he did, with each negative response of each person, the most horrible images started creeping on his mind about his son’s end, and such were getting  more and more real within second.

Venti on other side, felt helpless as he was not expecting such either, and it also felt…off, he had never seen Zhongli with such lack of composure before, he felt somehow guilty, even if it was his future himself the one that decided for this events, it kept being himself.

-I think…we should head back now to Liyue, he is not here -Venti said, putting an understanding hand on the other’s man shoulder

-You said that he was here, he must be here then! -His voice was somehow cracking, holding with Venti’s words even if the facts have proven otherwise. 

-He is not here Zhongli, we’ve asked everyone around…he must be in Liyue harbor, probably upon seeing this crowd and taking in count the rumors about him, the boy decided it was safer to head back to the city, believe me -He positions himself in front of Zhongli, placing both hands in his shoulders and looking at him in the eyes - He must be in the harbor, let’s go and look there again, shall we? 

With a hint of doubt Zhongli closes his eyes, for a moment, remorsement could be seen on his face, and then nods at the fellow bard.

-Mama!! Venti!!! - Gregory shouted helplessly against the city. He had changed his form to the one of a different boy, mid long and chestnut hair alongside mid height, the city was less crowded somehow, and Gregory didn’t know why, he kept looking around for any hint of his mother, but nothing, it had now passed a good while since he was in the harbor, he passed through feiyun slope helplessly, maybe it was not the right option? Maybe he should have just waited for them to arrive…

-Hm? Something wrong little boy??? Are you…by any chance lost?- Someone asked Gregory as he kept walking around the slope, it was a young lady, her hair was tied up in two ponytails and her eyes were a curious shade of red, two stars that seemed to be her pupils in the center.

-U-uh? I am fine is just…I am looking for my mom- 

-W-Wait! Your mother? Maybe I can help you find her! What does she look like? 

Gregory stood silent, lost of words at Hu tao’s questions, probably the dining time she had at Xinyu Kiosk was already over taking inbcount the hour. 

He knows she is a good girl, they shared quite the good time some hours ago before all this mess started and yet he couldn't talk as freely with her. First, he wasn’t able to explain that his mother wasn’t exactly a “she” and second,  he was not even sure if his mother would appear in his usual human form or not. 

-I…thank you, but I think I can…keep trying to find my mama by myself. -The boy finally decided to say, quite unreliant of his own words 

-But wait! Don't you think you are quite…too little for going around by yourself? You know, the legend says that by night when the cities are alone, monsters come from the shadows after children!!- Hu tao started making weird movements with her hands to interpret this said monsters

Gregory knew what she meant though, it was a weird analogy to say that anyone could come after him to hurt him or do worse, and pretty much an intent to scare him off so he doesn’t go alone. 

But even if Gregory is not scared by the moment, Hu tao does have a point.

-Look, if you want, you can stay with me while we find a way to contact your mama, that way, scary monsters won’t come after you! 

-I can…?- the boy seems a little unreliant, but it’s not because he doesn’t trust Hu tao, she was a good friend of his mother in this epoch, but yet, that same reason tells him that there’s a higher possibility he finds the Zhongli of this time before him. 

Thing that according to Venti, could not happen.

He already broke two of the promises made to Venti, he didn’t arrive at his house at 2, he called out a lot of attention upon him and now is paying the consequences, the least he can do now is avoid his future mother’s presence.

-Are you alone right now? Or…is there someone with you? - Gregory decides to ask a brief, just curious question to see if it is safe to stay or not. 

-Well…most of my friends are now in yujing terrace for all the commotion, I didn’t go because I don’t believe in such things, you know, Rex Lapis reviving and all…If you ask me, I’d suppose that the real Rex Lapis is still alive! Somewhere…I don’t know where!

Gregory gulps at the response of the girl, technically, she is completely right.

-Oh well, the only one that didn’t go was Zhongli, but well, he is out of the city with other friends so yea, you could say I am, why? Does it bother you? I don’t bite you know - She gives a teasingly but yet friendly smile to the boy 

Perfect, what Gregory wanted to hear 

-No no, it’s no bother, I will stay with you then! 

-Alr! 4 eyes see better than just two, so let’s go and look for her together, shall we? 

-Mhm! 

-A lot of people pass Feiyun Slope, It’s pretty likely someone has seen your mother around here! 

-Woooaahh!! That card game was amazing Childe!! I didn’t know you were such a player on genius invocation TCG! -Says Paimon, sat in the tall hill alongside the traveler, Childe and Zhongli.

-Well, I am not as expert as you two! C’mon you’ve won most of the matches! -Childe responds nonchalantly, this is what most of their time in the hill has been spent on, a good way to waste their time as Xiao finishes whatever he has to finish to calm the whole harbor down. And how playing TCG has worked! the traveler finally let his guard down about him and started playing at ease, Paimon did so too as Childe showed her the poach of mora he would wager, and as for Zhongli…

Well, Childe wouldn’t know, he has not taken a glance at the man since they arrived. 

