zhongli x childe short stories

i know i'm safe in your arms

CW: Abyss related trauma

They're moving in their dance of hands and lips. Childe isn't sure where exactly he's going, but he knows he's safe and definitely enjoying it. He's been here a million times before, sharing tea, wine, and other fine delicacies. He's mapped out all the exits and found the most efficient escape routes the first time he was here, but found long ago that there was no real need for that. All is well; he's safe here. Until Zhongli puts his hand up his shirt and he jolts in surprise.

Childe finds out he's ticklish. Childe tries to resolve the problem so Zhongli can touch him. Fluff ensues.

Zhongli's lips are on his as soon as they step through the door.

One hand on his waist, the other pulling lightly at his hair. Childe's mind is lost in a haze of pleasure, leaning into it. Zhongli kisses him like a man starved, seeking to devour the deepest secrets of his soul.

They're moving in their dance of hands and lips. Childe isn't sure where exactly he's going, but he knows he's safe and definitely enjoying it. He's been here a million times before, sharing tea, wine, and other fine delicacies. He's mapped out all the exits and found the most efficient escape routes the first time he was here, but found long ago that there was no real need for that. All is well; he's safe here. Until his back hits a wall and he jolts in surprise.

Zhongli puts a soothing hand on his face as he continues to kiss him, insatiable in his hunger. Then he puts his other hand next to Childe's head, caging him in. Childe is officially boxed in on all sides by an ancient war god. He might be a little freaked out.

It wasn't Zhongli's fault, by any means. Sure, he lied about his identity in the beginning, but Childe had forgiven him a long, long, time ago when he'd shown up at his doorstep with flowers and those sweet, sweet words. How could he have ever resisted? He'd been pining hopelessly after the man for months, tossing every extra hour (and mora) his way. Everything about him was unfairly perfect.

After they'd made up, they continued their daily lunch and dinner dates, wandering the harbor until they lost track of time. But something about their friendship had changed. There was no awkwardness left over from the whole gnosis thing, Childe understood. There were certain things meant to be kept confidential; duty comes first. Childe couldn't say that he'd done much differently.

But the tension was certainly there. Their hands would brush as they walked along the shore. Though it lasted merely a fleeting moment, it would burn in Childe's mind the rest of the day. The setting sun would set Zhongli's eyes aflame, and Childe would wonder if he had just noticed how absolutely enchanting Zhongli was because of his revealed divinity. Childe would find himself getting lost in thought listening to Zhongli's winding stories, unable to take his eyes off the man. Looking at his hands, wondering how they'd feel intertwined with his, looking at his hair, wondering how it'd feel to run his hands through it.

He'd gotten the answer one fateful night, when Zhongli took his hand, rubbing smooth circles across his skin. They had been standing side by side, leaning on the dock railing as they looked at the boats in the harbor. Then Childe felt a warm pressure on his hand and looked to see Zhongli looking at him. Zhongli had tugged him closer, eyes flickering down, asking for silent permission. In a leap of faith, Childe closed his eyes and leaned in.

Childe had never kissed anybody before and didn't know exactly what to expect. It was a little strange at first, but Childe liked it. He found himself chasing when Zhongli pulled away for air, the latter giving a serene smile that made Childe's heart jump.

The moment was interrupted by a crowd of children making gagging noises and squirming, proclaiming that they would never, ever, take part in such activities. Childe couldn't help but laugh, though, high off of the thrills of his first kiss with someone he loved.