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Dearest Zhongli,
How long since our last conversation? Six months ago? Three months? Why, even a day without hearing from you already feels too long!
Currently, Her Majesty has restrained me to our homeland, but I can’t say the past months have been dull with mission after mission.
As much as I wish to regale you with epics of my battles, I believe that should be saved for when we meet again in Liyue, my love. I know you well enough that you adore my theatrics, a good sucker for a bit of flare I add into my stories. And just as much as you, I adore the shine in your eyes when I reach the climax of my tales.
Ah, is it too much to ask to sweep you away with me in my travels? Wherever I go, I shall take you with me as well?
To bring you to Fontaine to sample the finest of cheese plate and champagnes as we enjoy the circus, or we can join the gladiators in a heated bout in Natlan's famous coliseum. Which do you prefer more, Zhongli?
Or, would you rather come with me to Snezhnaya?
Diplomacy isn’t an issue, The Tsaritsa has extended her hospitality to her old friend to visit her domain of eternal winter.
You’ve expressed your dislike for the cold, I know, but rest assured I’ll bundle you up in thick furs and coats to keep you warm. I’ll be right next to you braving through Snezhnaya chilling season all year round. You won’t have to worry a single thing when I’m with you, my love.
I’m sorry for the scribbles, I can’t stop laughing at the thought of you wrapped into a warm ball of coat and rolling around the snow. It’s hilarious- I should stop laughing before you frown at me, but I’m sorry! You would look so adorable I would want to kiss your pout away, Zhongli.
Alright, I’ll stop. I’ll stop.
Do you remember my family visiting Liyue once?
Of course you do, you always remember. Then again, it’s hard to forget my family bold personality.
They asked about you everyday while I was in Snezhnaya and it’s always: “Where is Mr. Zhongli, Ajax?”, “Will you bring Mr. Zhongli with you next time?”, “Do you think Mr. Zhongli will enjoy this?”, “Will Mr. Zhongli love Snezhnaya?”, “Ajax, do you plan on convincing Mr. Zhongli to stay in Snezhnaya?”, etc. You get the memo; my family loves you, A-Li.
And I love you as well, more than my family, but don’t tell them that they’ll take it as a challenge to see who can spoil you the most.
I am serious when I asked if you would come with me to Snezhnaya.
Liyue will always be your home as it has become mine in the passing years, Zhongli.
But, I also would like for Snezhnaya to become your home as well.
We’ve been together for almost seven years now, darling.
Everyday, I found more reasons to fall in love with you. Whether it be you tugging your hair aside as you eat a bowl of noodles or the little pout you make when the merchant tells you the hairpin isn’t for sale- You’re beautiful, adorable, and I can’t look at anything else except you.
Do you know how hard it is for me to hold back and show you the depth of my love?
I want you, Zhongli.
I want to wake up and see you next to me every morning, to enjoy the joys of living with you, and fall asleep with you in my arms. I want you in every way possible until there’s nothing that can break us apart.
Do you understand my meaning, Zhongli?
You don’t have to respond immediately. By the time this letter reaches you, I should be a week away from Liyue; maybe less if there’s no trouble at sea.
Think carefully about us, about everything before I arrive at the harbor.
Because if you answer “yes”, I will never let you go, darling.
Rest assured, I’m yours just as you’re mine.
I love you, Zhongli. I can’t wait to see you after so long.
From your beloved,
Ajax
“The sentiments are mutual, Ajax.”
Smiling fondly, Zhongli carefully folds the letter and puts it back into the envelope. The paper worn from the consultant constantly pulled it out to read in the privacy of his home. No matter how many times he reads Childe's letters, both old and new, it always brightens his day.
He traces the curves of his beloved handwriting, neat and orderly this time around.
Was Childe with his family when he wrote the letter? Or did he find time between his busy work schedule?
Whatever the case may be, Zhongli was relieved to know that his lover is safe and healthy.
Happy chirps reach his ears prompting the consultant to turn his attention to the window. The blinds are open letting more than sunlight enter his office. Standing atop the windowsill are a pair of small and round birds that curiously poke their white heads into the room. Then, they trot once before they take off back outside.
