Archive of Our Own ^beta

“What is love?”

“... I cannot give you the answer to that, Morax. But I sincerely hope that you will one day be able to discover one that will let you feel love in the way you deserve.”

The first time he actually hears Childe break the news, Zhongli can’t say he hadn’t expected it. After all, he’d seen the letters Childe had sent — watched the man write them with his own hands even. Each letter had been accompanied by a gift, from kites and toys to clothes and accessories, and preserved snacks that would be able to last the long journey across the sea. 

It wasn’t a bad thing at all. Childe would finally be able to spend time with his family, even if for a short while. But perhaps Zhongli had gotten much too used to the other’s presence over the past year or so, suddenly unable to imagine a life without the bright smile that would greet him each day without fail, strong arms embracing him and a warm presence by his side as they stroll through Liyue’s streets. It would be… an unusual experience to say the least. Just when had such a feeling begun?

“Say, xiansheng, you know…” Childe begins, and Zhongli can already predict the following words. ‘ I have to go somewhere far away’ , Childe will probably say as he takes Zhongli’s hands in his and rubs soothing circles atop them as he always does. He hears the sound of cloth rustling as Childe moves, his chopsticks clinking as they are set down on the plate. ‘Safe travels, Ajax. I will await your return.’ The words he’d practised saying countless times play through his mind, over and over as if that would help soften the inevitable blow of the news that was about to come his way. 

… Except none of that comes, and Zhongli looks up from the tea in his cup to instead find Childe smiling at him from across the table, confidently waving around two sheets of paper in his hand with the familiar mark of the Fatui printed on the corner of each one.

“What is it, Ajax?” He blinks, head tilting to the side the slightest bit as he tries to recall where he had seen such a thing before. Are they not… forms of some sort? Yet no matter how he looks at them, there is no way that such documents are those routinely required to be submitted to any ministry within Liyue… 

“I have to go back, xiansheng." The following silence hangs heavy between them, blocking out the sound of the other customers dining around them. “But, well, I was wondering if you’d like to come as well? Only if you can, of course! I’d already talked it out with Hu Tao and settled everything with Snezhnaya for your entry along with the next Fatui ship out alongside me. It was my mother’s idea, really. She really wants to meet you too… Tonia probably spilt some extra bits in the letters to her, I think. Either way, I’m sure they’ll love you! Anyways, what I’m trying to say is… wouldyouliketocometoSnezhnayawithme ?”

Oh. So that’s what it had all actually been about. How curious… The back and forth between the members of the Fatui, the way Childe had slowly packed their items over the past weeks… much more than what he probably would ever require on his own. Visiting Childe’s family back in Snezhnaya… It certainly would be an important experience. As well as one of the first few times he would be going beyond Liyue’s borders since stepping down as its archon.

For thousands of years, he’d guided Liyue, standing by its side through thick and thin. Defending it from whatever dangers came its way, be it land, sea, or sky with a shield golden and strong and spears of solid rock that could pierce through anything.

Rock that had oh so ferociously protected the brilliant flower it nurtured till the once delicate blossom had no need for its protection anymore, growing thorns of its own to defend against the world.

Like how water erodes rock, changing its original shape as it weathers with time while still retaining its core… perhaps such a change was needed. And the perfect chance was being presented to him right at this very moment. 

It would be a shame to let it go by, Zhongli thinks. And so, he simply returns the smile, hand closing above Childe’s own as he leans over to press a quick kiss to his beloved’s cheek, “I would love to accompany you, Ajax.”

For some reason, Zhongli thinks that Childe had not heard the statement. And as he watches the other’s expression fall, Zhongli is most certain that Childe had indeed not heard his words.

“Sorry for asking, I— wait what?” It’s as if he can see the gears turning in his lover’s head, and Zhongli has to hold back the laugh that threatens to escape him by taking another sip of nonexistent tea out of the empty cup in front of him. “You’re coming along?”

“Well, I am no longer an archon,” Zhongli hums, warm golden gaze meeting azure orbs that reflect the early afternoon’s sunlight, “I suppose going on a ‘vacation’ would be an appropriate step to take. And, considering the nature of our relationship… becoming acquainted with the family you hold so dearly to your heart would indeed be something I desire to do as well.”

That is if he was not severely overstepping his boundaries. After all, Childe had yet to respond to his… proposal of sorts. Surely the other was well aware of Liyuen traditions — the shelf of books on the topic by his desk more than enough of a testament to that.

Zhongli watches as the uncertainty and careful hope in Childe’s expression morphs into joy and excitement, like a miniature flame sparking to life.

“I have to warn you, they can be quite the handful! Also, Shezhnaya’s cold is quite unforgiving. Liyue’s winters are barely anything in comparison… we’ll have to get you a new wardrobe…”

Oh?

“I see… Though… had you not already handled the second concern? There had been a package at the doorway this morning, I believe it contained the items you speak of. And regarding the first, there is no need to worry, Ajax. I do have to say that being around Cloud Retainer for the past millennia and the likes of Hu Tao recently is sufficient enough training.” The joking lilt to his tone does not go unmissed, and Childe’s grin only widens. 

“Looks like nothing really can escape you huh, xiansheng,” The chuckle that escapes Childe is followed quickly by a sigh as the other notices his empty cup, pouring out more tea for him as he speaks, “... You were expecting a different kind of news in the beginning. Weren’t you?”

Ah. That is… admittedly the truth. But Childe need not know that, at least not the entirety of it. Not at this very moment. Long as he’s lived, there still seems to remain emotions that still remain complicated to comprehend, to say the least. Yearning? But Childe was in front of him, so that could not be the case.

The ache is an odd one. Sometimes it pulses within him so wildly that he feared his heart would escape his chest. Other times, it is an all-consuming emptiness that threatens to cast shadows upon his heart and render his mood sour — though he would never allow such a thing to visibly show.

Zhongli is the first to break eye contact as he reaches out to pick a single dumpling up to place it upon Childe’s plate, “I have to admit that it is true.”

But of course, Childe knows.

There is a hand gently grasping at his wrist, bringing the dumpling to waiting lips, and Zhongli can’t help but smile as Childe attempts to swallow it whole with the aid of a cup of water which Zhongli pushes towards him.

Within seconds, Zhongli is by Childe’s side, patting his back till the sputtering coughs cease and he is left with an armful of a certain red-faced Snezhnayan who merely raises a brow and flashes a most innocent smile his way.

“I know that look on your face, xiansheng. Don’t worry, no dangerous business this time, really! And best thing of all, I’ve already settled everything so all you have to do is, well, come along~”

“And what would you have done had I not agreed?” Zhongli asks, flicking the other on the forehead.

