Untold Confession | Zhongli x Childe

de story

The two males were the complete opposite. It was very unbalanced for them to get along, let alone being together as a pair romantically.

But they always had something beating for the other. For an immortal Archon to feel something for an ordinary person is dangerous. But even so, Zhongli did. It was never about living forever. It is about witnessing your loved ones pass on. Watching the world grow. Realising how empty and lonely you'll feel as an immortal being.

After Guizhong's death, he had vowed himself that he would never fall for another as he did not want to experience the same excruciating pain he felt for the day Guizhong died in his eyes.

He hoped that he won't ever face the same pain, but he did.

He fell in love with a Fatui who can't live eternally.

He fell in love with a normal person who would eventually grow old and die.

"Xiān sheng! Take Teucer out of here. I'll finish this once and for all." The Fatui demanded with full confidence in his tone, wanting both of his brother and the person whom he secretly fell for to get to safety.

But of course, Zhongli can not obey most of his orders.

"Ajax, I can't just leave you here!" The Archon retaliated as he watched as Childe's eyes were welling up with shattering tears helplessly.

Teucer was just outside of the domain, waiting patiently for his brother and his friend's return. Completely without knowing that the two males were on the verge of death.

"Xiān sheng, listen to me. That beast is probably going to wake up soon so listen closely." Childe spoke as softly as he could, walking over to the Archon who had his arm around his own abdomen that was leaking out blood.

"You're almost out of power, your stamina is at its lowest. You can't do much at the moment and I'm the last shot who could take this thing out." He cracked out a smile as warm, saltish fluids began trickling down his cheeks.

Zhongli watched with his eyes open wide.

He does not want this.

He does not want to feel it again.

He does not want to watch someone he loved die before his eyes.

God, why did he have to love Childe?

"Ajax!" Zhongli exclaimed, trying to think of words to convince the Fatui to escape with him. Suddenly, an inhuman growl emitted from the dark. Childe instantly turned his whole body around to face the beast.

"Zhongli... I'm placing Teucer in your care. Please take good care of yourself as well, for I may not know if I'm able to come out alive."

If only Zhongli knew that it was a warning from the past.

If only Zhongli knew, Childe was going to die.

If only Zhongli knew, that he would be all alone again for centuries.

Zhongli felt his body going feeble as he fell onto his knees. He felt his powers draining out quickly.

He felt his eyelids growing heavier as the last thing he heard from Childe was: "Xiān sheng, I always knew the reason why I had chosen to care for you. But you may not feel the same, therefore this will be the last of my unrequited confession for you."

The Archon finally regained his consciousness as he blinked his eyes. He rose up from the floor as he scanned the area. That was when it hit him.

"Childe!? Ajax!?" He yelled out but there was no response.

He got up with instant throbbing pain shooting from every part of his body as he forced himself to move forward, attempting to find the Fatui.

He continued walking around as he stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he felt a bloodish stench.

His heart sank.

It's happening again.

He was protected again.

If he was not weak at the beginning, he would've saved them both.

Now he had lost everything. Everyone he loved. The God of Dust. The Eleventh Harbinger.

His eyes widened in horror as he rushed towards the ginger who laid there emotionless. He got down on his knees as he placed Childe's head above his lap, combing his fringe away from his forehead.

You can tell how bravely Childe fought by the scars and blood all over his face and body parts.

But that did not stop the Morax from crying.

Crying because he lost Childe.

To think that a mere mortal could simply make a God's heart beat for them is like a fairytale written neatly in books, a fairytale where we both exist with a happy ever after.

To this day, the Archon watches the sunrise fall to its slumber as the cold, lonely night takes over the world.

Zhongli never asked to become a God - or an immortal being. A being with an undying soul and body is just a wicked curse in disguise of an ethereal blessing.

He slowly shut his eyes, inhaling the sea foam scent from the wind.

"Xiān sheng?"

Zhongli's eyes instantly flung open at the familiar voice. He searched for where the voice was emitted as he slowly turned around. There stood his beloved friend.

"Has it been long?" His voice was soothing in Zhongli's ears after not hearing them for years. He knew he was not seeing things. He knew he was not hallucinating. But at the same time, why does his heart ache so bad?

He felt fully content.

"It's been 3 years, Ajax." Tears began forming into the Archon's eyes as his gaze softened at the sight of Childe smiling brightly like the luminous stars you witness every dark, mysterious night.

The ginger walked over to Zhongli before sitting down beside the Archon, looking up to the beautiful moon that stands out from the dark besides the twinkling of the stars.

They did not exchange a word as they quietly enjoyed each other's company.

"I miss you." Zhongli whispered incoherently as he cast his gaze towards the ginger who only smiled as a reply, still not facing the Archon a single second.

"You're just like the moon, Xiān sheng. Even if you are alone, you're like the shining and vivid moon that stands out in the dark upon those little stars!" Childe explained with exhilaration, but all Zhongli could do was listen quietly with the image of Childe's death in his head.

The Fatui slowly turned around as he gave a small, dejected smile towards Zhongli. "It's been one heck of a ride with you around, Xiān sheng. Continue living on and watch how beautiful the world could grow. Learn how to love and when to stop loving. Teach those that needed assistance."

But how could Zhongli ever move on from you? If he can't even get the guilt out of his chest for not saving your life.

Zhongli gently laid his hand above the Fatui's hand. They exchanged smiles as they leaned forward, lightly placing their foreheads together as they shared a memorable sensation that no money could afford.

Their tears dripped down their cheeks, as it fell from their chin to the back of their intertwined hands.

The Archon slowly opened his eyes, hoping Childe was still there with him in his presence with tears leaking out from his eyes as his smile remained on his face as he stayed in that position alone.

"Xiān sheng? Why're you crying?" A small voice questioned the Morax who sat there silently with dampened cheeks.

"Well, little one. I happened to meet your older brother after 3 years." He responded with a bright, placid smile on his face.