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Liyue's climate is much warmer than Mondstadt.
It is also, naturally, much warmer than Snezhnaya. Even on a summer day, Snezhnaya's weather still inflicts chills and has its citizens pull their jackets tighter around themselves.
Upon being questioned, Childe would go ahead and say that he has become accustomed to the higher temperatures, and that they no longer bother him. It holds at least a bit of truth - the months he's spent here have gotten him somewhat used to Liyue's climate.
But, he realizes, as he walks alongside Zhongli through Dihua Marsh while the sun is at its peak and shining down on them relentlessly, he's never been here during summer and it's an entirely different kind of hot.
Zhongli doesn't look bothered in the slightest, lightly chatting away, dressed in his usual suit and coat. Childe feels his own body temperature raise at least 5 degrees from the sight - and not in a fun way.
He thinks back to how they woke up this morning: Zhongli's arm around his waist and his face pressed into Childe's neck, skin to skin. Usually a very welcome circumstance but it had been far too hot and Childe had all but fled the bed.
Currently, he regrets his clothes as well. He's taken off the scarf and carries it in his left hand, fanning himself with his other. Sweat beads along his neck and temple.
Is it his imagination or is the world tilting a little?
Zhongli has stopped and turned towards him, but while his lover is usually steady and rock solid, right now his form is swaying.
"Huh," Childe mutters, perplexed.
Zhongli abruptly goes silent, just as Childe's knees buckle.
"Ajax!"
When he comes to, it's a little cooler, though not by much. Childe becomes aware of the sound of running water and something wet pressing against his forehead. His head is pillowed on something soft.
All things considered, he has woken up in worse conditions before.
"You should have told me you were feeling unwell," comes Zhongli's voice from above. Childe opens his eyes, ready to squint against the sun but finds a big tree sheltering them from the relentless heat, its leaves providing shade and whispering in a light breeze.
Zhongli removes the wet something (Childe catches a glimpse of red and realizes it's his own scarf, probably having been dipped in the little stream by his side) and instead puts his hand on Childe's forehead. He makes a noise.
"You still feel quite warm," Zhongli observes, his brows pinched in worry. Childe wants to reach up and smooth out the frown, but finds no strength to do so. His head clears further, at least; he is resting with his head in Zhongli's lap.
"It's your good looks making me feel hot," he mutters, mustering up a half-hearted smile. Zhongli closes his eyes, looking exasperated.
"A heat stroke is not to be taken lightly, Ajax," Zhongli lectures softly, before he twists his upper body to the side and dips the scarf into the stream once more. "You need to drink and rest. And if I may suggest it, then a set of clothes more appropriate for this weather might be in order."
Childe closes his eyes, acknowledging the words with a hum that turns into a soft groan when Zhongli puts the wet cloth back against his forehead. It feels heavenly .
"You don't look all that bothered by the heat," Childe comments after a moment, already half lulled to sleep by Zhongli gently carding through his hair and the pleasant coolness of the cloth on his skin. "Is that adeptal magic?"
Zhongli trails his fingers (bare and featherlight) over the column of Childe's neck and hums: "Would a dragon be bothered by fire?"
Childe laughs at the cryptic answer that's just so Zhongli , then turns his head to allow those wandering fingers more space to explore. "I guess not," he gives back and is rewarded with a brief kiss.
The summer heat still rages and burns and the air feels too hot to breathe in, yet Childe finds it doesn't bother him anymore. Sheltered under the tree and with the sound of running water close by, with Zhongli's gentle hands on him and his even gentler voice in his ears, Childe drifts off.
In the evening, the heat has died down a little and can almost be described as pleasantly warm. The sea breeze tousles Childe's hair where he stands by the docks and he breathes it in, feeling at peace.
"You look splendid tonight," comes Zhongli's voice from behind and Childe grins, turning to look back at him.
Despite his protests, Zhongli has carried him back to the Harbour after hours spent resting under that tree and has personally overseen Childe's recovery until now. Maybe a heat stroke isn't to be taken lightly but Childe has bounced back from worse.
"Thank you for the compliment," Childe says and spreads his arms as he turns and twirls for Zhongli to see. He has shed his grey jacket and blood red shirt, left behind the high boots and the long pants. Instead, Childe wears a more traditional Liyuen garment made of white silk that feels airy and light on his skin, adorned with golden embroidery.
Zhongli's eyes hold a glint as he drinks in the sight and Childe thinks he's hit the jackpot with this outfit.
"Hu Tao helped me with some last minute purchases. I almost got a brown and gold combo instead, but that would defeat the purpose of summer clothing, right?"
"Right," Zhongli agrees and he steps close. Childe meets him halfway, grinning victoriously when Zhongli kisses him more passionately than he usually would while in public.
Protective old dragon , Childe thinks, delighted, and kisses Zhongli again for good measure.