“Xiansheng…” 

It’s almost impossible to not smile at the look on Childe’s face at the words, and so Zhongli doesn’t even bother to hide it as he lifts another snack to Childe’s lips in an attempt to distract the other from the topic — though he does make sure to control the pace appropriately so as to prevent yet another case of reckless eating. Death by lack of chewing one’s food was hardly a fitting end for someone known as the formidable vanguard of the Fatui, after all.

As if he ever would have said no. Zhongli thinks as he watches the sunlight catch on the tips of Childe’s hair and forms a halo of light around the other.

Hidden beneath the layers of his suit, lines of gold flicker across the surface of his skin.

Perhaps this trip would be an interesting one yet.

Maybe going on a long ride across stormy seas was not exactly the best idea, Zhongli soon realises. The faint bobbing and sway of the pearl galley as he sat and listened to stories told was bearable… but this? Who would’ve thought that the movement of the waves was yet another weakness of the great geo archon.

The next thing he knows, arms are wrapping around his waist and holding him close as a chin comes to rest on his shoulder, “Still awake?” 

“My apologies if I had disturbed your rest, but it seems so. I have to admit that the trip has been… far from comfortable.”

Sheets rustle, and the next thing he knows Childe is rising from the bed and heading towards the door, shrugging on a simple shirt on his way out. One thing he’ll never understand is how Childe is able to brave such temperatures with such ease… then again, the other had braved the Abyss and returned safe and sound (mostly). So, really, the cold was probably the least of his concerns.

“I’ll be back in a few, xiansheng!” Childe says just before the door clicks shut, leaving Zhongli to his own devices as he sits alone in their shared room, wrapped in the sheets and multiple layers of his sleeping robes in an attempt to brave the quickly dropping temperatures that only confirmed how close to Snezhnaya they were getting.

“I’m sure they’ll love you, xiansheng.” Childe had said just before they left, packing item after item to bring back for his siblings — a kite, miniature figures, dried delicacies, each one personally picked during their shopping session through Liyue’s marketplace just hours ago. “Really, like I said before, mother just can’t stop asking about you… I hope you enjoy Snezhnayan cuisine because she’ll probably cook up a feast!”

“I will look forward to it then.” A family… what a pleasant experience that would possibly be. The concept, while familiar, was never truly something he’d honestly experienced before. Not in the way it usually was like, at least.

Sure, Rex Lapis had the adepti, found companionship in a select few who’d remained by his side across the years. He’d watched Cloud Retainer raise disciples like her own, observed as directors of the Wangsheng Funeral parlour bring up their successors, seen Liyue’s people grow over time — each generation bringing up the next in streets full of joy, happiness, and most of all peace. But what truly is family? Unbound by contracts yet held by the strongest one of all… 

True to his word, Childe returns within the next few minutes with a tray holding a simple teapot and pair of cups, the pleasant aroma of ginger and chamomile drifting through the air and filling his senses. The tray is set on the table by the bedside as Childe settles down back by his side, pouring out a cup and placing it in Zhongli’s hands.

“Guess you could say I prepared in advance just in case,” Childe shrugs, “It’s not exactly the best quality but hopefully it should help! Just checked in with the captain and we’re almost there so not long left.”

The tea in the cup is pleasantly warm, soothing enough as he takes slow sips and focuses on the feeling of it and the presence by his side — hand drifting across tensed muscles and gently coaxing them into relaxation. 

That is how Zhongli ends up spending the whole of the trip lying down on the bed in their room, getting up only to sip tea every once in a while before returning to the warmth of Childe’s arms that at least chases away the discomfort of the cold.

“Focus on me, love.” Childe would whisper every so often when the swaying of the ship grows too much, patiently humming a song beneath his breath as they wait for the wave to pass.

Leaning against Childe’s firm hold, Zhongli sighs, “Remind me next time to perhaps pass by Bubu Pharmacy before any other ship ride.”

The calming song is broken for just a moment by laughter, “You know, xiansheng, I kind of wonder now about how you managed to travel to other nations before.”

“I flew.” He says in all seriousness. It is not a lie, he did enjoy taking to the skies whenever he can… and it certainly was one of the many options available.

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yes. That is the case.”

…

The first thing Zhongli is greeted by upon exiting the safety of their room is a blast of icy cold wind that has him pulling the fur coat tighter around himself just the slightest bit, decidedly ignoring the urge to step back in and perhaps grab another layer to wrap around himself in a vain attempt to retain heat in Shezhnaya’s unforgiving cold. Had the land of the cryo archon always been this cold? Zhongli frowns, barely resisting the urge to return to the safety and warmth of their bed and curl back into Childe’s arms where it was definitely warm .

A traitorous mind he had, initially not understanding the joys of sleeping protected in the arms of another. Thinking it was impractical. A hindrance to mobility, even. Only for everything to change after that first night they’d laid together, the light of sunrise casting its warmth across his cheek.

“Sleeping in, xiansheng?” Childe had laughed into his hair, free hand carding through it and twisting stray strands into miniature braids as Zhongli simply turned his head away from the bright light of the dawn to settle against his lover’s comforting warmth.

“Mm… it is my free day. And I find this position most comfortable, my apologies. It seems you had been right after all.” He’d replied, still drowsy and wishing to do nothing more than spend the rest of the day nestled against the other’s chest where it was most perfectly warm and safe.

“Well, I’m glad to have been of help!” And so for the next few days, Childe had continued to joke of his newly attained role as a ‘personal heater’ to add on to his long list.

Some days he’d awaken to Zhongli clinging to him in a tangle of limbs, others he’d find a small dragon curled against his side beneath a twisted pile of blankets. And, every so often, Zhongli would be stuck in an odd but most natural combination of the two, golden horns arching proudly atop his head and a fluff-tipped tail wrapped around a limb.

In all honesty, Zhongli never expected himself to get so comfortable that his control over his form unconsciously loosened in his sleep while in Childe’s presence. 

Perhaps it was the promise of warmth and safety… or something else entirely.

Before the thought can proceed any further there is a palm on the small of his back and a familiar weight laid across his shoulders as Childe comes up beside him, and Zhongli already expects the next words that leave the other's lips, “I told you so, xiansheng~”

“I am fine.” He huffs, though the faint chattering of his teeth and tremble to his voice gives him away. Curse his constitution for being vulnerable to such weather conditions, of all things… It seems even the almighty Rex Lapis is unable to withstand a simple winter’s cold.

“Sure you are,” Childe laughs, pressing a kiss to the reddened tip of Zhongli’s nose. With a sigh, he removes the scarf around his neck and wraps it around Zhongli’s, pulling it up such that you really only could see Zhongli’s brilliant golden eyes between the scarf and the fur-lined hood that had been pulled up. “There we go!”