And of course, he would prefer so like this, anytime Zhongli made a comment of tried to look at him, Childe would only try to respond with something simple, not so basic to putting himself in suspicion that something is wrong with them, but not so elaborated to say he is actually interested in anything the man says.

But Zhongli could clearly identify this behavior, but it’s not as if he could ask if something is wrong, he is pretty much aware that he hurt Childe badly that day in the Northland bank, and yet he can't muster the courage to say something about it. What if he breaks up the mood? What if Childe ends up regretting inviting him? The best he could do is try to show himself as a good companion and make the air pleasant. 

They both couldn’t talk anything about the subject, and less with the traveler present, in the eyes of the traveler, anything related to the Northland bank incident was forgotten, or forgiven, he could even think that what happened was not such a big deal. 

And how could he not? In the eyes of everyone they were just friends, or friendly acquaintances even, anyone that met Childe in that moment would think that the reason of why he was mad back in the Northland bank was because he was used, and everything was a mere show without real danger upon Liyue Harbor.

But no, even if he could have been mad to an extent for such, the real reason why he was mad was because Zhongli was the one using him, in Childe’s eyes Zhongli approached him just to fulfill a goal he had, nothing else, all their relationship was false and Childe was yet another pawn of his chess game.

Zhongli had damaged their relationship and such was something nobody knew, because nobody knew how much time they spent together, nobody knew the exact amount of mora Childe spent on Zhongli just to see the man’s happiness, nobody knew how Childe looked at him with such expectant eyes when that Archon told a past gone history, nobody knew about the rosy pink that would taint Zhongli’s cheeks with joy every time he crossed with Childe on the street.

Nobody knew that Zhongli, certain mid-nights, would appear at Childe’s doorstep just so they could enjoy themselves a little more, and have a time of leisure just the two of them alone.

And that’s why, Childe had to play it cool, he didn’t wanted to damage the calm mood around them, nor he wanted to be fully oblivious against the feelings in his heart.

-Is starting to be quite late don’t you think? -Says the traveler, looking at the sky.

-So, do you think it is time we four head back? -Asks Zhongli, standing up from his seat and looking down the harbor- It must be already 4:20 now. 

-Yes, I think so-The traveler also stands up and stretches his limbs a little, getting on the edge of the hill to look at the harbor along Zhongli. Paimon follows him 

-Hmmm…How weird, isn’t Yujing terrace more crowded than…usual? -Even at the distance, a hefty amount of people can be seen in the terrace- Was there any event held at this hour Zhongli? 

-No…or at least, not that I am aware of…-In that moment Zhongli stands up and looks at the traveler and Paimon, then approaching to the edge to witness the situation.

-Really? Then something bad could have happened???

-Hey, hey now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves shall we? Just because there are some people around the terrace doesn’t mean it has to be a bad event, don’t you think? -Childe approaches too, fireseeing the mood Paimon was just about to start

The traveler looks at Zhongli and then at Childe, if something happened in the Lantern Rite and Zhongli was not aware of such, it is probably something not expected at all.

-We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves so hastily, but I do consider we must get back.- Says Zhongli finally, his gaze lingering on the terrace. It could be seen the people over the place were starting to appase all of the sudden too...hm, it was weird nonetheless.

Childe winces at these words, he is not sure at all if Xiao has already completed his task, but if the crowd at the terrace was dissipating he should consider this as a yes, no?  

Maybe it’s better safe than sorry 

-Hey traveler, but It’s not that late, we can play another match! How about if we bet…30.000 mora? How does that sound? 

-Well, that’s way much more than what we have been playing with…-spoke Paimon, a little unreliant.

-I don’t think I carry so much with me- Added the traveler 

-C’mon, just…let’s play! 20.000 then! 

-If you want, you may keep playing, but in that case, I’ll bid you three farewell, I will go and check on the harbor’s state - adds Zhongli cutting short, aiming to go down the mountain

Childe winces further, that sounds even worse

Childe holds a deep breath and approaches, eating his whole uncomfortableness along the way

-Hey Zhongli! Will you really let us play alone? It’s not half as funny without you! 

-It’s not that I have any mora left to play -He hadn’t brought mora with him on the first place- You keep in the game- Zhongli gives a warm smile- I’ll head down- The man starts going down the hill with no more to say, and Childe has no more option than follow after him, if Xiao hasn't finished his part of the job then bad luck for Gregory. Looking at the other two going down the path, the traveler and Paimon also follow confused. 

Zhongli had made up his mind and Childe knows really well how he is once an idea stucks in that rock brain of his, nobody can get it out.

