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It had been about six months now since Zhongli met Tartaglia, Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, currently preferring to be called Childe, and here in Liyue with the ambitious goal to take the gnosis from the Geo Archon. And ultimately, although the Harbinger didn't know it yet, he would be the man to finally relieve Zhongli of his duties and grant him his freedom, after all these years.
Zhongli hadn't known what exactly to expect from the man with just the few promises of the Tsaritsa about Tartaglia's abilities. At worst, he expected to have a malleable pawn who would fulfill his role in the grand scheme of things but otherwise best be kept at a strict distance from Zhongli's personal life. However, it turned out that the young emissary from Snezhnaya was charming and interesting company. Childe was a joy to spend time with and thus, as time passed, Zhongli very much began to look forward to their business dinners more and more.
Dinners which... admittedly increased in frequency and casualty over the months.
And Zhongli was in favor of this development, surprisingly so.
He had realized soon enough that one shouldn't judge Childe too early. The young man was a fascinating enigma, a surprisingly competent performer, one mask blending seemingly seamlessly into the next.
But, as was often the case with the best actors, there was authenticity in that performance. It was the glue, holding the entirety of the play together and it was a thrilling challenge to discover those parts of the real, authentic Childe behind the masks without disturbing the flow of his performance.
Often, Zhongli realized, Childe himself didn't even fully realize if his behavior was a show or real.
Of course, no sane mortal could become the vanguard of the Tsaritsa. And Childe obviously had a past that left him not just with a lust for battle and immense power but also with a loss of a sense of self. This was something Zhongli was very familiar with and seeing how Childe still stubbornly clung to the joy of living, how he struggled to keep the authentic parts of himself - the generous, quietly affectionate parts, the impulsive, adventurous parts, the way his eyes lit up when Zhongli praised his skill with the vision, the way he smiled with glee when he tore through a Hilichurl camp, and the way his smile softened when he watched the children in Liyue Harbor play - all of this was just all the more endearing in Zhongli's eyes.
And before he knew it, their relationship had changed.
Zhongli didn't know when exactly it happened but at some point it was undeniable that their frequent meetings went past the professional distance of a polite relationship of business partners. For someone who observed Childe as intensely as Zhongli did, it was not hard to see how the young man slowly opened up and became more genuine over time. The bright and friendly but slightly stiff smile that Childe used so often to mask his own feelings faded more and more and was replaced by glimpses of softer, more open expressions. Sometimes, Childe would allow the conversations to go further into his private life. Zhongli had slowly learned more about Childe. That he liked to cook and wanted to try out some recipes from Liyue, that he cared deeply for his family and many of his purchases were presents for his younger siblings, that he tried to treat his subordinates with respect but would not be lenient towards any kind of insubordination because his youthfulness could easily lead others to question his authority otherwise.
In turn, it took a while for Zhongli to notice how his own feelings had changed. But of course, he had always been a bit slower to realize this kind of thing when it came to himself. Maybe it should have been obvious when he started to become so fixated on wanting to observe every single detail about Childe, to see what was behind all those carefully crafted masks. Zhongli always viewed himself as more of a bystander, a listener, an observer who watched the beautiful scenes of the tales laid out before him but was long since past the time where he wanted to get involved directly into the play. However, he suddenly felt the desire to be more proactive and to get more closely involved with Childe. There was no denying that he was also getting more comfortable in his interactions with the Harbinger. Zhongli liked the young man and wanted to indulge him just like the other tended to indulge Zhongli by listening attentively to his stories and paying for both of them with nothing more than a shrug and a small laugh. Maybe a joke at Zhongli's expense. But that, too, was just endearing.
They got along well. Surprisingly well, considering their identities: a Harbinger who entered Liyue under the guise of a normal emissary from Snezhnaya with the single goal of claiming the Geo gnosis - and the Geo archon, the target of those schemes, who tried to fit into human society and was, unbeknownst to Childe, looking forward to the day when he could relinquish his gnosis.
Or perhaps, this was exactly why they got along so easily. Both trying to fit in despite being so different from everyone around them. Both, so used to wearing masks, hiding their true feelings and intentions behind a finely-woven tapestry of half-truths and omissions.
There had been no need for Hu Tao's teasing. Zhongli had long since realized that his unfortunate inclination to forget to bring mora with him had gotten significantly worse ever since Childe had appeared in his life. He couldn't explain why exactly but it just felt right to rely on him, to accept his purchases as if they were offerings. For a time, he had considered that to be the reason. Maybe he just felt so comfortable, shamelessly accepting being spoiled by a young mortal because he was so used to offerings. Maybe it was a part of him that still couldn't fully embrace a simple, mortal life. After all, thousands of years of reigning as an Archon left their marks on him and Zhongli knew full well that he couldn't just lose this part of himself.