Without a word, Zhongli sighs, sniffling just the slightest bit as they finally find themselves on solid ground once more — the calm energy of the geo beneath his feet a welcome comfort, far from Liyue as they are. It feels unusual, to say the least. Here, the earth would heed his call all the same, yet it did not hold the familiarity that Liyue's did… though that was to be expected considering Liyue had been personally raised by none other than himself. Each and every mountain and valley carved by his power that permeated the land, seeping deep into Liyue’s very foundation till it may as well have become an extension of his own godly power.

But it seems that not even gods (or ex-gods, technically) are spared from the chilling bite of winter. And so Zhongli finds himself standing as close to Childe as possible for whatever warmth he can get out of mere proximity. He never truly did appreciate the cold, rather preferring to sleep the cold winters away wherever possible… or retreating into warmer adeptal realms.

Oh, how he would love to—

“Who’s that person lord harbinger has brought back?” The faintest of whispers drifts across the wind to reach him, and Zhongli frowns as he glances to the side to see two people staring at them, the symbol of the fatui evident on their coats. 

“A lover, maybe? Though it is quite weird that their face is being hidden… do you think that he…”

“But a foreign partner? From what I remember, Lord Tartaglia is much too busy and obsessed with battle for such things.”

“Perhaps their beauty had managed to appeal to him.”

“Oh, I wonder—”

As expected, the conversation does not go unnoticed by Childe who sends a pointed look in the soldiers’ way as they pass, the pair immediately standing straight as boards upon being caught. It’s almost comical to watch the way expressions shift within their eyes. The initial annoyance fades into shock, followed by a few moments of horror as the realisation hits and brings fear to the forefront.

And all the while, Childe merely smiles by his side.

“Welcome to Snezhnaya, Zhongli xiansheng! Do feel free to request anything you require during your stay. As our special guest, your comfort is a priority.” Childe’s voice echoes throughout the otherwise empty hall, perhaps just a bit louder than usual, as he looks towards Zhongli. The cheerful glint in his eyes does little to mask the playful gaze, especially paired with the smirk that now rests upon the other’s lips. And if one were to look closer, the smallest bit of jealousy would possibly be found in those azure depths — sharp and dangerous.

Nonetheless, the words alone seemed to do their job for the poor fatui members immediately scattered without a word, gazes remaining fixed at the red mask atop Childe’s head for just a moment before they did so — so much for keeping a low profile… 

“There is no need for such treatment, Ajax.” He slides a hand into Childe’s pocket to pinch lightly at the skin on the back of his hand before holding it, muffling a chuckle as Childe attempts to return the action… only to fail because Zhongli was holding his hand and it was very much difficult to let go.

Without missing a beat, Childe simply nods, “Oh? But what if I say it is simply because I wish to spoil xiansheng on this trip?”

“Again, that will be unnecessary. Your companionship is more than enough of a gift.” It is the truth. In all honesty, they could even be going nowhere at all, and he would have been content just to have Childe by his side… there truly was no need for extravagant meals or bought gifts — his heart had long since been won over by the other’s charm, after all.

“Xiansheng—” Childe begins, only to find himself cut off as Zhongli pulls him to his side and away from the very obvious and wide pillar he’d almost walked himself into. 

“Do keep an eye on your surroundings, Ajax~”

“Xiansheng, are you alright? You’re… uh… cold.” Childe had asked one fine winter as he held Zhongli’s hand, frowning at the cold touch of it. It was almost like holding an actual block of ice—

“Ah, there is no need to worry Ajax,” Zhongli laughed after a few moments of confused blinking, raising their joined hands and holding Childe’s to his cheek, “See? It is just my natural state. Though, perhaps, if you have any issues with the cold… I would not be against sharing your warmth.”

“Xiansheng, you— you can’t just say those kinds of things in public—!” 

“Oh?” Zhongli had chuckled in response, a rare playful shine in those molten gold depths. “I had simply meant this.”

When Zhongli shuffles closer against Childe’s side, he almost has to resist the urge to burst into flames. Or wrap his arms around Zhongli. Or both. Maybe both.

Shrugging off his coat and wrapping it around Zhongli, Childe pulls the other close till he may as well be completely pressed against him. And, wordlessly, he brushes a stray strand of hair out of Zhongli’s face — the icy cold touch to his skin almost expected at this point.

As he stares out the window of the carriage they’re seated in, a smile rises easily to his lips. Ah, home. It’s not as if he’d not been to Snezhnaya in a long while, after all, it was only natural that he’d return every once in a while to report to her Majesty the Tsaritsa. But this time, with Zhongli by his side, something feels… different. More complete. Like a void within had been discovered and filled in all at the same time, replaced with a soothing warmth that wraps around him and takes the place that had always belonged to it.

That had been the very letter that had started it all months ago... and, well, looks like his family was finally going to meet Zhongli. The very person who’d somehow, and very much unexpectedly so, come into his life like a whirlwind of change and yet brought a promise of stability like the element he wields. 

Zhongli… from the very first day they’d met along the streets of Liyue where a chance encounter in front of a merchant’s store followed by a cordial introduction in the meeting room of the Northland Bank had turned strangers to acquaintances and then business partners, to the countless meals and meet-ups that had pushed it even further to an area neither of them was even familiar with… one that had been strange and exciting all the same.

Somehow, somewhere along the way, awkward brushes of hands had gained confidence, and staying over unannounced had become just another part of their days together — talks and company over tea extending late into the night and ending with such an invitation, or a walk back home at the least.

“I’ll take the couch, xiansheng. Can’t have a guest sleeping there!” Childe had offered the first day it had happened, only to be met by a disapproving gaze.

“Childe, I believe there is enough space on the bed for both of us. Unless… if you are uncomfortable with my presence then I shall—”

“No! It’s fine,” Well, what else was he supposed to say? ‘Xiansheng, I can’t sleep beside you because I actually really like you a lot… more than I probably should… and I really don’t think I can stop my heart from beating like crazy with you so near—’? Absolutely not.

And that is exactly how Childe had ended up lying very awkwardly on the other side of the bed, completely straight with his hands pressed against his sides and staring blankly at the ceiling in a vain attempt to lull himself into the sweet depths of sleep which refused to take him no matter how much he tried.