Venti and Zhongli finally get into Feiyun slope, Venti a little relieved as he managed to convince the man to change into another suitable human form to not cause any possible commotion among the crowd, Zhongli is quite the celebrity in Liyue, would be unfortunate to encounter someone who knows him, and has seen him earlier that day. t

The crowd was finally going down the terrace, most of them with disappointed looks on their faces.

Zhongli looks everywhere, right, left, up, and back, with the hopes that his son is somewhere near, while Venti prays to Celestia to find the boy fast and not encounter the Zhongli of this timeline. 

-Gregory!! Gregory!!!- He calls quite desperately, while some people look at them both, some even with pity on their faces.

Zhongli tries to gather all his elemental energy to look for the one alike to him somewhere, the more time they take to find the boy, the more difficult it will be, as in this moment the people is still going down from Yujing terrace, once they all have gone down, the task of finding Gregory will end up as chaos.

-This way. - Zhongli finally says, after a few minutes of high-concentration searching.

Venti follows as they start to walk fast, to trot, to run as they approach to the center of the slope, and Zhongli sees him.

Yes, a boy of mid height, with hazelnut hair and beautiful dull blue eyes, such a gaze, Zhongli wouldn’t mistake that gaze anywhere. He was just getting out of Xinyu Kiosk, with a sad smile on him and a disappointed look.

Zhongli tries to bolt to him, but Venti stops him.

-Just wait!!! 

In that moment, another girl with two ponytails on the sides gets out of the restaurant to comfort the boy, and further away a group for 4 people can be seen, approaching Hu tao.

-You can’t just go on like that!! Look in front of you!!

The group of 4 people in question, was Childe, Paimon, the traveler and of course the Zhongli of present

Venti feels his body go still, the grip he has on Future Zhongli getting stronger

-And what about it??-Zhongli snaps angrily, still trying to pull away from Venti -My son is right there! I have to get to him!!- the bard knows this can’t keep going on further, as he knows Morax has way much more brute force than him. 

-You are way too stressed to think straight!!! Any misstep from now on and we could damage the course of the time-line idiot!!! 

Zhongli pulls further - I don’t care!  

-C’mon Zhongli! Look? Nothing wrong is happening, everything is fiiine!! It’s not like…there is a big commotion or something of the sort!- assured Childe, looking how the gaze of something alike to worry and confusion started to creep in the man’s face, they were now in the harbor, and even if the people were gossiping more than usual about a certain specific subject, it was not as if the mood in the city had gone down or anything!

Within the struggle, Venti pulls Gregory's mother to one of the nearby alleys to hide.

-It might be true but something is truly off…seems that all the people around here have certain subject to talk about!! -Paimon tells the group as she looks around

-But Dad! How is that possible?? I saw him with my own eyes! It was him! His features were unmistakable! - Contested a boy around the street

-Might it be true what the conqueror of demons said?? It was clever that it was Rex Lapis , besides, there are a lot of things that were not left clear…-Three womans can be seen gossiping in a nearby restaurant table 

-Those were the Yaksha’s words…he has known our lord for way much more than us, we shall believe in his word, even if it’s hurtful. -Another nearby story teller explains to his audience. 

Clearly, all liyue harbor seemed to have a subject to talk about in common in this lantern rite. 

Childe could merely leave an awkward chuckle.

-Maybe I should go to the Qixing- Zhongli puts a finger on his chin, certainly, something has happened and he is not aware of such, yes, he might be already retired but he still worries about Liyue somehow, and being aware that all people are all of the sudden talking about the passed-archon Rex Lapis was rather...concerning.

As they talked they approached to Xinyu Kiosk, and Venti’s fear grew further 

Gregory doesn’t seem clueless either, as Hu Tao gets closer to Zhongli and the rest to greet them. He doesn’t really know what to do.

Venti has to act fast, and just containing Zhongli with brute strength won’t be the solution

-Look Morax, I don’t have time to stand this, I am aware that you are worried about your son but you also have to use that common sense you got there! The only thing you’ll achieve approaching there is mess up with the time and worsen things, you might have been the lord of contracts and commerce but the god of freedom and time is me! 

For the first time in 2000 years Zhongli heard Venti talk about this seriously, and even if he doesn’t want to say it, he knows that Venti is right, but Zhongli couldn’t help it…his son is just right in front of him…

-I’ll go to fetch your son and bring him to you, okay? I just…need you to stay here, that’s all I ask, deal???? -He gets grip of Zhongli’s hand and does a handshake, some sort of form to make a contract, and without waiting Zhongli to respond something, he goes out of the alleyway 

-Gregory! Gregory!- He murmurs as he gets closer, the boy upon seeing him, goes towards Venti to hug him. 

