Archive of Our Own

The silence is deafening. Combined with the darkness pressing closer from every direction, it feels like an ominous trap is closing in, moments away from springing unimaginable horrors onto anyone wandering in futile search of safety.

Ajax can hear blood rushing in his ears. His heart beats hard in the fragile confines of his ribs, and he feels an irresistible urge to flee.

Flee, even though he knows he should fight. Should face the threat inching closer to him amidst the shadows, whatever form it might take. He should not back off, that’s not what he has been training for. He should go for it, strike fearlessly, finish off his foe —

And yet, he can’t.

Ajax stands still, paralysed with hesitation as he struggles against the instincts screaming at him to run away. The scenery around him grows even blurrier, and he blinks rapidly, his hand shakily reaching for his weapon and finding nothing…

Childe blinks his eyes open.

Disoriented, he lies motionless, and it takes him several moments to refocus himself and remember where he is. Finally, the fear still clinging to his mind reluctantly releases its grip, and he finds himself in a soft, warm bed.

The last remains of the cold void around him dissolve as he senses a familiar, calming presence beside him.

Turning to look at his side, Childe sees Zhongli peacefully asleep. The mere sight of him is enough to soothe Childe; an involuntary soft sigh escapes his lips.

Still trying to level his heartbeat, Childe sits up and takes a deep breath. He gazes into the dark room, thankful for the cosy scents and warmth of home that counter the echoes of his nightmare and prevent it from taking a hold of him anew.

“Ajax.”

Childe’s eyes widen at the sudden voice calling out to him. Despite his dark mood, he can’t hold back a smile. Of course Zhongli would sense him being upset even while sound asleep.

“Hi”, Childe says, turning to look at Zhongli again. “Sorry if I woke you. Got a little restless in my sleep, it seems.”

“Are you all right?” Zhongli’s calm gaze examines him without a hint of sleepiness; one would never guess he was asleep mere moments ago.

“Don’t worry”, Childe says. “It’s just dreams.”

He truly means it; dreams can’t hurt him, not really. He’ll shake them off and come out stronger the next morning. His tone is carefree, and he gives a playful grin for good measure, hoping to reassure his lover and let him return to his well-earned rest.

He might have been able to convince most people. Zhongli, however, is not most people. Those golden eyes linger on him, effortlessly piercing every barrier and veil of nonchalance.

“Ajax.” Zhongli reaches out a gentle hand to touch Childe’s shoulder. “Come to me.”

Without a word, Childe acquiesces. He lies back down, leaning into Zhongli’s warmth. Familiar arms enclose him in the safest embrace; just like Childe, Zhongli is sleeping shirtless, and the Geo patterns on his dark-tinted arms emit the faintest, softest glow.

For possibly the thousandth time, Childe marvels at how even the smallest things about Zhongli manage to ground him and bring him comfort.

“You don’t need to worry. Really”, Childe says. “It was just a nightmare.”

“Still, the harm it caused you is undeniable. Naturally, I cannot help but worry when something upsets my beloved.”

Childe’s heart skips a beat, and he snuggles closer to Zhongli. “You know”, he says, “what sucks about nightmares? You can’t slice through them like actual monsters or foes trying to get you. You can’t dodge their hits. And they always find your weak point.” He gives a small laugh.

“Oh, my brave warrior”, Zhongli murmurs. “My mighty soldier. Always full of such courageous vigour. I know you would never give up if it were an actual foe blocking your way.” He presses a kiss onto Childe’s hair. “And yet… I am glad to be able to offer you a shelter in my embrace in your time of need.”

Zhongli’s warm, low voice is full of genuine love; it permeates Childe’s heart, hitting deeper than any dark dreams ever could. Smiling, Childe allows himself to melt in his lover’s arms. Zhongli holds him a little tighter, protective, with a hint of possessiveness that Childe finds himself irresistibly weak for.

“Me too, Xiansheng”, Childe murmurs, nuzzling Zhongli’s chest. “I’m glad to have you with me, too.”

“Rest now, beloved.” Zhongli’s hand smooths Childe’s hair, his every touch calming like a lullaby. “I will hold you.”

For the rest of the night, not a single shadow of a nightmare can disturb Ajax’s dreams.