The next thing he knew it, the sun was rising and he was heading into the kitchen to hopefully prepare breakfast before Zhongli himself woke up — or at least try to. Sparing a quick glance at the sleeping adeptus had turned out to be a bad idea, the image of a usually stern and controlled expression so relaxed in slumber and long lashes casting faint shadows on perfectly smooth skin adding to the almost ethereal sight as Zhongli’s long hair fanned out across the pillow beneath him and his chest rose and fell so shallowly one could almost mistake him for a wonderfully crafted sculpture.

Only for said ‘sculpture’ to come to life and greet him with amber eyes that shone brighter than the morning sun for just a split second and a hard knock to the head as the other jerked upright all of a sudden.

“Ah, my apologies Childe—”  

Dazed and rubbing at his forehead with a slight wince, Childe had probably done the worst (or best, actually) thing he ever could have at the time.

“It’s alright, I love you.”

“...Oh.”

Then again, as silly as the confession had been, it had still managed to bridge that final gap between them so… mission success? Then again, it did fit them in a way. A confession made so naturally that there was no way to misinterpret — there was no lavish display, practised script, or anything really. Just three simple words.

Who would’ve thought that the feared vanguard of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, whose reputation is stained in blood and battle, could be so easily tamed by the calm words and wisdom-filled rambles of none other than a funeral parlour consultant who also happened to be none other than the geo archon himself.

Tartaglia may have failed in obtaining the gnosis, but he’d ended up gaining something much more valuable to the god instead. A heart that had been kept and protected so carefully beneath layers of unwavering rock.

The greatest treasure he could ever wish to obtain.

“Ajax?” Zhongli’s voice, muffled by the fluffy fabric of his coat, brings Childe back to the present where said powerful geo archon is wrapped up in layers after layers of clothing to stay warm. 

Turning slightly, Childe places a kiss to Zhongli’s forehead, lingering for just a moment longer than usual, “We’re almost there, but you probably can catch a bit more rest. I know you didn’t get any on the ship.”

“As an adeptus, I do not require as much—”

“Sleep, Zhongli. It’s alright, I’ll stay here and wake you when we arrive.” A single, very unimpressed glance, is thankfully all that it takes for Zhongli to return to his previous position with a soft laugh, head resting against Childe’s shoulder and watching the endless scenes painted in white pass outside. Buildings and trees alike blurring into the blanket of snow.

Hand still within his pocket, Childe reaches deeper till the tip of his fingers brush against a small box, closing his hand around it and feeling the energy within spark slightly at the thread of power he sends out.

“Brother, you’ve returned!” The moment the front door swings open, Childe finds himself attacked by none other than all three of his younger siblings who had been waiting at the door in clear anticipation. Behind them, his father stands, expression unreadable yet fondness within those familiar eyes even as they shift to Zhongli by his side.

“You look well, Ajax.” Has it really been that long? Childe can’t help but think to himself as he sees the stands of white in his father’s hair and wrinkles deepening around his eyes.

Beside him, he feels Zhongli take his hand once more, presence calm and soothing even as he replies to the flood of questions thrown his way by Childe’s enthusiastic and very much energetic siblings who want to know everything about the man accompanying their brother.

Maybe he should be the tiniest bit jealous of the way they immediately surround Zhongli within seconds of the other stepping out from behind him, bouncing on the balls of their feet with wide eyes.

“Mister Zhongli! Are the people of Liyue really stone people? Do they eat rocks?”

“You’re very pretty… no wonder brother likes you~”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mister Zhongli! Brother talks about you a lot in his letters.”

And to each one, Zhongli gives his fullest attention as he replies in that lovely warm tone of his, even bending down low to meet their eyes and letting them touch his hair in fascination. Seriously, how much more perfect can he get? Childe sighs, watching the other even as he feels gazes burning into his side.

Thinking about it, he’d never really seen Zhongli interact with children very often… and yet whenever he did, it was usually telling them stories as they nibbled on sweets, fidgeting with toys in their hands every so often — bought by none other than Childe himself of course. At first, it had been an attempt to soothe a single crying child, really. Only for the crowd to grow as Zhongli began talking about tales of Liyue’s past with such immersive skill that ended with Zhongli looking up from the book that had been in his hand with shock as he noticed the crowd that had formed.

Funny how even as the mortal ‘Zhongli’, the other still manages to attract attention by just being… himself. Was he jealous that his siblings went straight to Zhongli after him? Not at all. Thank goodness they like him.

“Come on, let’s let dear Zhongli get inside where it’s warmer,” His mother’s voice comes from down the hall, and Childe looks up to see the woman holding a pot of still steaming stew, “Just in time too, dinner’s ready!”

Reaching a hand out for Zhongli to take as his siblings finally disperse, Childe laughs as he brushes a stray bit of snow that had landed on his reddened cheeks, swiping it away with a gentle thumb and letting it melt into the fabric of his gloves.

“Ajax? Is something the matter?” Zhongli asks, and Childe has to clear his throat as he realises that of all things, he’d just been standing there and staring at the way Zhongli’s skin was so beautifully flushed the slightest bit red, amber eyes slightly watery in the dry air, and—

“Not at all,” He replies instead, ushering Zhongli through the door with a hand on the small of his back.

On the table are a variety of dishes that almost bring tears to his eyes, yet one stands out the most. There, right in the middle, is a horrifyingly bright red bowl of stew that looks all too familiar… a single octopus occupying the space of the pot to the point that you can barely even see anything else within.

“Is that…” It’s not like he never shared his recipe (or lack of one) before… but for his mother to actually make it?

“Yes, it is your little abomination of a speciality. We just felt like it would be a fitting thing to make! But don’t worry, we have other dishes that will hopefully appeal to your dearest’s taste.” And true to her word, less terrifying versions of the stew and plates of buns sit right to the side of the tentacled terror in a pot. “Your father personally went out to get the things and prepare the stew, actually.”

Except, to his horror, the first dish that Zhongli picks out is exactly that — happily scooping a bowl of it out and scarily expressionlessly downing it within minutes while still somehow holding a conversation with his mother on ingredient choice, seasoning, and… how perfectly she’d cooked the octopus?

“The vinegar added to the broth is quite pleasant, and the octopus cooked to just the right consistency.” Zhongli hums, placing his spoon down into the empty bowl without a sound before reaching for a bun as if he had not just eaten a whole meal containing something he disliked before without a word, even if there are other options available. Well—

Had something taken over Zhongli? Or perhaps the cold had frozen his taste buds… Last he remembered, Zhongli would not come anywhere near anything that contained said slimy, tentacled creature… yet here the man was finishing a whole bowl of it and more as if it were his most beloved tea — not a hint of discomfort anywhere. Unless…

After the meal, he’s most definitely going to treat Zhongli to something. Preferably without any seafood whatsoever on the menu. And probably for the next few days.