-Sorry, I should have stayed in Stone Gate and I didn’t…I…I should have listened to you! I deeply apologize

-Now now…It’s fine Gregory, you are safe, I’ll bring you to your mother and your home shortly, okay? 

-You will? - The boy’s grip on Venti tightens, as his eyes sparkle with a little bit of hope

-I will, you can rely on me! 

-Hey Gregory! -A new voice chimes in, Hu Tao calling for the boy -This are my friends here, I would like you to meet them! - Then Hu Tao notices Venti hugging the boy and she startles- Venti?? What are you doing here??

Gregory gulps upon seeing Zhongli with the rest, the boy is far enough to not be identified with such a crowd, but fear still creeps in his veins 

-I’ll take care of that, don’t worry- Venti takes the hand of the boy and puts a spell upon him, it is strong, but won’t endure much more than a couple of minutes, he would need more time and concentration to make a durable good spell but at least this way, any other god won’t be able to identify his energy. Zhongli will probably find it sus as he would sense Venti’s magic on him, but at least the last thing that would pass across Morax’s mind is who the boy truly is. 

-Ahoy everyone! -Venti greets the traveler, Paimon, Childe, Hu tao and Zhongli with a happy grin on his face, his hand still gripping Gregory’s as the boy unreliably places himself behind the bard. 

-Venti! Didn’t expect to see you here again this lantern rite! -Hu tao chirps at him- Oh? Do you know Gregory? He has been looking for his mother for quite a while now...

-Oh yes! He is my…uuhh…I’m friends with his mother! -Well, he is not technically lying, is he? 

-Yes he is he is! - the boy confirms Venti's statement as he nods, still keeping himself behind the bard.

-Truly? What a relief!!! I had found him looking out for his mother, I was getting worried already!! 

-It’s good news that the little boy is finally safe and so it is a pleasure to see everyone here reunited, I hadn’t thought you would come here all the way from Mondstadt, Venti -Zhongli adds with a warm smile -Oh, I think I haven’t presented Master Childe to you Venti, he is— 

-Oh don’t worry Xiansheng! we are well acquainted right? -He reaches for Venti to make a handshake- We met earlier at Wangshuu inn, oh, that reminds me…Everything ended up well, right? - Venti knew what Childe was implying there, he was genuinely concerned about Gregory safety 

-Ah, that? I took care of it, you don’t have to worry now -At least, he is taking care of it right now.

-And…what about the notice? 

-All clear. -In a flash of light, Xiao appears before them, his arms crossed around his chest- Everyone has been warned.

-Xiao! You are here too! Wait…you three know each other?? Plus...are you aware of something we don't? -Paimon asks, quite bewildered 

-Oh, you three don’t know about all the fuss that happened a few hours ago around Liyue Harbor? It is said that the reincarnation of Rex Lapis appeared in the flesh around Guyun! Everyone here around exploded for such notice! 

Zhongli looked at Hu tao quite surprised and furtherly confused

-All those accusations have been denied. It has been already said that such boy was not Rex Lapis. -Xiao snaps, he doesn’t want wrong information getting on his Lords ears.

-Yes yes, that you did, but well it doesn’t make it less surprising! According to the people who were lucky enough to see him, the little bit that appeared had the exact form of horns and tail as Rex Lapis´exuvia! Even acknowledged history tellers as Uncle Tian that are so informed about this kind of matters confirmed so! He even theorized he might be the new Geo Archon! But in the end, someone with a red mask and something alike to Fatui uniform appeared and snatched the mini Rex Lapis from scene, bad time

-Is that so...-The traveler send a suspicious gaze to Childe, who just kept looking away as if the deal was not regarding him

Paimon also looked at him too but anything made any sense at all! How was a new geo archon to appear if Zhongli was...right in front of them?? wasn´t an archon supposed to die truly for a new one to appear?

-But don´t worry! It was not Childe! the person who snatched the child bares an electro vision, if that is what you are wondering, plus that is just what I´ve heard from the people of around, who knows if it's true or not! you know how gossip is 

-Is that so...-Zhongli, Aether and Paimon muttered in synergy

-Enough enough! Xiao already said that the problem has been cleared, so no charge put upon anyone okay? besides, Childe has been all this time with us right Xiao? 

Something in Xiao's gut twisted, but as long as it was to appease his lord´s worry he would answer - Yes, that's true.

After a mili second of silence, Childe decided to talk -Hmmm…the little boy behind you surely is quiet no? What happened, has a mouse stolen his tongue? -Childe bent to Gregory’s height looking at him curiously. -What’s your name little boy? 

Gregory peeked still behind Venti, keeping himself unrealiant, Childe noticed that his eyes were pretty much the same as little "Ajax’s"…what a curious coincidence 

-Gregory. -The boy says 

-Oh please excuse him, he is rather shy…-Venti chuckles, knowing exactly why Gregory is acting this way

Xiao looks down to the boy as well, noticing the strong spell that Venti had put on him...but a spell? for what purpose?? The only logical explataion he could see was...

