[COMPLETE]Memories of Soothing Water

Chapter VII

Hello!! I have revived from my writer's block to plan some chapters, so (i think) I'll be posting chapters normally.
I'm planning to put *more* words and try to enhance the story so there are no loose ends, but that's on trial for now.
Enjoy~!
-Soda (the author)

Tick, tick, tick.
The clock in Zhongli's study clicked its colour deprived tune. It was nearly midnight and he had to run errands the following day for Hu Tao. It was important and she clearly stated that he arrives at the precise period- which was eight am.
The man was finishing the last of his work, rounding it up so he could have a peaceful slumber at his sleeping quarters. He yawned, feeling quite exhausted from the overload of work the young director assigned him. It was tedious-he'd much rather be dead than to do the task- but now he didn't have Childe to give him his wealth, meaning that the brunette had to manoeuvre it on his own.
A few more sentences and Zhongli could get his well-earned rest.

Tick, tick, tick.
Zhongli threw his head back on the chair, eyes sleep-deprived and blurry. He wouldn't have minded falling unconscious then and there, but he had to finish his nightly duties. (which wasn't a lot, but Zhongli was a man bounded by rules.)
And so, the exhausted male stood up from his chair and kept his letters and other important documents Hu Tao asked for in a protected drawer by his nightstand, locking it with a silver key with fine patterns.
Zhongli opened the birch wardrobe which
stored his clothes. He took out a delicately refined night robe with traditional Liyuean shapes which contrasted the dark verdant hue of the robe.
Once Zhongli was done changing, he headed over to his bed and fell over on the soft mattress as it took his weight in, feeling the familiar and peaceful warmth, and gradually fell into a deep slumber.
———————

"Xiansheng? Are you there?"

Zhongli hastily opened his eyes, quickly being almost blinded by a striking white light.
"Tartaglia?" Zhongli called out, trying to see through the brightness. He guessed the voice must be Childes, who else calls him Xiansheng other than his lover?
The light dimmed, allowing Zhongli to see Childe now.
He smiled, racking his brains to ask the ginger various queries.
His train of thoughts was stopped by Childe cupping his cheeks, grinning with amusement.
"It's been a while."
Zhongli cut straight to the point.
"Childe, will you and I stay here forever?"
"Sorry Xiansheng, buts that's not the case."
His smile died down to a serious stare.
"This is the last time we can meet, I'm afraid. After this dream, you will never see me in person." Childs let out a slight cough and continued, giving Zhongli some time to take the information in. (Which he couldn't.)
Zhongli expected to see calm ocean eyes, but all he saw was a dark storm in Childe. It was as if he became a lifeless, monotone monster then and there.
"Let's make this moment count, Xiansheng."
He returned his pretty smile, almost forgetting the cold encounter just a minute ago.
Zhongli understood and agreed to his wishes, after all, this was the last wish he could fulfil for his lover.
Childe placed his head on Zhongli's shoulder and entangled his fingers in the dark hazel hair, feeling the silky texture of the soft strands.
There was a moment of tranquil silence, and the two of them basked in it, enjoying the feel of each other.
"When can I meet you again, Childe?" Zhongli broke the stillness.
The latter laughed and laid his fingers near his eyes, streaking a little of the eyeliner and slightly smudging it.
His lips faintly touched Zhongli's ears, Childe's breath evident in his hearing.
"Don't be impatient, you still have a long way to go."
Zhongli sighed, it was true, he was an Archon and thus lived longer-much longer- than mortals. Even if Childe lived, sooner or later he would still pass and Zhongli would have to live without him. (A day he never wanted to happen.)
Glazing amber eyes met warm serene ones for the last time.
"Xiansheng, I have to go."
"But you've only been here for a few moments, why won't you stay a little longer?"
Childe looked at him with pleading eyes, trying to explain that he could not dwell for long.

Zhongli pressed his head against Childe's chest, hugging him tightly, not wanting him to leave.
The ginger male chuckled, beginning to slowly fade away into the snowy scenery.
"Until we meet again,  я люблю вас."
What was once Childe's warm chest, now was a frosty climate, thundering and ruthless. The skies which were once a pale blue, now was a dark storm.
The trees shuddered dangerously with the harsh hurricane.
"Childe!" Zhongli cried out.
No response was heard.
———————
Zhongli woke up with a start. His head was aching and he count get the dream-or nightmare- out of his brain. It was all too painful, he wanted to forget it, but also wanted to remember it.
He hazily glanced at the clock, making out the time.
Eight-thirty am.

Zhongli silently swore at himself, knowing very well how delayed he was and the lecture he was going to hear from the director.
Then again, if he didn't waste thirty minutes, would he get to see Childe?
He seized the thoughts out of his mind, attempting to put them at the back of his mind for now.
The brunette wore his usual suit and made haste to the funeral parlour, he could eat there if Hu Tao didn't fire him on the spot-which was extremely unlikely, but Zhongli likes overcomplicating things.

"Director Hu! I'm so sorry I-"
Zhongli opened his mouth in shock.
Hu Tao wasn't there.
Zhongli got nervous, sweat forming near his forehead, thinking Of the worst. (Our Zhongli, always as apprehensive as ever.)
Zhongli searched her office, looking for signs that the young lady might be in the there..

...And not somewhere else.

The man sat down on the chair meant for Hu Tao, submitting to defeat.

Where could've she gone?

Thank you for reading! I was originally going to make this a fluffy chapter where Zhongli and Childe try cooking but I thought I'd make everyone go through more angst :)