For Archon's Sake

Lost And Found

Childe lifted his hand to knock on the door, pausing to slow his racing thoughts. He'll be here. He's smart. And Zhongli would have definitely kept him if he found him. A deep breath, then three polite raps on the door. He swallowed as he heard footsteps approach, trying to steady himself. Zhongli opened the door, rubbing his eyes with exhaustion. "Greetings, may I ask who's visiting?" he stopped as he saw Childe fidgeting on the porch. "About time," he said dryly. "I knew you were irresponsible, but this is beyond even my expectations. Well, come in-" Zhongli's breath left him as Childe wrapped him into a crushing hug. "Thank you," he whispered with a shuddering breath. "Thank you." He felt Zhongli hesitate before pulling him in closer, the pair lingering on the porch for a full minute before breaking apart. The archon waved him through the door, nodding his head towards the living room. Childe tried not to run seeing as how he was a guest in someone's home, but he couldn't help himself as he saw Teucer curled up on the couch, his tiny body tucked in with a fluffy, thick blanket next to a sprawling mess of calligraphy brushes and bamboo sheets. He held back a hysterical giggle as they exited and walked up the stairs to the guest bedroom Childe had stayed in. "You let Teucer ruin your luxurious floor? I never thought I'd see the day."

Zhongli scoffed. "Better than him ruining the couch. It's white, and I'd rather not deal with the struggle of having to get ink out of it. He takes after you quite a lot," he added, smiling fondly. "He almost destroyed my curtains because he wanted a scarf like yours. I ended up caving and giving him an old tablecloth of mine. It seems red suits him well." Childe shook his head. "I apologize for any trouble he might have caused. Can you please let him stay here tonight? I'll escort him back to the docks tomorrow. I understand that this is short notice but..." he faltered as Zhongli tilted his head and gazed at him deeply. "It is no trouble at all. You may both stay." Childe felt his stomach do that flip-floppy thing he told it not to do every time he was around this man, and just like all those other times, it ignored him. He backed away with a nervous laugh. "I um...I appreciate your generosity. I should probably get ready for bed, early mornings and all!" Zhongli didn't say anything, and Childe was running out of ideas to dance his way out of the awkwardness. He sighed inwardly. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Are you really okay? Truly?"

And damn him, but it took Childe everything not to break down into tears. He had almost lost his brother today. Anything could have happened, and whatever did would be his fault and his alone. However, Childe elected to not mention any of that and settled for a quiet "Yes. I am okay. I cannot thank you enough for keeping watch over him." Then it was his turn to lose his breath as Zhongli hugged him tightly. "It was the least I can do, Childe. Besides, I'd say this didn't turn out so bad." He winked. "I got to see your lovely face today." Childe gasped and pulled his head back in surprise. "You smooth talker, where the hell did you learn that?" Zhongli laughed, and Childe wanted to press his head to his chest just so he could feel the rumble. "I learned from the best, of course. He's quite hard to please, so I'm glad he decided to give his approval." Childe made a show of inspecting his nails. "I bet this guy's handsome, isn't he? Should I be worried?"

Zhongli's eyes sparked with amusement. "He is handsome. Stunning even. He's brash and prideful, and his mouth is absolutely disgusting. I think his mother should probably put some soap in it." Childe snickered. "And yet he still seems to have you by the balls." He looked Zhongli up and down with raised eyebrows. "Quite literally." Zhongli shrugged. "I believe he forgets that I had him begging for me to let him come multiple times. And that I had him face down into a pillow reconsidering his vows to his archon." Childe's eyes almost flew out of his head. "Okay, where is Zhongli and what did you do with him? Is this some kind of spell or something?" Zhongli walked past him and sank into the bed with a tired sigh. "He went on vacation." Childe cleared his throat. "Aren't you going to get in your bed?" Zhongli blinked innocently. "This is my bed. So is the other one. Actually, all the furniture in this house is mine." Childe's shoulders sagged as he relented and crawled under the covers. "You're such an idiot," he grumbled. "But I'll allow it." He faced Zhongli, marking the lips about three seconds away from laughter, the almost porcelain skin that looked soft to the touch, and those damning eyes that promised trouble. Zhongli's face relaxed, and his eyes started to close. Childe swallowed and blew out the candle next to him before he turned back over, hesitating as he moved closer to the archon. Zhongli just pulled him in, resting his chin on Childe's head.

"I don't think you have to worry about him you know."

Childe snorted, his laugh shaking the bed. "I thought that was a given. I don't care how attractive he is, I'll beat him by a landslide." He felt Zhongli shake his head. "That isn't what I meant. He might be handsome, but he isn't you. He can't insult me like you do, he doesn't make me work for his attention like you do. But most of all," Zhongli moved his head to meet Childe face to face, "he doesn't make my new life as nearly as exciting." Something in Childe eased as the archon kissed him as if he had all the time in the world. It wasn't rough, nor was it full of the wanting and the heat Childe had gotten used to. No, he thought. This was full of kindness, and patience, and something else...

"You make me glad to be mortal, Childe. And I'm afraid our mystery man doesn't do that for me."

And no matter how many ways he sliced it, the realization finally struck him stupid as Zhongli fell asleep.

A god had fallen in love with a mortal.