However, he rejected this thought, in the end. While yes, sometimes Childe's generosity with mora could feel similar to the offerings Rex Lapis would receive - they still felt distinctly different. These little gifts and gestures were not from a mortal to an Archon, hoping to incur divine good-will. They also didn't carry the transactional nature or helpless desperation that he often knew from his followers.They weren’t aimed at Rex Lapis but at Zhongli .
And that made every little gift, every paid expense so much more personal.
Like every god, Zhongli could sense the intent behind every offering made to him to a degree. And Childe's little offerings had lost any transactional intent fairly early on.
Maybe, just maybe, this was a sign that the feeling of wanting to spoil the other was mutual. Maybe the boy also just wanted to spoil Zhongli.
And Zhongli couldn't bring himself to stop the new direction their relationship had taken.
Although their meetings had increased significantly in their frequency during the months after Childe's arrival in Liyue, they'd still always kept up the mantle of business meetings. Well, maybe not necessarily in the most convincing way, going by the comments from Hu Tao and some of Childe's coworkers (always behind the back of the Harbinger, of course, but not quiet enough to escape Zhongli's ears). But overall, they'd still followed basic business etiquette. Although their strolls around the harbor might push it sometimes. But Zhongli couldn't help but admire the merchandise on display and Childe was far too eager to accommodate him.
Still, all their meetings had been strictly reserved for business hours, so far.
That was why, Zhongli was admittedly somewhat apprehensive when he had a different suggestion in mind. He brought it up during one of their lunch meetings at Wanmin.
As expected, Childe looked at him, eyes wide with surprise. But not with displeasure or rejection.
"A storyteller performance?" Childe asked, with undeniable curiosity and excitement in his voice. "Why yes, Zhongli, that sounds delightful! I'd be honored to join you. I've never been to one of those performances but I actually wanted to visit one ever since I came here. Never really found a good opportunity, though... It may be hard to believe but I have quite the soft spot for this kind of stuff. You know, listening to stories of adventures and the like."
Zhongli couldn't help but chuckle. That was, in fact, easy enough for him to believe. After all, he rarely had an audience as captive and patient with his ramblings as Childe. He had figured that this might be something of interest for the young Harbinger but it was still a relief to hear this enthusiastic agreement to a clearly informal evening outing.
"Well, I am sure that Iron Tongue Tian will not disappoint your expectations. I hear that he has increased his repertoire of stories about rare local legends of Liyue. I'm sure it will be quite intriguing."
Childe laughed and oh, how Zhongli adored this bright sound. How his heart fluttered softly at the sight of the wide smile on Childe's face.
"You already sold me, Zhongli-Xiansheng!" There was a slight teasing note in the way Childe called him by this honorific. It was adorable.
"I can't wait! It's a pleasure to join you this evening."
"The pleasure is all mine, Master Childe," Zhongli responded with a smile and was only barely able to keep a satisfied purr from bubbling up at the sight of Childe flushing slightly. It never failed to amuse Zhongli how the young man would easily tease and compliment others but got flustered just as easily if the same was directed towards himself.
Yes, Childe craved attention, always chasing after compliments. But at the same time, he often seemed unable to take genuine praise or care from others.
Although - and Zhongli realized that he might be biased here - that seemed to happen mostly when the praise and attention came from Zhongli. When others like his Fatui subordinates or the merchants of the harbor complimented Childe, the young boy usually took it in stride. Only with Zhongli would he turn a delightful pink and stutter in an attempt to change the topic. He wasn't sure what this meant, if it even meant anything at all, but Zhongli adored the sight regardless. It filled his heart with a comfortable warmth.
They met at Feiyun Slope that evening and slowly made their way towards Third-Round Knockout. They were early enough to take their time and enjoy the mellow evening and warm lights of the city. Zhongli told the excitedly listening Childe about some of the more ancient funeral traditions. A topic that might have deterred others but as with most of Zhongli's tales, Childe always seemed eager to absorb any and all knowledge that Zhongli had to offer, no matter how trivial or morbid the topic might be to anyone else.
And as he watched the young man by his side, face practically glowing in the warm lights and watching him with such an open, curious expression, hanging on his every word - Zhongli quietly admitted to himself that Childe might not be the only one who reveled in someone's attention. It was undeniably a joy like no other to have Childe's attention all to himself.
