Work Text:
Zhongli has grown accustomed to Childe going into his house unannounced. He’d find Childe cooking or lounging after a day of work in the funeral parlor. Or barging in and resting on Zhongli’s couch then dozing off so Zhongli would have to carry the man to his bed.
So imagine his confusion when he found Childe waiting in front of his door after he comes home. As if decent etiquette still existed between the two.
“Childe?”
The man jolts and looked back. He stretches a small smile on his face and waved.
“You’re finally back. Got me waiting for a bit”
“...Mm” Zhongli just hums, not wanting to pry further until the timing was right.
Zhongli opens his door and lets Childe in. Childe asked if he could make tea. Again, he asked Zhongli. The consultant nods though, allowing the harbinger to use his pots and ingredients, that previously never needed Zhongli’s permission to use.
The ex archon lets his curiosity simmer as he takes off his heavy coat and hangs it neatly in his wardrobe. He leaves his bedroom with just a dress shirt and slacks, a habit that he got used to when in this mortal form. Childe was done making tea and he sets the two cups on the coffee table in Zhongli’s living room.
It was off-putting when he notices how distant the harbinger was being. Nodding politely at him when he sat next to the man. Zhongli sighs.
“Ajax, are you alright?”
Childe’s blue eyes widened. He bites the inside of his cheek to force another polite nod.
“Ajax” Zhongli tries again, setting his teacup down and tapping lightly on the man’s thigh.
“...Work stuff. A letter from my family. I miss them”
Zhongli inhales sharply at his honesty. Sympathy blooms in his chest while he brings Childe’s face to face his. Those deep blue eyes were so deceiving sometimes. Sometimes they were so grey and ingenuous. Yet other times they were soft and bright, so confused but determined.
The ex archon has never been quite good with words. His love for literature was partly from the fact that the writers could put into words what he cannot. So he simply pressed his forehead against Childe's.
They stay like that for what felt like hours until he could hear the harbinger’s soft sniffling. Zhongli caresses his face and plants a firm kiss on his lips. Hugging him until those whimpers grew softer and softer.
Childe’s asleep now and Zhongli thinks he’s never felt more relief at the peace present on this man’s face. He wipes the tears, kissing the harbinger’s cheek once more before carrying him to his bed.
Soft bliss was hard to achieve for the two of them. But no one can say that they didn’t try.