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“Love,” Zhongli says, pleading. “Please don’t be mad at me anymore...”
Zhongli hugs what seems like a lifeless blanket burrito on his bed, but in fact, it’s Childe wrapped in numerous blankets. He has been begging Childe all morning to come out of his cocoon to talk to him, but Childe doesn’t budge even if Zhongli’s pleading comes with tender hugs and kisses.
Though, thankfully, this time, he got a reaction.
Childe pokes his head out from the blankets. “You got the nerve to pull another prank on me...”
Zhongli made the mistake of pranking Childe again. It’s a... harmless prank but it made Childe panic than Zhongli originally anticipated. For that, he is at fault. He can narrate everything that had happened, but that can be a story for another time.
Zhongli looks at Childe and makes an attempt to snuggle him. “Ajax... I’m sorry...”
Childe huffs. “Get off of me. You’re heavy.”
“Not until you forgive me.” Zhongli isn’t one to back down from a challenge. Unfortunately, that’s the same for Childe.
“I won’t forgive you.” Childe dives back in the blankets again, concealing his face.
Zhongli frowns and pulls away. He already tried everything to please Childe and none of them worked.
Well, he tried everything except one thing.
"Childe. Please look at me again.”
Childe groans underneath the blankets but he follows, nonetheless. “What?”
In sparks of glowing geo, Zhongli transforms. His body gives off a golden light, making Childe cover his eyes slightly. His form gradually becomes smaller and the eyes that are looking down at Childe before, are now looking up at him.
It’s been a long time ever since he transformed into his small dragon form. It bears resemblance to the bigger version but the size and features differ greatly. A few only know about this form, considering that every citizen in Liyue or possibly, every person in every nation, envision Rex Lapis as the mighty half-qilin, half-dragon form for his exuvia.
If his bigger form was mighty and majestic, this smaller form was adorable and squishable. If cuteness is needed for Childe to forgive Zhongli, say no more.
Zhongli waves his tail around. “How is it?”
“What…?” Childe gapes at him, his confused eyes meeting Zhongli's. “What is this?”
“This is my other form,” Zhongli states while he wiggles closer to Childe, his tiny hands and feet climbing on top of Childe’s body. Childe doesn't move. “Please pet me.”
Childe looks dazed for a second. It's working! Zhongli’s charm is working! “W-Well. Fine.” A hand goes to pat Zhongli's head. It feels nice. “It's not like I’m doing this for myself or anything…” His words don’t match with his actions.
Zhongli's tail wags. “Really?”
Childe ignores him, looking away with a pout yet his hand doesn't stop petting Zhongli.
“Childe…”
“What?”
“Do you hate me?”
Childe whips his head towards Zhongli. His expression, scandalized as if Zhongli said the stupidest thing. “What? What are you on about?”
“You're not talking to me…” Zhongli's voice turns quiet.
“I'm talking to you.”
“But you're not smiling.”
Childe smiles but it looks forced.
“You're not hugging me too…”
Childe groans as he takes Zhongli to a warm hug. “There, you happy now?”
“You're not kissing me either.”
“That's playing dirty.” Childe scowls.
“Childe…” Zhongli pushes his head on Childe’s chest and Childe almost looks like he got punched in the gut. “Baobei, please forgive me. I won't do it again, I promise.” Zhongli unleashes his secret weapon: Sparkling eyes attack. “Please…?”
It works.
Childe looks away with a blush and a small smile that he's repressing. “Fine…”
“Do you forgive me now?”
“… I’m still mad at you,” Childe mumbles.
“Yes. Surely, you are." Zhongli chuckles.
Childe grumbles and tightens the hug, anyway. Even if he doesn't say anything, Zhongli knows Childe had already forgiven him. “Shut up, stupid dragon.”
“Kiss me?” Zhongli asks.
Childe kisses him.