The evening unraveled gently. Again, it felt so natural, so right, to lean in and quietly provide more information to the fascinated man beside him; about the story itself, about the historic background, about the art of storytelling. Childe was clearly taken by the tale Iron Tongue wove but he also brimmed with excitement, every time Zhongli would interject and claim some of Childe's attention for himse-, no, every time he added some interesting additional information.
Although Zhongli usually just ordered tea for occasions like this, Childe was quick to get them alcohol to accompany their meal.
“Come on, Zhongli, we can't spend the evening at Third-Round Knockout and not get alcohol! “ It almost sounded like a whine and, Celestia above , did that sound make Zhongli feel weak. “I'm not saying that we should get black-out drunk but what's a good dinner without alcohol? Surely you know of some drinks that would go well with our food, right? I'll trust your recommendation! “
And truly, Zhongli saw no reason to deny Childe this. It was a rather sensible request after all. He was not just weak to those pretty, pleading eyes.
A mellow wine accompanied them through the meal and Tian's story. Childe was full of praise for Zhongli's choice of drink and Zhongli tried his best to avoid looking too smug and to hold back a rumbling purr.
As the evening continued, Zhongli noticed how Childe's smiles seemed to come out more naturally. They slowly lost their usual edge and stiffness. As always, it took a while for Childe to show a more genuine side of himself but it was beautiful and always worth the wait. So, Zhongli was far from against it, when Childe suggested staying a bit longer and getting some more drinks.
It had been a long time, Zhongli realized, since he indulged in something like this. Spending time with Childe was so easy and maybe his fascination with watching all those interesting expressions of the young mortal was similar to Childe's fascination with listening to Zhongli's long-winded stories. And while alcohol barely had an effect on Zhongli thanks to his unique constitution, it certainly brought out new and beautiful expressions on Childe.
After trying a few things, it turned out that Childe took a particular liking to baijiu, claiming it was similar in taste to Snezhnayan firewater.
“Well, in that case I hope that you are aware that baijiu can be deceptively strong. You may want to be cautious with it if you don't want to end up, as you called it, black-out drunk.”
Childe laughed. “Oh, don't you worry about me, Zhongli! I'm well-aware of my limits. Come on, let me enjoy myself a little today.”
And maybe Zhongli shouldn't have taken Childe's word for it but could anyone really blame him for not stopping Childe from drinking more and more when the alcohol slowly dusted his cheeks with a pretty pink and made his smiles softer and his laughs brighter. Zhongli talked more about times long past, be it traditions lost to time or tales of the adepti that never made it to the world of mortals before and Childe seemed to glow with contentment, listening to everything.
Zhongli wanted to hold on to this moment forever.
And maybe it was due to his own, still very non-human, metabolism or because of his eagerness to watch Childe become more and more flushed and comfortable around him, but Zhongli didn't realize just how affected Childe was already by the alcohol, until the young man leaned in, with a conspiratorial smile and gleaming eyes and told him in a quiet voice: “Y'know, Zhongli, I've never really had the opportunity to do something like this. Getting drunk with a friend and stuff. You're the first one I can trust like this. It's pretty nice.”
And then he smiled the brightest, most beautiful smile Zhongli had ever seen and Zhongli lost the ability to speak. Or to think. Or to breathe.
Just one thought latched onto his brain - a sharp reminder of Childe's youth. It was of course a well-known fact that Tartaglia was the youngest Harbinger to join the ranks of the Tsaritsa. But only now did it really dawn on Zhongli just how young the boy must have been when he was recruited by the Fatui. Childe had never shared much of his past before he became a Harbinger but hearing this carefree confession, it seemed highly likely that he joined before he was even of drinking age. Having to stay on his guard ever since.
And he had to be affected by the alcohol quite a bit if he actually let his guard down enough to draw attention to this. This felt like the closest he’d ever been to the Childe behind all the performances and masks.
Zhongli swallowed harshly, unable to think of a fitting response.
But thankfully, Childe didn't seem to notice. Instead, he launched into his own story about the time when his older brother talked him into sneaking firewater from his father. It gave Zhongli enough time to recover and Childe the opportunity to order a new round of baijiu. And Zhongli didn't think to stop him. Because why would he, when Childe still appeared to be quite clear-headed, only flushing a pretty pink and laughing more and more carefree thanks to the alcohol.
When they eventually left, it was late into the night and Zhongli realized just how much he had overestimated the alcohol tolerance of the Harbinger. Sure, towards the end, Childe had leaned more heavily on the table and started to happily share stories about his life that he maybe wouldn’t have talked about if he’d been sober. But now, Childe could barely get up anymore, let alone stand or walk on his own. However, he was happy to lean onto Zhongli for help, seemingly content with the unusual physical closeness as he quietly hummed a song under his breath.