Just as curious as the birds were just now, Zhongli moves to stand by the window and watch the pair dance in the air. A peculiar mating ritual where they circled each other, brushing the other wings in passing. Their little dance concludes the moment they land on a branch and nuzzle affectionately into each other feathered necks.
“What an adorable pair of lovebirds.” The consultant comments wistfully.
Shoving his hands into his sleeves, he raises his gaze to the afternoon blue skies.
Today, Zhongli thinks, is a lovely day for a stroll.
As the cotton-white clouds idly pass by, the lively children rush past him in an impromptu race to reach their destination. Unlike them, Zhongli was in no particular hurry for he merely wished to enjoy the sight of the ever-changing harbor.
Walking past the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he perks up to see Director Hu and the Ferrylady engaged in a light conversation. The Ferrylady was the first to pause to meet his eyes followed by Hu Tao, curious to what made her companion stop. Then, the director's face breaks into a wide grin and she waves at him. Next to her, the Ferrylady offers a small smile and bows respectfully in his direction.
Since the start of his new life as the mortal named “Zhongli”, a humble consultant at the funeral parlor, he has more or less found his place in human society.
To help and advise families arranging funerals for their loved ones, and beyond providing his insight to others in need seeking knowledge of Liyue, was a duty he accepted wholeheartedly.
Yes, there were troubling events that occurred, but such chaos was welcoming in his mundane life.
(Lately, Zhongli’s eyes stray toward his clock and count down the seconds before it was lunch. At the same time, his office door opens bringing forth a breeze scenting of sea salt and nutmeg. A comforting scent that brings a smile to the consultant’s face, and he greets his beloved picking him up for their lunch break…)
Acknowledging the pair (and greeting them) with a nod of his head, Zhongli resumes his stroll and walks in the direction of Chihua Rock.
“At work, Director Hu often teases me to say that we’re sickeningly sweet to the point it gives her cavities. While I m aware of the metaphor, I cannot understand the logic behind it. Besides, the Ferrylady makes certain Director Hu brushes her teeth twice a day, morning and night.”
It became a tradition to dine at Wanmin Restaurant once a week.
However, Zhongli wasn’t feeling peckish to order any food despite Xianling’s leading the kitchen. Regardless, the young and aspiring chef welcomed him all the same when he stopped by her family restaurant briefly. Chef Mao greeted him with a smile, but he was shortly dogpiled by an influx of orders and disappeared quickly to handle them.
“It appears I’ve arrived at a busy hour for you both.” Zhongli observes, folding his hands behind his back.
Xiangling laughs shakily, “You’re not wrong on that, Zhongli-Xiansheng. Dad will want me back soon, but hey- We always can spare a moment to talk to our favorite customers!”
Next to her, Guoba makes a sound of agreement.
“Will you be dining today, Zhongli-Xiansheng?” Xiangling asks, but she adds softly. “Or will you be having takeout again as well?
Straining a smile, the consultant answers, “If it’s no issue, the latter if you will.”
“Alright…” Dejected at first, the young chef then looks determined and raises her finger at him. “But promise me that you’ll dine again with Mr. Childe when he comes back!”
“I promise, Xiangling.” Zhongli chuckles, watching Xiangling pump her arms into the air, and dives back into the kitchen with Guoba in tow. To no one, in particular, he whispers, “I’m not the only one who misses you, dear…”
Chef Mao continues to bark more orders to his staff and the returning Xiangling yet she tackles her task fervently. The heady scent of jueyun chilis and herbs waft out of the kitchen enticing the nearby locals and invigorating the rowdy patrons at Third Round Knockout.
It was only lunchtime, but it felt like dinner had arrived much too soon.
“From her recent travels, Xiangling has concocted another new recipe. While I’m happy to be of assistance to her, dinner at Wanming isn’t the same without you. It is lonely to not have you next to me sharing the joys of culinary delights. I do admit, it is a guilty pleasure to watch you help Xiangling improve her recipes in the kitchen.”
