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The streets of Liyue were buzzing with life. Shops and travelers from all over the world! It was that time of the year,the time for goals,achievements,wishes and hopes: The Lantern Rite festival! Through all the joy and happiness, one man was here on business. Walking along with a certain connoisseur of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, all he could thnk about was the mission he had to complete: steal the gnosis of the Geo Archon. But how could he be calm about it when the target was right beside him? All he could think about was the exciting battle that he could get from Morax himself. His mind raced at the thought while his eyes went blank and expressionless.
"...that is why this dish got this name. Childe? Were you listening?"
"Ah! Mr.Zhongli! Of course I was!"
"No need to lie to acomodate me. Now...where were we? Ah, yes. I was telling you about some of the most famous Liyue specialities but it seems that this subject does not interest you. What are you thinking about?"
"To tell you the truth? I wish I could test my strength against you. But as that is impossible all I can do is enjoy the festival. Could you tell me what all of the lanterns are about?"
"It is a Liyue tradition to set off lanterns in the night sky and put your wishes with them so one day they might come true. Do you wish to participate in this event?"
"Wishes, huh?"
He knew all to well what Childe and Tartaglia wanted:the thrill of battle. But what did Ajax want? He could not find the answer to that question.
"Sure, why not? What about you Mr.Zhongli? Do you want to make a wish?"
While Childe was in a cloud that wouldn't let him see the thing he wanted most, Zhongli was sure about what he wants. What he needs. And that same thing was staring back at him with ocean blue eyes. The thought made his heart race a bit. How could he feel like this about the enemy? He did not know yet he couldn't lie to himself. What if Childe doesn't feel the same? What if this feeling in his chest could bring the end of him? After all, messing with a harbinger is no joking matter. While he planned to keep his feelings a secret, he wanted to enjoy the time he had with the snezhnayan man.
"As a matter of fact, I do. Say, shall we wish together to mark your...visit to Liyue?"
"Of course. I sure wish my siblings would be here. They would enjoy all the sweets and pretty lights. Next time I'll make sure to bring them along. Would you like to meet them?"
"I would."
Zhongli's mind began to spin. He wants...to present his family to him? They aren't even close, though Zhongli wouldn't refuse an opportunity to get closer to Childe.
"First and foremost, we need to make the Xiao Lanterns ourselves." said the older man.
"How do you even do that? Will you teach me?"
The thought of spending more time with Childe made Zhongli glad.
"Sure. Let's go buy the materials first."
And with that they started browsing the market of the harbor.
"We will need lantern fiber, wick material and plaustrite shard."
"Alright. Did you bring any mora?"
"Uh...."
"No problem. I've got you covered."
After buying the materials they went to a crafting bench to begin the process of making the lanterns. Though slow and a bit clumsy ,Childe managed to make his first Xiao Lantern. After all, he had the best teacher Teyvat can offer, even if that teacher still can't teach him how to use chopsticks properly.
Now, he had only one problem: what should he wish for? His family was already happy with all the money he had sent them. Maybe having the chance to spend more time with them? Mora? No. He already has enough of that. Then, what?
All of a sudden bright lights started rising up into the sky filling the town with a warm aura.
"It has begun. We need to hurry."
Looking at the God of Contracts, how the lanterns made his eyes shine, the way his earthy scent filled his nostrils, his full lips that curved into a slight smile made Childe, no , made Ajax realize what he wanted to wish for and it was not battle.
Setting off the lanterns into the starry sky, they both closed their eyes and wished with all their heart. Opening their eyes slowly they looked at the lanterns rising up and becoming smaller and smaller until they looked like stars.
"If I may ask, what did you wish for?" asked Zhongli.
"You first!"
"Alright. I won't lie to you. I wished that my feelings will someday reach you and we shall be happy together."
After his confession, Zhongli's cheeks turned to rose and he looked away. Why did he tell him? He promised to himself to keep it a secret.
Well, now it was no turning back. He looked again at the ginger that surprised him in the most beautiful way. Their lips. Connected. The initial shock washed away and Zhongli grabbed Childe in a tight embrace. They both wanted to keep this moment forever, then their lips parted.
"...what?" asked Zhongli confused but happy.
"I wished that your wish will come true. And it did. These lanterns really work."
"Wait. So are you telling me...?"
"Yes Mr. Zhongli. I feel the same for you. I just realized that. Also, may I call you Zhongli from now on?"
"Of course, Childe."
"My real name is Ajax."
"What a beautiful name."
Then their faces got closer and closer until they were tangled in another passionate kiss, both of them melting away with all the lights.