“So, when’s the wedding?” His mother asks after the meal, looking between the two of them with such a knowing look that it’s almost unsettling. 

Mother, please… Sighing at the very same question that has undoubtedly appeared multiple times across each and every letter they’ve exchanged over the past month, Childe glances at Zhongli beside him before replying, “Mother, we’re not—”

“We have not settled on it yet. Both Ajax and I wish to take our time on this journey before considering such a step.” To his surprise, Zhongli slides their hands together beneath the table with ease as he turns to look Childe in the eye with what has to be one of the most radiant smiles he’d ever seen on the man, practically glowing in the evening light. Did he know?

“Ah, don’t mind me. You young ones should take all the time you need.” She laughs, “I’ve heard a lot about you, Zhongli dear. Welcome to the family, and if Ajax here does anything to upset you, the offer is always up to toss him into the nearby lake~ Oh how our boy has grown. Come, let me show you some of his pictures from when he was a little one! Did you know…”

And so, before he can even get back to check on Zhongli and figure out what’s going on in his head, the man is being whisked away by his ever-enthusiastic mother up the stairs and to a room Childe is sure he won’t be able to get anywhere near until each and every story of his childhood is told in their entirety. Knowing Zhongli, the other probably wouldn’t be forgetting a single detail anytime soon. Great. 

Resigning himself to his inevitable fate of probably being subtly teased by Zhongli for the next few days, Childe gathers the empty dishes on the table to bring into the kitchen — Anthon, Tonia and Teucer long since retired to their rooms for the night (albeit unwillingly, to enthralled by Zhongli’s story of the great adepti of Liyue).

“Mister Zhongli! So what are you?” Anthon had asked cheerfully, cheeks stuffed. “There’s birds a s-stag… Oh I know! A biiiiig dragon?!”

The amusement on Zhongli’s face had been clear to see as Childe all but choked on the cup of water he’d been drinking, “I am but a humble consultant, that is all. Between the two of us, your brother is certainly the most interesting. After all, not anyone is able to achieve a title such as ‘best toyseller’.” 

Hah.

“Ajax, do you have a moment?” His father’s voice comes from just around the corner as he turns into the kitchen, seeing the other leaning against the counter with a very familiar bottle and pair of cups out.

“What is it?” Childe sighs, placing the plates in the sink before turning round to join the man.

“You’ve really grown up, huh. Never thought our little troublemaker would actually be able to find someone and settle down with ‘em.” He laughed, raising a cup to the light with a grin, “I have just one question: Are you certain?”

The answer comes almost instantly, not even needing a moment’s thought, “Absolutely.”

“Then it’s settled… Your old place’s ready, has been for a while. I wish you the best of luck, son.”

The cup is held out to him, and Childe takes it, finishing its contents in one go. The burn that goes down his throat is pleasant, spreading through him and brushing away the hints of the night’s chill effortlessly. Ah, good ol’ Fire-Water.

“To tomorrow.” Glasses clink, and Childe allows himself to settle into the counter seat as another is poured.

…

When Zhongli finally comes down the stairs, heading towards the counter without a word, grabs the bottle in his hand, and finishes it in one smooth movement, Childe finds himself unable to do anything but stare with his mouth hanging embarrassingly open.

Then again, he also really should be more ashamed of the way his gaze follows the stray droplet that slides down the column of Zhongli’s neck… probably. But that’s not the main point at the moment.

“Well then, I’ll leave the two of you. Don’t tell your mother I opened the stash!” Looking between the two of them, his father leaves with a wave of a hand, patting Childe’s shoulder and squeezing it just the slightest bit before disappearing up the stairs.

“Xiansheng?” Childe frowns as he watches the way Zhongli partly leans against the table in a manner so unlike his usual perfect posture, cheeks flushed red and eyes glowing a faint gold every so often. All the while, Zhongli had barely even said a word, almost as if he was in a world of his own. 

“I am alright, Ajax~” Zhongli finally replies much too long later, speech slurred just a little as he smiles lopsidedly, staring at Childe through the bottle he holds in front of him, “Just allow me a few moments. It’s… been a while.” 

Even as he says that, Zhongli is pouring another cup out… and then another. And it’s when the glow in Zhongli’s eyes becomes almost content, and lines of gold begin making themselves visible, that Childe decides he probably should do something before the supposedly dead archon reveals himself to the whole of Snezhnaya because of one too many sips of Fire-Water of all things.

The pout on Zhongli’s lips as he takes the cup out of his hands and places the bottle further away has Childe’s heart beating faster in his chest. Seriously, was it even possible that adepti could get drunk? And Zhongli of all people?

With how much the man spoke of osmanthus one, one would assume that he had much higher tolerance… but guess not.

Standing from his seat and moving to Zhongli’s side, Childe takes Zhongli’s hand and rubs circles into the back of them till Zhongli finally looks him in the eye, amber eyes blazing gold and cheeks flushed a bright red. “Let’s get you to bed. Probably should have warned you about how strong Fire-Water is ahaha, sorry xiansheng.”

Except… no reply comes. “Xiansheng?”

As if not hearing him at all, Zhongli blinks once, twice, eyes unfocused.

“Zhongli.” He tries again with a sigh, “Say, let’s make a deal! Or a contract, if you will.” 

It is to the word ‘contract’ that Zhongli finally reacts, perking up from whatever dreamlike state he’d been in, and Childe has to stop himself from laughing at the situation. Of course, a contract was the way to go to get to Zhongli. 

“Contract?” Zhongli frowns, propping his head up with a hand as he watches Childe with a gaze that was probably a bit too intense for someone who’d just chugged multiple bottles and been almost half flopped against the table mere minutes ago.

“We’ll play a little game. You have five minutes to hide anywhere outside, but no further than the frozen lake. If I don’t find you within that time then you win and can do whatever you want!” 

“And if you win?”

“Then we’re going to bed.”

“... I accept.” A flash of gold, and the next thing Childe knows, Zhongli is nowhere to be found.

Ok, maybe it wasn’t exactly the smartest idea after all, Childe groans as he opens the door to be hit by a burst of wind and a mouthful of falling snow. But there was no way Zhongli was going to return if Childe didn’t find him first… and Childe was absolutely not going to leave him overnight in the snow.

Luckily though, it doesn’t take long for Childe to actually find Zhongli.

Right there, at the edge of the forest just past the fencing, orbs of gold glow brightly among the white landscape and the tip of a tail hangs from a branch, swaying along with the wind in a gentle rhythm. But he chooses instead to make a round around the area first, checking behind crates and looking up random trees and keeping track of the time in his head before finally stopping below the tree Zhongli is in.

