Chapter Text
Zhongli stared at the man sitting across from him as they ate breakfast. It had been two weeks since the acclaimed ¨Childe” had started working for him and his family. Almost every minute of everyday was spent with Childe. He was still getting used to having to be in someone else's presence as he usually did tasks alone. It seems the tasks were not that much easier, but less burdensome. He supposed having a partner in action wasn't too bad.
Playful squinted eyes judged Childe as he struggled to use his chopsticks. ¨Not good at using them? We've practiced so much over the past week.” Zhongli shook his head in fake disappointment.
¨I can only use them with noodles or light food¨, Childe whined.
Zhongli rolled his eyes, ¨Tut, tut, tut… For being such a warrior on the field, you sure do suck at doing simple tasks.¨
Oh yeah?¨ Childe leaned back and crossed his arms. ¨Maybe you just suck as an instructor.¨ Childe fired with a smug smile.
¨Hey now, I would be careful talking like that to the Prince of Liyue.” Zhongli teased.
¨Oh please, how do you think your people would feel about how their great prince is scared of SPIDERS.¨ Childe jokingly interrogated. A blush rose to the startled manś face and he reached over the table to smack Childe's shoulder.
¨Thatś not funny! Have you seen the size of them among the caves of Luhua Pool? Theyŕe not fun is all iĺl say about them.¨ Zhongli raised his hand in the manner of no further comments.
Childe just smiled fondly and laughed while looking into Zhongliś eyes. ¨Youŕe so cute, Zhongli.” He slyly remarked. Zhongli couldn't help but smile and roll his eyes.
¨Yeah? And youŕe stupid.” Zhongli cursed himself at how fond that came off. By now, Zhongli had somewhat become accustomed to those comments from Childe. He pondered if it was normal for servants to be this comfortable with their employer. But then again, Childe himself wasn't that normal.
Zhongli had gotten to know Childe really well over their time together, or at least what he revealed. He often noticed Childe didn't like talking about himself that much, just of the adventures he's been on. As far as Zhongli knew, everything about Childe´s family, past jobs, or literally anything was unknown. Zhongli never asked any prying questions either. He supposed that he didn't mind since it didn't cross the master-servant line.
Although Childe was a little too playful for Zhongliś liking, he had to admit the man was an amazing servant. It seems as if he had basically devoted himself to Zhongli. He watched over him almost every second of the day. He didn't realize how much he valued privacy until Childe started serving for him. Of course Childe gave him privacy when Zhongli asked for it like during his baths and getting dressed. He was surprised that Childe didn´t give a smart remark like ¨We´re both men , so what´s the big deal?¨ Although, due to injuries some days from battle he wasn´t able to do certain tasks. Zhongli blushed at one incident that had happened three days prior.
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The sun had just set as Zhongli and Childe arrived back at the palace. They had spent around three hours battling Fatui agents among the grounds of Mt. Tianheng. By nature, this area acts as a defensive shield against any enemies but it seemed enemies had been caging in further than what Zhongli was comfortable with. They had been scoping out the area all morning until the Fatui agents showed up.
During Battle Zhongli was thrown into the air that resulted in him crashing down on his arm. Childe was able to carry him the rest of the battle flawlessly and they were able to return home safely. Childe insisted they go see a healer but Zhongli rejected and said he would heal in about two days.
Once they had arrived at Zhongliś chambers, a wince came from Zhongli as he took off his coat. Childe of course noticed and immediately was at his side. ¨Let me help.¨ He offered.
Zhongli slightly turned away, ¨I´m fine. It doesn't hurt that bad.¨ His arm bent as he went to unbutton his coat and he once again winced. It came out more like a whimper as he tried to suppress the noise. Childe gripped his arm but not enough for it to hurt. Their eyes locked. The light from the lanterns around the room brought on a warm atmosphere as it showed the seriousness of Childeś blue eyes and something else Zhongli couldn't put his finger on. Then, Childe spoke at a barely audible level.
¨Let me do it, Young Master.” Childe practically demanded. He was certainly not going to let the person he served injure himself even further. Shivers ran down Zhongliś body as goosebumps raised on his arms. He was glad for the dim light as well as his sleeves so his current state wasn noticeable. Zhongli simply nodded. He let Childe properly undress him and they carried on an uneventful night.
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Zhongli cringed as he remembered that memory. He found it slightly funny that Childe referred to him as a young master even though he definitely was not young. Actually, he didn't know how old Childe was either. Perhaps he was older. He figured he just called him Young Master since it wasn't really formal to refer to him by his actual name.
