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Liyue Harbor bustles busier than usual.
Childe watches as millileth string lanterns between lampposts and wonders what the occasion is. Something to ask Zhongli when he sees him later, he decides.
The air is starting to get a little cooler in Liyue. He had arrived in the middle of a sweltering summer. His movements were made slow and sluggish, and he was sure he had sweated out so much of the liquids in his body that his vision wouldn't even work anymore.
The air was now a much more comfortable temperature. It was nowhere near the biting colds of Snezhnaya, with its comforting sting. It was calm and comfortable, and Childe sighed in contentment as a cool breeze swept through his hair.
He hummed a cheerful tune as he continued on his stroll. His eyes landed on a marvelous sculpture of a rabbit. The craftsmanship was great, and the jade it was carved from was such a clear color. He wondered what Zhongli would think of it. He dared not purchase it for him without his approval first. Childe shuddered at the memory of the last time he had tried to do so.
"Xiansheng!" Childe had called out happily.
Zhongli's eyes brightened upon seeing him, and he looked oh-so-lovely as he smiled at him.
"I've got a gift for you," Childe had proudly stated before presenting Zhongli with the earring he had purchased.
Zhongli's smile grew wider, and Childe perked up with pride. But the moment was short-lived when Zhongli's brows had scrunched together as he examined the earring presented before him.
Zhongli's smile was back just as quickly as it had disappeared. Zhongli had stated just a little too loudly that he loved it and reached to put it in his ear. But Childe knew something was wrong.
"If you don't like it you could've just said so, Xiansheng! No need to pretend! I'm no fragile flower, I'll be able to take it!"
Zhongli sighed.
"You really are clever, Childe. Is this the wit of the notorious 11th Harbinger?" Zhongli had mused, an eyebrow quirking up.
"The earring you have gifted me is beautiful, Childe, truly. I greatly appreciate the sentiment," Zhongli swallowed hard before continuing, "However, it is... a fake."
Childe could feel his heart stop right then and there. No way he had just given Zhongli a fake earring.
"But," Childe spluttered in denial, "that can't be! The shopkeeper promised me this was the finest cor lapis mined from the tallest mountain in Liyue! There's got to be some mistake!"
Zhongli only shook his head slowly, and Childe groaned. It was just his luck to get duped and embarrassed like this. He sighed.
"You can give me back the earring, Xiansheng, I'll teach that guy a lesson. How dare he mess with a Fatui Harbinger? What does he think, that I'm just some stupid, bumbling, foreigner? Does he know who I am?"
Zhongli gives an amused smile at Childe's angry murmuring.
"I'll show him," Childe continues, seething and oblivious to the world around him, "That guy will regret messing wit-"
Childe is interrupted by a hand to his shoulder, and his face is met with Zhongli's serene smile.
"There's no need for that, Childe," Zhongli mused. "Fake or not, I'd like to keep the earring. It's quite lovely. You have a good eye, Childe. I'll treasure it."
Childe had flushed hard then, basking in the praise.
Zhongli had not since been seen without the earring. It always warmed Childe's heart when he saw it dangling happily by Zhongli's neck. He had lost count of the number of times he'd thought of reaching out to still it, hand close enough to feel Zhongli's warmth before cupping his face in his hands. But that would not be appropriate; Zhongli and Childe were friends, and friends do not lovingly caress each other’s faces.
Zhongli and Childe were wandering through the market together later that evening when they heard it: a shopkeeper’s voice ringing loud and clear.
“Mister Zhongli! And Mister Childe, what a pleasure to see you! Why, Zhongli Xiansheng, is that an earring you’re wearing? I’ve never seen you wear anything like it, is it new? Oh, what delicate beauty it has, do tell me where you got it from!”
Zhongli only gave a serene smile to the shopkeeper before his eyes flitted to Childe. Childe could feel his face turning red, but hopefully, the dim street lighting hid it well enough.
“It was a gift from someone very dear to me,” Zhongli had said, and Childe nearly choked on his own spit.
Zhongli had walked away as if nothing had happened at all, but Childe replayed that moment in his head the whole night, feeling as if he were floating.
Childe knew from the moment he saw Zhongli that their meeting was ordained by fate. Their eyes had met like old friends during their first meeting, lingering just a second too long. Childe didn't quite know what it was, but he knew that he and Zhongli were going to be... something.
Zhongli handed his gnosis to Signora, and Childe hardly batted an eye. It was certainly, well, unexpected for one. But right after he did, Zhongli’s hand went right up to his earring, and his eyes flitted nervously to Childe.