Bumping into Chongyun and Xingqiu on his way to Yujing Terrace was a coincidence. The pair's eyes widened in surprise, they clearly didn't expect to see him either on their outing. Greetings are exchanged, but Zhongli can't help notice Chongyun hiding his reddened face with his free hand.
“Are you alright, Chongyun?” Zhongli asks out of concern that the exorcist will overheat and pass out.
“I…I’m alright.” Chongyun stammers, avoiding his eyes and looking elsewhere. “The weather is just a bit too warm today."
"Is it now?" As an adeptus, Zhongli wouldn't notice unless it was an extreme change in the climate. "Hmm. Do take care though to find shade to cool yourself, Chongyun."
"Y-yes, sir…"
Next to him, Xingqiu chuckles into his fist at his partner's behavior. He smiles pleasantly at Zhongli, "Rest assured, Zhongli-Xiansheng. Chongyun and I will be upstairs at Wanwen, they have plenty of shade for their readers.”
“Ah,” Zhongli makes no comment to the pair hands intertwined having not once separated. He nods to them, “If you’re interested, Jifang recently added a new series from a Fontaine publisher. A romance novel that is popular among the younger people such as yourselves.”
Whatever the story was about, the consultant had no idea except the novel was a major hit in Fontaine and their neighboring kingdoms. Enough to have several copies to be shipped all the to Inazuma famous publishing house in Narukami City.
Yet, Xingqiu had a clue for his smile curls impishly, “I see Master Childe has influenced you well enough to want to tease us younger people as well.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Thank you for the lovely recommendation, Zhongli-Xiansheng. Chongyun will certainly love it.” Xingqiu turns his smile to his flustered partner, who is doing everything he can to not look at either of them. And he asks cheerfully, “Isn’t that right?”
There, Zhongli realizes that Xingqiu hasn't forgotten the incident with Chongyun going to Childe for advice to court him. An endearing yet clumsy courting ritual, Xingqiu happily accepted his feelings.
Only, he was rather irked about the books Childe lent to Chongyun to study the ways of romance.
The very same books Childe read to learn how to properly woo him into his bed (and heart).
Poor Chongyun is mortified every time he recalls it, and judging by his blushing face, he is certainly remembering it now.
Politely, Zhongli hides his chuckles behind his hand.
“Do you recall helping Chongyun before you left Liyue, Ajax? It was about how to confess to Xingqiu and you gave him those books you bought. Heh, you need not to worry. Today, I saw them heading to Wanmen books together hand-in-hand. It reminded me of our first date, you held my hand the entire time and I had no desire to let go either.”
Parting ways from Xingqiu and Chongyun, Zhongli expected the rest of his walk to continue quietly.
Yet upon reaching Yujing Terrace did he meet Xinyan and her fiery guitar-playing near the end of her concert.
Compared to the early start of her career, Xinyan garnered fans coming into Liyue just to see her concert. Her music has reached the hearts of many, including the most traditional and hard-headed people of Liyue that once turned their noses up and sneered at her rock-n-roll.
“Zhongli-Xiansheng!” Xinyan greets after the last of her fans left the premises. Though she looked out of breath, the young musician was still lively enough to make time for him. “I didn’t expect to see you at this time of day. Were you on a walk?”
“I am.” The consultant confirms, “How was your trip to Fontaine, Xinyan?”
Immediately, Xinyan brightens up and exclaims excitedly, “It was awesome , thank you for asking! I heard about Fontaine and Snezhnaya are more wowzers than Liyue, but seeing Fontaine in the flesh really blew my mind! Oh, and Fontaine technology helped my show go out with a BANG!”
“I’m pleased to hear you had a wonderful experience.” Zhongli then offers the box of take-out from Wanmen, still fresh and hot. Xinyan raises a brow, confused and surprised, and he explains, “After a concert like that, I’m sure you must be famished. This is from Wanmen cooked personally by Xiangling. Ah yes, there are also refreshments as well to go with it.”
“Is that…for me, Zhongli-Xiangsheng?” Xinyan asks slowly. By the consultant’s approval, she carefully takes the box from his hands and says in awe, “Thank you! And uh…”
The joy in Xinyan’s face is brief before she falls silent. She nervously shifts on her feet, holding the food close to her chest. Zhongli is patient, waiting for the young musician to speak what’s on her mind. Biting her lower lip, Xinyan looks at him.
