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Today's the day, the day Tartaglia finally makes a move on Zhongli.
It's hard to point down when his feelings began to blossom. Was it after the few casual meals they had out, listening to the storyteller whilst chatting in between breaks? Or did it occur during one of their walks, hours of Zhongli droning on and on about historic scriptures of Liyue’s past… Weird as it sounds, did it bloom once he found out who Zhongli really was? First a feeling of burning betrayal that quickly morphed into…well into wanting a fight with the man. Perhaps it was that constant thought that drew him closer, a daydream that softened the misunderstanding.
Was it how Zhongli taught him how to hold his brand new chopsticks, gifted to him by the very one and only golden eyed gentleman himself? Inexperienced hands gently guided by stern steady gloved fingers, one movement at the time, a quiet intake of a breath behind him. Sometimes that breath huffed in amusement, then turned into a word or two. At the end of the day, Tartaglia wasn't sure if Zhongli being behind him actually aided him in his learning or not. He swore he could feel eyes burning on the back of his head instead of looking at what his hand was doing. Nerves? No…It's too rare for someone like Tartaglia to be nervous in front of people, no matter how close they seem to be.
Frequent letters would appear at his desk. Some business related updates from fellow Fatui’s reports, some fanmail from back in Snezhnaya where men and women swooned at his many performances. And then a brown envelope with a golden seal. It doesn't take another guess to know who it's from, always the same format and colour. Zhongli asking how he is, Zhongli inviting him out, Zhongli giving detailed accounts of his day. Tartaglia could only wonder how many letters he gives out to people like this. He must have a list of connections he chats to regularly…or are these words just for him?
Observing Zhongli, he's as proper as ever. It doesn't matter how many days pass, or how much time they spend together, it's the same old Zhongli. Tartaglia observes closer, like a rock he hardly changes. Are all these lavish actions just a ‘Zhongli thing’ or is there something more hiding behind that unmoveable stature? Only a test will yield results…
“So Zhongli, seeing anyone?”
One evening at one of their dinners, Tartaglia blurts out the question in the middle of eating. He grins and waits for Zhongli to respond, watching for any sign that his question triggered something deeper.
“You will have to be more specific with your question, Childe.”
“Y’know, seeing someone? I mean, are you mingling? Hooking up?”
A raised eyebrow is sent his way, not exactly pure confusion but a look that questions him all the same. He really forgets how dense the man can be, but Tartaglia finds himself avoiding the question himself, purposely using casual non direct language to separate himself from something too personal.
“Dating! You look like a man who would have a lover. You’re practically built for relationships with how cultured you are.”
A sip of tea holds the silence, before parting from Zhongli’s lips.
“Hm. Perhaps.”
Unmoveable, Tartaglia might as well be talking to a rock. Not a single sign of anything in their features! However, that one worded answer is all he needs to start poking the bear- or dragon in this case.
“Haha! Are you shy, Zhongli? There's no need, the walls don’t have ears when im around, friends between friends!~”
“Thank you for your concern, Childe, but I don't have a need to be shy when discussing my personal life with you. Of course, I know you would never say anything unjust about me to others.”
A smile hides frustration, utterly unable to penetrate the wall of Zhongli. Truly an archon beyond years… All those years of living must have perfected that poker face, and Tartaglia thought he was the master at hiding behind a smile! Instead of a smile, it's a sip of tea, then another, then another-
“What about you, Childe? Are you perhaps, ‘hooking up?’”
Those words slap Tartaglia in the face, he really wasn't expecting the other to say a phrase like that. It sounds wrong- dirty even, like he shouldn't be hearing it from such a gentleman. Then before he can respond he hears that chuckle, a deep resonating sound that doesn't help.
“Are you shy, Childe?”
Tartaglia is quick to repair himself, casually dusting something invisible off his reddened cheek to distract his nervous energy.
“Shy? When have I ever been shy? You know me, Zhongli, there isn't a thing in Teyvat that can scare me. How many fights do you have to watch to know this already?”
“You are indeed one of the bravest warriors I have come across. Skilled and fearless in all types of combat. Your utensil mastery on the other hand- needs work.”
At least Zhongli spared him the work of deviating the conversation. He only hopes the warmth across his entire face has died down. Little does Tartaglia know, it definitely has not, it's clear as day to everyone who sees him.
-
If Tartaglia can't address the elephant in the room through regular conversation, he’ll just have to be a warrior about it. Head on, front and centre, no running from battle. Zhongli may be skilled in defence, but Tartaglia isn't one to let a boulder get in his way.
In conclusion, a well mannered gentleman like Zhongli must be a master at hiding his relationship struggles. Tartaglia can picture it well, over 800 years busy being a God with no time for any love. And with that the god of stone hardens his shell, further distancing himself away from the world. No experience of showing the emotion of love, no way to erode that shyness, and of course no action in bed. Poor Zhongli, it must be hard living in his shoes. On the surface is power and glory, but underneath is a man with no action.
That's it, Tartaglia has made his decision that he will confess his feelings to Zhongli. He will show him everything he was missed out on!
…The problem is that Tartaglia hasn't had any relationships either. Another skill he just hasn't mastered… But then again, his time in training just hasn't left any doors open for him to explore, nor has he really had any interest in anyone before. Then suddenly Zhongli came into his life and changed the game, now he must conquer these feelings! How hard can it be, to show Zhongli that he truly is the one with all the knowledge this time! Would he be impressed? Would he fall for him completely? He can imagine it now…
A flurry of roses scattered on the bed…
‘C-Childe…is it r-really okay? T-to k-kiss-?’