Childe knew all he needed to know when Zhongli sought him out after the whole ordeal, wrapping his arms around him in the tightest hug he’d ever felt in his life.
He’d breathed in deep as he nestled his face in the crook of Childe’s shoulder.
“Thank you for being here,” he whispered softly. Childe felt his heart rising into his throat. “Words cannot describe how much you mean to me, Childe. Thank you for being here with me.”
Childe was rendered immobile. He didn’t mind at all.
He was bound by contract to keep him in the dark, it came with the job and was nothing Childe didn’t understand. There were plenty of things he couldn’t tell his family, but that didn’t mean he loved them any less.
Zhongli and Childe were simply two of a kind. They understood each other like that.
Signora might have gotten the gnosis, but Zhongli’s time was his. And that was more than enough for Childe.
~~~
Childe is bored out of his mind, eyeing his clock restlessly. He’s practically counting down the seconds until he can leave and spend more time with Zhongli.
Childe has long since accepted that he’s in love. What else could he call this warm feeling that sang through his blood every time he saw the man? It was like electricity was pulsing through his veins. Not the sharp sting of his delusion, sapping the life out of him, but more like the winding of a river as it cleansed his soul.
Childe loved everything about Zhongli, it was as simple as that. If soulmates existed, well, Zhongli was certainly it for Childe. He had eyes for no one else, and even less space in his thoughts. It was all occupied by Zhongli, Zhongli, and Zhongli.
Now, Childe had tried his very hardest to let Zhongli know the extent of his feelings. Truly. But every time he tried to make a move, he got lost in the warm honey of Zhongli’s eyes gazing deep into his very being.
A little worm of anxiety would whisper thoughts of unease into his ear, and his dreams would be plagued with visions of Zhongli looking at him with disgust and leaving him in the dust. That could not be. So Childe kept his hands to himself and waited until he had the courage to think about telling Zhongli again only to get shot down once more by his own thoughts.
Childe knew his time was limited. He was leaving Liyue at the week’s end and hadn’t the slightest clue when he’d be able to return. He’d grown fond of the place and had no idea what he’d do without his excursions with Zhongli to look forward to.
Nothing could stop him from hoping, though. Three sharp knocks sound on Childe’s door and he shoots up to greet Zhongli, who is smiling softly at Childe and looks as beautiful as ever.
“Hello Childe,” he says in his wonderfully sonorous voice, and Childe melts. Zhongli’s voice is like hot chocolate on a cold winter evening, and Childe can never get enough of it.
Childe is so, so, close to kissing him.
It’s unfair, really. Zhongli is too fucking gorgeous, and he knows just how to take advantage of it: lips forming a pout when he’s lost in thought, eyebrows crinkling in that adorable way that makes Childe want to smooth the crease with his thumb.
He can’t stop thinking about greeting Zhongli’s lips with his, but he’s not ruining this. Not now.
“Do you know what day it is, Childe?” Zhongli asks, his voice in a way that makes it clear to Childe that it’s something a lot more special than just September 29th.
“With the way you’re asking me, I assume it’s something special?”
The corners of Zhongli’s lips quirked up.
“Ah, I can always count on you to catch onto my every move, Childe,” Zhongli muses as Childe’s heart jumps happily. “You are correct. The Moonchase Festival will be taking place today.”
Childe hums in acknowledgment, and Zhongli takes it as a sign to go on.
“The Moonchase Festival is celebrated to honor the god of the stove, Marchosius, who gave up his divine power to protect Liyue. There are many traditions and legends surrounding this holiday, and I hope to be able to share them with you.”
Childe smiles in encouragement. He loves it when Zhongli talks about Liyue. His eyes light up in a most delightful manner, and you can tell just how happy it makes him just to have someone listen to him ramble.
Childe would do anything to keep that delighted look on his face.
“I would love to.”
Zhongli beams and Childe wonders how much longer he can last in his presence before his heart fails. In a good way, of course.
Zhongli continues to talk, “Each year the Qixing come up with a theme for Moonchase. Last year was ‘Feast of the Bounteous Land’, and many cooking competitions were held. The resulting food was quite rewarding.”
“What’s this year’s theme, then?” asks Childe.
Zhongli looks at Childe and smiles. Childe can’t quite tell what the look is behind the swirling gold of Zhongli’s eyes.
“Those we hold dearest.”
Oh.
How nice.