And Zhongli couldn't possibly leave him alone like this. It was only sensible to make sure the young man would get home safe.
After all, Childe seemed barely responsive at this point. Whatever sobriety he might have had left when they still sat at the table was now clearly gone, leaving a happy but also only half-conscious Harbinger in Zhongli’s care.
It was not much trouble to bring Childe home. The young man, despite being inebriated, responded rather easily to instructions and was happy to go (or rather stumble) along with whatever Zhongli asked of him. So, it didn't take much effort to gently guide him to his lodgings at Baiju Guesthouse. Although Zhongli had never visited him here, he was well-aware of Childe's accommodation in Liyue.
Which was only natural, after meeting so often. Of course, Zhongli would notice little things like this sooner or later. Nothing strange about it at all.
Unfortunately, Childe seemed unable to get his keys from wherever they were, let alone unlock the door, so Zhongli, muttering an apology under his breath, took it upon himself to search through his pockets, trying not to pay any mind to the fact that Childe almost hugged him in an attempt to stay on his feet. It was not easy. Especially when Childe’s head slumped on his shoulder and Zhongli could feel his soft breath on his neck.
This, Zhongli decided, when he finally successfully unlocked the door, was no state to just leave the other to his own devices. He should be responsible and at least make sure that Childe would get to bed safely.
So, he continued to guide Childe, who had gone back to his quiet humming, inside.
The place was surprisingly bare. The furniture was functional and with barely any personal touch. Everything looked clean and orderly, no clutter or decorations in sight.
That was, until Zhongli, with Childe clinging to his arm, entered the bedroom. There at last were some personal things. A clutter of letters and stationary, obviously frequently used, were left on a small desk and on the nightstand, Zhongli recognized a pair of noctilous jade and core lapis that they had found on one of their strolls through the shops at the harbor. For some reason, seeing them there brought a smile to Zhongli's face.
“Please, sit down, Childe,” he said, motioning the other to the bed. And Childe, although still swaying slightly, went easily. He watched Zhongli through hazy eyes as he helped Childe get out of his shoes and jacket, putting both aside before returning to Childe who still sat there, seeming to wait for Zhongli to tell him what to do next.
Zhongli gently smiled at him.
This new docile side of Childe was also endearing.
He led Childe to lay down properly and tucked him in and Childe seemed to drift away as soon as his head met the pillow. Something in Zhongli felt immensely satisfied with this, as if he'd accomplished a great task.
Just when he thought, that Childe was fast asleep, his eyes fluttered open again
“Zhongli?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” Zhongli responded, “I'm still here. Is there something you need?”
Childe only blinked slowly.
But just when Zhongli thought he wouldn't get an answer anymore, Childe suddenly mumbled: “You know, I think you may be the first person I ever trusted enough to let into my place. Gotta be careful, right?” He sighed, eyes falling shut again. “But you are safe,” Childe whispered quietly before finally really falling asleep.
Zhongli was left sitting by his side, wondering what to think of this. Twice now, Childe had stated that he trusted him, possibly more than would be advisable for a Harbinger. But Zhongli couldn't bring himself to feel bad about it. At Third-Round Knockout, he had been lost for words and even now, he wasn't quite sure what to make of this.
Zhongli absentmindedly brushed some of the soft hair out of Childe's face when suddenly, with a soft sigh, Childe happily nuzzled into his hand.
Immediately, Zhongli froze. He felt his breath hitch and a strange warmth spreading in his chest.
Precious. Endearing.
What... was this feeling? It made Zhongli feel weirdly light-headed and most unwilling to withdraw his hand and lose this warmth or even look away from Childe's peaceful sleeping face for even a moment.
Even though human emotions were not exactly his area of expertise, Zhongli hadn't spent those thousands of years deaf and blind to them. He was fairly certain that his current reaction, this soft, warm fluttering feeling, might fall outside the realm of friendship.
What a... surprising turn.
Was it possible that he was able to feel such human feelings, after all?
He would have to think about this. Thoroughly. Be clear about his feelings and the possible consequences for Zhongli's plans going forward. And for Childe's role in them.
Smiling softly, Zhongli let his touch linger just a moment longer before preparing himself to leave.
Dear Childe, he might not realize it but the young warrior truly only ever brought the best changes into Zhongli's life.
And no matter what, Zhongli did not intend to let go of this precious connection.