Or, well, rather the miniature version of his exuvia form that has Childe pausing for a moment as he climbs the tree and meets closed eyes covered by a single paw as if Zhongli were laying an arm over his eyes as he tended to do at times, especially when the sun was bright in the morning.

“Xiansheng! That’s not fair at all… But I still found you!” He laughs, leaning against the trunk as he sits atop the branch. 

“That you have,” Golden eyes open, and then there is a bright flash of light and the sound of the branch below them cracking under their weight, before Childe finds himself falling back onto the snow. The next thing he knows, Zhongli is on top of him, amber eyes blazing with power as golden horns arch upwards, framing the moon above, and lines of swirling power painted across the other’s skin. The very picture of a god, resplendent under the moonlight. “You have won. We shall go to bed, then.”

“Right. Bed.” Childe coughs, decidedly looking away from Zhongli because the look on his face really was beginning to affect him more than it should… and their current position was absolutely not helping at all. Fortunately, or not, said god had landed on top of him after their fall… right in his lap. “Xiansheng, how about you get off of me first?” 

“Oh.” The ex-archon so clearly displaying his divine form only blinks before shuffling off of Childe and standing to offer a hand in assistance, which Childe takes gratefully and allows himself to be pulled up and out of the snow. Shuddering slightly at the uncomfortable feeling of snow melting into his shirt and dampening, he brushes the rest of the snow off and stretches before turning to face Zhongli once more.

In the middle of the snowy forest, Zhongli’s golden glow stands out like a sore thumb. Practically a glowing beacon… with no way to pass off as anything else — not even a giant crystalfly.

“Xiansheng, can you maybe… uh… tone down that light for just a bit?” Well, he probably can’t… but it’s worth a try to ask, no?

Zhongli’s frown only deepens as his eyes narrow in concentration, and Childe merely sighs as he shrugs off his coat and places it on Zhongli, pulling down the hood to cover as much of his horns as possible. Beautiful as they are, it would be… complicated to explain to anyone who happens to see them. And with the fact that there was probably Fatui lurking around the perimeter, getting spotted would be anything but good.

Not that Childe can’t handle it, but he’d prefer not to have to confront recruits while supposedly being on vacation. Or have to explain that yes, the man with him is the supposedly dead Morax. After all, only a select few — well, more like the Tsaritsa, Signora, and himself — were aware of the contract made.

Now what to do about that tail…

As if sensing his thoughts, the tail shifts, wrapping around Zhongli’s waist beneath the coats and barely showing under the layers. “My apologies, it seems that I have… limited control at the moment due to my state of inebriation. Would this be sufficient?”

Laughing as he takes Zhongli’s hand, darkened and decorated with lines of geo as it is, Childe leans in to press a kiss to Zhongli’s cheek. “Let’s go home, xiansheng.”

Thankfully, the path back is clear, and the only problem would probably be the wet tracks being left on the floor from the snow sliding off of the coat covering Zhongli — but those can be dealt with later on.

“Here you go, xiansheng,” Childe places a towel and set of clothes on the bathroom counter, running the water for just a moment to check its temperature before turning it off again to turn to Zhongli who is still standing at the entrance, hood off and watching with clear confusion as he makes to leave. 

“Will you not join?” Oh.

And so that is how Childe finds himself sitting in the bath with Zhongli moments later, their bodies pressed together within the small space as warm water falls down on them. Running his hands through Zhongli’s hair and massaging in soap, Childe makes sure to carefully untangle each and every section till it flows silkily straight in a curtain of amber tipped dark strands before rinsing it out. Throughout the process, Zhongli practically melts against him, eyes closed and breathing steady. Not that Childe is complaining at all.

“Allow me,” Zhongli would usually say, turning to face him and sometimes even accidentally hitting Childe in the face with his long hair as he does so. Gentle hands would skim over scarred skin — each one a mark representing each battle he’d fought, a piece of his life etched into his skin as eternal reminders. The long one down his chest from abyssal beasts all those years back, a small cut at his right shoulder blade from a debt collection gone wrong, rough hands from years of handling weapons. All part of what made him who he is today.

And Zhongli would trace each one with care, pressing light kisses to rough skin.

It’s slow days like this that they cherish the most, taking their time to prepare in the mornings without the usual rush. Time they can finally spend together without anticipation of a goodbye kiss and hurried rush out of the door.

It takes slightly longer to complete their usual routine, with Zhongli practically half asleep in his arms, but Childe is able to manage. Somehow. Returning to bed with an armful of slumbering god and tucking him beneath the sheets.

Just as he’s about to leave to return to tidy up the mess below, Childe finds himself stopped by a tug on his sleeve that refuses to let go no matter how much he tries.

“Don’t go…” Zhongli turns in his sleep, turning and brushing his cheek against Childe’s hand which he now grips tightly, fingers interlocked. Shaking his head, Childe lays in bed beside Zhongli — not like he’s able to do much else, really — and watches the ceiling, counting the stars pasted above till sleep takes him as well.

Xiansheng, oh xiansheng… What am I to do with you?

Coming to the next morning, Zhongli immediately regrets his past self’s decision as the faintest hint of the sun streaming through the window sends a piercing pain through his head that only worsens as he shifts to turn away.

Fire-Water… Childe… the forest... Oh Celestia above, what had he done—

“Good morning, xiansheng. How are you feeling?” There is a hand held in front of his eyes, soft voice hoarse from sleep whispering into his ear, and Zhongli can’t help the smile that rises to his lips at the consideration. Really, he had not expected himself to do such reckless things. To become so comfortable within such a short period of time and loosen the hold on himself, and his powers especially, which he usually kept such a firm grip on. 

Maybe it was the unfamiliar environment far from home, the distance from the responsibilities he constantly is reminded of though they are not necessarily his anymore; or maybe the effects of that strange sense of warmth within his chest that had only grown stronger the more he allowed himself to ‘relax’ and go along with the motions (though, somehow, that seemed to have included his ability to process alcohol).

“I will not question Ajax’s decisions, or yours, god of contracts. All I can ask is that you take care of Ajax… he may not say it all the time but the boy truly cherishes your presence. Ever since he met you, he’s been different. But in a good way, like he’s finally found something.” Childe’s mother had told him as she flipped through a book containing images of a much younger Ajax, cheeks rounded and soft with youth; hair wild as ever as he ran through the snow, watched rabbits from behind a bush, and sat at the very edge of a frozen lake with but a string tied to a wooden pole to act as a makeshift fishing rod.

Perhaps he could say the same for himself as well.