Childe hides just how flustered he is behind a mischievous grin.
“Ah, Zhongli, is that why you sought out my company?” he teases. Deep inside, under the mask of jokes he hides his feelings under, there’s an answer he wants to hear.
“Precisely,” Zhongli says so confidently that it takes Childe a moment to comprehend what he even said.
Childe is rendered speechless. He wracks his brain for something to say, trying to keep the conversation from falling into an awkward silence.
“Xiansheng~” he croons, “you’re too sweet.”
Zhongli looks away. Is he perhaps… embarrassed? It was a cute look on him. Childe yearned to see more.
“It’s true though.”
Maybe Celestia wasn’t so bad after all, not if they had gifted him moments like this, with this gorgeous, gorgeous, man.
Before he can rethink his whole life goals as a fatui member, Zhongli is pulling him towards a stall.
“Mooncakes are an essential for the Moonchase Festival,” Zhongli states matter of factly.
The cake is small and round, with Liyuean characters stamped on the top. ‘花好月圆‘, Childe reads. Zhongli notices him looking and explains.
“It means a good life,” Zhongli smiles. “Let us celebrate the moment in which we are living, and the wonderful new life you have allowed me to have,” he raises his cup in a toast.
Childe flushes. He’d never thought about it like that. He’d always felt guilty about the, well, war crime he’d committed. Zhongli made it sound like a good thing. Zhongli sounded grateful. If Zhongli was happy, he was happy. Childe smiles and raises his cup in return.
“To a good life!”
They finish up their mooncakes and continue wandering around the harbor. The sun is starting to set, entering that twilight zone. The lanterns twinkle happily where they are strung, and families bustle about, holding hands. Laughter rings through the air and a soft breeze blows through Childe’s hair. It’s comforting.
Childe was a being born for battle. He is a weapon of war. Such mundane moments were not made for him. A life of peace is a weapon wasting away in its sheath.
At least, that’s what Childe always thought.
But this wasn’t so bad. It was pretty nice, actually. He could get used to it. He looks at Zhongli, peaceful as he’s ever been as he walks with his hands clasped behind his back. He points at some snacks a street vendor is selling, explaining its history and cultural significance enthusiastically.
Childe can’t take his eyes off of him. He looks at his hand, pointing at the wares, and wonders how it’ll feel intertwined with his. He looks at the faux vision glowing in the center of Zhongli’s waist, swaying as he walks. He wants to wrap his arms around his waist, coveting Zhongli all to himself. Zhongli’s words go in one ear and out the other, but his beautifully sonorous voice seeps into his skin as he thinks about pressing his lips to Zhongli’s and drinking in his voice.
He’s busy thinking about what Zhongli’s voice would taste like (honey, most certainly) when they are interrupted by some kids running around with homemade lanterns. He watches as they argue over who has the best lantern and can’t help but smile.
Zhongli notices his diverted attention, but can’t help but do so as well when he notices the kids.
“Would you like to make one too, Childe?”
“Of course! It looks like fun!”
Zhongli takes them to a stand. There are paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes, and different materials to decorate.
“There are many different kinds of lanterns, but the most popular are the kongming variant. The candle lit inside allows the light paper lantern to fly, and it’s popular for making wishes.”
“What are we waiting for?” interrupted Childe, “let’s do that one!”
~~~
Childe is shocked, to say the least. In the time that Childe managed to make a sticky mess of his lantern as he had attempted, in vain, to glue decorations on, Zhongli’s was simply a work of art. Somehow, he had managed to paint an intricate picture of Liyue Harbor during Moonchase on the round lantern, complete with lanterns dotting the sky. Childe wasn’t sure if it was some bullshit adepti magic or if the sleep deprivation was finally getting to him, but it truly looked as if the lanterns were floating.
Zhongli smiled all-too-proudly as he caught Childe gaping at the lantern.
“You seem quite impressed,” he mused.
Childe huffed.
“Don’t get arrogant now, xiansheng. Mine’ll knock yours out of the park.”
Zhongli’s eyes twinkled. He raised an eyebrow in response, but the amused expression fell right off his face when he saw Childe’s lantern.
Dangling from his lantern were eight cleverly placed streamers. Two beady eyes stared back at Zhongli. Childe had made an octopus.
A bark of laughter escaped the Harbinger.
“Zhongli! You should’ve seen your face! Come on now, don’t tell me you’re scared of this old thing, are ya?” he teases as he wiggles the tentacles at Zhongli, who takes an uncomfortable step back as he glares playfully back at Childe.