-You don’t have anything to fear about Gregory, no one around here will do something wrong to you - The traveler also approaches, sending a friendly wave to him and then making a gesture for him to integrate into the conversation 

Gregory looks at Venti, he is rather stiff with all the situation, but doesn’t wince as he gets closer to the rest, so the boy takes such as a good sign and joins the circle 

The one who does wince is Zhongli, as he feels the strong anemo spell Venti had put on the boy, It was…certainly weird…why would Venti do that? Either way, he was not in position to question him, he looked at Xiao for answers, but as the yaksha stared back, he knew the other was not aware either.

Gregory’s mother keeps on the alleyway, rather tired of waiting, he peeks from the side and sees his son alongside other 7 people he recognizes, his older self included.  Zhongli can’t help but let a long sigh. Venti is taking way too long and he is getting impatient, more and more people is starting to enter the slope too, he doubts he could keep spying much longer until someone notices. 

As everyone talks, Gregory looks behind him, just to see his mother some meters away, peeking from a corner, his eyes sparkle and the urge to go to him starts creeping in his chest 

-Something wrong little Gregory? -Hu Tao asks, as she sees the boy’s gaze focused on the horizon 

-N-Not at all, It’s just…there is a lot of people in this lantern rite -His gaze is still focused right on his mother, who starts making gestures for him to approach, Gregory responds with a shake of his head in no. 

-The traveler and Childe started talking to the boy about other subjects, as what he thought about the rite and how he had met Venti, Gregory's answers were always short and concise, but at least he wasn't hiding anymore

Zhongli stared at the ginger, noticing the efforts he was putting to make the boy open up, It was so endearing to see Childe being so sweet with other people...

Time to time, Zhongli’s gaze would go to the ginger as well, this latter rather uncomfortable with the whole situation, he didn’t…intended to pass more time than the necessary with Morax. All little Ajax’s deal is supposed to be solved, he shouldn’t be there anymore. 

Meanwhile Venti sensed Xiao’s gaze on him, or more specifically on Gregory, the conversation was not going as smoothly as Venti expected, he thought he could merely merge a little with everyone, and once all suspicions were out, he could bid goodbye to them and bring the child to his mother 

Seemed that wouldn’t be the case, as Xiao surely felt the protective spell Venti had on Gregory, and had all the intention to ask about such. 

The yaksha was starting to grow suspicious.

-So…Venti- Xiao started as the conversation had gone down a little- in the end, what did you do after getting out of Wangshuu inn? 

-Oh that? No worries, I took care of that matter! -He chuckled- He is safe and sound! 

Xiao stared down to gregory and then to Venti again 

-Look, I know you are always aware of your surroundings but this time, there is no threat to be worried about.

-What are you exactly talking about?- The traveler asked

Childe looked at Venti rather puzzled, whoever Venti was, Childe supposed he was not any random bard, It also seemed as if Xiao was indirectly saying Venti was hiding something from all of them 

-Oh everyone! I hadn't noticed but this is no hour for such a little boy as Gregory to be awake! It must be almost five!  

-Wait there Venti. - Xiao almost demands as he reads Venti's intentions just to get out suiftly of the problem, and then the bard goes still.

But such words were not lost for anyone else, Xiao's tone had turned more serious.

-There is something you are hiding from us, are you not? You’ve been acting suspicious since you decided to have certain talk with that boy. -He looks down at Gregory again, a threatening glare that puts Gregory’s fingers shaking 

 Venti feels his stomach drop, his hand still gripping tight with Gregory’s 

Zhongli would like to intervene, but he is aware he is not in the position to do so, he is completely oblivious agaisnt anything that is going on.

Even so...Childe can kind of make a supposition of what might be happening, he hopes it's not what he is currently thinking

-We should go to a…quieter place. - Says Xiao, looking at Venti in the eyes- this sort of subject shouldn’t be talked around here.

As the environment grows heavier, Gregory looks again back, to find his father still peeking from the corner, that upon seeing Xiao moving to a different place, shows the intention to get out of the alleway 

-Mom!! Don’t!!! - he shakes his hand in sign to make him stay where he is.  Not exactly saying such words out loud

Venti for a millisecond turns his head, reading future Zhongli’s intentions in the moment, Oh no.

-Hey hey hey now!! -Venti interrupts- I don’t think it is necessary to change the mood soo abruptly!! Lantern Rite is supposed to be a celebration, isn’t it? I am not hiding anything! I happen to be well acquainted with Gregory’s mother, and about the rest, it has been taken care of, end of the discussion!! -Venti sends a happy grin to Xiao, trying to hide his nervousness.