So yes, Childe had been an amazing servant during the past two weeks. Zhongli was almost glad for the experiences heś had from having Childe in his life, as he was more like a companion than servant.
Although, throughout those two weeks it seems there had been more attacks from the Fatui. Thankfully, they had mostly been in Dihua Marsh, which is far from the kingdom that is the most vulnerable and precious of Liyue. As the Wangshu Inn inhabits the area, Knights and the Yaksha Alatus but widely known as Xiao, have been guarding it for the past few days. Their hard work has allowed Zhongli to walk around and not feel like bricks lay atop of his shoulders.
Childe joined Zhongli on all of his journeys throughout his time working with Zhongli as well. He had begun helping Zhongli and the Knight of Favonius back in Mondstat with the investigation of the Fatui. They were to find out who was leading the attacks, their motive, and when/where theyŕe next attack was going to be. A servant usually isn't assigned with this task, but Childeś knowledge was certainly helpful. Zhongli wondered what kind of life Childe has led and why he knows so much. What had he done or gone through to present such dull but striking eyes? It almost fascinated him and he had never been so interested in a mortal.
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Zhongli began to realize he was slowly opening up to Childe. Itś not that he intended to. It was more like Childe would ask questions that weren't too personal but enough to make Zhongli answer a certain way that accidentally revealed too much. And as they lay staring at the sunset after another long day, Zhongli found himself revealing too much once again.
¨Wow, I never knew being someone so mighty could be so lonely.” Childe sighed, as his arms were crossed behind his head. ¨It makes sense, I guess.¨ Zhongli made an mhm sound. ¨But I mean you have that adepti. What was his name… Xiao?¨ Zhongli nodded. Childe sat up. ¨Well alright then. I mean itś good you have someone as loyal as him.¨
¨Yeah, of course. Although I do wish he would let me properly treat him with gratitude. He never accepts to come eat with me unless the special dish of the day is Almond Tofu.¨ Zhongli complained.
¨Mm. Can I ask you something else?¨ Childe turned to look at Zhongli. Zhgonliś mind ears perked with interest.
¨I suppose, yes.¨ Zhongli agreed.
¨Alright… have you felt lonely since our time together?¨ Childe questioned. There was a sparkle in his blue eyes that might´ve been from the crystal ore a few feet away from them or from hope that Zhongli had enjoyed their time together.
¨I mean it´s a given to not feel lonely when you have someone by your side everyday.¨ Zhongli stated as a way to avoid the actual meaning of Childe´s questioned. To his luck Childe whined.
¨You know what I mean.¨ Like a kid, Childe pouted with his bottom lip hanging out and upper lip tucked in.
Zhongli sighed. ¨I don't think I have.¨ He continued without thinking. ¨I suppose having someone to fulfill tasks diligently with me isn´t so bad.¨ Zhongli turned away as he felt heat rushing to his face. ¨To further conclude, you´re not the worst partner to have either.¨
A smug grin appeared on Zhongliś face that he wasn´t able to see. ¨Oh, so you like having me around?¨ Zhongli glared at him.
¨I don´t recall saying that.¨ He playfully hit Childe´s arm. The man fake winced. ¨You´re worse than the hilichurls! I didn´t even hit you that hard!¨ Zhongli laughed as he rolled his eyes as Childe grasped his arm in pain. They ended up laughing for a good too minutes. It was sure to have been heard by local residents of the area they were in. Zhongli couldn´t remember the last time he laughed like this and forgot about enjoyable it was.
When their laughing died down, Childe rested his hand on Zhongli´ś shoulder. It was surprising that Zhongli´s body didn´t instinctively tense up but instead almost relaxed into his touch. ¨Anyways, it´s good to hear that you don´t feel as lonely with me around. ¨ Zhongli just stared out into the sky was starting to fall dark. He didn´t answer but let the comfortable silence fill the air.
He didn´t know why but he leaned into Childe´s arm of the hand that was rested on his shoulder. Zhongli felt his body begin to give out as tiredness swept over him. He was usually able to avoid his exhaustion but today was different. Maybe it was the warm air or the warmth of Childe´s arm. He definitely felt comfortable within the mans presence.
Zhongli began to slide further onto Childe´s body and eventually onto his lap. As his head layed on Childe´s lap he felt his body tense up but eventually relax as he shifted to make Zhongli more comfortable. He couldn't say it was too comfortable as Childe´s thighs were pure muscle but he didn't care. In this moment, he felt truly safe and let him fall asleep. As he left that final state of being awake he could´ve sworn he felt hands caressing his hair.