“Yes, yes. Very funny, Childe. Are you ready to release the lanterns so that your…” Zhongli gives an uneasy glance to the octopus. Childe grabs a tentacle and moves it in a waving motion at Zhongli, who facepalms.
“So that your… creature may be someone else’s problem,” Zhongli sighs in mock exasperation.
“Aw, you don’t mean that, xiansheng. Ollie the Octopus is a real nice guy once you get to know him,” Childe teases.
Zhongli rolls his eyes, which only makes Childe laugh even more. It’s not often he gets to see prim and proper Mr. Zhongli so fed up, which makes moments like these all the more valuable.
When Childe finally calms down, he elbows Zhongli gently in the ribs.
“Come on, Zhongli! These wishes won’t wish themselves!”
Zhongli looks down to write something on his lantern. His brushstrokes are unfairly elegant. Childe’s strokes look like the very hungry caterpillar in comparison. He doubts his writing is legible, but he looks up at Zhongli nervously before scrawling it out anyway.
He holds it up, careful not to let his words within Zhongli’s eyesight and admires his handiwork.
“I want to date Zhongli”
The candles are lit, and on a count of three, the lanterns are released into the air at the same time. At this point in the evening, the sky is full of them.
Zhongli looks at Childe as he’s admiring the sky. The reflection of the lanterns in Childe’s eyes makes them look like they’re carrying the very stars within themselves. Perhaps they do. Zhongli wouldn’t be surprised. A being so vibrant of full of life such as Childe was sure to be graced with all the world’s light.
“What’d you wish for, xiansheng?” Childe asks innocently.
“I’m afraid I cannot tell you that, or else it won’t come true,” Zhongli replies, giving a cheeky grin.
Childe groans.
“Oh, come on, Zhongli! There’s no way you actually believe that. Just tell me!”
Zhongli responds with a pointed look.
“Why don’t you tell me what you wished for, then.”
Childe opens his mouth, as if to retort before promptly closing it again, a tint of pink spreading across his face.
“Well, I’d really like it if my wish came true, so I don’t think I’ll be telling you, xiansheng.”
Zhongli huffs.
“Hypocrite.”
Childe only sticks out his tongue, which makes Zhongli roll his eyes again. He loves him when he’s like this. He always loves him.
“Whatever. Shall we take a walk through the mountains? I know a lovely spot. Come, I’ll tell you a story.”
Childe nods eagerly before bounding after the god. Any excuse to listen to that deep baritone of his was always welcome in his book.
The two wander down a path leading outside of the harbor. The sun had long since set, and the stars were coming out. Zhongli held out his hand, claiming that the road ahead was quite bumpy and it was getting dark. The moon was the roundest Childe had ever seen in his life and provided enough light to see just fine for him, but he took his hand happily anyway.
It was the best thing that had ever happened to Childe. Zhongli's hands were strong, but slender, fitting perfectly into Childe's, which was insanely attractive. He could feel power in Zhongli's grip. Zhongli was perfectly capable of turning the bones in Childe's hand to powder, yet chose to hold it as if it were something delicate, as if it were an ancient artifact that would disappear with the wind if he squeezed too hard.
Childe decided right then and there that his hand was made to hold Zhongli's and he'd take every opportunity to do so.
They come to a grove of trees with blossoms as white as the snow in Snezhnaya. The sweet aroma of the flowers drifts through the air. A small picnic is set up.
"Oooh, how romantic," Childe lets humor drip into his voice to hide his heart's truest desires. And who could blame him? A moonlit picnic in a grove of flowers? Come on, Zhongli, what's a guy to think?
The smile Zhongli returns is soft as moonlight.
"Glad you think so."
Childe nearly chokes on his spit. Well, he certainly wasn't expecting that.
Zhongli reaches up to a tree branch and gently plucks a sprig of the small white flowers before presenting it to Childe.
"For you," he says with a wink.
Childe accepts it as he tries, in vain, to contain the smile on his face.
"Appreciating the beauty of the osmanthus flowers is also a Moonchase tradition," Zhongli explains. "There are many legends pertaining to the moon that are often told during such a time. Sit, Childe. Let us share this fine wine."
He pours some from a bottle into a cup, and Childe brings it to his face, trying to identify the substance. It smells just like the flowers all around.
"Osmanthus wine," Zhongli clarifies.
They settle down. The wine is sweet, nothing like the sharp tang of the firewater Childe prefers. Zhongli closes his eyes as he takes deep sips, enjoying the moment. Childe decides he likes it.