Somewhere along the way, a day without seeing Childe by his side — eating meals in the comfort of Wanmin Restaurant or luxury of Liuli Pavilion; or simply strolling across crowded streets and open plains, through the mountains or even along the shores — became hard to imagine. It would be bearable, yes. But a part of him knows that an unexplainable emptiness would follow.

Such is the blessing and curse of love and emotion, Zhongli thinks. A strength and weakness all the same.

Beneath him, Childe’s heart beats fast and strong, and Zhongli simply allows himself to listen to the rhythm of it. Matching his breathing. Letting the pounding in his head fade bit by bit till he is able to at least shift without feeling as if the whole world was spinning.

“Good morning, Ajax.” He finally says, looking up. “Not exactly the best, but it is bearable.”

The following laughter is practically felt from his position atop Childe’s chest, and Zhongli huffs as he allows himself to be helped into a sitting position. 

“It’ll get better in a bit, I promise. Mother’s home remedies are one of the best!”

And true to his word, the warm bowl of soup given to him the moment they reach the dining table clears all but the worst of the discomfort — dulling even that down to a blunt sensation that is all too easily pushed to the back of his mind and barely noticeable even at its worst.

“So, Zhongli xiansheng, what would you like to do today?” Childe asks, taking a piece out of the bun in his hand and dipping it into the stew before placing it in his mouth. 

“Oh! There’s a festival in the village centre, I think! You should bring Mister Zhongli.” Tonia smiles from the other side of the table, “The snow shouldn’t be as bad today too, it’s the perfect chance to p—”

“Festival it is!” The nervous chuckle does not go unmissed, but Zhongli simply nods and follows as Childe stands to take some dry coats for them to wear out. (Yes, Zhongli is completely aware of what exactly he had done the previous day… not exactly the most embarrassing but Celestia had he not expected to have such an eventful night.)

When they finally leave, it is well past noon yet the sun continues to shine high and bright, the reach of its rays unhindered by the cloudless sky. Snezhnaya, and Morepesok, is just as Zhongli remembers it… cold . It’s the kind of cold that settles achingly deep into your bones and is able to leave your skin feeling numb. The last time he’d been, it was to settle the contract he’d made with none other than the Tsaritsa herself.

The very contract that had brought raging tides of change to Liyue’s shores which left the land in the rule of its people — as it should be. 

And here he is again, but for a much more different purpose than any other time. This time, there is warmth in that cold. One that blooms from within as he feels his hand held by another’s, a strange warmth that had begun since the day he’d first met the harbinger and only grew the more time they spent together. It is not unwanted. Never was.

Love… it hasn’t been long since he’d realised it. But… it was almost as if there was something more to it. Perhaps it was something Morax could do without… the same with Rex Lapis who only held Liyue and its people within his heart of stone. But Zhongli had grown much too accustomed to that warmth, despite the way the duration of its existence was just a single drop in the ocean that was his life.

Ah, it’s been a while… Zhongli thinks as they walk through Morepesok’s streets — trailing ribbons, brilliant lights, and more decorating the lamp posts and benches that line them. Cold as the Tsaritsa’s heart had supposedly turned, felt in the land’s everlasting winters, never did it truly affect Snezhnaya’s people who continued to revel despite the storms that had only grown more merciless with each year that passed. 

In the air, a gleeful tune plays, drifting across the crowd and only growing louder as they continue down the street. And, with each step, the small smile upon Childe’s face only widens.

“Ajax, what’s that?” Zhongli asks, watching the crowd in the middle of the square. People are gathered around the fountain — in pairs, trios, or even larger groups of fours and fives — as they move along to the instrumental, spinning and drifting across the space in an almost organised chaos that is led only by the melody that surrounds them and the movement of others around them in the festive crowd.

“I think showing you will be the best way to explain it, xiansheng,” Childe winks at him, and that is all the warning Zhongli gets before he is being pulled into the eye of the excitement. 

Zhongli takes a few moments to gather his thoughts, will his limbs to move along to the music as naturally as the others around him. But, well, it seems that dancing is not the strongest skill of an archon so used to doing so only upon the battlefield in a much less joyful pattern. 

“Follow after me, xiansheng.”

One. Childe takes a step back, offering a hand. The snow falling around them and the lights shining just above only serve to further his prince-like image — fur coat draped across his shoulders and charming smile upon his face.

Two. Zhongli’s answer is obvious, and he finds himself pulled into the flow of things. Right foot back, left foot to the side, right foot meets left, repeat with the opposite leg.  

Three. It’s all too easy to forget the cold now as his heart beats quicker within his chest each time they meet, finding their way to each other no matter how many times the crowd shuffles them around from partner to partner. Even from the opposite side of the square somehow they are able to return, and Zhongli can’t help but linger for just a moment as Childe’s gloved hand cups his cheek. Tracing the line of his jaw and pausing as a thumb brushes across his lips.

“Trust me?” There is a whisper against his ear, and Zhongli is barely even able to nod before he finds himself twirled about, caught in waiting arms and dipped so low that he feels his hair brush against the snow-covered ground, before being whisked back up into a strong embrace.

It’s almost exhilarating , he finds. Cheeks flushed and chest rising and falling not out of exhaustion but rather an excitement that has power singing within his veins, threatening to burst forth in sparks of gold that are already at his fingertips.

Though… it seems that he had gotten more relaxed than he’d thought. With a laugh, Childe twists a strand of hair around a finger, kissing the glowing tips lightly before letting it fall back into place. “Zhongli, you’re glowing.”

“... it seems that I am.” Zhongli clears his throat, closing his eyes as he takes one, two breaths, and hopes that his poor heart has calmed enough by the next time he opens them. And, of course, that the threads of power return to their peaceful slumber beneath his skin — the last thing he needs is to turn into a living lantern in the middle of Snezhnayan streets, so much for remaining inconspicuous.

“Wasn’t that fun?” Childe is saying, warm breaths puffing against Zhongli’s cheek as they remain there, not quite parting even as the music’s last notes drift off and the crowd begins to disperse. There is so much more to enjoy, but all Zhongli can focus on is that strange warmth within his heart, almost unbearable in the way it burns so passionately.

It takes a few moments for Zhongli to gather his thoughts, gazing into those ocean blue depths that had never left him even once, “Indeed it was.”

“Well, there’s more where that came from, xiansheng! We’ve come at the perfect time, really.” Passing a stall, Childe smiles at the owner as he chooses a flower from the bunch on display, muttering words in velvety Snezhnayan and placing a few mora on the counter before returning to Zhongli’s side. “For you.”

It takes only a second for Childe to fix the blossom in his hair, held by the very same tie wrapped around the high ponytail his hair is in. If a flower can bloom even in everwinter… it would not be too much of a reach to assume that even stone can hold the beauty of such delicate life. Fleeting as it may be.