“Mr. Childe attended my concert in Fontaine.” Xinyan confesses, “He told me he really likes my music! Next time, he promises to bring his family to watch the first chance he gets and he asked about you. Nothing really serious just wanted to make sure you’re doing okay.”
“Ah…” Zhongli’s chest warms to hear that Childe inquired of his well-being, “I’m glad. I assume he was in good health when you saw him, Xinyan?”
“He was, or as far I could tell, he was doing well.” Again, the young musician nervously shifts on her feet and asks quietly, “I don’t mean to be rude, Zhongli-Xiansheng, but is Mr. Childe doing anything dangerous?”
“What do you mean by “dangerous”, Xinyan?”
“While I was in Fontaine, there were some incidents that happened there. Somehow, Mr. Childe always ends up at the center of them. Ah- Please don’t take it the wrong way, I’m just worried since he’s a good person.” Xinyan waves her hand frantically, panicked that the consultant will take her words differently.
Immediately, Zhongli understands the implications behind Xinyan words.
Most of Liyue by now are aware of Childe’s reputation as one of the Harbingers of the Fatui, and their notorious reputation, but anything beyond that only the Fatui knows. Knowing Childe specifically, he wouldn’t be surprised if he was dealing with Fatui matters in Fontaine as well. Whether Xinyan had any knowledge that Childe is a Harbinger or not, the consultant wasn’t sure. But the concern she displays for him regardless of his identity is genuine.
Chuckling warmly, Zhongli reassures her, “I understand you perfectly well, Xinyan. Please, be at ease.”
Xinyan shoulders deflate in relief and mumbles, “Thank Rex Lapis…”
“Childe tends to attract trouble wherever he goes, but he’s more than capable of taking care of himself. If anything, I wager he enjoys being at the center of attention.” Folding his hands behind his back, he says softly, “He’ll be fine, Xinyan.”
Xinyan stares at him for a long moment before smiling and states, “You really have alot of faith in Mr. Childe, Zhongli-Xiansheng.”
“I do.” Zhongli admits fondly.
“Xinyan informed me she met you during her tour in Fontaine. She was ecstatic to hear you greatly enjoyed her concert. However, she expressed concern for your well-being after hearing certain events surrounding you. I reassured her you would be fine like always, but…Please be careful, love.”
“I do apologize for bringing only desserts, Madame Ping.”
Madame Ping smiles before she nudges a teacup in his direction, “Nonsense, Zhongli-Xiansheng. The almond cookies and red bean buns are a perfect match for this tea. Please, help yourself.”
“Thank you.” Zhongli nods. He picks up his cup and gently blows into the hot tea.
As he sips carefully to savor the taste, Madame Ping sits across from him cradling her own teacup. A wrinkled hand picks up a cookie to nibble lightly, and she is pleased to find the taste to her liking. One cookie eaten, Madame Ping drinks her tea to wash it down.
"How rare for you to keep me company." Madame Ping begins, her eyes closed in a crescent. "It wasn't long ago that I watched you drag Mr. Childe around the harbor. A pair of lovebirds enjoying a stroll together. You two barely had time to talk to an old lady like me."
Swallowing a red bean bun, Zhongli has the galls to look sheepish and coughs lightly into his fist, "My apologies, Madame Ping."
The elderly woman barks a laugh, "No need to say sorry, I was merely teasing you."
"Still..."
Interjecting the consultant before he makes more excuses, Madame Ping changes the subject, "Now, what's on your mind, Zhongli-daren?"
Despite his initial protests, Zhongli recounts Childe's letter and his thoughts to Madame Ping. The elderly woman listens patiently, nodding here and there. When he is done, she sees the uncertainty in his eyes.
"My, my, from your tales you've sounded like you've already reached a conclusion." Madame Ping reaches out to grab his hand and squeezes gently, "What ails you, daren?"
The consultant doesn't immediately answer. Eventually, he finds the words to answer.
