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Zhongli has seen a lot of things. He’s seen civilizations rise and fall from their own powers. He himself has crafted the world and shaped it.
It wasn’t an exaggeration if he said he’s seen everything. He was confident he had .
Well, Zhongli was surprised. And pleasantly so.
Despite being married for 7 years (whether his partner knew for the first year or not, Zhongli was adamant it should be totalled in) and counting, Childe was never one to initiate much physical contact. There was always a careful distance placed between him and the world, hesitate to claim anything he didn’t deem as his.
Knowing Childe’s habits, one of the last things he expected was warm arms wrapped around his waist the moment he walked through the front door. He was shocked more so when his husband grabbed the back of his neck, forcefully pulling him down to lock lips.
It was such a demanding touch that Zhongli was stunned stupid. His mind lulled over if he’s ever felt like this before. Truly, his beloved never made a slow day.
When Childe pulled back, hand from his neck slipping to cup his cheek, Zhongli gave a low chuckle. “I suppose working those extra hours were worth it.”
Childe snorted, thumbing over his eyelashes with a child-like amazement. Holding him with such a gentle touch, as if afraid adding the slightest bit of pressure would shatter him like porcelain.
Melting in the cool look of ocean blue, Zhongli nestled into his husband’s palm. Sea salt with fresh waves filled his senses, no longer holding the bitter hint of metal. Compared to how Childe was at their first meeting, it was like looking at a new person. A happier person; dead eyes regaining the light lost as a child.
“Stare any longer and you'll burn a hole through me.” The tone was slightly sarcastic with a spice of assaperation, an extra dramatic eye roll drawing the show together perfectly. Childe was always perfect when it came to dramatics.
“Pardon me, my love. I was simply lost in your beauty.”
The tinge of red flushing the other’s cheeks proved his victory. No matter how much affection nor how many compliments he showered Childe with, his habit of blushing never got better. “... when did you become such a flirt?”
Zhongli took a step back when Childe’s arms went slack, easily slipping from his hold. Golden eyes gleamed with love, affection overspilling into his words. “I learned from the best.”
Childe spun around, leading them towards the kitchen while chattering about everything and nothing. Zhongli listened with piqued interest, adding little comments when prompted but otherwise remaining silent. He watched the red head slice and add seasoning into the pot of soup, making a side comment that it was almost ready before excitedly talking about a crow bringing him a trinket that morning.
Zhongli absorbed the crow information a bit slower, putting pieces together. He didn’t know that Childe was feeding them when he was at work. No wonder the numbers of birds around their home has grown exceptionally within the past spring. When he questioned as such, Childe laughed and confirmed he’s been doing it in secret for the past few months.
Such an odd thing to hide, Zhongli amused. Though listening to Childe talking about wanting to raise a crow army gave him the passing thought that secrecy was the best move. Such an interesting motive. Scariest part was that the former harbinger was succeeding .
Domestic warmth filled the home under the pair’s chatter, tea being brewed and served with freshly cooked dinner.
Never a dull moment living with his beloved. Having thought he has previously witnessed the world’s offering and more, the littlest things caused a charming bewilderment.