‘Of course Zhongli~ Leave it all to me, I got you~’
Zhongli, of course, would admit defeat and act all shy. And Tartaglia would take off his shirt in a dazzle of sweat and shine, smirking in victory. And yes, Zhongli would be very impressed at his skills in bed, Zhongli would be the bottom. Yes. It just makes sense.
That little idolised daydream may just be what that is, a little dream. Something about that entire scenario didn't exactly click how he wanted it to in his head. Hm, Zhongli would probably not say that- And maybe Tartaglia wouldn't do that-
This somehow feels harder than any training he’s undergone, just trying to figure out what might happen between the two. Confidence is key, it will be just like performing on stage.
-
The day comes where Tartaglia asks to meet Zhongli, this time not in their normal spot. Instead the letter he sends details a quiet spot high up where drinks are served, a soft evening warmed by red and golden lanterns. They meet at the entrance by the stairs, Tartaglia first before Zhongli approaches. Like a performance set to start, Tartaglia is ready with a fresh rose in hand, then kneels to pose the gift to Zhongli like some grand gesture.
“For you, Zhongli. For accepting my invite~”
There's a pause in what seems to be surprise from Zhongli. It's not completely out of character for Tartaglia to be dramatic at times, but from observation it's obvious that he's acting like well- acting. Nevertheless, Zhongli smiles and accepts the rose.
“Thank you, Childe. It is a beautiful gift, you need not kneel for me, we can enjoy each other on equal grounds.”
Ah, it did not occur to Childe that kneeling may remind Zhongli of his ex status. Did he mess up already? Trying to look smooth, he stands and holds out his arm for Zhongli to take. Zhongli of course accepts with a chuckle, going along with whatever Tartaglia is comfortable with. It's slightly odd, but far from harmful.
Zhongli already has an idea what Tartaglia is planning; he wasn't subtle about it in his letter. The paper was different, higher quality. The penmanship was less rushed, something about it gave him the idea that Tartaglia had written the letter multiple times already. But Zhongli wasn't about to cut Tartaglia off his performance short, he wanted him to set the pace. No matter if it was him putting on an act, or a rush of emotions spewed out all at once, he wanted to see Tartaglia comfortable in his confession.
Ever since he first laid eyes on the ginger, he was smitten. It was never a good time however to deepen their bond on a level like that, his duty came first. After it had all settled, came the time to open up. Though he wasn't sure how to go about it. It was obvious they both had feelings for one another, but he knew how difficult something complex like love can be for mortals. Zhongli has had too many years to know what he likes, how to speak, how to love, but Tartaglia did not. The last thing he wants to do is rush the other into something he's not comfortable with. So…he waited. Waited for this moment.
They drank wine together, little by little, Tartaglia seemed to calm his nerves, lesson his act into something more natural. Then as the night drew on, a comfortable silence held its weight between them. They looked at each other, they smiled. Then a little clumsily Tartaglia kissed Zhongli. Just a little kiss that lingered on their lips. Tartaglia remained silent, unsure what would happen next, Zhongli took the pleasure to speak up.
“Yes, Childe. I am seeing someone.”
“W-what-?!”
Immediately shock pulled Tartaglia out of silence, about to question and panic and-
“I’m seeing you. What? I answer your question, remember?”
He really didn't know whether he wanted to strangle Zhongli or hug him tightly.
“You-! Zhongli you nearly killed me! I know you’re terrible at jokes, but that was your worst one yet!”
Maybe Tartaglia was right, but he just couldn't pass on the opportunity to tease when he had teased him in the past. Not a second more and Zhongli is hugging Tartaglia in a warm embrace, his voice right by the ear of the man still pouting.
“Forgive me, I couldn't resist. You don't know how long I've waited for a moment like this. For you, Tartaglia, to come to me.”
“How long…?”
“Since I first saw you off that boat.”
The ginger tucked his face into the shoulder under him, groaning at himself. Not only did he leave Zhongli waiting all this time, but it seems Zhongli knew how he felt all this time.
“Was it that obvious?”
“...Yes. Your act cannot fool me, however it put me at ease to know we were on the same page even if you hadn't figured.”
Another groan muffled into the shoulder. Zhongli gently lifted a hand to Tartaglia’s cheek, and guided him to see eye to eye again. Tartaglia is embarrassed, eyes darting away at times and pouting like he had lost a game.
“I prefer it this way, for you to wait until you are ready. I would hate to see you rush things just to please me. I'm happy you took your time, you are still as beautiful and entertaining as the first day I met you. And I-”
“Okay okay!”
Tartaglia’s hands lightly cover Zhongli’s mouth in an attempt to stop him from saying such flowery words. His face is practically burning and he fears he will catch on fire if anything else is said.
“I get it- Sorry, I'm just- Not used to all this…”
Patient as ever, Zhongli pries Tartaglia’s hands away from his mouth and lightly pecks the wrist of one.
“I understand. Shall we move somewhere else now? Perhaps to…one of our abodes?”
“You want to go home? It's a bit early, don't you think?”
Its then Zhongli smiles and learns into Tartaglia’s ear and whispers one of the dirtiest things he has ever heard. Needless to say, Tartaglia was not on top.