"In the future, my life as well will end like any other mortal. Except, it will be several lifetimes before I crumble away like dust. Ajax will pass away before me, maybe sooner than most, but I will live and continue to live without him." Zhongli's expression darkens, golden eyes dulling at the many old memories that continue to haunt him. "I...do not want a life without him."
"Mortals…" Madame Ping sighs softly, straining a smile of her own. "Your Ajax cannot escape the fate that awaits him, just as all mortals do. What mortals do, as I come to know, is that they spend their lives like it is their last."
"I’m honored that Ajax wishes to spend his life with me; happy even. Yet, the doubt lingers in my mind that he deserves better than me. He deserves someone who can truly walk alongside the good and bad in life. He doesn’t need to resent his spouse remaining forever youthful as he grows old and wrinkled. I…" Zhongli's voice chokes as he adds, "I do not wish for Ajax to have any regrets bonding with me, Madame Ping."
“Oh, Zhongli-Daren…” Shaking her head, Madame Ping chuckles warmly and chides lightly, “For someone so intelligent, you’re rather foolish at times.”
The consultant bristles, looking mildly offended, “Madame Ping!”
“You know your Ajax better than I do, but if you like to hear this old lady opinion…” The elderly woman ignores his indignance, but her dark eyes twinkle in mischief- clearly she enjoyed teasing Zhongli. “...You needn’t worry if Mr. Childe will have any regrets. From what I’ve seen, he only has eyes for you. I believe he cannot imagine life without you, Zhongli-daren.”
While Zhongli's doubts are slightly reassured, it isn’t easy for his fears to simply disappear. He walked upon these lands for over six millennials, witnessed the fall and rise of nations, and his comrades are gone either corrupted or dead by his hands. The lives of mortals and gods are fragile, like dust slipping between his fingers, leaving Zhongli as their sole legacy to honor their memory.
He was prepared to step down as Liyue Archon and watch his child flourish without him.
He’s not sure if he’s prepared to have his heart crushed should Childe resent him and leave him to find someone more appealing than an old fossil like him.
Wouldn’t it be better to refuse for both of their sakes? To save them from the eventual pain that is to come from their union?
“That boy loves you to the ends of the earth.” Madame Ping whispers, almost pleading. “Have faith in Mr. Childe's devotion to you and let yourself be happy, Zhongli-daren.”
“...Thank you, Madame Ping.”
But, at the same time, Zhongli can’t imagine life without Childe now.
“The preparations for this year's Lantern Rite are currently underway, led by the Tianquan herself. Perhaps by the time you arrive at the docks, the festival will have just begun. Floating lanterns illuminate the night sea, turning Liyue Harbor into a beacon for sailors to follow and return home safely.
Wouldn’t that be a grand entrance for the 11th Harbinger of the Fatui, Tartaglia, no?
I merely jest knowing you love to be flamboyant at times.
Still, I cannot wait to see your reaction to the Lantern Rite this year.”
From Yours Truly,
Zhongli"
By the time the sun starts to set and the skies darken, Zhongli sees the flag of Snezhnaya diplomats coming into view. The lit lanterns illuminate their path as the ship slows down to dock at the harbor. Sailors start their preparations to reach land and unload their cargo, most especially lower the plank for their esteemed guests. Impatiently, Zhongli waits to see a familiar tuff of ginger hair peek out at some point.
Except…
"Zhongli!!"
Raising his head to the crow's nest, the consultant spots a figure standing on the sails. A flowing fabric sways along with the breeze, leaving Zhongli to guess who it may be.
When a floating lantern bounces near the silhouette, happiness blooms in his chest seeing the unruly ginger locks and enchanting blue eyes.
“Ajax.” Zhongli whispers longingly.
As if his voice was carried by the winds and reaching his beloved ears, Childe throws his head back to laugh. Then, the Harbinger swiftly moves upon the sails and leaps off the ship. Many gasps in horror witnessing the scene of a man jumping high into the air, but Zhongli was aware of Childe's physical prowess. A simple jump at that height won’t hurt him, as he had seen a few times prior to today.