Think of something, think of something! - Venti tells himself as the passing of each second, if he doesn’t do something fast, either Xiao will oblige him to tell the truth, or the spell will ran out, or Future Zhongli will get out of his hiding spot tired of waiting for his son.

Or in the worst case, all that at the same time. 

-And what exactly are you supposed to be now? Babysitter? -Xiao asks with some sort of sarcasm that could shake anyone’s nerves

-Sort of!! -He looks at Gregory, who has a mix of shame and fear in his face, why did he thought coming back to Liyue harbor was a good idea?

Venti then looks back to find future Morax murderous glare, he can sense Hu Tao and Childe trying to look behind him, curious of whatever is so interesting behind the bard. 

Seconds that for Venti seem like centuries, pass, he trying to find something to say, and then he sees Gregory’s eyes, his dull blue with pupils that seem diamond shape, then, he looks at Zhongli, since he arrived to met with everyone he seemed a little…unease, as if he had something to say. 

At moments, would take little glances of Childe, who tried to avoid looking at him as it was possible 

Those were little details that not anyone could identify, or would take for granted and normal, but a person like Barbatos, who has known Morax for over 2 millenia is not that easy to fool 

Whatever had happened between them, it doesn’t concern Venti, but what does concern him is the kid taking his hand in the instant. 

An idea comes to the bard as a blessing under that much of pressure, it could end good or it could end in catastrophe, 1 of 2, however it ends, this will make a lot of commotion.

Sorry for what I am about to do , he tells Childe as if he could hear him, as a Fatui, this will hurt the man’s pride and dignity for sure.

Either way, they’ll end up married, so this shouldn’t put much problem in the future. 

-Now, now…We should– talk about something more… important at the instant -If glares could kill, Venti would be already dead for the way Xiao is looking at him- As…Childe, you had something really important to tell Zhongli, didn’t you? 

Everyone looks quite confused, Childe included, Zhongli’s gaze immediately goes to the ginger once again.

-Me? - He chuckles- I’m sorry but I am not so sure what you are talking about 

-Yes, yes! You had something to tell him about your… friendship, isn’t it? 

-Childe, is that true? - Zhongli reacts faster than he could have anticipated, than anyone could have anticipated.

-I…

-Oh now that I think about it…2 years have passed since the bank incident isn’t it? I thought you went back to be friends again…you two were really good friends! -Paimon interrupts and just as she does, the traveler gives a little poke to her. 

Oh dear Celestia, he didn’t thought a time like this would come but Venti is actually grateful by Paimon’s imprudence

- Paimon, what do you think you are doing?- Aether tells her with his gaze 

Oh geez, Gregory thinks he knows where this is going, and it’s a terrible idea

-I…-Childe tries to find the words to express himself, he doesn’t have a way to get out of this one, does he?? He knew that bard was not a simple random bard! Darn Celestia!- Things have…changed, I am not mad by that anymore, we both were just doing what he had to do. Isn’t it, Zhongli xiansheng? 

Zhongli knows Childe well enough to be aware that this is not true and Childe is still mad, and he knows exactly why he is still mad at him. 

-That’s not true, you are still mad at me and you have all the right to be. - 

For the first time in the evening, Childe turns his head to look at him, everyone also perplexed, the traveler wanted to prove Zhongli otherwise, Childe was part from the Fatui and he actually tried to end Liyue harbor with full intent with the osial attack even if all ended up being false, how Childe could have any rights on that? 

Future Zhongli decided to get out of the alleway and go upstairs to one of the red buildings in the slope, to get a better view of whatever was happening, what was Barbatos trying to do this time?

-I’m sorry Childe, I’m deeply sorry for…anything unpleasant I made you pass through- The melted gold on Zhongli’s eyes seemed to shimmer and show an emotion that most of them couldn't quite grasp. 

But Childe, Gregory and Venti surely did. 

-And? You still did what you did, even if you knew how all would end for us

The mood in the environment had turned to something completely different, Everyone’s attention went straight to those two, evensome gosspiers around the crowd of people passing through stopped, just to hear in detail what was happening over there, now it was clever that there was something that nobody knew here. 

Good, really good, It’s actually working! Venti releases the boy’s hand and makes a little gesture for Gregory to slowly and silently get away from the scene while everyone is distracted

Gregory knew he had to put utmost attention to Xiao, he is not as easy to fool or distract. 

-I am sorry for not calling you back after the incident 

Why would he??? Thought Aether and Xiao each time more perplexed, as Aether was concerned, Zhongli handed the Gnosis to Signora and when she went back to the Tsaritsa, Childe went just days after her and that was the end of the deal...he looks at Paimon and then at Hu tao, this latter shrugs, seems she is also unware of any of this.

Gregory took a step backwards, making sure Xiao kept distracted

-And? - Childe didn' exactly knew why he was bothering on keeping the conversation but...seeing Zhongli with such expression, his composure of steel faltered...Childe had to know...he had to know if--

-I’m sorry for making a fool of you back in the bank.