Zhongli swirls his wine in his cup. After months of close observation, Childe takes this as a telltale sign that he’s about to be told a story.
"Allow me to share a Liyuean folk tale with you. The story of Wu Gang and the Osmanthus Tree."
Childe listens intently, hooked on Zhongli's every word. Have I mentioned that he loves listening to him talk? Because he can never get enough of listening to the deep timbre of Zhongli's voice. A mere "Hello, Childe," is enough to soothe even the greatest paperwork headaches. Or maybe that's just Zhongli.
"This is a tale from ancient times to explain the shadows on the moon. It also serves as a tale to teach children patience. Wu Gang was a young woodcutter who wished to become immortal, so he sought one out to seek instruction from him. The immortal happily accepted him as his disciple at first, before realizing that Wu Gang was unteachable."
"How so?" asked Childe.
"There wasn't a patient bone in his body. He quickly became bored with the tasks given to him by his master, with only his goal in mind instead of the process needed to achieve it."
Childe nodded in understanding. He had seen all too many recruits just like that. In the Fatui, reading people is a valuable skill. Those he deems unworthy are dishonorably sent home to find some other way to be useful to Snezhnaya. He is one of the kinder Harbingers.
"The immortal grew angry with him and marooned him on the moon, where there is a great osmanthus tree. He told Wu Gang that he could be immortal once he chopped it down."
"Is he immortal now?" Childe asks.
"In a sense. But he is bound by his task to chop the tree, which has yet to fall."
Childe reflects upon this story. It's an interesting one. To be doomed to chop a tree for eternity, Childe would rather die.
"The story goes to show that good things are bought with patience. Without it, you will live a meaningless life," Zhongli explains. "I have seen this in my own life as well. Fighting was hard. But were it not for the centuries of war, Liyue wouldn't be standing as it is today. I can wake up every morning and see my people at peace, and that is a gift."
Zhongli looks at the sky. It's hard to believe that this lovely man and the great warrior god from tales of old are one and the same. The expression on Zhongli's face is one of pure serenity, and Childe can feel his happiness reverberating through the air.
"Were it not for the hardships I have faced, I would not be able to hear the sounds of laughter every day as I walked through the streets, gaze upon the flowers here today, or drink their sweet wine," Zhongli says as if reciting poetry. Perhaps he is.
"I would not have the pleasure of looking at a moon so full with you today."
Zhongli looks at Childe now.
"I am most grateful for the life I have been given. Without it, I would not have had the pleasure of meeting you. And that is a gift I treasure most dearly."
Childe swallows hard. He wishes for the words to come to express his feelings, but the gift of eloquence such as Zhongli's was not bestowed upon him. He puts his hand over Zhongli's to show that he returns the sentiment.
Zhongli's smile grows wider. He's positively radiant now, and whether it's from the light of the moon or his sheer divinity, Childe is unsure.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Zhongli asks, though his gaze is still on Childe.
"It sure is," Childe responds breathily, "It's like I can die happy."
But it pales in comparison to you, Childe thinks. All the moon's light could never shine as bright as your eyes.
They sit silently for a while, but it's not awkward. Childe feels peaceful. The moon is round and full above them, casting a silvery glow everywhere they look.
Zhongli leans his head on Childe's shoulder. Childe's breath catches. An arm snakes around Childe's waist. Childe hesitates for just a moment before letting his walls come down and leaning into the touch.
"I mentioned before that this day is meant to celebrate Marsochius," Zhongli begins. "But there is a newer story surrounding the origin of the holiday. Though not necessarily true, it's still a sweet story."
"Tell me," Childe breathes.
The weight of Zhongli's head against his shoulder is relaxing. Childe doesn't think he's ever been more comfortable in his whole life.
"There were once ten suns in the sky, which made the earth inhospitable. An archer named Hou Yi shot them down and was gifted an elixir of immortality as a reward. But there was only one elixir, and Hou Yi couldn't bear to live without his wife, so he never drank it. One day, a thief broke into his house with the intention of taking the elixir. His wife, Chang'e drank it herself for fear that it would fall into the wrong hands. Soon after, she ascended to the moon."
"What did Hou Yi do then?"
"Patience," Zhongli chides.
"Ooh, don't tell me you're going to dump me on the moon to chop trees forever, almighty immortal," Childe wails teasingly.
Zhongli snorts and shakes his head.