What surprised Zhongli is the moment the Harbinger lands and dashes toward him, he’s swept up high in the air and spun around by strong hands.
“Zhongli!” Childe laughs, his grin infectious enough to make the consultant giddy. He lowers Zhongli to the ground before he hugs him tightly and buries his face into his neck. In a soft sigh, Childe whispers, “I missed you, darling.”
Returning the hug, Zhongli chuckles quietly and pats his back, “I missed you as well, Ajax. Did you have a safe journey here?”
“I did! Well…We did encounter a Kraken on the way, but that’s a story for later.” The Harbinger pulls away, chuckling at the disgust on his lover's face at the mention of octopus. Holding his hands, Childe pecks his forehead and asks, “How about you? Did anything happen while I was gone?”
“The Lantern Festival is starting today, but otherwise nothing much has changed.”
“ You haven’t changed a bit, I see.” Childe eyes rake the consultant form up and down with thinly veiled desire. “Not that it’s a bad thing.”
“We’re in public, love.” Zhongli chides him lightly, playfully tapping his nose. He snorts in amusement watching the Harbinger go cross-eye and pout. “On the contrary, you have changed the last time we saw each other.”
Compared to the lanky but muscular young man, Childe has certainly become broader in the last couple of years. Not that it was a bad thing, because Zhongli cannot wait to thoroughly examine his lover later in private.
“I can see you ogling me, darling.” Smirking, Childe taps his nose playfully as Zhongli did seconds ago. His expression softens watching the lanterns illuminate his lover like a halo of light; utterly divine and beautiful.
How on earth did he get so lucky to have Zhongli in his life?
“Zhongli, do you remember what I said in my letter?”
“I do.”
“Words do so little to convey everything I feel toward you. I can spoil you with gifts and affections, but I feel that can never be enough. Everything I said in that letter, I mean it- You’re the only one I can imagine spending my life with.”
Childe takes a few steps away from Zhongli before he lowers to one knee. There were many eyes on them, whispering excitedly for what’s to come. However, the pair saw only each other at this moment like nothing else mattered in the world.
Then Zhongli watches his lover pull out a small box from his pocket and holds it out to him.
Despite the dust of pink rising to his freckled face, Childe remains confident as ever as he opens the box revealing a stunning ring; an intricate golden band encrusted with lapis lazuli and cor lapis, and a glimmering blue diamond at the center.
“Zhongli, the home to my heart, will you give me the honor of marrying you?”
Though the consultant expected this since reading his letter yet he was swept away by Childe’s proposal.
He almost chokes at the love and sincerity brimming in his lover’s eyes.
Did he truly deserve a wonderful man like Childe?
But, just this once, he wanted to be selfish.
“I…Yes, Ajax.” Zhongli fumbles his words, unaware of the tears welling at the corner of his eyes. The shock on his beloved face is apparent as he repeats his answer with a laugh, “Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Childe's face morphs into a wide, gleeful grin, and he shouts, “Yes! He said “Yes”!”
Suddenly, Zhongli is once more pulled into a tight hug and spun around by his now fiance. Childe kisses all over his face and neck more than twice before they meet his lips. A loving, sweet and chaste kiss that lasted too short yet left them needy for more. The consultant rests his forehead against his fiance, staring straight into his blue eyes reflecting only him.
Zhongli hopes Childe sees his eyes reflecting him as well.
“Thank you, Zhongli…Thank you, A-Li.” Childe whispers reverently, relief and awe in his voice like he was in a dream. “I love you so much. Did I tell you that?”
“You did. Many times in fact.” Zhongli humors him and he affectionately adds, “Don’t worry, I love you too, Ajax. Today and forever, I’ll always love you.”
“Aw, that’s not fair! I’m the one who's supposed to say that!” Pouting petulantly, it didn’t last very long in front of his fiance. Smiling, he makes a simple request, “Can you kiss me again, A-Li?”
Zhongli's expression softens, cupping his beloved face, “Of course. Anything for you, Ajax.”
As the lovers, now engaged, kiss under the full moon surrounded by lanterns, the fireworks light up the night skies.