Gregory took another step

-And?

-I’m sorry for spending all your mora for my own content. 

Another step. 

-And? 

-I’m sorry…for breaking your heart…

- What. - That was the single word that could have been heard from Hu tao, Paimon, the traveler and the people who had gathered around upon hearing such statement…There is no way that those two– 

Another step backguards 

-And? Is that all you have to apologize for? 

Zhongli nods -Yes, I am not sorry for meeting you, less start talking to you, I would never. 

With this, Childe’s composure starts to falter, and little by little everyone take the gist of what is going on in between, Childe looks at Zhongli in the eyes again, just to discover such melted gold that talked about pure sincerity, Childe knew that man enough to identify when Zhongli really meant what he said somehow, even without knowing it, those were the words that he wanted to hear so badly, not only

-I really appreciated every single moment I passed alongside you, when we went together at the opera, or the meals we enjoyed, or even the most little things as when you went to visit me to just have idle chatter- 

Childe’s composure falters further, as he tries to evade Zhongli’s gaze for the embarrassment he was feeling at the moment, everyone was looking at them, Zhongli had never been…interested in talk this way when they were in front of everyone. 

Gregory silently turns back way to the alleway where his father is, each step faster than the last one.

-I enjoyed passing my time with you and everything about you, the way you smiled every time we went to the outskirts in an adventure, or how pure and warm your heart is with the ones you care about, the determination you show when you put a goal for yourself or even the care you always put to make the one’s around you happy…such qualities are some of the ones that made me discover how special you are… - Zhongli makes a little pause to take a breath to then end his sentence- How special you are to me.

Childe tried his best on not looking at him, but it was not as if it made much difference, as his red tomato face already betrayed him with his true emotions, deep inside he was happy, because Zhongli still regarded him, Zhongli still wanted him. 

Everyone was silent, Hu tao and Paimon gawking, the traveler has his full attention on Childe, curious of what the latter would respond. What they just witnessed, that was a confesion itself.

- I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness Childe, and yet, I still want to be acknowledged by you…so, If you could…would you truly forgive me? 

Childe did not respond right away, still organizing his thoughts, all gazes were on him, expectant at the thrill of what Childe’s response might be.

Xiao, pretty much lost of words at the exaggerated turn the conversation took, decided to look away.

Just to find that the little boy of earlier was gone.

Gregory goes to the alleway where he had seen his mother earlier, Zhongli going downstairs to take his son in his arms in a haste, giving the little boy a big hug and nuzzling a kiss in his cheek, relieved to see him back.

-I’m sorry mama…I shouldn’t have disobeyed Uncle Venti earlier…-The little boy curls around his mother's chest, looking for comfort, Gregory feels really bad, noticing his mothers tired gaze, he must have been looking for him everywhere. 

-Don’t fret more Gregory…I’m here with you, you are here with me now, nothing else matters. You are safe, you don’t know how grateful I am for that. -He gives another kiss on the boy’s forehead -We’ll go back to home shortly okay? Your father has been having a headache as well…

The boy nods at the idea

-The problem is that….there might be some problems on the way back to Stone gate…

Around the commotion and whispering of people, Venti finally could get out of the mess, in the end, paimon, the traveler and Hu tao kept a little longer with Zhongli, still not believing the events that had happened. While Xiao, not being able to sort the other matter with Venti and unable to find something else to add at Zhongli’s situation, decided to rather embarassed, go away 

Childe didn’t fully forgive Zhongli, but at least they made some progress, as the Ginger can now look at him in the eyes and can elaborate decent conversation with him. Both made amends and now have decided to start their friendship again from 0. 

Venti smiles at that, now knowing that such history will have a happy ending in the future for those two 

-Hope you were not waiting so much for me…! Oh. - Says Venti, approaching Stone Gate to find Zhongli with his child in arms, completely asleep in his mother’s chest. further in the place, more people could be seen, arranging an event.

Surely no one was kidding when people said Lantern Rite lasted all night long.

-Quiet! Gregory is asleep. And unfortunately, we did, you took longer than we anticipated - Zhongli looks to the kite festival at Stone Gate and then down to Venti, right, he was still mad at him 

-C’mon, everything turned out well in the end! Gregory is with you now isn’t it? 

Zhongli’s glare sharpens, both know that they have a more important new problem to take care of, or being more exact, a more important problem Venti had to take care of.

-You will…at least consider not destroying my wine stock, right? 

Zhongli ignores him in purpose this time, and prefers putting more attention on the brown lock adhered in the boy’s forehead by the sweat, he puts it away with care

Maybe Venti should shut up. 

As the event was held on the hill, the safest route they could take now down, which was across the river, and generate another portal just below the original one, this with the objective of reducing any possible damages on time-inconsistencies. 

