zhongli x childe short stories

yours truly, from somewhere far, far, away

MAIN CHARACTER DEATH

Zhongli realizes he loves Childe and decides to confess his feelings... later. It just never seems to be the right time until he runs out of it. 

Zhongli remembers the moment he realized he loved Childe.

They had been strolling down the streets, paper lanterns in the air as the lantern rite festivities commenced. The sharp cold of winter had kissed Childe's cheeks pink, and he looked stunning, to say the least. The reflection of the paper lanterns in his eyes made it look like they held the stars themselves. Childe held all the beauty in the universe.

Lantern Rite. A celebration of the new year and new beginnings. What a perfect time to discover his burgeoning feelings. Zhongli had not known what it was at the time, but something kept him chasing after Childe's attention. He hadn't a clue what he was feeling, but it was clear as day that no matter what, he wanted to stay by his side.

This was not able to be the case, however, when Childe left for Snezhnaya not long after. Zhongli was rooted to Liyue. Childe promised him he would be alright. He'd come back soon, and he'd write him so many letters that Zhongli would hardly realize he'd been gone. And when he came back, Zhongli had better be prepared for the number of souvenirs he'd bring from his travels. A whole fleet of cargo ships wouldn't be enough. With those parting words, Childe stared at him a little bit too long.

The sun was setting behind him, casting a golden glow all around the harbor. It illuminated his hair, making look like a god descended. Gold dappled his cheeks, and Childe looked nothing short of heavenly. How the blue complimented his eyes, which flitted down before retuning to his, before Childe leaned in and wrapped his arms around him. It was tight, as if they had become one. Zhongli never wanted it to stop. But then the ships horn sounded, and Childe pulled away. Zhongli had never felt colder. The emptiness in his arms turned unbearable. The sun went down as Childe walked away, and Liyue Harbor had never looked so dark.

Zhongli had a natural appreciation for life. How could he not? He loved the warmth of the sun on his skin, the beauty of the city he raised with his hands. He had so many things to love. But he could focus on none of that now as he walked back to his apartment alone. There was one thing that he could not have, and that sucked all the happiness out of the things that brought him joy before. It had already been all too long since he had held Childe in his arms.

Childe had lied. He was not back soon. Not nearly soon enough for Zhongli's liking. The absence of his presence was overwhelming. All the letters in the world couldn't replace the sound of his laughter, or the striking blue of his eyes. Zhongli had liked to think himself patient. As a being of over six thousand years of age, one would think he had learned to be. He could hardly sit still. No matter where he was, his head always turned to the direction of the ships, but no matter how many longing gazes he gave, Childe was no closer to home.

The first letter came.

Dear Zhongli Xiansheng,

I have been in the warmth of Liyue and your company for so long that I almost forgot how cold it was here! As soon as I stepped off the boat and that icy wind hit my face, I thought of the blazing Liyue sun. I apologize for the delay in the writing of this letter. The Tsaritsa has kept me busy with meeting after meeting. My coworkers are truly insufferable, xiansheng. Not a single friendly face. Maybe it's so cold in Snezhnaya because it's so cold in their hearts, haha! I miss my crew at Northland Bank quite terribly. The palace is beautiful, but so desolate. I'll be seeing my family soon though! That's something to look forward to. I hope all is well with you in Liyue. There isn't nearly as much flora or fauna here as there is in Liyue, but life always finds a way, doesn't it, xiansheng? Here's a flower for you, a fern leaf peony. I haven't seen any of these in Liyue, hope it's something new for you! I hope you are doing well, please do remember to take your mora with you when you go out. Don't miss me too much!