"I'm afraid I would derive no pleasure from doing such a thing. I'd much prefer to have you here, anyway."
That keeps Childe quiet.
"As I was saying, Hou Yi was rather angry at first, but after some time he missed his wife. He left out her favorite foods every night for her to try to bring her home. The other villagers saw him doing this and followed suit. Thus the holiday was born: people will make offerings to the moon when it is the fullest and gather together to cherish their loved ones."
Zhongli sits up to gaze into Childe's eyes. Childe mourns the loss of the arm around his waist but is quickly met again with Zhongli's hand as it cups his face. He can't help but lean into it, appreciating its warmth in contrast to the cool autumn air. It blossoms through his skin, painting his face pink as he feels its warmth throughout his body.
"Let the full moon represent my affection for you, Childe."
Childe blinks. He doesn't know what to make of this. Could Zhongli be insinuating what he thinks he is?
“The people of Liyue see the moon as a metaphor for life; sometimes it’s full, sometimes it’s missing. I have seen this throughout the years. But you light up my nights, Childe. I felt as if I was in the dark my whole life, but now everything is crystal clear. I find myself lost without your presence, and long for you always.”
Zhongli’s voice goes quiet. Childe is lucky to hear what he says next.
“Will you stay with me, for as long as I can have you?”
Childe is speechless. Never did he think the night would go this way, with Zhongli whispering such loving words to him, with his hand against his face.
Zhongli pauses, searching for a reaction. His gaze is unwavering, but Childe can tell by the touch of uncertainty in the cadence of his speech that he’s nervous. Zhongli, nervous! Imagine that! He would have been proud if his heart didn’t feel like it was running a marathon.
“I love you, Zhongli,” Childe says simply.
If he thought Zhongli’s smiles were enchanting before, they were nothing compared to the way Zhongli was beaming at him now.
“I love you too, Childe,” Zhongli says in return. Gods, the affection can be heard dripping off his voice.
Unable to bear it any longer, Childe grabs the lapels of Zhongli’s coat and drags him in for a kiss. It’s sweet with the taste of wine, their lips moving together in perfect harmony. Zhongli kisses softly, almost as if he were something delicate. Childe knows their souls are inseparable. He was meant to stay by this man’s side forever till time tore them apart. He’d make sure of it.
They part for air, gasping and giddy off of the high of their love. Childe smiles stupidly, without a care in the world, because nothing else matters anymore. Zhongli kissed him and the world is glowing and everything is beautiful.
He brings them closer, practically on top of Zhongli now, before kissing Zhongli on the cheek.
“Say it again,” Childe requests.
“I love you, Childe.”
Zhongli is rewarded with another kiss.
“Again.”
“I love you, Childe.”
“Again.”
Zhongli chuckles softly. It’s the hottest thing Childe has ever heard. Zhongli gets another kiss just because Childe wants to.
“You want to know deep my affection for you is, Childe?” Zhongli asks teasingly. With the way he’s looking up at Childe now, all confidence and desire like he wants to eat him whole, Childe is sure he’s going crazy. He kisses Zhongli again because he’s hot.
“Tell me.”
Zhongli laughs again, and Childe wants to drink it in. The sound of it is sweeter than any wine.
“Insatiable,” Zhongli teases before continuing nonetheless. “My affection is real, and my love is true. It is unwavering, stronger than any mountain in Liyue. Don’t you ever doubt my love for you, Childe. I love you an unfathomable amount.”
Childe is just about melting in Zhongli’s arms. Their lips meet again with passion as if to make up for all the time they wished to meet but didn’t.
“You wanted to know what I wished for?” Zhongli mumbles between kisses into Childe’s ear. It’s the most attractive thing Childe’s encountered and he’s sure he’ll revisit this memory often.
“I wished for you to be mine. Will you be mine, Childe? Will you light up all my nights to come?”
Childe laughs. All that pestering and wondering what Zhongli had written on his lantern, and it was the same wish as his all along? Zhongli looks so pleasantly confused at this outburst, like a lost puppy. It’s adorable.
This is something worth fighting for, Childe thinks. What is fighting, if not for the pleasure of living? For moments like these, at the top of the world?
He looks down at the man holding him, drowning him in his unbound affections. If he were the ocean, he’d let him in anywhere. Into his heart, into his head, into his lungs until it overcame him. And he wouldn’t even mind, because he loved it all the same.
“I was already all yours, Zhongli,” Childe beams. “I’ve always been yours. After all, you’re everything I’ve ever wished for.”