The trip ends being short, the bard passing through the river with the power of the wind, as Zhongli summoned veo constructs in the air to make a path for himself and not wake his som up. Nonetheless it also ended up being heavy for the bard, as he could feel Zhongli’s murderous glare upon him, As they grew near to the portal-generator spot.

Venti takes out, this time, a magical lyre, and with his beautiful tune, teleports both mother and son to their respective time. 

Zhongli arrives to his home exactly when the sun starts raising, Ajax, which was worried about his family, goes and hugs them both in a reassuring embrace, careful of not waking Gregory up. The three were pretty much tired, so they ended up taking a nap till past-morning

A few hours later that same day at the dining table, Gregory feels like garbage, his father hadn’t rested well at all as he kept worried all night about him, and it’s not as if his mother looked any better. 

-I am…sorry again, I know I shouldn't have gone there…

-And yet you did. -His father said- You know how worried we were? For a second, we both thought of the craziest things you could think about with you being lost! 

-I know i know! I just…i just wanted to play a little longer and then i decided to go to guyun and then everything started to falter and…

-Enough about this matter, okay? I hope you’ve learned your lesson with this experience, Gregory, and that this won’t happen ever again, understood? -His mother sent a serious gaze to the boy, making sure he is listening

Gregory surely wants to go to the past again, so when his mother tells such, something in his gut twists:I just wanted to know how it was to live in a time more vivid than this one- the boy makes a little pause -People this days doesn’t celebrate with such joy or endeavor, or…normalize something as people owning visions or elemental powers–i just wanted to see…how it was like - The voice of the boy hitches, making it look as a murmur- I wished to experience how it would feel if I had enough consciousness in such moments to enjoy such era…

In that moment, Zhongli gets exactly what Gregory means, of course, he knew Gregory was not a normal boy, as he was half immortal, but didn’t acknowledge that this would affect him to such an extent.

His son didn’t feel that he fit anywhere, so he had decided to go to a place, or rather a time, where he felt he belonged to 

Zhongli looks at his husband rather preoccupied, as the other man stares back and then glances at Gregory, leaping to the table to sit next to the other two.

-Don’t get me wrong! I love the time I pass with you too, is just–

-We understand, Gregory - Says Ajax, reaching a hand to fuss the little boy’s hair- Y’know, when your mother and I took the decision of looking for a way to extend my time as a mortal so I could help your mother to raise you, I passed through a similar situation…

-Ajax…-Zhongli knew his husband didn’t like to touch this subject at all, in such times it was not an easy decision, as both knew well this would mean Ajax would have to pass through what all immortal beings have to. 

Witness the passing of time, as they would keep standing, always unchanging.

-I understood that all the things i knew would probably change by the passing of time, and believe me, It was– no, It keeps not being easy for me. -Ajax sends a warm gaze to Gregory- But then i look at you and your mother, and remember why I don’t regret this decision. 

One thing that i could have learned being a warrior, is that I had to live every day as it was the last, as I knew that everything could end for me one day! But do you know? I found out that this law also fits the life I have now.

Gregory looked at Ajax in the eyes, quite intrigued by this.

-You have to live every day as it was the last, as you don’t know if things might change in the future and you won’t be able to experience the same ever again -Ajax looked at both mischievously afterwards, even if what he just said might seem serious, he still wanted to tease Zhongli with a glance that said “yes that goes for you as well”. 

Zhongli, quite surprised but touched by the words, put both his son and his husband closer to embrace them, both of them reciprocated and embraced him back, a warm smile on Gregory’s lips, he might not have much friends, or if he does, he wouldn’t have them for too much time, but one thing he is sure is that he will have his parents for yet a really good life-time, Gregory is truly grateful for having such an amazing family.

End

BONUS: 

-So? You won’t tell me what happened with that boy last night in Xinyu Kiosk? -Asked Xiao, s he ate the almond tofu Venti promised him as lunch in the roof of Wangshuu inn.

-Well….let’s just say the boy went back to his mother and went to his house! 

-I am talking about the fact that such boy had Inchor and abyssal taint at the same time! Not that.

-Oh about that…let Zhongli tell you when he is prepared, I know he will 

-When he is prepared? About what? Wasn’t all the plan of yesterday about “not disturb Rex Lapis’ cheerful Lantern rite”? 

- Oh that? Don’t fret about it, I am sure you will be one of the first ones to take hold of the details about Rex Lapis’ personal life~!- Venti speaks with a teasing soothing voice, and gives a mocking grin to Xiao

Xiao gets flushed and his appetite for almond tofu gets lost, getting The Yaksha flustered once you knew him was pretty easy, as Xiao had been always cold regarding matters of the heart or personal life. 

-W-what does it has to do with that kid anyway???