Perhaps it may yet reveal a beautiful gem, more precious and brilliant than any other. Or maybe it already had — uncovered an appraised by the one it truly belonged to.

A treasure like no other.

As the sun begins to set on the horizon, Zhongli raises a brow as he notices the path is most certainly not the one they’d taken to reach the village centre. The complete opposite direction. But it does not take long before he realises just where they are going, the sight of the Fatui recruits standing guard at a gate more than telling enough. And as they near, Childe pulls out his mask from where it had been kept within his coat, fastening it to the side of his head. Almost immediately, any Fatui members who had been present on the property left, muttering a quick ‘Welcome back, Lord Harbinger’ as they pass.

Where else could they be but Tartaglia’s personal mansion? Reserved only for himself and serving as his base of operations in Snezhnaya — aside from Zapolyarny Palace, of course.

But instead of entering, Childe leads him past the main building and into the clearing where a garden resides, beautiful evergreen trees lining the path and sheltering the beds of roses, camellias, and other beautiful flowers in bloom, from the endless blanket of snow.

Right in the middle is a single pavilion, roof made of glass and allowing the moonlight to shine down on the single table within where a vase holding qingxin, silk flowers, glaze lilies, and the such are bundled into a beautiful bouquet with a string of starconches and cor lapis around the base. The sight of it has a smile rising to Zhongli’s lips as he realises what exactly the splendour is for.

Of course, how could he ever forget such a day? One so often associated with romance in foreign lands… 

“Surprise, Zhongli!” Childe laughs as he leads Zhongli up the steps to the pavilion.

Leaning in to place a kiss to Childe’s lips, Zhongli raises a brow as he sees exactly what dishes lie atop the table. Lotus crisps arranged within a simple box tied with a ribbon, surrounded by a small selection of sweets he remembers as being desserts from Fontaine and Inazuma — delicate balls of chocolates and strawberry-filled balls made of glutinous rice flour.

“You made these?” He asks, though he already knows the answer.

“With a bit of help, of course.”

A single crisp is brought to his lips, and Zhongli parts them without a second thought, humming as it delicately melts within his mouth while still providing a satisfying crunch. 

Maybe it’s the residual energy from earlier, or the restoration of it after finally recovering from the previous days of travel, but Zhongli finds himself biting playfully at the tip of Childe’s glove that chooses to linger, thumb brushing against his lips as the hand retreats and causing the glove to slide out of place just the slightest bit.

“There is something I need to give you,” Childe says instead, hand cupping Zhongli’s cheek, and Zhongli lets himself lean into the touch even as the rest of him threatens to tense at the statement. Whether in anticipation or anxiety, he is unsure. The hurricane of feelings bubbling up within his chest coming and going too fast for even himself to make sense of.

“... And what may that be?”

But then Childe is kneeling on one knee, and he realises.

There, beneath the light of the moon above and the faintest music of festive cheer in the distance, time seems to slow as Zhongli watches Childe with wide eyes.

“Zhongli, this is for you,” Childe says, pulling out a single box from the pocket of his coat and placing it atop the table. “I… may not always be able to be by your side. But this, I guess, is a way of making it so. That hopefully a part of me, or my power at least, can accompany you whenever I’m away.”

Taking it and opening the box, Zhongli’s eyes widen as he sees the simple bands within — swirls of blue shifting under the light and pulsing with the faintest bit of elemental energy. Without needing to give another second of thought, Zhongli summons threads of gold that drift towards the bands, coiling around them and joining the swirling blue.

“Do I take this as a proposal, Ajax?” 

“... Only if you wish to accept the contract that follows. Zhongli, I may not be able to spend an eternity with you as you deserve… but if you do then I can only promise that I will return time and time again to your side — no matter the cost.”

“Then let it be set in stone.”

Under the watching eyes of heaven and earth, the rings are slid onto joined hands, interlocked even as their lips meet in a slow dance that grows in passion and fervour till Zhongli finds himself backed against the stone table of the pavilion. And maybe he only has himself to blame as he tugs on Childe’s collar to pull the other closer, watching ocean blue orbs that look at nothing but him and him alone.

Upon his finger, the ring blazes hot, betraying his attempts to remain unaffected as he looks at Childe framed by the light of the moon — eyes sharp and bright like a wolf in the winter. Their only witnesses are the flowers around and the sky above, watching their union alongside the heavens above and earth below, yet heat rises to his face all the same as the layers that had protected him are removed. Baring his skin to the biting cold.

Childe is quick to close the distance, the warmth of his touch almost burning in contrast as fingers trace along the lines of gold that glow bright and uncontrolled across his skin, flickering ever so slightly.

“Beautiful…” Childe whispers against heated skin, and Zhongli can’t help the soft gasp that leaves his lips at the praise. At the reverence given to the marks of power that held memories of times passed.

Zhongli himself could not be marked, not by any weapon ever. His inherent healing much too strong for that to ever happen. Yet one single mark stands out from the twisting lines of gold, cracking right in the middle of his chest and blooming like a flower outwards. The only mark truly ever left on divine skin.

The mark from when Zhongli himself had removed his gnosis , his heart, and handed it to another. It is right there that Childe lays his hand flat, sending a faint wave of hydro energy, and Zhongli watches as blue light flickers and a familiar mark is left among the gold, pulsing ever so slightly. And it’s almost as if it’s always belonged there.

A breeze blows by, and Zhongli smiles as Childe shifts to shield him from it.

“Perhaps we should move to a more suitable area? …Preferably one much warmer.” Zhongli laughs as he brushes flakes of snow out of Childe’s hair and leans upwards to capture the other’s lips into a kiss once more.

“Right. We should.” Childe laughs, and Zhongli finds himself scooped up into strong arms that hold him with such care, wrapped in nothing more than Childe’s coat as they head indoors where they are sheltered from the cold in the little bubble of their own space. A place where none will disturb.

“I love you.” Zhongli finds himself saying those three words countless times that night, repeated like a prayer in the heights of passion and whispered lovingly in the calm silence of the night, moonlight streaming in through the window.

So this is what it is like to love. To love and be loved so much that a life without becomes almost unimaginable…

Wherever you go, I will follow. The promise is left unsaid, yet understood as they lie peacefully in each other’s arms, hands held between them and rings glowing in the dim light. Maybe, just maybe, that promise can be fulfilled. After all, love is a strange thing that holds powers unknown…

Who’s to say that it cannot attempt the seemingly impossible? To go against fate and erosion and stand strong against the divine?

“Zhongli xiansheng! If there was one thing you’d ever want in the world, what would it be?”

“I believe I already possess it.”